Matt Tinsley
Articles by Matt Tinsley
Station Master for iOS is the definitive guide to London's railway stations
Station Master (US$3.99) for iPhone and iPad has all the information you'd ever need to know about every station on London's Underground, Overground and Docklands Light Railway network. If you live in London, are planning a trip to London, or you simply have a fascination with London's trains and stations, the app has a wealth of knowledge to help you better understand and travel the network. The recently updated app, co-created by Geoff Marshall, the Guinness World Record Holder for traveling to all tube stations in the fastest time possible, now features 3D maps of all 270 stations, so you can see every stations layout in its entirety. Other app features include Exit information, Accessibility information, station facilities (WiFi, toilets, shops etc), transport links from stations (buses, National Rail, cycle hire) and travel tips, tidbits and station history facts. My favorite feature is Exit Information, which shows exactly which train carriage and door to exit a train from, so you can make the fastest exit from a platform via passageway, lift or corridor. It's a glorious feeling when you exit a train and walk straight through to the platform exit, avoiding the hustle and bustle of fellow commuters and tourists trying to find their way. Another great feature is the apps info on station accessibility, with details on lift availability, measurements of gaps between train and platform, and even stair counts. One thing to note is that Station Master is not a route planner, but rather a tool to navigate the stations you use when traveling London's railways. As a side note, the app developers run an interesting blog on all things London-train / app related. It's worth checking out.
Notezilla for iPad syncs sheet music to high-quality audio
Notezilla for iPad is a library of beautifully laid out, classical sheet music which syncs to accompanying, high-quality audio recordings. From Beethoven's Fur Elise to Handel's Messiah, Notezilla comes preloaded with the well-known classical favorites as well as an ever-expanding library of Roman-era, Baroque, classical era and contemporary classical pieces, available for a one-off US$4.99 in-app purchase. The app is perfect for those wanting to develop their sight reading while practicing their instrument. Notezilla's clear and detailed sheet music allows users to create and repeat sections of the score, change the speed of audio playback as well as revealing letter notes in the actual note heads of the music. App developer Christopher Dickson has promised to add at least one new piece of music to the app per week, and encourages users to suggest pieces to be added. If you're a classical enthusiast, this free app is certainly worth checking out. With a great selection of free pieces to sample -- and numerous more for a one-off purchase -- Notezilla provides an exciting and encouraging environment to learn and hone your classical music-playing skills.
Daily App: TTQ for iPhone is an addictive, quick-fix elimination game
TTQ for iPhone (US$0.99) is a simple, but challenging game of logic made by app developers, Cursed Thumbs. The idea is to eliminate tiles from your iPhone's screen, which comprise numbers, letters, months, and clocks, in ascending order. And all of this needs to be done against countdown timers. If you don't eliminate all the tiles in the correct order before the countdown timer hits zero, you're dead. As you progress, TTQ very quickly becomes more challenging with more tiles to eliminate, evermore complex arrangements that need to be tapped out in ascending order, and shorter countdown timers. Finally, let me not forget to mention the sneaky "traps" which appear later in the game! TTQ has a never-ending Endurance mode with ever-increasing difficulty, and a snappy Rush mode, which challenges you to clear as many tiles as possible within just two minutes. The game supports Game Center's leaderboards, achievements and challenges, so you can show your friends just how competent you are at putting random sequences in order. Check out the video below to give you an idea of what TTQ is like.
Apogee Duet and Quartet audio interfaces for Mac and iOS
Apogee's Duet (US$495) and Quartet ($1395) are the respective steps up from Apogee's ONE, a single input interface with a built-in condenser mic. You can check out the review of the ONE here, but suffice to say it's a high-quality interface for those looking for a compact and portable recording solution. With Apogee's premium reputation and price, I wanted to put the Duet and Quartet through a real-world recording environment test, with people who really know what to expect when it comes to recording audio. To help me do this I enlisted the help of three professionals who work in the music business day-in and day-out. Jonathan McMillan, a Canadian born, London-based mix and mastering engineer based at Blue Pro Mastering. Matt Weeks, London-based session musician and producer at WeeksWeeksWeeks. And finally, Paul Evans, a London-based session drummer, producer and programmer. With these three guys, there are years of professional recording experience in hand. The four of us spent the morning at Smokehouse Studios to see just what the Duet and Quartet have to offer. Hardware Where the ONE is a sturdy and solid piece of kit, there's no doubt that the Duet and Quartet take things to the next level. Both interfaces look and feel professional and premium. Where the ONE is made from plastic, the Duet and Quartet are encased in aluminum akin to Apple's Mac lineup. Via breakout cable, the Duet has 2 inputs (XLR and 1/4") and left and right (1/4") outputs. The inputs operate at 24-bit/192kHz recording. There's also a headphones output directly on the Duet interface, totaling 4 outputs with independent speaker and headphone outs. This multitude of outputs can be controlled and customized in Apogee's Maestro App. For example, a drummer could send himself a click track while sending the backing track to the front-of-house. All the spec details on the Duet can be found on Apogee's website, here. The Quartet has 4 inputs ((XLR and 1/4") and an additional 8 channels of digital input via optical connection (ADAT/SMUX), if you have an additional analog-to-digital converter kicking around. The Quartet has 6 balanced (1/4" TRS) outputs, which means you could hook up three different stereo monitor sets. All the spec details on the Quartet can be found at Apogee's website, here. Both interfaces have MIDI input via USB -- which the ONE missed out on -- high resolution OLED displays, assignable touch pads to speed up your workflow, and USB 2.0 connectivity, which Apogee says provides more than enough bandwidth to handle the talk between interface and Mac. Both interfaces use Apgoee's ESS Sabre32 32-bit Hyperstream DAC with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology, which Apogee says "offers unequalled dynamic range, ultra low distortion, and unmatched audio clarity free from input jitter." You can learn more about the technology here Finally, as with the ONE, both interfaces are iOS compatible, bringing Apogee's high-fidelity recording to the world of iOS. Both interfaces come with the required connectors and adaptors to connect to older and newer iPads and iPhones. Performance The goal of our test was to see how well the preamps and converters of the Duet and Quartet faired against a reference benchmark, which was Smokehouse Studio's Cadac E-Type console preamp running into a Radar iZ Corp. We ran the Duet and Quartet directly into Macs and the Cadac preamp went into the Radar converter. We recorded a vocal and guitar take through each of the interfaces using a Nuemann u47 for the vocal and a Nuemann u87 on the acoustic guitar. We then listened to and compared the results through the studio's monitors. At times it felt like we were splitting hairs, but we could all agree on the following conclusions: We found that while the Duet held up well as a 2-input interface in its price range, the Quartet produced noticeably better results. We found the Quartet had a clearer and more detailed quality than the Duet. Of course, the Quartet is more than double the price of the Duet, so in some respects that makes sense. However, we were disappointed to find that the Duet wasn't simply a 2-input version of what the Quartet has to offer. That being said, in no way did the Duet produce a sub-par sound. It's just that the Quartet had more to offer when it came to audio fidelity. As expected, against the studio's Radar converters and Cadac preamps, the Quartet didn't quite match up. However, there was discussion at length as to just how much of a difference there was and the different kinds of sounds that were produced. Naturally, the Cadac and Radar are world-class hardware, where as, as Apogee states, the Quartet is a class-leading product. Conclusion There's no doubt that the Duet and Quartet are fantastic recording interfaces that work seamlessly with OS X (and iOS). Both Matt and Paul said they'd happily use either on a recording project, where as Jonathan was a little more picky. However, out of the two we all agreed that we'd go for the Quartet on a project if we had the choice. If you're in the market for a 2-input interface, the Duet is a fantastic sounding and beautiful looking interface that produces high-quality results. It's super easy to use and has a wonderful on-board control and metering system. For those looking for two extra inputs and three stereo outputs for monitoring, the Quartet is steep in price, but worth every penny. We were truly impressed by the sound produced by the preamps and converters found in the Quartet. Coupled with the enhanced on-board control and metering option, the Quartet is a stand out interface. Honestly, you could get more inputs for less, but you'd likely struggle to match the quality the Quartet offers.
TUAW Giveaway: Win one of three sets of RHA MA750i in-ear headphones
We've teamed up with Glasgow-based in-ear manufacturer, RHA, to giveaway three sets of its premium MA750i, iOS compatible in-ear headphones, each worth US$129.95. I reviewed the MA750i headphones last year and was really impressed with their overall quality and performance. In fact, they've become my go-to headphones when I'm out and about using my iPhone to listen to music. Read the review here to find out more about them. Here are the rules and how to enter: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before July 2, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected and will receive one set of RHA MA750i in-ear headphones each. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Apogee ONE: An audio interface and microphone for Mac and iOS
Apogee's revamped ONE (US$349) is a 2 IN 2 OUT USB audio interface with a built-in microphone for Mac and now iOS, too. This means you can plug the interface into your Mac or straight into your iPhone or iPad (via Apple's newer Lightning connector or the legacy 30-pin dock connector) to record audio. The ONE's built-in microphone means that you can get to recording straight away, without the need for additional cables or mics. Apogee is a name synonymous with high quality mic preamps, AD/DA converters and clocking found in its high-end studio products, like the Symphony. These products are used by professional musicians and studio engineers around the world. Does the ONE live up to the renowned name and reputation of Apogee? Read on to find out. Hardware The revamped ONE (2013) replaces Apogee's first generation ONE (2009), which had just the single input and was not compatible with iOS devices. The original ONE was USB 1.1 compatible, Mac: bus powered, had a 24 bit, 44.1/48kHz sample rate and cost US$249. The new ONE beats its predecessor in all aspects, except price -- it'll cost you a $100 more. Aside from that, it offers low-latency USB 2 speeds, it's DC mains or battery powered (in addition to Mac: bus powering) and, finally, the new ONE has a 24 bit, up to 96kHz sample rate. The ONE is constructed with a die-cast aluminum body, which feels strong and sturdy. It's not heavy, and it's not particularly large (though taller than the original ONE), which is a good thing since it's intended to be extremely portable. The molded rubber base doesn't allow the ONE to go slipping off of surfaces either. There's just a single, large dial on the front of the ONE, which is used to operate all aspects of the device, though all operations can be carried out via Apogee's Maestro app for Mac and iOS, too. Above the dial is an LED input / output level meter and above that an LED input / output indicator (internal mic, external mic, instrument and volume). When using the ONE's built-in mic, it was particularly useful to have the level meter on the front of the device to reference input levels, instead of looking to my Mac or iOS device to see if things were peaking or too low. On the top of the device is a microphone / instrument input (expandable via breakout cable), a micro USB input (to connect to a Mac or iOS device) and a DC power input. All cables and the power supply are included with the ONE. The bottom side of the device has a 1/8" stereo output for headphones or powered speakers. The ONE's breakout cable gives you a 1/4″ instrument IN and an XLR IN. The devices allows you to have 2 simultaneous inputs: the instrument IN and the XLR mic IN or the built-in mic with the instrument IN. Of course, you can just use the ONE's built-in mic without the breakout cable attached. On the rear of the device is a battery compartment for two AA batteries, though these were not included. Powering the ONE with batteries eliminates the power supply from the mix when using the ONE with an iOS device, which dramatically adds to its practicality in a portable context. One glaring omission is MIDI input, especially for a device that's iOS compatible. With so many apps designed for MIDI use on iOS, it feels like the ONE's missing a trick. Performance on iOS Connecting the ONE to my iPad was just as easy as connecting it to my Mac. However, the first hurdle was power. iPads and iPhones won't power the ONE like a Mac does, so I opted to use the included power supply (though I could have gone for the battery option had I any to hand). On the plus side, using the power supply with the ONE meant that my iPad was charging instead of draining away. The next step was downloading Apogee's Maestro app, which is required for Mac as well. The app allows you to control all features of the ONE as well as improving latency issues. Once Maestro was installed, I launched GarageBand and got to adjusting settings. It took me a little while to get a good level because I was unfamiliar with the Maestro app. I found myself repeatedly switching between GarageBand and Maestro, trying to get a level that didn't peak, but wasn't too quiet. I found this process cumbersome, but once I was a bit more familiar with Maestro, things seemed to improve. That being said, The Maestro app does feel like a bit of a third wheel. The interface is akin to its desktop counterpart. Although that may be a comfort to those who've used it on the Mac, it doesn't feel at home on iOS. Buttons and sliders are small, for example, particularly on the iPhone. It's still workable, but a Maestro app designed solely with iOS users in mind would go a long way to improving the experience. Performance on OS X Really, there's not much to say here. If you've used an Apogee interface with a Mac, you know it's a solid combination. The ONE felt right at home with my Mac. I can't put my finger on it -- maybe it was simply familiarity -- but everything worked as you'd expect it to. The Maestro app is still required, but it does fit much better in place on OS X than iOS. Results Once I got to some recording, I was really surprised with the results. Using a Rode NT 2000, I found I was getting some fantastic results for the first time on my iPad. Similarly, things sounded great on OS X running Logic. But for me, the big surprise was actually the ONE's built-in microphone. It admirably handled whatever I threw at it. Once I realized how compelling the built-in mic was, the ONE began to make sense to me. You see, there are many external mics for iOS out there, but the ONE's mic in combination with Apogee-designed preamps and digital audio converters makes it a compelling package for recording audio on iOS (or Mac). You really can just plug in and record. There's no need for additional cables or mics. And you do get a fantastic sound out of it. Conclusion Plugging the ONE straight into my Mac and putting something down at a moments notice is a real plus, especially when the quality of the audio sounds this good. More so, for those moments where it's easier to grab your iPhone or iPad, the ONE produces the same results. The revamped ONE carries Apogee's name well. For its class, it's got stand-out preamps and converters and a built-in mic that really impresses, with expandability if you need it. And all of this in a highly compact and portable form factor. If you're looking for that kind of convenience, but without skimping on quality, the ONE is a solid choice.
PUC interface connects iOS, MIDI devices wirelessly [Updated]
The PUC MIDI interface (US$129.99) connects MIDI devices (keyboards, drum machines/pads, DJ controller, floor pedal, etc) to iOS devices (or Macs) wirelessly. This is fantastic news, because the joy of the iPad and iPhone is that they're wireless, multi-function devices. Connecting wires makes them stationary and often singular in purpose, which is more often than not a nuisance. Hardware The PUC looks like, well.. You guessed it. A puck. It's round, plastic, black and fits in the palm of your hand. On the top is a single power button and a light indicator shaped like Apple's symbol for wireless connectivity. The underside has a removable cap, which exposes a compartment for two AA batteries (included). On the front side is a standard MIDI port connector (cable included, too). The backside has a micro-USB input for auxiliary power. The top and bottom of the PUC are covered in a shiny, glossy plastic, while the sides are covered in a lighter colored, rubber-like material. It's a good looking design, with a pleasant feel to it. With the two AA batteries inserted, the PUC feels weighty and solid, just like a real puck! Functionality The PUC is really easy to use. Connect the MIDI cable to the PUC input and the other end to the output of a MIDI device -- I used a M-Audio Axiom 49 MIDI keyboard. To turn on the PUC, press the power button on the device after making sure you've inserted the AA batteries or you're connected to a power source via the micro-USB port. You'll see the power button light up in green as well as the wireless connectivity symbol flashing green. This means the PUC is waiting to be connected. On your iOS device, download the free PUC Connect app (iOS App Store link). Once downloaded, connect your iOS device's wireless network to the PUC's network and open the app to complete the connection. The flashing green on the wireless indicator turns solid, indicating that you're connected. From there, I launched GarageBand and started playing through the various MIDI keybaords, synths and drums without a hitch. A nice touch is that whenever a signal is being sent from the MIDI device through the PUC to the iPad, the solid green lighting on the PUC flashes red. Conclusion Not having wires connected between my MIDI device and iPad was a great experience. Too often I've felt the process of using my iPad as part of a music setup -- requiring wires trailing all over the place between devices -- cumbersome and frustrating. Thanks to the PUC, the process was a pleasure. I could move my iPad around, get someone else to tweak a sound setting, or even just pick it up and walk away without worrying about cables or disrupting the setup. That's exactly why the PUC is awesome, because any scenario where you don't have to use a cable is a good one - especially when it comes to the creative process in a portable context. The PUC is available for pre-order now and will ship in mid-June. Update: Regarding latency, during my test there were a couple moments where I did wonder if I could hear a slight latency between triggering a sound on the MIDI controller and that sound registering on the iPad. I got in touch with Zivix, makers of the PUC, to ask them about latency. They said, "The Zivix team has noticed a negligible latency between the PUC and an iOS device registering a MIDI signal, and one that doesn't affect the overall performance or experience by using the PUC." I do agree with Zivix. While there may be a slight latency, in most applications I can't foresee it being a problem. It's worth noting that the MIDI controller simply triggers the audio that's stored on the iOS device (or Mac). That audio is not traveling through the PUC, just the MIDI signal that triggers it.
RHA MA600i in-ear headphones offer quality finish and sound at sub $100
The MA600i (US$89.95) noise isolating in-ear headphones are Glasgow-based RHA's upper mid-range offering. The premium top-end MA750i headphones ($129.95), which I reviewed last year, have become my everyday headphones and are an absolute pleasure to use. I've been truly thrilled by them, so trying RHA's MA600i headphones meant the benchmark was already set pretty high. Of course, the MA600i are $40 cheaper. So how did they fare against the more expensive sibling? Read on to find out. Design Cosmetically, the MA600i drivers are machined from the same attractive aircraft-grade aluminum as the MA750i. They both have the same 3-button remote and mic compatible with iOS devices. Both cables are oxygen-free and the connectors are gold plated. However, the cabling on the MA600i is not steel-reinforced and it's not nearly as thick and robust as what the MA750i offers, though it's still really durable. In fact, it will appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch when it comes to cabling around the neck and ears. Also, there's a right-angle quarter-inch jack instead of the traditional straight one found on the MA750i. That's not a bad thing, just different. Finally, the MA600i don't have the contoured over-ear cable supports that the MA750i do, though they can still be used in traditional or over-ear fashion. I love the over ear fit, but that may just be because I'm really used to it. Either way, they fit really well and stay in place provided you've got the right size ear tip on each bud. Performance Of course, what counts most is the sound quality, and I was pleased with the MA600i performance, especially in comparison to the MA750i, which use RHA's 560.1 drivers. The MA600i use RHA's 320.1 custom drivers. Those 320.1 drivers provide a compelling sound that's full-bodied and detailed. I'd say the MA750i trump the MA600i dynamically in breadth and depth of sound. Sound on the MA600i seemed a bit more in your face, particularly on the higher frequencies, whereas things are more evenly presented and balanced on the MA750i. Still, I was pleasantly lost in the sonic wonders of Dennison Witmer's Born Without The Words, a newly discovered, slow-burning treasure for me. In terms of accessories, the MA600i come with a compact case to store them in as well as a selection of ear tips. Conclusion There's a quality high-end feel to the MA600i, it's just not the premium feel the MA750i offers. RHA has managed to really make that distinction without making the MA600i come across as cheap or tacky. In fact, the MA600i are quite the opposite; they look and feel like a quality set of headphones. The MA600i are light, durable and stylish. Sonically, there's plenty to please your ears with. And the remote and microphone work seamlessly with iOS devices, which is a plus. In short, if you're looking for a sub $100 set of in-ears with quality looks and sound, absolutely consider the MA600i.
A closer look at AirTurn, a Bluetooth music page turner for iOS and Mac
The AirTurn BT-105 (US$69.00) is a Bluetooth foot switch/pedal controller for musicians who use virtual guitar effects and those who sight-read music and/or lyrics on their Mac or iOS device. Traditionally, a musician has had to get a hand away from their instrument to turn the pages of their music. And even with the advent of digital music, turning a virtual page on your iPad is still pretty tricky when you're delivering the performance of a lifetime! Likewise, traditional guitar effects have been on the floor, within easy reach of a foot tap. Virtual effects are difficult to engage if they're on a screen, requiring a finger tap. The AirTurn is designed to alleviate these problems. It's a simple concept: With the tap of a foot on the AirTurn pedal, you can turn the pages of your virtual music or engage a virtual guitar effects pedal. Design and Features The AirTurn BT-105 controller is a small plastic box. On the outside is a tiny on/off/reset button, a status indicator LED, two 3.5mm audio stereo jack inputs (or up to four ports when using stereo/mono splitters) and a micro-USB charger port. On the inside are the lithium polymer battery (which gives you about a 100 hours of usage time) and the electronics that make the AirTurn work. The unit itself is discreet in appearance, compact and lightweight. The controller comes as standalone or in a two-pedal ($119) or four-pedal ($159) ATFS-2 board variation. The pedals are designed to be super compact, lightweight and quiet when tapped, avoiding any unwanted squeaks or creaks during a performance. The controller is also compatible with Boss FS foot switches and a host of other foot switches and pedals, though not all have been officially tested and recommended by AirTurn. I received a four-pedal review unit. With both the two- and four-pedal board units, the controller is detachable from the pedal board, so if you fancy a gig with more or fewer pedals, it's possible, though you'll need to buy those pedals separately. Overall, I'd say the AirTurn is really well-made. In fact, it's made in the USA. But at this price point, I can't shake the feeling of cheap plastic on the actual controller, especially when it's going to live on the floor and come into lots of foot contact. Another little niggle is the on/off/reset button, which I found awkwardly positioned and a little difficult to press if you don't have long finger nails. It would be great to see a more user-friendly button in future models, perhaps placed away from the ports, so it's easier to reach and use. Setup AirTurn is compatible with Mac and iOS. I decided to test the AirTurn with my iPad. Pairing the AirtTurn to my iPad was super simple, especially since the AirTurn comes with a comprehensive manual to guide you through the process. There's also AirTurn's YouTube page, which has loads of tutorials and how-to guides to get your AirTurn up and running. First, I had to turn on the AirTurn by pressing the on/off/reset button; I then enabled Bluetooth on my iPad. The AirTurn appeared almost instantly in the list of Bluetooth devices near me. With a tap, the AirTurn paired with my iPad. From here, I ignorantly thought I'd be able to use the AirTurn to turn virtual pages on just about any app on my iPad, but this is not the case. The AirTurn is compatible with select apps (a comprehensive list can be found here). It's worth checking this list to make sure the apps you use are compatible with the AirTurn. Another thing to note is that the AirTurn is essentially fooling your iPad into thinking you've got a Bluetooth keyboard paired to it. So when the AirTurn is paired to your iPad, the iPad's virtual keyboard will not appear on screen. However, you can make the keyboard appear by pressing the on/off/reset button on the AirTurn once paired. It's not ideal, but it's also unlikely you'll be typing away while in the middle of a set. I decided to test out AirTurn with OnSong; a popular set-list and lyric/chord-management app (find out more about OnSong here). With the AirTurn paired to my iPad, I went to OnSong's settings to assign what each of the four pedals would do. I settled with page down, page up, next song and previous song, respectively, but I could assign a number of different commands, like transpose up or down or even toggle backing tracks. Performance Once setup, I was soon scrolling though songs and easily moving up and down through verses and choruses. My first impression was that it felt really natural to use my foot to direct what I wanted OnSong to do on the iPad. I was really impressed with just how quiet the pedals are when pressed, though you must be careful not to make a noise when connecting your foot/shoe with the pedals. Like stomping on a wooden floor, doing the same on the AirTurn will make a noise. I found the pedals to have good travel, with OnSong responding instantly to my taps. However, I did notice that I needed to let the pedal fully depress back up in order for my next down press to register. If I rested my foot on a pedal (similar to when you're playing a sustain pedal on a piano), intending to do repeated downward presses to scroll through the various verses and choruses of a song, I found if I did not lift my foot up off the pedal entirely, to let if fully bounce back, the next downward press would not always register. However, if I consistently lifted my foot off the pedal, the downward press would always register. It's probably something that just takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you're used to using a piano pedal or traditional guitar effects pedals. It's also worth noting that the AirTurn is only as good as the app it's paired with. While I found the AirTurn to be a great Bluetooth pedal in and of itself, it's not going to shine if paired to a buggy app with poor integration. In that sense, it's up to app developers to take full advantage of what the AirTurn has to offer and make the end-user experience flawless. In terms of virtual guitar pedal usage, there are just three apps that are compatible with AirTurn at this stage: JamUp XT, Loopy HD and AmpKit+. Unfortunately I was not able to try those apps, but if the integration is as solid as OnSong, the AirTurn will do a stellar job with these apps. It's also worth noting that the AirTurn is compatible with various other iOS apps for different application, like teleprompters, media players, presenters, etc. Do refer to AirTurn's comprehensive list of compatible apps. Conclusion The AirTurn BT-105 is a fantastic Bluetooth controller, particularly when paired with iOS apps that take full advantage of it. It's adaptable, customizable and easy to use. Bar a few niggles with its on/of/reset button and the plastic material used to house the main controller, I found the AirTurn BT-105 to be a solid and seamless Bluetooth controller. And the four-pedal ATFS-2 board turned out to be an ideal accompaniment to the BT-105, giving you quiet, extensive foot-switch control. For musicians with digital repertoires or complex musical pieces to recite from a digital score, and numerous other applications, the AirTurn BT-105 and four-pedal board are must-haves.
Anytune, the music-practicing app arrives for Mac, iOS version gets feature update
Last year, I took a look at Anytune Pro+ (US$14.99), an iOS app for practicing music with advanced tempo and pitch control tools that make it easier to visualize, hear and practice songs at your own pace. You can read all about the app in my mini-review here. In December, the app was updated with some great new features, including folder and playlist support, new EQ options (panning and balance), lyrics editing and autoscrolling in real time and iCloud syncing of song settings between iOS devices to Anytune. But the big news is that Anytune is now available for Mac, too. At $29.99, Anytune Pro+ for Mac -- available on the Mac App Store -- brings all the powerful and intuitive features of the iOS version to the big screen. In fact, users of Anytune for iOS will be right at home with the Mac version, as the two UIs and feature sets are very familiar. I spent some time using the Mac app and was really pleased with the results. Importing songs from iTunes couldn't be easier, accomplished with a drag and drop. Straight away I was adjusting the tempo and pitch of songs, marking and looping specific sections and adjusting the FineTouch EQ (with varying degrees of success depending on the track) to suit my practicing needs. I was glad to see my favorite feature of the iOS version made it to the Mac, too: the Interval Trainer. The Interval Trainer is designed to help you practice a particularly challenging part of a song. You loop the section, hit the Interval Trainer button and Anytune automatically slows down the loop and then repeatedly plays it back to you while gradually speeding up the timing after each loop, until it gets back to the original tempo. What a brilliant way to practice a riff, fill or lick! If you're a music teacher, dancer or budding musician, Anytune for iOS or Mac is a invaluable addition to the rehearsal environment, making practicing more dynamic and productive.
Incase Compact Backpack: Perfect for daily life with a 15-inch MacBook Pro
The Incase Compact Backpack (US$79.95) has been a surprisingly pleasant and functional addition to my commuting around the city with my 15-inch MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, my MacBook Pro doesn't fit in my beloved Jost leather satchel. So, previously, I'd sling the satchel over my shoulder and put my MacBook Pro in a padded sleeve for my odd excursions out of the house with it (clutching it tightly to my chest with both arms, shielding it from the potential harms of public transport in London). More recently, my work has required that I'm out and about a whole lot more, and with a few near drops and knocks, I quickly resolved to get a decent backpack. Specs and performance The Incase Compact Backpack is designed to be slim and, well ... compact. But it's in no way small. In fact, to me it's the ideal size. Small enough not to be overbearing, yet big enough to fit everything you need on a day trip. In terms of the exterior, the bag is made from durable nylon. The external dimensions are 18.5" x 11.75" x 4.3". The back and adjustable shoulder straps are well padded. They're also covered with a breathable mesh, making wearing the back really comfortable and easy to adjust. The front of the backpack has a zippered exterior pocket for small accessories, like a small notebook, keys, pens or headphones, etc. There's also a smaller zippered pocket down the right side of the backpack, near where the strap begins. It's perfect for keys or small items you may need to get at quickly. At the top of the bag, just ahead of the padded top-loading handle, is a dedicated zippered pouch with faux-fur lining for an iPhone or iPod, or something small that needs protection. Within the bag is a faux-fur lined laptop compartment with breathable side panels. It snugly fits my 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. The faux-fur is only on the back side of the backpack, while the front side of the laptop compartment is made of a padded nylon. It would have been nice if the faux-fur was on both sides of the compartment, but still, I feel confident my MacBook Pro is safe from bumps and drops. Attached to the front side of the laptop compartment is a further nylon pocket to house an iPad or even an iPad mini. It's not as snug a fit, and there's no faux-fur protection or padding against things within the bag, which is a little disappointing -- especially if you don't have a protective sleeve or case for your iPad -- but I guess most people will already have some kind of protection for their iPad, be it a sleeve, case or one of Apple's magnetic covers. Still, it's nice to have a dedicated place to slip my iPad into. On the front side of the inside of the backpack are three nylon pockets, one large and two smaller ones. These are more for cables, a power supply, SD cards, USB sticks, etc. The main pocket is big enough to fit my Mac's power supply or a bunch of smaller items.The smaller two pockets are perfect for SD cards, USB cables and the like. There are two dedicated pen holders, but they're not very deep, so maybe they're actually for USB sticks. Finally, there's an additional mesh pocket with an elastic rim. Once more, perfect for SD cards, USB sticks, or tiny accessories. The interior compartment of the bag is really quite spacious -- more deep than wide -- but even once I loaded my MacBook Pro and iPad in, and my accessories stuffed into the internal pockets, I could still easily fit my coat into the bottom, a bulky hard drive on top of that, and I had room to spare on top of that. Conclusion I really like the Incase Compact Backpack. While it doesn't have many frills (and is quite understated in appearances), it's solidly built and is very comfortable to wear. It's easy to use, too, and provides fantastic protection for my MacBook Pro and iPad (though I'd recommend an iPad sleeve, cover or case just to be on the safe side). There's ample additional storage for most day-to-day requirements, with practical pockets within as well as on the exterior of the bag. To top it all off, I found the $79.95 price tag to be very reasonable. If you're looking for a solid backpack for your MacBook Pro, I'd start by looking at the Incase Compact Backpack. It may be the only one you look at.
Mac 101: An introduction to keyboard shortcuts in Safari for Mac
More Mac 101, tips and tricks for novice Mac users. A long time friend of mine, who is also a long-time Windows user, has recently bought a MacBook Air. Like any transition, it's not been without its hiccups. But he's really pleased with his new purchase. He's also a first time user of Safari, so I've been showing him a few keyboard shortcuts to make browsing the web a lot easier. There are many helpful keyboard shortcuts to be found in Safari. Some simple ones are opening a new tab by hitting the command key (cmd) and T, so cmd+t. Another one is jumping straight to a bookmark by hitting cmd and a number key correspondingly assigned to your bookmarks (more details here). For instance, If BBC News is your third bookmark, hit cmd+3 to jump straight there. Here are a few I regularly use: Cycle through open tabs by hitting cmd+shift+left arrow (or right arrow). Cmd+click a link to open that link in a new tab. Cmd+alt+click to open a link in a new window. Cmd+w to close the active tab. Cmd+z to undo the last tab closed. Cmd+r to refresh a tab Shift+click a link to save a link to Reading List. There are loads more. I came across Shortcutworld.com, which has 58 keyboard shortcuts for Safari. With all these shortcuts, some are unusually placed, like adding a bookmark using cmd+d (logically "cmd+b" would make sense, but that's generally reserved for making text bold), or viewing the downloads folder with alt+cmd+l. You'd think the D key would be for downloads, but sadly, no! Fortunately, you can customize Safari keyboard shortcuts (as well as any other Mac app) to just about any way you'd like by going to keyboard preferences in System Preferences.
Review: Bretford Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo for Mac and Thunderbolt Display
The Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo (US$239.95) is part of a range of monitor mounts from Bretford, specifically designed to compliment the iMac (with built-in VESA adapter) and the Thunderbolt Display. The range comprises the Mobile Pro Wall Mount, the Mobile Pro Desk Mount and the top-tier Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo, supporting dual displays or one display and a stand for a Macbook Air or MacBook Pro, or even an iPad. The Mobile Pro Combo is designed to give you the ultimate in dual display flexibility, ergonimics and movement (an iMac and Thunderbolt Display or Thunderbolt Display attached to a MacBook Air or Pro). Both arms, attached to the central support pole, provide up to 12 inches of vertical and horizontal movement and depth. This means you can adjust your displays to the perfect height and angle as well as being able to pull and push the display to and away from you. Finally, the arm mounts allow you to rotate your display 360 degrees, so you can use your display in portrait positioning, too. All this flexibility, whilst supporting the weight of your precious Apple gear, means the Mobile Pro Combo needs to be incredibly strong, durable and sturdy, not to mention being securely affixed to a solid surface. Installation I've not used a desk mount before, so this was new territory for me. When the Mount Pro Combo arrived I was relieved to find just how weighty and solid it is. I'm the first to admit I'm not a DIY'er, so thankfully the installation was relatively straight forward. The Mobile Pro Combo comes with clear instructions (which are also digitally available on Bretford's website) and all the necessary tools for assembly. However, before purchasing the Mobile Pro Combo there are two important things you need to be aware of regarding installation. Firstly, the Mobile Pro Combo will require you drill holes into your desk / work surface to securely attach the central support pole. If you're not prepared to do this (I don't even own a drill), there's a desk clamp that's sold separately from Bretford, which will support the central pole with up to 14 Kgs weight on each arm. Proper installation, whether you're drilling or using the clamp, requires your desk be 0.5 to 1.25 inches thick and, of course, secured to a sturdy base. Since I don't own a drill, I requested the desk clamp. Secondly, if you're using an iMac model that predates 2012 (without the VESA Mount Adapter built-in) or a Thunderbolt Display, you'll need to purchase Apple's VESA Mount Adapter Kit ($39). This was something I hadn't realized, so I had to take a trip to the Apple Store to pick up the VESA kit for my Thunderbolt Display. Bearing the above in mind, setting up the Mobile Pro Combo was really straight forward. The desk clamp attached to the central pole with nuts and bolts, which then securely attached to my desk. I then slid in the two arms, which features a no-tension adjustment system. Attaching my Thunderbolt Display to one of the arms was where I hit a snitch however, and it had nothing to do with the Mobile Pro Combo. Rather, it was a problem with Apple's VESA Mount kit. Basically, I simply couldn't get the middle screw on the mount to completely screw into the display using the tools provided in Apple's kit. I ended up stripping the screw. Not being able to remove or fully install the VESA adapte, I had to take the display to an Apple Store. Staff at the Apple Store removed, replaced and installed a new mount for me. The Apple staff member said a Torx screw driver was ideally required to screw in the central screw properly. Unfortunately, I don't have one of those, but I've added it to my shopping list for next time! Once Apple's VESA adapter was securely attached to my Thunderbolt Display, I attached the arm and got a friend to help me slide the arm and display into the central pole. I have a MacBook Pro with Retina display, so I attached the Mobile Pro Combo's stand to its second arm and put that into place easily. Practical Use After a little bit of tinkering with the height of each arm, I finally settled on positioning that I was happy with. Previously, I'd grown accustomed to always looking slightly downwards towards my Thunderbolt Display, and even further at my MacBook Pro's display. I guess it's just something you assume is normal. However, with the Mobile Pro Combo, just having my Thunderbolt Display more in line with my sitting line-of-sight -- being able to look straight ahead at the display with out having to crane my neck up or down -- made much more of a difference than I was expecting. My posture immediately improved. No longer did I hunch, and if I did, as soon as I looked at my display I was reminded by its height that I needed to sit up straight. The second thing I noticed and immediately loved was that I suddenly had a load more desk space available. The central pole with a desk clamp takes up a little more space than the footprint of the Thunderbolt Display or iMac. However, because it's placed at the back of my desk, and pretty much in the corner, it's a much more convenient use of space. Of course, with my Macbook Pro off my desk, I immediately gained a chunk of space there, too. In terms of adjusting my displays, I think I appreciated more just being able to adjust my displays to where they best suit me ergonomically and practically. I didn't do too much adjusting on a day-to-day basis, though it was great to be able to adjust when I felt like it, like when I fancied sitting more back in my chair towards the end of the day or even tilting the display towards a visiting friend or colleague. But what really mattered was that my screen setup suited me, and that made my work environment much more comfortable, practicaly and enjoyable. I personally didn't take advantage of the portrait positioning, but if I had two Thunderbolt Displays (wouldn't that be nice!), I would be tempted to try one of them in this position. On the first night I had the Mobile Pro Combo setup, I half expected to hear an almighty crash, while I was in the other room, or come to my desk in the morning to find my display smashed on the floor because the mount had collapsed under the display's wieght. But that didn't happened. In fact, everything about the Mobile Pro Combo reassured me of its sturdiness and durability. I found where I had adjusted things, that's where they stayed. Finally, the Mobile Pro Combo looks the part, too, fitting right in with its gunmetal / silver color, pairing reasonably well with my own Apple gear. Cable management is also catered for, keeping things looking neat and tidy. Conclusion In the past, the idea of mounting my display had always intrigued me, but never enough for me to actually get one. I'd assumed the positioning of my display, and the lost workspace to an external display and a laptop, was the norm. However, now that I've had the chance to use Bretford's Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo, I have to say that I'm truly won over. I found the Mobile Pro Combo a pleasure to use, freeing up my workspace and adjusting to my personal ergonomic needs as I required. It had a dramatic impact on my work space, and I can easily foresee it having an even greater impact in an office, lab, studio or school environment, too. Having said that, Bretford's Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo is not cheap, especially if you need the desk clamp, too. However, If you're at your desk all day using two displays, your work space is limited, and you find that your posture could be better, the Mobile Pro Combo is a quality piece of kit that will serve you well for many years to come, enhancing your work environment. Pros Relatively straight forward setup Frees desktop space no-tension adjustment system Numerous ergonomic adjustment options for demanding users and environments Sturdy, strong and durable Easy to use once setup Multi-display or Macbook Pro / Air support Cable management Designed to be used with Apple iMacs and displays Backed by a 12-year Bretford warranty Cons Desk drilling required or the additional purchase of a desk clamp Depending on your Mac / display model, you may need to purchase Apple's VESA Mount adapter kit
TruEnergy headphones are designed for women, full of vibrance and color
It's not everyday I get sent a review request for an iOS accessory specifically for women, but TruEnergy got in touch with a range of in-ear headphones with just that in mind. The headphones come in three different models, each model in three different variety of colors. It's certainly not your typical grey, black, white or aluminum that I'm so often used to seeing in gadgets and accessories. None the less, I'm happy to push on with a review for the fairer sex! TruEnergy says the headphones are designed for "modern, active and stylish girls." Second to that, the biggest focus of the headphones is their SoundShare feature; basically a built-in extra 3.5mm quarter-inch jack input for someone else to add their headphones to, making sharing listening to music or watching a film a breeze. The headphones come in three models, Playful (US$19.99), with a "bright, colorful style." Flirty ($29.99) "style with an edge." And Inspired ($39.99), "elegant style with a feature-packed listening experience." Each model comes with the SoundShare feature. The Flirty and Inspired models come with a built-in mic and enhanced audio, whilst the Inspired model comes with a play control button and further enhanced bass response. The headphones are very colorful, and both my wife and visiting-from-abroad mother took interest in them when they first saw them on the desk. The vibrant, dual-tone coloring is particularly eye-catching. The cabling is more flat than rounded, with an elastic, rubbery quality to it. It feels durable though, and there's the impression of quality too. The earphones themselves look great and fit snugly and comfortably into your ears, with ear-buds in three sizes that fit over the earphones. With any in-ear headphone, making sure you've got a good, sealed fit is essential to the quality of the sound. I really enjoyed the sound quality of the Playful headphones. With a warm, clear tonal quality, I would happily use them for running with, or even as a set to pull out of the backpack / handbag on a commute. From there, sound quality improved in the Flirty and Inspired models. Things became more well-rounded, with a bit more depth and clarity. The same two models also have a built-in mic for calls, which is always a handy feature. The play control on the Inspired model is basic in appearance and feel, but it's good to be able to pause a track or with a double-click move on to the next track. Conclusion At the end of the day, no matter what model you go for, sound quality will be good. I think what's going to appeal more here, and what TruEnergy is encouraging, is the variety of colors (pick the colors that best express / suit you). Being able to share whatever it is your listening to is a great additional built-in feature that you don't find in many other headphones. And if you decide to splash out for the top tier Inspired model, a play control button will be the icing on the cake, though you may want to look at other in-ear options if you're going to spend $40. If you're a lady looking for a budget set of vibrantly colored headphones, then look no further than TruEnergy's line-up of in-ear headphones. Available at Target.com and select Target stores. Check out TruEnergy's website for further into. Pros Many colors to choose from Good sound quality Durable Built-in SoundShare feature Cons Higher end Inspired model feels a little over priced
Capo for Mac gets a feature update, makes learning music even easier
A couple years ago I took an in-depth look at Capo, the music-learning app designed to reverse engineer music on your Mac, making music easier to hear, and therefore easier to learn to play. Capo has seen a major update since then to 3.0, bringing some big new features and enhancing the best of the previous version. Better still, it's cheaper, too, at US$29.99 on the Mac App Store. Since I covered most of what Capo has to offer in my previous review (which you can read here), I'm going to jump straight into Capo's new and enhanced features. Capo has enhanced its spectrogram feature (analyzing the audio in a track) to automatically detect chords that are played in a song. Furthermore, the chords are placed in chord boxes that show you how to play the them, with easy-to-read chord descriptions, and where the changes are in the song. You can also try different variations of chords from the box, just double-click a chord box to see a variety of different inversions. Chord detection isn't flawless. I noticed that more subtle chords were often not detected, and chords were sometimes not placed coherently in the song. For example, at the start of a bar. This is all down to the spectrogram's analysis of the music. The detection accuracy will vary from song to song as some songs will be easier for the software to analyze than others. However, Capo is all about giving you a starting point to learn a song. The point is not to simply show you what to play, but to encourage you to actively listen to what is being played. And it does that very well. Chords can easily be added, where the software has missed them, as well as moved around to a more accurate position. If you can't figure out a chord that Capo has missed, you can select that area of the song and ask Capo to specifically detect it. Results will vary, but it's certainly worth a go. Beat detection automatically detects the time signature and beats-per-minute of a song, and there's a metronome that can be turned on and off, with options for emphasis on the down beat, too. It works really well, though if there's an ethereal-sounding guitar drone at the start (or something similar), before the actual drums kick in, this can throw the metronome's click placement. Capo also has a tab feature, where you can highlight areas of the spectrogram and Capo will transpose those areas into guitar tab. It's a clever idea, but requires a fair amount of work to do. And once more, your mileage will vary on the analysis of the audio through Capo's spectrogram. One of the great features of Capo is its region looping. In version 3, multiple regions can now be named and snapped to the beat. Looping a region in time and with the click is easier than ever, making practicing a specific part of a song over and over really easy. Of course, Capo's still got its ability to slow down or speed up a song without the pitch being affected, but you can also change the pitch if you desire. Really, Capo's mission is to give you as much listening control as possible over a song, enabling you to hear the music, so that you can develop and enhance your own listening skills to become a better musician. If you're a beginner or intermediate musician, a music teacher or just someone that wants to learn to play the guitar, Capo is a good-looking, easy-to-use app that will give you a solid platform in learning to listen to and play music. I still feel Capo hasn't quite found the sweet spot for its pricing, but at $20 cheaper than the previous version, Capo is priced better than ever as a tool to invest in to enhance your musical abilities.
Optrix PhotoPro X: A waterproof iPhone case with interchangeable lenses
The iPhone is one of the most-used cameras in the world. However, in pursuit of the frequently illusive "perfect shot," more often than not you're required to take your iPhone into potential harm's way. The Optrix PhotoPro X (US$149.95) aims to protect your iPhone and enhance its camera in that pursuit. First, let's start with the case. The PhotoPro X case is designed to withstand the toughest of bumps, scratches and drops. Made from an impact-resistant, custom polycarbonate unibody design, the PhotoPro X case will protect the iPhone from drops of up to 30 feet onto pavement. Oh, and it's waterproof up to 33 feet, too. In fact, it's earned the IPX8 water-immersion rating, the highest awarded to electrical housings. The case is made up of two components. Firstly, a lightweight, sturdy and snug sled / tray case that the iPhone clips into. This provides low-level protection around the back and sides of the iPhone and is ideal for everyday light protection, though nothing fancy. The second part is the polycarbonate unibody. This has a latch door opening at the top that the iPhone, within the sled / tray case, slides into. It's all very simple to use. Put the iPhone in the tray, slide it into the case, close the unibody door and secure the latch. The iPhone is fully functional within the case. Headphone and charging access is accommodated for, too. And, of course, the camera is fully functional too. In fact, over the camera is a hole in the case where Optrix's quick-change adapter allows various lenses to be easily switched in and out. There are four interchangeable lenses: a 10x macro magnification lens (focused from 10-25mm from subject); a 2x optical zoom lens; a widescreen, 175° fish-eye lens; and a flat lens for clear underwater shooting, though all lenses will work underwater. All four lenses are made from glass with an aluminum body. A unique, yellow O-ring sits between the case and the lens to maintain the case's waterproof integrity. As mentioned above, the lenses are really easy to switch in and out, utilizing a screwing mechanism. Each lens brings its own unique enhancement to the iPhone's camera. Though subtle, they were fun to use, and for the more discerning iPhone photographer, each provides a small, but practical enhancement. I particularly enjoyed using the macro lens. The lenses also come with a protective case as well as a cleaning cloth and additional O-rings. Conclusion Optrix has produced a case that performs three functions really well, where other cases might only perform one. The case itself provides extensive protection from drops, knocks, scratches, bumps and the environment, while not being overly bulky or obstructive. It's a fantastic heavy-duty case. On top of that, it provides waterproofing up to 33 feet (10 meters). Finally, it's really easy to use, unlike other cases which require extensive preparation before the case is waterproof-ready. Futhermore, the PhotoPro X has four interchangeable lenses that provide subtle enhancement to the iPhone's camera. Though not groundbreaking, the lenses offer some practical improvements that iPhoneographers will enjoy. Ecompassing these three features, the PhotoPro X becomes an attractive option for extreme outdoor iPhone users. However, more demanding iPhoneographers, who are not fussed about the protection, may find the PhotoPro X a little wanting in the lens department. Pros Extreme protection from the elements Waterproof up to 33 feet Really easy to use Interchangeable lenses Cons None to really speak of Who's it for? Thrill seekers who require solid protection and waterproofing for the iPhone, and want to capture the moment with a bit of extra camera flair.
Review: RHA's new MA750i in-ear, noise isolating headphones
A few weeks ago, RHA announced its new MA750i headphones (US$129.95). Last week I received a sample unit and have been testing them since. Having previously been really impressed with the MA150 and MA450i earphones and the SA950i on-ear headphones, I had high expectations for the Glasgow-based company's new premium-range hardware. And I was not disappointed. Design From the onset of receiving the MA750 I could tell RHA has taken things to the next level. Even in the packaging a great amount of thought and detail has been applied. The box's window flap opens to reveal the immaculately-presented earphones. A magnet on the inside insures that it stays shut when closed, and a small, orange flap of material that's affixed to the interior makes removal easy and elegant. The "premium" is apparent even before you use the headphones. The MA750i look and feel fantastic. The earphone heads are machined from stainless steel, with RHA subtly inscribed on the sides of each head. The cabling is reinforced with steel, oxygen-free with a gold-plated, quarter-inch connector. The cabling is thick and feels extremely durable. The connector end is covered with a protective spring connector, while the earphone ends benefit from RHA's over-ear cable supports, which offer a comfortable, secure fit. The cabling is a contrast to some other manufacturers, which try to make the cable as light as possible. While not overly bulky, the MA750 cabling brings a reassuring weight and robustness. On the MA750i model there's a built-in three-button remote control and mic, designed to work faultlessly with iOS devices. This, too, feels really sturdy and well made, allowing you to take calls, adjust the volume and play, pause and change music tracks on your iDevice. The handmade 560.1 drivers reinforce RHA's Aerophonic design, inspired by airflow and the acoustic properties of a trumpet's bell. There's a promise of "precise, balanced and articulate sound reproduction with a great depth of soundstage." The MA750i come with an attractive carrying case and a collection of various ear tips to suit every size and preferred feel. Performance Of course, what really counts is how the MA750 sound. The 560.1 drivers are "...designed to deliver a clear and natural sound. With high levels of spatial separation and distance...capable of reproducing audio with exceptional power and precision." And in my experience, that's exactly what I found. When I tested the MA450, I was really struck by the bass response and depth. And overall, the production of a full and enjoyable sound (especially for the price point). However, it's fair to say the sound was not the most nuanced or precise. With the MA750, things are much more controlled. In fact, I found the MA750 to be extremely well balanced, able to reach detailed lows that weren't exaggerated, mids that were spacious, yet present and well-rounded highs. I'm going through a Stevie Ray Vaughan phase, revisiting some of my favorite tracks of his. Using the MA750, I loved hearing things accurately represented, with a real clarity, depth and broadness. It's hard to explain, but a few examples are subtleties like a low bass note that's full, warm and deep, and yet you can hear the player slightly hit the fret. Or the very occasional guitar fumble in the heat of spine tingling solo (Check out Tin Pan Alley aka Roughest Place In Town, but get a high quality version). Practically speaking, I found the MA750 to be extremely comfortable. The over-ear system works really well, keeping the in-ears right in place. Noise isolation was really good too. The case is a nice extra, which is more than just a pouch. It offers good protection as well as doubling as a place to keep your spare ear tips, which are conveniently stored on a steel-tip holder (no more rummaging around to find matching tips). Conclusion Once more, RHA have delivered a fantastic in-ear headphone experience. This time, a truly premier (consumer) experience that lifts RHA into a new league. The MA750i sits right at the top, rightly so, as the cream of the RHA range. And they are superb value for money, too. In years gone by, I've spent more on headphones and they've not come close to what the MA750 has to offer. At this price point, everything is right about these headphones. The MA750i is priced at US$129.95 and comes with the built-in remote and mic. The MA750 (minus the remote and mic) is priced at $119.95. In the US, both will be available from Amazon today and Apple Retail Stores from November. In the UK and Europe, both versions are available now from the Apple Online Store and Amazon in the UK as well as Apple Retail Stores. Pros Balanced, nuanced sound with depth and control Durable, well made and full of attention to detail Comfortable, with plenty of ear tips in various sizes and forms 3 year warranty Cons None to speak of Who's it for? Audiophiles on a limited budget
Review: Mynd calendar app for iPhone
Mynd (free) is an intuitive calendar app for iPhone. It takes the traditional calendar and aims to pack it full of useful information relating to your day-to-day events in order that you would manage those events more effectively. Or, another way of putting it would be that Mynd intuitively manages those events for you. One of the first major things you'll notice about Mynd is its home screen. Instead of a traditional calender grid of dates with events inked-in, Mynd defaults to an attractive and well-designed home screen. It creatively displays a snap shot of what your day ahead will look like, based on your events and schedule. Alongside this, Mynd also displays useful information pertaining to your events, like the weather, distance to be traveled between events, alerts, and how you're spending your time. In fact, Mynd will send you push notification alerts for upcoming appointments, tell you when you need to leave -- calculated by drive times (unfortunately not walking times) -- alert you to traffic conditions in your upcoming route, and it integrates with most navigation apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps). What I love most about the home screen, though, is the display of profile pictures (drawn from your iOS contacts, which you've hopefully got setup and syncing with Facebook or Twitter) of people you're going to meet on a given day. To me, seeing a picture of a friend or colleague in my calender means a great deal more emotionally than simply seeing a name in text. So much so, I found I was mentally preparing for meetings -- even just thinking about those I was due to meet -- a great deal more than normal, triggered by seeing profile pictures. Aside from the home screen features, Mynd handles general calender requirements really well, too. There's no need to create a new calender when using Mynd, the app simply utilizes the information from your existing calenders, whether it be iCloud, Google or Yahoo etc. Mynd also integrates with LinkedIn for additional profile pictures as well as info drawn from LinkedIn profiles. There's Evernote integration, too, but I'm not currently an Evernote user, so I couldn't test this feature. Adding and editing events is a really easy, just like in the iOS calender app. However, viewing your events is a little different. There the home screen (as detailed above), which is the primary view. There's a list view, an hour-by-hour day view, and a month view, which is a little small and it doesn't give you a great deal of information on your events. There's no week view. I found I used the home screen and hour-by-hour day view the most. In other calender apps, when planning ahead, I default to looking at my diary in a month-like view. In Mynd, that's where I found the month view a little difficult to practically use. Another great feature of Mynd is that it remembers locations, like home and work as well as regular meeting places you attend. Also, from within the app you can call and message people your scheduled to meet. For instance, if you need to say that you're running late. I used Mynd for a week or so. It took me a little while to get used to it. For starters, to take full advantage of all its features, I had to overcome some longstanding, bad calender habits. Namely, filling out calender events with quick nick-names and abbreviated location titles instead of full names, times and location information. If you don't fill out events properly, Mynd will be even more lifeless than your current calender. However, once I started filling out calender events properly, I was pleasantly surprised at how much Mynd had to offer. In summary, what I really love about Mynd is its use of profile pictures for those I'm scheduled to meet, route and map integration into events, intelligent alerts, and its generally beautiful UI design. It sounds cheesy, but Mynd has brought some personality to my calendar. My calendar has become a bit more about the people I'm seeing instead of the time slots I'm cramming meetings into. If you're looking for a bit of life and personality in your calendar -- a face to put a name to -- then Mynd is definitely worth checking out.
Daily iPhone App: Timeless is a colorful, multiple stopwatch and timer app for iOS
Timeless (US$0.99) for iOS is a heavy-duty timer and stopwatch app with some interesting features and a colorful, clean design (taking some inspiration from the upcoming release of iOS 7). Offering up to 10 simultaneous countdown timers / stopwatches, you'll have no problem keeping track of multiple, timed items to the second with Timeless. Timeless has a simple and stylish interface with a variety of colored themes that can be applied to each timer, so it's easy to keep track of and identify unique timers from a glance. Furthermore, with a double-tap, timers can be labelled as required, like "bread in oven" or "coffee break." To add a new timer, simply swipe to the left. To apply one of those unique colors, swipe up to reveal the theme settings menu and sample the styles until you find one you like and select it. If you can't find a color theme you like, there are additional theme packs available via in-app purchase ($0.99 - $2.99), which you can try before buying. Once you've selected your theme, swipe to the right to navigate back through your other timers. %Gallery-196040% Alongside a unique color theme and label, each timer can be assigned a custom notification tone. There are plenty to choose from (8-bit, done, echo bell, attention, etc.), and like the color themes, additional notification tone packs can be sampled and selected via in-app purchase, including zen, summer and digital. Tones and sounds in Timeless are intuitive and fun, making it easy to engage with and navigate the app from an auditory perspective. Timeless has a few additional and interesting features too. For instance, turn your iDevice clockwise to view all your timers in an easy-to-see list format. Tap and hold on a timer in the list to rearrange them in any order you see fit. Turn your iDevice counter-clockwise to get a large, clear view of a given timer. You can swipe through to other timers in this view, too. Start or stop a timer with a double-tap anywhere on the screen. If you're the kind of person who uses the Pomodoro Technique, saves water by timing your showers or uses a timer when hard-boiling eggs, for example, then Timeless, combining great design and functionality in a utility app, is well worth checking out. If you want to try Timeless before taking the $0.99 plunge, there's a free version of the app here, which has just two timers, color themes and notification tones. The free app can be upgraded to the paid app via in-app purchase at the same price.
iFixit offers clear case 'revelation kit' for iPhone 4/4S at discount
iFixit is offering its clear case "revelation kit" for iPhone 4 and 4S at a discount. At US$19.99, saving you $10 off the normal price, the kit is on sale until the end of August 16. What's more, the kit is finally available for the white iPhone. iFixit's revelation kit basically provides you with a replacement back panel that is clear, revealing the insides of your iPhone 4 or 4S. The kit includes the transparent panel, a pentolobe and Phillips screw driver, Phillips screws to replace your pentalobe ones and iFixit's iPhone 4/4S epic screen protector. Replacing the back panel of your iPhone 4/4S looks really easy. iFixit rates the procedure as "easy" and provides a step-by-step guide as well as YouTube video (shown below) to show you just how to do it.