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Reading Rainbow roaring back with RRKidz iPad app, 'disruptive' ebook technology in tow
LeVar Burton may best be known 'round these parts for his role in Star Trek, but he'll soon be known as the guy who made childhood reading relevant again. It wasn't that long ago that today's up-and-coming adults were soaking up all sorts of useful knowledge during their summers, glued to a PBS station and doing their darndest to climb inside of mum's CRT television. And now, their kids will be doing likewise -- but with an iPad. Burton has plans to produce an educational RRKidz iOS app that enables readers to "explore topics of interest in a multimedia-rich environment, with voice-over-enhanced children's books, familiar videos of Burton at real-life places, and games." In order to do so, he's planning a "disruptive" technology that'll bolster a conventional PDF book with basic animations, voice-overs and games "in a matter of hours." There's no specific time table on a release, but we're guessing Burton's moving along as usual pace: Mach 5.
Kaleidescape adds iPad control, ultrawidescreen support to its media servers
Two years after launching its iPhone remote, Kaleidescape has brought a new iPad app to CEDIA 2011 that gives owners of its media servers full control of their media from anywhere in the house. Users can browse their collections based on various metadata, jump directly to favorite scenes of stored movies, or control displays and audio in other rooms of the house. Also new for 2011 is support for 2.35 widescreen viewing with its CinemaScape feature, a software upgrade that can automatically process the video internally and reformats the UI as well. Check after the break for a quick demo of the iPad app which will launch later this year as a free add-on -- assuming you can afford the hardware of course. %Gallery-133070%
Elgato HDHomeRun iPad app brings (some) cable channels to the tablet
Whether or not your cable TV provider has decided to offer live TV streaming to your mobile devices, you can do it yourself with the new HDHomeRun iPad app from Elgato. Paired with one of SiliconDust's new HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tuners, the $17.99 app can tune into cable channels that are sent without encyption or are marked copy freely (varies from provider to provider) and even allows users to record them right on the app. Restrictions include that it only works on the iPad 2, with standard definition MPEG-2 channels and (for now) only the most recent HDHomeRun hardware is supported. Check out the video demo for more information on exactly how it works or click the source link to get to iTunes and buy -- in a market suddenly flooded by CableCARD tuners maybe this extra functionality is just what's needed to tip the balance between one device or another. %Gallery-131171%
Boxee launches iPad app, new Box update, media server and bookmarklet today
The long awaited Boxee for iPad app is finally ready to launch, and coming with it is a fresh update for the Boxee Box, plus new Media Manager software for your PC or Mac to make streaming locally stored files to the tablet or PC even easier. We got an early look at the iPad app (which lacks access to the Box's apps) and while the interface had been lightly reworked since our last hands-on experience at CES it was very crash prone, with a tendency to close suddenly while streaming videos from YouTube or a connected PC. Boxee Box owners may not have to worry about that however, since the new v1.2 update adds AirPlay compatibility as an "experiment" for any online content (check after the break for the full list of changes). The Media Manager software on the PC makes it easier to organize content for playback on the tablet or Box, while a new Watch Later Bookmarklet also makes one-click sharing of online video from browser to device possible. All in all the idea is to make Boxee the "one place to discover, watch and share video" no matter where you are and we can see it getting there -- once everything stays up and running consistently. %Gallery-130236%
DollyCam app lets you stabilize iPhone 4 videos, we go hands-on (video)
Apple's iPhone 4 can serve as a great little camcorder when you're in a bind, but it's never been our go-to cam for video shoots. Not only is its small sensor not best suited for high-quality HD shooting, but the smartphone form factor can be awkward to hold, resulting in shakier than normal footage. A new app called DollyCam, which also supports iPad 2, helps soften the blow of the latter, letting you successfully stabilize videos -- with a few drawbacks. We took our iPhone 4 out to test a watermarked free version of the app in New York City, shooting a scene first with the phone's native app, and then with DollyCam. It won't replace a hardware solution like the Steadicam Smoothee, but it's significantly cheaper and more convenient. The only major issues we noticed were related to softened sound capture of all things (pay close attention in the video past the break), and the fact that the app can't process in real-time, so a minute-long video clip will need about five minutes to process. The app does crop your footage slightly, as can be expected. You'll also need to remain in the app as it's processing, though you can also stabilize videos later, after completing your shoot. Overall, it's an acceptable solution, especially considering the $2.99 price tag. Jump past the break to see original and stabilized clips, and browse through the gallery below for a quick look at the interface.%Gallery-130039% [Thanks, Jon]
Rdio's iPad app gets approved by Apple, we go eyes-on
Were you excited to try Spotify, only to be dismayed by the lack of native iPad support? Enter Rdio's latest update to its iOS app, now with gratuitous support for Cupertino's sweetheart. Just like its iPhone and iPod touch forebearer, slate fans can now stream music, cache songs, futz with playlists, all while being "social" with friends on the service. Like the company's other mobile apps (on iOS, Android or Blackberry) -- and its cross-Atlantic Swedish rival -- one has to spring for the pricier $9 monthly sub to unshackle from web-only streaming and enjoy portable bliss. In our quick run-through, we found the app to be slick and fast, and searching for obscure music was painless. With most of our friends strewn across other streaming platforms, the community features fell on deaf ears -- so clearly your mileage will vary. Rdio's offering a week-long trial gratis, so go-on and give it a whirl yourself. %Gallery-129975%
Cosmo For Guys viral marketing video is a head-turner (video)
We don't know iPad Head Girl's name, or what she really looks like under that clever environment-reflecting helmet. What we do know, however, is that our mama didn't raise us to go stroking people's faces in the street -- which is exactly what one unseemly chap eventually does in the viral marketing video after the break. Is he an actor on Hearst's payroll, remitted an hourly rate to feign fascination with their new Cosmo For Guys iPad magazine, which magically appears on the poor girl's face? By all means, analyze his forward behavior and make up your own mind. But if you're only into couture, darling, you'd better look away now.
Zinio 2.0 for iPad adds in-app purchasing, free article preview (video)
If you're reading magazines on your iPad, there's a fairly good chance that you're using Zinio. Released today, version 2.0 of the Zinio app for iPad makes it easier to hand over those newsstand-like per-issue fees with in-app purchasing, while also adding a variety of free preview content, including access to current articles from thousands of top publications. The app's new Explore section hosts this new free content, which updates daily and includes stories from magazines like Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Elle. The new app also features significant performance boosts, like we saw with last month's Android update, in-magazine shopping, and advanced bookmarks. Another update in the coming months will bring social media capabilities, such as bookmark and article sharing. We'd still love to see lower per-issue and subscription rates, but we're happy to welcome free article content in the meantime. Jump past the break for a video overview, along with a sneak peek at those social media features with Zinio CEO Rich Maggiotto.
BBC releases 'global' iPlayer app for European iPads, €7 per month
The wonders of iPlayer are no longer the reserve of the Brits. As of today, iPad users in 11 other countries across Europe can subscribe to the service for €7 per month or €50 per year. That equates to $10 -- just about living up to the Beeb's promised maximum price. The subscription grants access to a wealth of TV classics, like Fawlty Towers and Only Fools & Horses, as well as unwitting comedies like EastEnders. Some sort of motoring series by the name of Top Gear is also available, for those who like cars and middle-aged men in pointy shoes. The app will allow for downloading as well as streaming, and marks a "pilot phase" for the service, which should hopefully reach the former colonial outpost of America before too long. Full details in the PR after the break.
NASA iPad app helps you discover life on Earth
Focusing on the extraterrestrial all day can probably make it pretty easy to forget about all that's going on here on Earth. NASA has shifted its focus a bit for its new iPad app, taking a look at the goings-on of the world around us. The app features videos, stories, and images explaining things like climate change and plant life from the vantage point of the organization's satellites. Like the self-titled NASA iPad app before it, the Visualization Explorer is available now as a free download from iTunes.
Bird's Eye iPad app lets you use Twitter while looking down on it
Spending more and more time on Google+ these days and looking for something to draw you back to Twitter? Then you might want to consider giving the new Bird's Eye app for iPad a whirl. As you can probably surmise, it promises to let you "see Twitter from new heights" or, more specifically, view nearby tweets from high above on a map. Those not interested in the strangers around them can also specify other locations to see what folks are talking about in any given city. Not an entirely original idea, of course, but it is fairly unique as far as iPad apps go, and it's completely free. Head on past the break for a demo video.
Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go
Remember that Griffin-made StompBox we showed you back in January? Well, it's finally hit the market, so you can free up those virtuoso hands and get to pedal-pounding wicked sound effects. The four button foot controller works with Frontier Design's iShred LIVE app for iOS, connecting your instrument via an included GuitarConnect cable to a 1/4-inch jack. The device is "designed to work with... a guitar, bass guitar, electric violin and keyboard," so your virtual jam band session is all but guaranteed. This musical f/x dongle is available to order now for $99.99 online, or you can just head to one of Apple's boutiques to snag it. Sadly, the effects switcher doesn't come bundled with a copycat of Slash's hat, but that shouldn't stop your credit card from indulging in this latest bout of Gear Acquisition Syndrome.
Facebook just released a dedicated iPad app, except it didn't
Mark Zuckerberg ruffled some feathers when he said the iPad "isn't mobile" enough to deserve a dedicated Facebook app. But now it's U-turn time. TechCrunch just revealed that not only has Facebook created a fully-fledged iPad app, they've even released it -- albeit in secret. The code lies buried in yesterday's update to the iPhone app and it's entirely executable on jailbroken tablets. What's the software like? Well, TechCrunch reckons the left-sided navigation system and use of overlay menus is "great," as is the ability to chat with buddies while simultaneously doing other Facebook tasks in landscape mode. There's also a ton of screen grabs at the source link which tell much of the story. However, it surely won't be long before we can make our own minds up.
Crayola ColorStudio HD app for iPad swipes its way to your child's heart
The iPad is not childproof. It's fragile and expensive and we can't imagine why you'd want to hand it over willy nilly to your kids. That said, if you've got money to burn and don't mind letting small hands tool around with high-end consumer products, then this should tickle your parental fancy. Announced as a collaboration between Griffin Technology and Crayola, the Crayola ColorStudio HD app for iPad matches a marker-shaped digital stylus -- the inventively titled iMarker -- with your child's LCD-colored imagination. The chunky, kid-friendly stylus mocks the tip of a pen, crayon, marker or paintbrush as your doe-eyed youngin' swipes along 30 plus animated pages -- all while sitting too close to the screen. If free is the key to your heart, go ahead and grab this now on the App Store -- it's the marker clone that'll set you back 30 bills. That said, it's a small price to pay for your child's happiness. Also, digital Burnt Sienna -- need we say any more? Update: Turns out our friends at TUAW have already had the chance to sample one of these in the wild. Check out their impressions.
Virgin Media TiVo's iPad remote app pictured
We'd heard that an iPad remote control app for Virgin Media TiVo DVRs in the UK is on the way, and now the TV provider has sent this screenshot to TechRadar. It looks pretty similar to the TiVo Premiere iPad app here in the US if it got a bit of red on it, and should probably be able to function similarly, controlling whatever units are in the house, browsing listings and searching available VOD. There's no details yet on when it will be available or specific features but it certainly appears to be deep into production so we'd wager it shows up some time before the DirecTiVo. Stateside, the only relevant update we have is that the 14.8 update is rolling out across the country for RCN subscribers and should bring iPad support to their boxes as well.
Skype for iPad leaked in promo video
If you've lost sleep over the lack of a dedicated Skype app for your iPad, you can rest easy tonight knowing somewhere out there it does exist -- or at least a promo video does. Earlier today, someone over at Skype unintentionally (we assume) posted what looks like an ad for a real-deal app for the iOS slab. Of course, the evidence has since been pulled, but you can check out a ripped version (sans audio) after the break. It looks like the days of blowing up ye ole iPhone Skype are numbered. Update: The folks over at TUAW had a chat with Skype's Rick Osterloh about the iPad app, and he says you can expect most of the functionality to carry over from the iPhone. There are, unfortunately, a few desktop features, like file sharing, that won't make an appearance. Sadly, Osterloh didn't spill the release-date beans.
Battleship HD app lets you sink ships on your iPad
You sank my battleship! Oh those sweet, sweet words. We've been longing to hear them since we set up camp behind our iPad, and Electronic Arts has just answered our cries. That's right, the Battleship HD app is now available for download on your iOS slab, featuring a multiple-player mode, which pits you against friends (and presumably foes) packing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It's also got a single-player mode, available in three flavors: Classic, Salvo, and Super Weapons. Now go forth and drop bombs! The iPad app is now available at the source link for $3.
Time Warner, Viacom legal spat over live streaming to iPad comes to a standstill
They haven't kissed and made up yet, but Viacom and Time Warner Cable are apparently willing to discuss a resolution to their TWCable TV iPad app litigation, so they've requested and been granted a "standstill" agreement. Spokespersons for both parties have declined to comment, but the move gives them time to try and work a deal out, but allows for the legal wrangling to be resumed at any time. We'll see if there's a deal in place before TWCable TV 2.0 arrives (according to the information we saw, that should be on the 28th).
Withings Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS hands-on (video)
Withings users not satisfied with only being able to share their weight with the world can now add blood pressure and heart rate to the mix. This iPhone-connected blood pressure monitor made its first appearance at CES, but you'll finally be able to order one of your own today. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, the $129 accessory costs three to four times as much as off-the-shelf blood pressure monitors, but integrates well if you're looking to pair it with your Withings scale for a complete vitals management solution. Results can be sent to health sites like Google Health and Microsoft HealthVault, or directly to your doctor. Care to see how it works? Join us past the break for a hands-on look at the monitor, including a video comparison with the in-store vitals machine at our neighborhood Kmart. Update: Withings wrote in to let us know that the blood pressure readings in the video below were likely inflated because we were talking, though we do appreciate the concern you've already expressed in the comments.%Gallery-126616%
Time Warner Cable internal docs reveal TWCable TV iPad app, DVR upgrades on the way
Internal documents we've received show Time Warner Cable is planning a major update for both its live TV streaming TWCable TV iPad app and many of its set-top boxes. TWCable TV 2.0 is scheduled to arrive on June 28th with new features including a seven day program guide, and the ability to use it as a remote control or to schedule the DVR remotely. Around that same time, its cable headends around the country will deliver the "Florence" update that brings its OpenCable Digital Navigator software to version 4.5 on certain Cisco, Motorola and Samsung set-top boxes. That should bring them up to speed with other platforms it uses, adding the ability to delete recordings in a multiroom setup, a transparent GUI, enhanced Start Over and Look Back features, settings to control aspect ratio, output resolution, pictures size and more. This may yet be the year we get to ditch the cable box, but while we still live with them you can see the full list of upgrades and which boxes will get them in the gallery and after the break. %Gallery-126624%
