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Prometheus Blu-ray extras leak reveals Second Screen app and 15 minutes of deleted scenes
While Ridley Scott's Prometheus is still in theaters, it's been available for preorder on Blu-ray 3D since before the flick debuted, and now Amazon France has exposed the full list of extras on the way. The bad news, pointed out by Movies.com and Prometheus Forum, is that those anticipating a classic Ridley Scott Director's Cut to fill in plot holes appear to be in for a disappointment -- while there are 15 minutes of extended / cut scenes, there's no indication that you'll be able to watch the movie with them reinserted. There are a lot of other extras, including a director's commentary, extensive making-of featurettes, many of the short viral videos that were posted previously and production materials, along with a Second Screen iPad app. The specific set listed includes the other Alien flicks, but since we're sure you've already snagged the Anthology with its MU-TH-UR interactive mode you'll probably be looking for a more limited release. The release date for the set remains October 9th, hit the source link for the listing or check out the full list of features and a trailer after the break.
Reading Rainbow launches iPad app, we go hands-on (video)
The rainbow chairs, miniature hot air balloons and child care at yesterday's Reading Rainbow press event were a welcome change from the standard mood lighting and Adele songs that set the scene for most tech launches these days. Of course, this wasn't just any press event -- this was Reading Rainbow, the eagerly anticipated return of the beloved children's program cancelled by PBS back in 2009 after a 26 year run. Host LeVar Burton was clearly emotional when he hit the stage, dabbing tears before discussing the two-year journey that culminates today with the release of the Reading Rainbow iPad App. Burton gave a quick demo of the app on stage (including a little technical hiccup, resulting in the sly TNG nod, "I'm not an engineer, I just play one on television"), and after a brief, misty-eyed rendition of the Reading Rainbow theme song by its original singer, Tina Fabrique, the walls behind us opened up to reveal a group of kids sitting on beanbag chairs around a table, putting the app through its paces. We also managed to get some hands-on time with it, without having to elbow any small children in the process (not that we weren't willing to do what it took to get the story). Check out some impressions and video after the break.%Gallery-158604%
Cox TV Connect live TV streaming app for iPad updated with new grid guide UI
Cabler Cox Communications joined in on the live TV streaming to iPad craze by releasing its own Cox TV Connect app late last year, and recently updated it to version 1.1.0. With the upgrade comes the new look shown above, so while it originally featured a more... unique look for TV listings (as seen after the break) this version has programming sorted in the traditional grid-style guide shown above. Also mentioned is the ability for users to view and sort TV listings for all channels, although they'll still need the separate Cox Mobile Connect apps for things like DVR scheduling. Grab the new version at the iTunes link below, assuming you get your TV and internet service at the right place.
What happens in a toddler's brain when they use an iPad
Those of us who have used traditional computers for a while think the iPad is pretty magical. t's super fast, super portable, and the direct interactivity is a very different experience from what we're used to with a mouse and keyboard. But those comparisons aren't as valid for children who are growing up with this technology. While the iPad is a sea change for traditional computer users, the effect of using it on young minds is still mostly undetermined. This article in the Wall Street Journal talks about the scientists currently studying that effect. Studies on developmental experimentation usually take about three to five years, so with the iPad only available to the public for a little over two, actual research is still forthcoming. But so far, there are both good and bad effects for children using the iPad. First, because it is so direct and interactive, scientists have seen that kids are much more easily immersed in material they read and browse on Apple's tablet. Books, especially, are ideal on tablets, because they can use sound, video, and other forms of interaction to bring students right into the content. But the flip side of that is that kids can apparently get too immersed. Because the iPad is so focused and easy to use, too much screen time can interfere with childrens' development. On the other hand, too much of anything is obviously a mistake for toddlers. As with everything, iPad use will have to come down to what parents think is healthy, and best for that individual child.
Mint adds split-transactions and budget adjustments to iOS app, 40% of users now mobile-only
Popular personal finance site Mint.com is launching an update to its iOS app today that adds the ability to split transactions and adjust budgets on the fly. Those two new features were the most requested from users and make an already excellent app even better. Intuit gave me a sneak peek of the updated app last week, and it's clear that the progression of their app demonstrates the company is keenly aware of how important mobile is becoming to the Mint platform. The company told me that Mint users are remarkably mobile-oriented. In fact, some 40% of the service's subscribers access their accounts only through their mobile devices - skipping the desktop browser entirely. And that number is rising thanks to the popularity of its iPad app. Intuit expects over half of Mint's users will only access the service via mobile very soon. The new split transaction and budget features apply to both the iPhone and iPad app. To adjust a budget, tap the budget category to reveal a 6-month spending bar chart for that category. The bar chart is helpful for you to see how much your actual spending for that budget changes month-to-month. Your current budget is displayed in a slider to the right of the bar chart. If you want to change your budget, simply drag the slider up or down. A nice feature of the budget slider is a variable speed scrubbing that readers will be familiar with from iOS's video apps. While adjusting the budget, users can slide their finger to the left or right to decrease or increase the budget in smaller or larger increments (say, $1, $10, or $25 at a time). Users can also select additional budget categories to display in addition to the currently shown ones. The other major new feature is the ability to split transactions. While viewing your transactions you'll now see a "split" button. Tap it to bring up the split transaction window. You can then divide a transaction into as many categories as you want. For example, a $2,500 transaction from Walmart, which by default would normally be labeled "Shopping," can now be split into multiple transaction categories –- i.e. $1,200 for "Electronics," $85 for "Food," $234 for "Clothing," etc. Best of all there's no arithmetic required. When you split a transaction, each category's sum is automatically deducted from the original category's total. You can check out the new features in the gallery below. Mint version 2.4 is a universal app and a free download. %Gallery-155427%
ooVoo opens up 12-way chat on Facebook and the iPad, gives other apps a facelift
If there's some video chat corollary to Moore's Law, ooVoo is adhering to it. Almost a year to the day after announcing six-way calls, the company is expanding its offerings to include 12-way chats on both Facebook and ooVoo's iPad app. It would seem that on FB, at least, that means true 12-way, face-to-face conversations -- an obvious one-up to Facebook's native video calling app, which is powered by Skype. On the iPad, however, that 12-way claim comes with a substantial quid pro quo: while you can partake in chat with 12 people at once, you can only view up to four people's streams at a time. Moving on, folks using ooVoo on Android or the iPhone will notice some UI tweaks starting today, while people plugged into the desktop version will be treated to a more drastic overhaul. Rounding out the list of newsy bits, the ability to record and upload video chats to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter is now free. You can get your update on now at ooVoo.com, the Apple App Store or Google Play, and we've got one last screen shot after the break to help illustrate what's on tap.
Dish Network Remote Access iPad app upgrade brings a new UI, more speed
Sure, it's not as revolutionary as the new automated ad skipping built into its DVRs, but Dish Network has also just revamped its Remote Access iPad app. While other pay-TV providers are proud about streaming channels to mobile devices only within the home or shifting a few recordings, Dish's tight Sling integration still provides the most video wherever the user might be, as well as DVR management, a full guide and remote control. The 3.0.3 upgrade brings an entirely new user interface that's optimized for the retina display, guide data without interrupting the video, favorite channels list, and claims to speed up the process of both loading various screens and connecting to stream live TV. Hit iTunes for the updated app or read the press release after the break for more details and let us know how it's working for you.
Autodesk launches 123D Catch for iPad, lets you turn pics into 3D models
Autodesk's had its 123D Catch iPad application in the works for quite some time now, but starting today, you'll finally be able to use that Cupertino slate to turn those beautiful snaps into three-dee creations. Similar to its desktop counterpart, the 123D Catch app won't cost a dime, and it's compatible with the second and third-gen iPads. To go along with the application, the company's also introducing its "MyCorner" cloud locker, which will let users store their pictures as well as share them between other Autodesk 3D apps. You can grab 123D Catch from the iTunes link below or via the app shop on your iPad. There's also a video after the break for your viewing pleasure.
Spotify for iPad launches: impressions and a visual tour of the new app
It's here. After all the rumors, leaks and false alarms, Sweden's top music streaming service is finally ready for the big(ger) screen. Spotify has landed on the iPad, and not surprisingly, the new app is a no-brainer of a download for anyone currently in possession of a premium account and an Apple tablet, -- that much we can say right off the bat. But how well did the company harness the capabilities of the magical device, and is the whole thing worth the wait? We got some fingers-on with the app -- follow along after the break.
Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow
Everyone's favorite VoIP service, Skype, has rolled out a fresh update to its iPhone / iPod Touch and iPad clients. First off, the Microsoft-owned outfit added a revamped login screen to both iOS applications, and now offers the ability to move your vid preview around the screen -- much like FaceTime does. To go along with the new pair of features, Skype's changelog also notes the app will now automatically restart after a sudden crash, while other undisclosed enhancements were made to improve the overall UI, stability and accessibility. Of note, Skype v4 requires folks to be running iOS 4.3 or later. So, those of you keeping that Cupertino OS current can hit either of the iTunes links below to get the goods, or grab it from the App Store on your device.
Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time
Interested in getting a tattoo but disappointed by your lack of completely random options? Then Instattoo might be just the app for you. Released today for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, it lets you automatically generate a one-of-a-kind tattoo with just a few taps and swipes, which you can then print out and get transferred to your own body with the aid of a skilled professional -- but not before you share it on your social network of choice, of course. You can get a taste of what you might be getting yourself into in the pair of videos after the break, and grab the app in the App Store now for $5 if you're not dissuaded.
Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing
One of your favorite, dock-worthy iOS apps just got a tad bit better. We're talking 'bout Line2, who's just hit version 8.0.0 and is bringing with it a slew of long-awaited traits. Of these, the most notable is the inclusion of MMS, which now allows users to send out pics to other folks using Line2's service. That said, you can share media with people outside the Line2 network, but due to carrier restrictions, the MMS being sent will only show up as a link on the receiving end. To go alongside that Multimedia Messaging Service, the app's also adding a new location sharing feature (for those who don't mind the occasional stalking). As of now, the fresh goods are exclusive to the iOS crowd, while an update for the Android variant is said to be in the works. As usual, you can grab the app straight from the App Store on your device or via the iTunes link below.
New iOS app allows anyone to make 3D model from real object
Arqball Spin is a strangely-named iOS app that does something pretty magical: It will create fully spinnable 3D models from real-life objects. The app is available to download right now, so you can go and check it out for free. Engadget played with both the app and a stage (more on that in a second), and they have examples and video of how the app works. The model looks pretty great, even just viewed in a web browser. Basically, the app uses your iPad to take a series of pictures of an object, and then assembles those pictures into a "rotatable" model, essentially faking 3D (sort of similar to those old shots from The Matrix, where a series of cameras took a sequence of rotational photos that were then stitched together). The catch is that obviously all of those photos need to line up as exactly as possible. While (presumably) you could just hold your iPad in place, you'll get a rough result that jumps around in the frame, unless you get exactly the right angle every single time. To counteract this, Arqball is selling "stages" over on Kickstarter, which precisely holds and rotates your object. If you don't want to get involved in the Kickstarter (or just outright buy one after it's been funded, for $80 rather than $60), you can even make your own stage, as long as it rotates your object at the right speed. At any rate, it's a great idea, and it could mean some big things for 3D modeling in the future. We've also seen the iPad used to create 3D models that can then be printed, so someday, you might take a series of pictures of an object with your iPad, and then hook that up to a 3D printer to get a copy of that object for yourself. Very cool indeed.
Bella KillerKeys brings desktops shortcuts and control to iOS for $20, we go hands-on (video)
Creative types working their magic on Windows may already be familiar with KillerKeys, a desktop app that brings push-button control to most Adobe apps, Microsoft Office, Sony Vegas and a few others, letting you tap a preset action rather than digging through a multi-layer menu or remembering hundreds of keyboard shortcuts -- if you use any of these apps as part of your workflow, the $10 (and up) investment certainly seems to be worthwhile. Now, Bella, the company behind KillerKeys, is bringing the tool to iOS (the iPad, more specifically), letting you tap your intentions on your tab, rather than using the mouse to click around the desktop. You can group buttons by function, and the panel adjusts automatically to match the current app -- there's also an application launcher available at the bottom corners of the display, which helps to minimize your mouse time. To that end, you'll also find an on-screen trackpad (which unfortunately wasn't functional during the company's demo at NAB), and once it's enabled you'll be able to reposition your pointer from the tablet, letting you hide that cumbersome mouse. Initially, the app will only be available for iOS when it ships next month, though an Android version is in the works, as is a Mac OS version of KillerKeys, which should launch with the iPad app. The mobile application will set you back $10, and you'll also need to pick up a copy of KillerKeys, which ranges in price from $10 for a home and student addition to $90 for the whole shebang. Check out the hands-on demo after the break.
CloudOn bolsters its Office-friendly iPad app with support for Box and Adobe Reader
CloudOn managed to attract a fair bit of attention earlier this year with its cloud-based app that indirectly brought Microsoft Office to the iPad, and it's now back with version 2.0 of said app. That doesn't change a whole lot on the surface (though there are some UI tweaks), but it does add support for Box in addition to Dropbox for storage, as well as support for PDFs, PSDs and other formats handled by Adobe Reader. As before, the app is free, and CloudOn assures folks that it has officially licensed the technology from Microsoft and Adobe.
Facebook updates iOS app with Retina iPad support, more languages
Shortly after making some high-res changes to the desktop site, Facebook's now doing the same to its application for Apple's freshest slab on the block. Aside from the crisper look and higher resolution UI on the new iPad, the universal app also adds support for Czech, Danish, Indonesian, Malaysian, Norwegian, Portuguese and Thai languages. Furthermore, v4.1.1 now allows you to hop offline from chat, while it also fixes bugs known to keep various pages from displaying correctly. Facebook's updated app is live in the App Store, so head on over with your iOS device or hit up the iTunes link below to get your social quest on.
NOOK for iPad now with Retina content, improved highlighting features
Better late than never, right? Only a couple of weeks after its rival Kindle, the NOOK app is finally ready to join the new iPad's pixel-packed party. While the main feature is obviously its Retina display compatibility, version 3.1.3 also brings an improved Highlight feature for books, the ability to read in one or two columns when in landscape mode and the enigmatic bug fixes. The refreshed app is up for grabs now, and you can snag it directly from your iPad or via the source link below.
Paper: the iPad sketchbook app from the brains of Courier (video)
Go figure -- Microsoft's Courier project lives again... as an exclusive app on Apple's iPad. FiftyThree, a company that features folks who previously worked on the aforesaid Courier initiative, has just put forth a monumental effort dubbed Paper. The app, which is available for free in the App Store, is a sophisticated sketchbook with a highly unique user interface that's seemingly designed with the budding artist in mind. Put simply, the company feels that this app is "where ideas begin," enabling users to capture mental light bulbs as sketches, diagrams, illustrations, notes or drawings before sharing them across the web.Of course, "free" only gets you in the door; in-app purchases ($2 per brush, for example) keeps the creators in business, but it's unclear at this point if a paid edition will be offered for those who aren't much on cherry-picking what they do and don't want to pony up for. Not surprisingly, the app ships with native support for the new iPad's Retina display, and while fingers are welcome, a capacitive stylus is recommended. Eager to see more? Peek the video just after the break, and get your download on in the source link.
MOG launches iPad app, adds to the list of slate-streaming options
Looking to bring that MOG subscription to your new Apple slate? You're in luck. The music streaming service that has been making headlines over the past week is now getting cozy on the iPad. Via the tablet app, you can enjoy unlimited downloads, access to "all the music you'll ever want," personalized radio, and built-in AirPlay compatibility. To get started, just hit the source link below -- once you have a $10 monthly subscription in hand, of course.
Apple updates iTunes Movie Trailers app, lets your Retina watch high-res teasers
Following in the steps of apps like Kindle, Evernote, Vimeo and most recently Netflix, Apple's Movie Trailers app has been on the receiving end of a Retina-friendly refresh. Version 1.1 doesn't reveal any other changes besides the 2048 x 1536 compatibility, which should be more than enough reasons to make you a happy camper. Now you'll be able to drool over The Avengers teaser over and over in 1080p -- a well-deserved retreat after flicking through your stack of CMX-HD books. The resolutionary app is up for grabs now, and you can get it straight from your shiny new iPad or via the source link below.
