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Deus Ex: The Fall update supports iPad 2
Deus Ex: The Fall hit the App Store a few weeks back and instantly made headlines for an anti-piracy scheme whereby users with jailbroken iOS devices were precluded from playing the game, even if they spent the full US$6.99 to download it. The developers were quick to respond to user outcry and promised that an impending update would soon change that. Yesterday, Deus Ex: The Fall was in fact updated, but the bigger story here is that the game is now compatible with the iPad 2. So for all you iPad 2-toting folks who want to get some action-style gaming on, have at it. The changelog also indicates that the recent version of the game includes a major update to the game's artificial intelligence. Lastly, bear in mind that the game is not compatible with the iPhone 4, but will work on the iPhone 4S and above, the iPad 2 and above, and the iPad mini.
Walmart dropping iPhone 5 price to $129 starting today
Walmart already sells the iPhone 5 at the low, low everyday price of US$189, but shoppers who are eager to pick up a bargain can visit their local Walmart starting today and buy Apple's flagship smartphone for just $129. The pricing only applies at the stores and is not available online. According to Mashable blogger Christina Warren, the new price isn't temporary -- that's the everyday price, indefinitely. That's not the only iPhone receiving the rollback treatment from Walmart; the iPhone 4S has dropped from $89 to $39. All pricing is dependent on the purchaser signing a new two-year contract with AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. What's fascinating about the new pricing is that Apple usually controls the extent to which retailers can cut prices on Apple products. In the past, Walmart's prices have usually been about $10 less than what Apple charges -- the new pricing essentially brings a 30 percent discount on the iPhone 5 and a 70 percent discount on the iPhone 4S. Meanwhile, electronics retailer Best Buy has revitalized its iPhone trade-in program from early June and will be running it for several more days. Customers who trade in an iPhone 4 or 4S in working condition can upgrade for free to an iPhone 5, less carrier fees and taxes. Some of our readers report that their local Best Buy outlets ran out of iPhone 5 stock early in the weekend. Warren provides some insight into why Walmart might be undercutting the competition and what it may mean for future pricing from discounters in her post on Mashable. For TUAW readers, is the new price enough to make you forsake the Apple Store or a mobile carrier's shop when buying your new phone? Leave us a comment below.
Apple hit with new patent lawsuit, this one for call forwarding
Another day, another patent lawsuit. Earlier this week, Apple was served with a lawsuit from a Texas-based company called Bluebonnet Telecommunications which alleges that the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 include a call-forwarding feature that infringes upon a patent of theirs which covers a "method and apparatus for determining the telephony features assigned to a telephone." The patent in question was originally granted to Bluebonnet Telecommunications back in 1996. The lawsuit reads in part: Apple induces end-user customers to use the accused smartphones, and specifically to use them in a manner that infringes the 511 patent. They do so by (1) providing instructions to their customers that explain how to use the features of the accused devices that are accused of infringement (specifically those features that allow call forwarding and the display of whether the feature is activated); and (2) by touting the accused features of the smartphone Oddly enough, the lawsuit notes that Apple has had knowledge of the 511 patent "since at least as early as the filing of this lawsuit." The takeaway here is that Bluebonnet Telecommunications is effectively admitting that Apple was wholly unaware of the patent in question and chose to file a lawsuit without first attempting to secure a licensing agreement with Apple. Of course, that is fully acceptable within the confines of the law, but it's then curious that Bluebonnet Telecommunications is quick to call Apple's alleged infringement "willful." Bluebonnet Telecommunications is seeking damages, a permanent injunction and attorneys fees. You can check out the patent in question over here.
iOS 7 phases out the iPhone 3GS and the original iPad; some features will be iPhone 5 only
Apple on Monday took the wraps off of iOS 7, its highly anticipated next-gen mobile OS for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Apple said that iOS 7 will be available as a free download this fall and will run on the following devices: iPhone 4 and above iPad 2 and above iPad mini iPod touch, fifth generation So with iOS 7, Apple is phasing out the iPhone 3GS. The original iPad was phased out with iOS 6 (thanks, Ben!) I'd be surprised, though, if there are a significant percentage of iOS users using the aforementioned device. All in all, Apple does do a decent job of keeping iOS users running years-old hardware in the mix. Aside from which devices will run iOS 7, it's equally important to consider which features from iOS 7 will run on which device. To that end, here's how some of the device-specific iOS 7 features break down. Panorama -- The photo feature Apple introduced last year will be available on the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and fifth-gen iPod touch. iPad users are out of luck here. Square/Video formats and swipe to capture -- These features will be available on the iPhone 4 and above, the third-generation iPad and above, the iPad mini and the fifth-generation iPod touch. Filters in Camera - This Instagram-inspired feature will only be available for the iPhone 5 and the fifth-generation iPod touch. Filters in Photos - This will be available on the iPhone 4 and above, the third-generation iPad and above, the iPad mini and the fifth-generation iPod touch. AirDrop - AirDrop in iOS 7 will only work on the iPhone 5, the fourth-generation iPad, the iPad mini and the iPod touch. Siri - Siri in iOS 7 has new voices, a new interface and a whole lot more functionality. Users trying to take advantage of the latest and greatest from Siri can run it on the iPhone 4S and above, the iPad with Retina display, the iPad mini and the fifth-generation iPod touch. iTunes Radio - Apple's long-rumored music streaming and recommendation service will run on any iOS 7-compatible device.
Study: iPhone retains value better than top Galaxy models
The next time your Samsung Galaxy-toting friends try to annoy you, here's a piece of information you can throw back at them. According to a study published yesterday by investment bank Piper Jaffray, iPhones depreciate at less than half the rate of similar Android devices from Samsung. Analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray referred to the new index as "a pulse on what consumers are willing to pay for unsubsidized phones in the US." The index compares US eBay auction ending prices for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II over a rolling eight weeks to create a trend on resale prices. "The key takeaway from eight weeks of data is that the iPhone is holding slightly more of its value compared to the top two Galaxy phones," according to Munster. The iPhone 5's eBay auction ending value dropped about 11.2 percent in the last eight weeks, while the comparable Samsung Galaxy S III dropped 13.7 percent in value. The iPhone 4S kept its value the best, dropping only 7 percent during the same time period. The Galaxy Note II did the worst job of retaining its value, dropping a full 15 percent in just eight weeks. Munster expects iPhone aftermarket prices to drop as the release of the next model of iPhone draws nearer.
Apple receives iPhone unlock requests from law enforcement
The encryption on your iPhone is apparently secure enough that law enforcement agencies are waiting in line to have Apple "crack" the lock and provide data to be used as evidence. According to a report by CNET, Apple has the ability to decrypt seized iPhones and has created a waiting list to handle requests. At one point last summer, the wait was over seven weeks long and one ATF agent reported that it took his request at least four months to be processed. The ATF had tried to decrypt the iPhone 4S of a Kentucky man accused of distributing crack cocaine and became so frustrated that it contacted Apple for assistance. That's where the wait started... For those who are concerned about how secure their personal information is on an iOS device, the fact that the devices can't be cracked by federal agents is good news. No one is sure exactly how Apple can decrypt the information for police, whether there's a backdoor that only Apple knows about, has custom hardware for decryption or just has better-trained cryptologists. The CNET article notes that Elcomsoft sells an iOS Forensic Toolkit, which claims to crack a four-digit iOS 4 or iOS 5 passcode in less than 40 minutes. It's when someone uses a PIN or password with more characters that the decryption time takes a much longer time. The post cites Simson Garfinkel from the US Naval Postgraduate School, who estimates that cracking a 10-digit PIN could take as long as 25 years using common brute-force methods. The bottom line? For normal law-abiding citizens, a longer passphrase or PIN can keep your iOS data protected. For criminals, however, Apple knows how to free your data for law enforcement and will do so. [via TechCrunch]
iOS 6 obtains FIPS 140-2 certification, opening door to more government use
Close on the heels of last week's announcement that US Department of Defense approval of iOS 6 devices was imminent comes word from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that a cryptographic module in iOS 6 has achieved FIPS 140-2 certification (Level 1). This has, to quote our tipster, "huge implications for government use of iOS (and eventually Macs)." Apple iOS CoreCrypto Kernel Module v3.0, when operated in FIPS mode, "generates cryptographic keys whose strengths are modified by available entropy." CoreCrypto is described as "a software cryptographic module running on a multi-chip standalone mobile device and provides services intended to protect data in transit and at rest." The module met Level 1 of FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) 140-2. Level 1 provides the lowest level of security, as no physical security mechanisms are required beyond the basic requirement for production-grade components. CoreCrypto uses FIPS-approved algorithms including Triple-DES, AES, SHS and an additional alphabet soup of acronyms. The module was tested on an iPhone 4, an iPhone 4S and an iPad (single-user mode) running iOS 6.0. It is unknown if the certification is specific to these devices or if it also extends to newer devices like the iPhone 5. A tip of the hat to Allan for letting us know about the certification.
Win a collector's item: a Behringer iNuke Boom Junior speaker dock
I'm usually very good about turning around reviews; usually within a week or two of receiving a review device or accessory I've had a chance to try it out, take photos, and write it up. But there are two things that have been sitting in my office unopened for a few months, and I finally decided to get going on them. One item is a Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 that I'll be writing up shortly now that the weather in Colorado is cooperating (except for the winter storm hitting tomorrow...), but today's focus is on what's in the big box in the corner of my office -- the Behringer iNuke Boom Junior iPod/iPhone speaker dock. Sometimes procrastination is a good thing. I found out pretty quickly while starting to do research for this review that Behringer is no longer making this speaker dock, which was designed to be an affordable mini version of the 10,000-watt, 700 pound, US$30,000 monster that made a splash at CES 2012. The company gave away a bunch of these smaller speaker docks last autumn with a promotion with the one reseller for the product, Costco. Since the iNuke Boom Junior is no longer in production, I'm not going to write a review. Instead, we're going straight to the giveaway. Here are the features of the iNuke Boom Junior: Three-Way Active Design – Stunning concert-quality sound at home Integrated Subwoofer – Powerful, Deep Lows without Distortion Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad – Dock to play or charge your device Auxiliary Audio Input – Works with Android devices and other music players Wireless Remote Control – Controls audio and most iOS devices Master Volume and Bass Contour controls – Tailor the sound to your liking Video Output Connection – Play movies right from your Apple devices to TV Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPad and any Android® phone or music player with 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone output I was able to test the iNuke Boom Junior with an iPhone 5 using an Apple Lightning to 30-pin adapter ($29, not included), and it worked fine. There's a small Lucite prop that holds up the iPhone 5, but I would not recommend trying a 4th-generation iPad on the adapter as it's just too unwieldy. An iPad mini worked just fine with the adapter. The sound on this thing is great! Seriously, the built-in subwoofer really does produce quite the boom if you're listening to music with a lot of bass. Surprisingly, though, it also handles the treble end quite well and was perfect for listening to the broad freqency and dynamic range of classical music. And with that short description of the iNuke Boom Junior, it's now time to give this unique device to one of our readers. Here are the rules for the giveaway: 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 May 5, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Behringer iNuke Boom Junior speaker dock valued at $179.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Apple ad man Ken Segall takes issue with Apple's iPhone naming scheme
While serving as the creative lead of TBWA/Chiat Day, Ken Segall oversaw the creative direction of Apple's marketing efforts. Credited as the man who put the 'i' in iMac, Segall worked very closely with Steve Jobs and helped oversee a number of memorable Apple ad campaigns, including the award-winning Think Different campaign. Suffice it to say, when Segall has something to say about Apple's advertising efforts, it's typically worth paying attention to. In a blogpost published last week, Segall opines on Apple's current iPhone naming scheme and let's just say he thinks Apple is shooting itself in the foot. The press has already dubbed this year's model "iPhone 5S." Most experts see a narrative in which Apple only produces a major upgrade every other year, and in between we get the "S" model. ... More important, tacking an S onto the existing model number sends a rather weak message. It says that this is our "off-year" product, with only modest improvements. If holding off on the big number change achieved some great result, I might think otherwise. But look what happened with iPhone 5. Segall goes on to note that the iPhone 5, despite delivering a host of improvements in both software and hardware, was still criticized as being an incremental upgrade. So instead, Segall suggests that Apple should just name each successive iPhone release with a new number and let the chips fall where they may. Let the consumer decide, Segall argues, the extent to which each new iPhone improves upon its predecessor. It's an intriguing proposition which raises an interesting issue -- do people generally view "S" upgrades as middle-of-the-road improvements? I myself have heard a few people mention plans to forgo an "S" upgrade and hold out for the next big number release. The underlying assumption is that "S" model iPhones offer less value than iPhone models that forgo the "S" moniker. "I think it's safe to say," Segall writes, "that if you're looking for a new car, you're looking for a 2013 model - not a 2012S. What's important is that you get the latest and greatest." If we look back at Apple's iPhone models, it does seem that the biggest enhancements have come in the form of numbered upgrades such as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. And, of course, let's not forget about the iPhone 3G which is often overlooked in the pantheon of iPhone models. While it may seem like eons ago, the iPhone 3G rescued us from a world of Edge and an iPhone without GPS. In any event, the broader question remains: Is there merit to Segall's assertion that "slapping the "S" onto different models" has the unintended consequence of implying "that this model isn't worth an upgrade"? While I'm inclined to agree with Segall in an abstract sense, iPhone sales figures paint a different picture. During this summer's Apple / Samsung trial, Phil Schiller noted that each iPhone release has sold more units than all previous models combined. So while we're a few months away from what will likely be the iPhone 5S, there's no getting around the fact that both the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4S sold like hotcakes. That said, there's no question that the "S" naming scheme may psychologically affect how consumers view a new iPhone model, but it's hard to argue that it has affected iPhone sales in a tangible way. As a final point of interest, you might remember that the "S" in the iPhone 3GS stood for "speed." What's not as widely known, however, is that the "S" in the iPhone 4S stood for "Siri." Tim Cook admitted as much during a 2012 interview with Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg.
T-Mobile to finally start carrying the iPhone with no contract, pay $99.99 upfront, and HSPA+ support (updated)
This one falls in the "it's about time" category: the last of the national US cellular carriers is finally going to offer the iPhone. T-Mobile will officially carry the iPhone starting April 12, with pre-orders beginning April 5. At the company's Uncarrier event this morning in New York City, it announced that the iPhone 5 will be available for US$99.99 down, and the ability to pay the rest in $20 installments over the next two years -- with no annual contracts. T-Mobile also will offer the iPhone 4S under the same agreement with $69.99 down/$20 monthly installments over two years and the iPhone 4 for $14.99 down/$15 monthly installments. The iPhone 5 will be available in all markets, but the iPhone 4 and 4S in select ones. T-Mobile CEO John Legere said that the iPhone 5 offered through T-Mobile will support HSPA+42 in AWS and HSPA+ in MetroPCS in addition to LTE, along with high-definition voice calls. T-Mobile announced in December that the iPhone would be coming to its network in 2013 and has been encouraging people to bring their iPhones over to its Value Plan since September. As of 2011, more than 1 million iPhones were being used on T-Mobile's network, even though the company did not have any ties to Apple at that time. You can follow our sister site Engadget's liveblog of the Uncarrier event, as more details are released. [via Engadget] Update (12:10 p.m.): More details on the plans added and HSPA+ support, along with official press release.
OtterBox Armor Series for iPhone 5/4/4S: Protection from everything
OtterBox was one of the first iPhone case manufacturers to come out with a product -- the Defender Series -- that could handle some really rough treatment. Now OtterBox is taking the lead in iPhone protection with the new OtterBox Armor Series, which is available for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4/4S (US$99.95). The new case series not only builds on the crush and drop protection provided by the Defender Series, but also adds waterproofing. The Armor Series is designed to withstand being in up to 6.6 feet of water for 30 minutes, handling drops from 10 feet, and being crushed by a 2 ton weight. That's perfect for those situations where you drop your iPhone 5 from where you're riding on top of a rhinoceros and she proceeds to step on it and hold it underwater for a half hour... We don't believe it's designed to protect your precious from the impact of a meteorite, but for just about everything else, the Armor Series is going to help. Here's a closeup look at the Armor Series case for iPhone 5. Design As you'd expect from an iPhone case with these credentials, the Armor Series isn't exactly svelte. It weighs in at 4.1 ounces, has a thickness of about .75", a width of about 2.9", and a height of about 5.5". Compare that with a naked iPhone 5, which is only .3" thick and has dimensions of 2.31" x 4.87" and a weight of 3.95 ounces. But if you want protection, you've got it. Everything is sealed into the case, which comes in black and gray with a shock-absorbent lining of neon green, arctic blue, or electric orange. The arctic blue model has a white bezel surrounding the phone display, perfect for framing a white iPhone 5. On the right side of the case are two zinc alloy metal latches that hold the case halves together securely. To install the iPhone 5 into the case, you flip those latches open and take the back of the case off. Pop the iPhone in, slap the back on, re-do the latches and you're ready to abuse the case ... but not your iPhone. %Gallery-181062% OtterBox recommends testing the Armor Series case in water for at least 30 minutes prior to placing an iPhone into the case. They also -- like all manufacturers who make similar cases -- suggest that you "use caution when subjecting your device to extreme situations and rough treatment" and warn that "Users subject their devices to extreme circumstances at their own risk." Switches and the home button on the iPhone 5 are covered with flexible pass-through equivalents, and the headphone port is covered by a thick plug. Speakers are covered with an impermeable membrane, while speakers are covered with a mesh that lets sound out but no water or dust in. The Armor Series doesn't have a belt holster -- yet -- nor does it come in a larger variety of colors -- yet. OtterBox is probably testing the waters before committing to accessories and new colors. There is a wrist strap to make carrying the case a bit easier, although it's probably just easier to stuff it into one of the pockets on your pants. Functionality OK, so I didn't have a chance to drive my Honda CRV (a little less than 2 tons) onto my iPhone 5 in the test Armor Series case. Nor did I really feel like subjecting my personal phone to a 10-foot drop. I did, however, check the watertightness of the case. As advertised, it was easily able to withstand being held about six inches underwater for 30 minutes with no problems. However, when I left it in that same six inches of water for three hours, there was a slight leakage resulting in water coming into the case. Moral of the story? Don't try to exceed the advertised specifications. Since the Armor Series has been subjected to testing to US military standards, I have no doubt that it will be able to handle the other tests as well. It's definitely a chunky case, but the Armor Series really provides a feeling of security that surpasses any other MIL-STD case I've tested for the iPhone 5. Conclusion With the introduction of the Armor Series for the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5, OtterBox has again taken the lead in the rugged case category. Pros Waterproof, dust proof, shockproof, and crush proof Well constructed Easy to install and remove Colors for plugs and back padding are bright and upbeat Available immediately Cons More expensive than LifeProof's $79.99 frē case, which offers similar protection Who is it for? Anyone who needs rugged protection for their iPhone 4/4S or iPhone 5.
iPhone 5, 4S top selling smartphones worldwide
What with Forbes speculating that Apple leaked "iWatch" plans out of desperation and the recent counterintuitive drop in share price after the company's last stellar earnings report, one would think that Apple's on the verge of going out of business. Strategy Analytics has new data out countering that notion, showing that the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S are the top-selling smartphones worldwide. In the fourth quarter of 2012, Apple shipped 27.4 million iPhone 5 handsets and 17.4 million units of the iPhone 4S worldwide. The next most popular single model of smartphone? Samsung's Galaxy S3, with 15.4 million units sold in the fourth quarter. That's right -- the 2011 iPhone 4S alone sold two million units more than the the Galaxy S3, and had an 8 percent share of the smartphone market. Add sales of the iPhone 5, and Apple's two most recent models accounted for 21 percent of all smartphone sales worldwide. That doesn't even count the iPhone 4, which Apple is offering for free with new service contracts. It's expected that Samsung will fire back with the rumored Galaxy S4 in the next couple of months to try to counteract the Apple juggernaut. By that point, it's almost certain that we'll start hearing about the iPhone 5S or 6...
iOS 6.1.1 fixes cellular issues with iPhone 4S
Apple has issued a 23 MB update for the iPhone that fixes an unknown cellular performance and reliability issue for iPhone 4S users. iOS 6.1.1 is available by checking for updates on your iPhone, updating via iTunes or via support download from Apple. Thanks to those who provided the tip!
Best Buy offering $50 off iPhones for a limited time
If you've been holding off upgrading to a new iPhone, your perseverance is about to pay off. Best Buy has just announced a significant discount on all iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S models through the start of the new year. The 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB versions of the iPhone 5 are selling for $149, $249 and $349, respectively, after a $50 discount. You're also able to snag a $49 16 GB iPhone 4S, with a 32 GB and 64 GB version of Apple's older handset for $149 and $199, respectively. Bear in mind that you'll have to sign up for a new two-year contract in order to qualify for the discount. Best Buy is honoring the offer through January 5, 2013, for in-store purchases and January 2, 2013, for online orders.
Algoriddim's vjay for iPhone puts video mixing in the palm of your hand
With the ridiculous number of photo manipulation apps available for the iPhone, it's sometimes easy to forget that Apple's smartphone can actually be a powerful video editing platform as well. Developer Algoriddim aims to prove this by bringing its popular iPad video mashup app, vjay, to the iPhone, along with all of the bells and whistles of its bigger brother. If you didn't catch our original vjay review for the tablet, let me give you a refresher: The app's marquee feature is the ability to mix multiple videos together into mashups. While the app records your work, you can use real-time transition effects to swap between whatever two clips you happen to be using. You can loop sections of video or music, manipulate colors and tweak the audio of your work on the fly. You can also set up multiple cue points to make sure your video matches exactly what you had in mind. The number of options vjay presents to you is somewhat staggering at first, and it actually takes a fair bit of time to get a handle on just what the app is capable of. You can use the included music videos and montage clips in your work, grab your own video clips from your camera roll or even snag licensed videos from the iTunes store right from within the app itself. In short, you have a ridiculous number of options and starting points with which to craft something great. With the comparatively small screens size of the iPhone, compared to tablet, the tools you have to work with do feel considerably more compact on the screen. Thankfully, the app is laid out in such a way that you'll always know what tools are at your disposal. In portait mode, the app will switch back and forth between each of the source video clips in the source window depending on which is being used the most. When you flip your iPhone on its side, the app displays both source clips in the background with your work up front. The best thing about vjay is that it's almost impossible to fail at creating something cool. As you fade one video out and the other dominates the screen, with the pixelated visual touch you previously added, and your favorite song playing over it all, you'll feel like you created a masterpiece. In reality, it's the app that's doing the hard work, but we won't tell anyone if you don't. Once your mashup is complete, you can share it via YouTube and Facebook, or even toss it up on the big screen using an output cable, or wirelessly through Apple TV. As you might imagine, vjay demands a lot from your device, and as such it is currently only supported on iPhone 4S and 5. The pint-sized version of the app is currently on sale on the App Store for US$4.99, but only for a limited time, so video junkies be warned!
Samsung Galaxy S III bests iPhone 4S in Q3 2012 smartphone sales
The battle for smartphone superiority continues, and Samsung won out in the last quarter as the Galaxy S III beat the iPhone 4S in terms of global sales. Strategy Analytics notes that Samsung sold 18 million units of the highly touted Galaxy S III, compared to "just" 16.2 million units of Apple's iPhone 4S. As you'll recall, though, the iPhone 5 hit shelves at the end of Q3 2012. That likely caused some cannibalization of iPhone 4S sales, as potential buyers may have delayed purchases until the release of the iPhone 5. Don't worry about Apple -- Strategy Analytics believes that the iPhone 5 will handily trounce the Galaxy S III in Q4 2012. As the firm notes, Apple has already sold 6 million of the smartphones with almost two months remaining in the last quarter of the year.
iPhone takes flight on a model rocket to capture data using techBASIC
Back in the 1970s before the advent of personal computers, I was a model rocket geek. Using thin tubing, balsa wood, plastic, glue and toxic paints to build lightweight rockets that could soar thousands of feet into the air, I never thought that some day people would be able to actually launch small data-collection computers into the air. Now the folks at Byte Works -- the developers of techBASIC for iOS (US$14.99) -- have done just that, using an iPhone 4s and a custom-designed model rocket. This was more than just flying an iPhone on a rocket, though -- Mike and Patty Westerfield, the proprietors of Byte Works, used a TI Bluetooth Low Energy Sensor Tag (officially announced today) to capture acceleration and gyro information and send it to a techBASIC program running on the iPhone 4s. Immediately after flight, the information was available for viewing in the techBASIC app. Should you decide that launching your brand new iPhone 5 is in your future, Byte Works has a full writeup of the project here. The iPhone launcher (AKA ST-2) is now on its way to Norway to be exhibited by TI at a conference, but it sounds like the Westerfields have plenty of plans for ST-2 flights with higher powered engines in the future. Enjoy the launch video below!
Japan court rules Apple did not infringe two Samsung patents
In the latest scuffle between Apple and Samsung, a Tokyo court has ruled that the iPhone 4 and 4S do not infringe on two of Sammy's patents. According to The Asahi Shimbun, a decision on September 14th found Apple had not violated a patent related to app downloads, as Samsung's method is different. A dispute regarding flight / airplane mode also went in Cupertino's favor on October 11th, because the technology in question was regarded by the court as incremental. Only one case against Apple remains undecided in Japan -- for a patent on using "homescreen space" -- but, as usual, don't expect that to be the last chapter in the neverending story.
T8 Storm wallet case for iPhone 4/4S: Slim, light, and attractive
Although emails about iPhone 5 cases are starting to fill our inboxes, there are still a lot of people who will be purchasing an iPhone 4 or 4S in the near future. After all, the iPhone 4 is free with a qualified plan, and the iPhone 4S has dropped to US$99. That's why well-designed and beautifully made iPhone 4 cases still capture my attention, and the T8 Storm ($60) is probably the best example of an innovative case that I've reviewed in the past few months. Design The T8 Storm case is a perfect example of how a "wallet case" should be designed. Rather than being a bulky George Costanza wallet, the Storm features two thin slots into which you can pop an ID and a credit card or some cash. The slots access separate thin pockets that are lined with either red or light blue nylon material. %Gallery-168280% The case itself is made from black or tan vegetable-tanned Italian leather that is hand-dyed. The dyes used are environmentally friendly, and the company uses non-toxic water-based glues in manufacturing. The design is basically a leather shell that is open on the top, bottom and left side to allow unfettered access to ports and controls, and has the requisite opening for camera and flash. At the top of the case is a color-matched loop for attaching a lanyard. T8 offers a nylon lanyard called the Zephyr ($15) that comes in red or blue leather with a tan or black logo. The Zephyr has a metal clasp to fit the lanyard loop, and the entire assembly can be comfortably hung around your neck for hands-free carrying of your iPhone. Functionality For having your iPhone 4/4S at your fingertips at all times, the T8 Storm/Zephyr combo is perfect. While I was initially skeptical about having an iPhone dangling from my neck, I found it to be almost unnoticeable after a very short time, and the iPhone is always available for quick photos or taking phone calls. That being said, I wonder why the designers didn't decide to put the lanyard loop on the bottom of the case. When it's hanging around your neck, flipping the phone up to look at the screen presents the screen upside-down. It's then an awkward move to get the iPhone display into a position for easy reading. The card and cash slots on the back of the case are in a perfect position for easy access to your ID and money. One other concern about the lanyard idea is that of security. While an iPhone in a pocket or purse is essentially invisible to thieves, having the phone and credit cards dangling from a lanyard is an invitation to have the phone ripped off. Just a quick slash of the lanyard while holding the phone, and your iPhone and money are gone. Conclusion For anyone looking at a combination iPhone 4/4S case and wallet, be sure to take a look at the T8 Storm. It's definitely an attractively designed and nicely put-together case, and the Zephyr lanyard adds a new level of convenience to carrying an iPhone -- especially for those who don't always have pockets available. Pros Extremely lightweight Holds iPhone 4/4S securely Classy-looking leather construction Red and blue contrast highlights are very attractive Cons Lanyard loop should be on the bottom of the case for easy flip-up viewing of the iPhone display Lanyard could be an invitation for thieves Case is expensive compared to the many others on the market Who is it for? iPhone 4/4S owners who want a case/wallet combo that is relatively unique
Canopy's Sensus gaming case protects your iPhone 4 / 4S, adds plenty of new touch sensors (update)
There's no doubt that smartphone accessories can get expensive, so how about a case that doubles as a gamepad? Billed as "protection with a purpose," Canopy's Sensus case aims to do just that. While there are several peripherals that add keyboards and joysticks to smartphones, Sensus goes one step further by adding touch input to a device's entire outer surface. The case's sensors recognize an additional ten touch responses, including controls on the sides and back of a device similar to the rear touchpad on a PS Vita. The focus with Sensus is to provide its users with unique touch input combinations that avoid taking up precious screen real estate. Most likely due to its uniformed design, Sensus is currently only being offered for the iPhone 4 and 4S; the outfit is taking pre-orders at $39 a pop, with shipments expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013. If you'd like to get a better feel for what Sensus has to offer (we know, we know), check out its demo video by visiting the source link below. Update: The folks from Canopy let us know that the previously mentioned $39 price is for pre-orders only -- the Sensus will retail for $59, so get in early if you're looking to save some money.
