ipod
Latest
Connecting dots can be futile with Dots Connector Free
I usually enjoy games which require strategy, problem-solving, and mental exercise. I hate the vapid passivity which our technologically-glutted culture appears to aid and abet. I also deeply appreciate app creators' attempts to be thoughtful, careful planners who finely tune their creations to communicate a message - even if that message is simply "Have fun!". While Dots Connector Free is a pleasant enough app, and is certainly within the strategy/problem-solving genre, it appears to suffer from a lack of clear direction and instruction. This significantly robs the player from a truly enjoyable playing experience. This app is free and is available for iOS 7.0 or later, optimized for iPhone 5. The basic thrust of this app is to create boxes: the titular "dots" are what connects each line with some of the lines already filled in. This would appear to be simple enough, but it isn't. This is not inherently a bad thing, but the way it unfolds in Dots is. For the player has absolutely no idea what they are doing. I completed all twenty-six levels having utterly no idea how I was supposed to make the boxes. This is because there are no instructions within the app itself, the description in the App Store is woefully unclear, and the website (which I only just discovered by pure chance) is equally unclear. It appears you must be judicious with your use of lines, as if you connect the wrong two dots you will have to start all over again. This is where part of the lack of clarity comes in: It is never clear why you are unable to connect the two particular dots. Further, the two dots can change if you have to redo the puzzle. On one of the higher levels, I must have had to redo the puzzle five or six times, with absolutely no rhyme or reason (at least to me) as to what I was doing wrong. As I studied the website, looked very closely at the game, and even replayed some levels while writing this review, I had more of an idea about what I was doing, but only slightly. The first thing you see when beginning the level are words that say "Each 'line' will help resolve a 'box.' Use it wisely." Other than this there is zero direction or clarification within the app itself. About the only thing that is clear is the phrase "box" with a number at the top of the game's screen indicates how many boxes total you will connect on that level (e.g. 9, 12). As you complete boxes, that number will progressively go down until you have finished all of them. That much is clear. Figuring out why you are allotted lines, what causes you to lose them (when the dots refuse to connect), and how to make sure you are using them as intended is never discussed. I was extremely frustrated while playing because I had no idea what I was supposed to do besides make boxes, which obviously at seemingly random times was not happening. Even after referring to the just-discovered website, I still am not certain what precisely the strategy is with the allotted lines. The best I can figure is that the game expects you to fully complete a box before moving onto another, but that still doesn't explain why when I would move onto the next box the lines would sometimes not connect. The other interesting thing to note is that each of the twenty-six levels is named after a particular emotion, and preceded by a quote (I assume from the game's creator) regarding that emotion. This was intriguing but enigmatic. I was not certain of the purpose of this, as it felt somewhat unrelated to the game itself. Perhaps the creator had a very good reason for doing this, but it was not clear to me. The best I could determine was from one of the seller-provided screenshots saying players would feel each emotion as they played. I had to chuckle when I read that, as the hardest level for me was one called "loving." I felt zero love while on that level. While the actual gameplay is very unclear and confusing, the game itself is lovely. I am a fan of minimalism and streamlining if they are done well, and a clean, smooth interface set in black and white was an utter pleasure to look at. The moving two-tone black geometric shapes in the background added an ethereal feel to gameplay without being distracting. I am more than certain the game's creator was well-intentioned in their endeavor. Indeed, the game was pleasant enough once I stopped having as many failed attempts. There were so many problems given the total lack of direction and clarity that the game simply wasn't fun. I do not like getting through all the offered levels of an app and feeling like an ordeal is over. I think I actually exhaled and said "Finally!" when I finished. It shouldn't be that way. A bit more direction, some clearer instructions, would have helped immensely. I am a huge fan of puzzles and problem-solving, but Dots Connector Free needs to up the ante with its directions if this game is going to move from a frustrating impossibility to a true challenge of the mind.
Apple deleted users' non-iTunes music and didn't tell them about it
Long before Apple was shoehorning the latest from U2 into your iTunes account, it was deleting songs originating from rival services. Tell us if this sounds familiar: You grabbed Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster from Amazon MP3 in 2009, threw it in your iTunes library, went to sync your 160GB iPod classic and got an error message saying you needed to restore the device's factory settings. According to The Wall Street Journal, upon restoring, non-iTunes music would disappear. In the courtroom for the anti-trust case, prosecuting attorney Patrick Coughlin said that Apple directed the software to not tell users about their now-missing songs, too. Cupertino countered by saying that its actions were to thwart any attempts at hacking into iTunes and that users were kept in the dark for a reason. As security director Augustin Farrugia testified: "We don't need to give users too much information... We don't want to confuse users."
Klipsch Reference R6i headphones: A sound stocking stuffer
Your holiday gift-giving might include an iPhone or iPod touch for your favorite person, but do you really want them to listen to music through the standard Apple earbuds? Klipsch has been making speakers since 1946 - when I was in college back in the 1970s, it was a sign of pride to have a pair of Klipschorn speakers in your apartment or dorm room. The company is still making a range of speakers and headphones, and today we're taking a look at the US$99.99 Klipsch Reference R6i in-ear headphones. Specifications Weight: 15.2 grams Input connections: 3.5mm (1/8") Driver Diameter: 6.5mm Frequency response: 10 Hz - 19kHz Sensitivity: 110dB Impedence: 18 Ohms Colors available: Black, white Design There's not much you can say about the design of in-ear headphones - they pretty much all look the same. Earbuds - check. Cables - check. Button with mic for phone use - check. Well, Klipsch did things a little bit differently with the R6i 'phones. The cables are flat, which does a surprisingly good job of keeping them from tangling. The button and mic are pretty typical: they're made of shiny white plastic (black in the black model) with a silver tone button (gold on the black model). That button is used to play, pause, fast forward, or rewind music. There are also buttons in the top and bottom of the unit for volume control. I'm not sure I'm a real fan of the design here, since the white plastic (on the white model) that's used for the earbud casing and button/mic is brighter than the covering on the cables - in other words, it's two different shades of white. Steve Jobs would not approve... Like many headphones in this price range, the R6i headphones come with four different sizes of earbuds. The idea is that you try the default buds, then switch to a smaller bud if it's too tight or a larger bud if it's falling out of your ear. A small zippered carry pouch is included with the headphones. Functionality For me, functionality of headphones boils down to a few key points: comfort, usability, and sound quality. I found the in-ear earbuds to be amazingly comfortable, surprising because I'm not a big fan of in-ear headphones. How comfortable? I'm usually yanking in-ear headphones off after ten minutes; I kept these on for hours. Likewise, I like the flat cables. Not once during my testing did I have a problem with the R6i cables getting tangled. The mic/button is located in the same awkward position that it is on the Apple earbuds - roughly in line with your chin. That location is decided by the need to have the microphone near the mouth of the wearer, but I still think it would be a much better idea to have a separate bump for the mic and then have the controls further down on the cabling. The controls on the button worked well and it was easy to find them by feel. So, how about the sound quality? When testing headphones or speakers, I always play a set of tunes that cover a number of genres so that I can get an idea of the response to music that has different acoustic elements. The R6i's did a great job on midrange sounds, with very clear, sweet tones. The bass end is also surprisingly good; in fact, I'd say that the low-end response is almost some of the best I've ever heard. You'd think that would mean that Klipsch ignored the high frequencies... but you'd be wrong. Once again, the R6i does a wonderful job of reproducing the high end, with well-balanced and nuanced tones. Conclusion OK, so I didn't like the slightly different colors on the cords and the plastic elements, but the sound quality from the Klipsch R6i headphones more than made up for that design faux pas. Make someone happy this holiday season and buy them a pair of these headphones - they'll be a sterling stocking stuffer that will be appreciated for years to come. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible
Zen Shopping is a full featured and capable shopping partner
For many, the holidays mean shopping, and that prompts a hunt for deals. Fortunately, you can use apps to keep you fully informed and speed you along on your shopping journey. Zen Shopping (free) is a solid entry in the growing field of shopping apps, and one you will want to take a look at. The app lets you enter things you want to buy, and will give you local and online price comparisons. It can deliver coupons before you check out, and it learns from your shopping decisions and can suggest deals that might interest you. Even better, the app can alert you to price drops after you buy, and let you know if you are entitled to a refund. Zen Shopping also offers wish lists, a history of your purchases, and package tracking after you buy. If you have multiple iOS devices, it syncs your information. Zen Shopping works with 4,000 retail firms for price tracking and other information. To sync between devices you need to sign up for a free account, but you can use most of the app features without signing up. I'm always a bit hesitant to set these accounts up as I'm not sure if I will get a flurry of unwanted spam as a result, and the Zen Shopping website says all they store is your shopping history. That's not a very complete privacy policy, so keep that in mind. I liked the Zen Shopping app very much. It's oriented more toward national and online retailers, so your corner store is not going to be represented, but Zen Shopping worked well in my testing, found very good deals, and the coupons and package tracking are a real plus. Zen Shopping is a universal app that requires iOS 7 or later.
Old Steve Jobs emails resurface as part of iPod antitrust lawsuit
It's hard to believe that in 2014, we're still talking about the iPod as a monopoly. Hell, it's strange that we're even talking about the iPod at all. But thanks to a slow winding judicial process, a class action suit against Apple stemming from its business practices in the mid-2000s is getting underway today in California. The suit alleges that Apple took pro-active measures to prevent songs from competing music stores from being playable on the iPod. And as one might expect, some of the key evidence in the case comes from Steve Jobs himself, both in the form of old emails and a video deposition the Apple co-founder sat for back in 2011. With the trial getting underway today, a number of statements from Jobs have already emerged. Some point to Apple doing all it can to keep the iPod free from competing music stores while others are simply vintage Jobs. Here are a few of the Jobsian highlights we've seen so far. In 2003, upon learning of a music store called Music Match, Jobs emailed Apple executives to ensure that songs from that store would not be playable on the iPod. We need to make sure that when Music Match launches their download music store they cannot use iPod. Is this going to be an issue? In 2005, plaintiffs point to yet another email from Jobs, this one in response to a start-up working on a product which would have made music not purchased on the iTunes Store playable on the iPod. In an email to Jeff Robbin -- of SoundJam MP fame -- Jobs wrote that Apple "may need to change things here." The New York Times, which has seen many of the documents in question, adds that Robbin and the iTunes team were quick to "develop a stronger security system to prevent unauthorized third parties from injecting content into iPods." Apple, of course, contends that the reason they were so vigilant about keeping an eye on files from other music stores is security. Whether you buy that argument or not, that's what Apple is selling. But back to Jobs because, well, he wasn't your typical CEO. The Times further relays that during Jobs' 2011 video deposition, the Apple co-founder was asked about RealNetworks and their involvement in the music download market. A transcript of the deposition included Ms. Sweeney questioning him about RealNetworks, a company that had come up with a way to allow songs sold in its store to play on iPods and other media players. Mr. Jobs responded "I don't remember" to many of the questions. But when asked whether he was familiar with RealNetworks, he replied bluntly, "Do they still exist?" As the trial progresses, we can likely expect to see quite a few more entertaining quips from Jobs emerge.
iPod antitrust lawsuit set to kick off tomorrow
The iPod's glory days are long gone, but plaintiffs certainly have long memories. Add a slow-moving judicial system into the equation and what we have, in a broad sense, is an upcoming anti-trust trial regarding Apple's ancient efforts to restrict music purchased on the iTunes Music Store to the iPod. The original claim against Apple goes all the way back to 2005 and is rooted in Apple's previous efforts to lock DRM-laden music tracks to Apple MP3 players exclusively. The lawsuit additionally alleges that Apple in the mid-2000s took measures to prevent the iPod from playing songs purchased from competing music stores. Apple, of course, would eventually do away with music-based DRM in 2009, but the lawsuit soldiered on. And so, here we are in 2014 with a trial set to kick off regarding issues that have long since been rendered irrelevant. CNET reports: The case involves two plaintiffs, Melanie (Tucker) Wilson and Marianna Rosen. Both are consumers who purchased audio downloads and iPods directly from Apple. They argue they paid more for iPods than they would have paid if Apple hadn't violated antitrust regulations. In a 2010 filing, the plaintiffs said they "suffered injury" to their property "in the form of overcharges." ... The plaintiffs say because music from other stores wouldn't work with iTunes and iPods, customers were forced to buy more music directly from iTunes. When it came time for consumers to buy new music players, they had to buy iPods because of all the iTunes music they owned. Because demand was higher for iPods, the prices increased, causing consumers to overpay for Apple's music players, they say. The trial will get underway tomorrow and, interestingly enough, will feature deposition and video testimony from Steve Jobs. In one potentially eyebrow-raising email highlighted by the New York Times, Jobs in 2003 emailed Apple executives and expressed concern that songs from a rival music service would be playable on the iPod. "We need to make sure that when Music Match launches their download music store they cannot use iPod," Jobs said at the time. "Is this going to be an issue?" Apple contends that many of the strict barriers it put up around its iPod/iTunes kingdom were put into place a) at the behest of music labels and b) to ensure a safe and functional user experience. All told, the plaintiffs are seeking $350 million in damages. CNET has a comprehensive overview of all the pertinent facts and issues of the case that's certainly worth a look.
Cyber Monday sales on Apple hardware and accessories
Black Friday may be over, but the holiday shopping deals continue on Cyber Monday. The deals on Apple gear are not as plentiful last week, but you can still save some money if you are looking for a Mac, an iPod or an iPad mini. Mac Select MacBook Air and Pro models - Best Buy - Up to $100 discount on select models. 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro models - MacMall - $1029 starting price (Up to $269 discount) 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro (2.4 GHz Core i5, 4GB, 128GB) - B&H Photo -$1059 ($140 discount) 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models - MacMall - $1,879 starting price (Up to $119 discount) MacBook Air models - MacMall - $829 starting price (Up to $69 discount) 13-inch MacBook Pro - MacMall - $999 starting price (Up to $99 discount) Mac mini - MacMall - $469 starting price (Up to $29 discount) Mac mini (2.6GHz Core i5, 8GB, 1 TB) - B&H Photo - $629 starting price ($70 discount) 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display models - MacMall - $2,399 starting price (Up to $100 discount) 21.5 and 27-inch Non-Retina iMac< models/a> - MacMall - $1,229 starting price (Up to $100 discount) 21.5-inch Non-Retina iMac - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive - Best Buy - $1379 ($120 discount) Mac Pro models - MacMall - $2839 starting price (Up to $500 discount) Mac Pro (Six-Core) - B&H Photo - $3,499 ($500 discount) iPad mini 16GB iPad mini WiFi - Best Buy - $199 ($50 discount) 16GB iPad mini WiFi - Walmart - $199 ($50 discount) 16GB iPad mini WiFi - MacMall - $244 ($5 discount) iPad mini 2 16GB iPad mini 2 WiFi - MacMall - $289 ($10 discount) 32GB iPad mini 2 WiFi - MacMall - $339 ($10 discount) 16GB iPad mini 2 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $419 ($10 discount) 32GB iPad mini 2 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $469 ($10 discount) iPad mini 3 16GB iPad mini 3 WiFi - MacMall - $389 ($10 discount) 16GB iPad mini 3 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $519 ($10 discount) 64GB iPad mini 3 WiFi - MacMall - $489 ($10 discount) 64GB iPad mini 3 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $619 ($10 discount) 128GB iPad mini 3 WiFi - MacMall - $589 ($10 discount) 128GB iPad mini 3 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $719 ($10 discount) iPad Air iPad Air - Best Buy - Save $30 on all iPad Air models with a base price of $369 for the 16GB WiFi model. 16GB iPad Air WiFi - MacMall - $389 ($10 discount) 16GB iPad Air WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $514 ($15 discount) 32GB iPad Air WiFi - MacMall - $434 ($15 discount) 32GB iPad Air WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $554 ($25 discount) iPad Air 2 16GB iPad Air 2 WiFi - MacMall - $479 ($20 discount) 16GB iPad Air 2 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $609 ($20 discount) 64GB iPad Air 2 WiFi - MacMall - $574 ($24 discount) 16GB iPad Air 2 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $479 ($699 discount) 128GB iPad Air 2 WiFi - MacMall - $664 ($29 discount) 128GB iPad Air 2 WiFi + Cellular - MacMall - $789 ($29 discount) iPhone Straight Talk Apple iPhone 5C LTE 8GB Prepaid Smartphone - Walmart - $299 ($150 discount) T-Mobile iPhone - T-Mobile - T-Mobile is discounting its iPhone lineup by up to $100. The "upgrade sale" allows you to buy a 64GB iPhone 6 for the price of a 16GB iPhone 6, a 64GB iPhone 5s for the price of a 32GB iPhone 5s and a 32GB iPhone 5c for the price of an 8GB iPhone 5c. iPod iPod Touch 16GB - Walmart - $188 ($7 discount) iPod Touch 32GB - Walmart - $229 ($20 discount) iPod Touch 32GB - Target - $249 with $20 gift card ($20 discount) iPod nano 16GB - Walmart - $139 ($10 discount) iPod Shuffle 2GB - Walmart - $44.99 ($5 discount) Beats Beats Studio Over-Ear Headphones - Walmart - $249 ($49) Beats By Dr. Dre Executive Noise Cancelling Headphones, Silver - Staples - $159 (46% discount) Beats by Dr. Dre – Beats Mixr On-Ear Headphones - Best Buy - $199 ($50 discount) Other Apple TV - Walmart - $89 ($10 discount) iTunes Gift Card $100 - Staples - $86.99 (14% discount) iTunes Gift Card $100 - PayPal - $75 (25% discount)
Canopy offers curated shopping on Amazon
So many of us love shopping on Amazon, but at times the choices can be overwhelming. Canopy (free) is a new iOS app designed as sort of a front door for Amazon, offering community-curated shopping suggestions for items offered on the online shopping venue. The ad-free app allows you to create an account, save things in personal collections, and search to see what others say about items sold on Amazon (you don't have to have an account to use the app if you don't want to bother). Yes, Amazon allows comments and they are really helpful, but the elegant design of Canopy and the 'likes' and comments from users may give you better direction in finding what you want. I looked around in several of the categories and found useful suggestions, as well as finding items that wouldn't have turned up doing a standard search in Amazon. If you find something you like, you're directed straight to Amazon to buy your item. If you have an account, you can share your comments and your best (and worst) finds. In use the app worked just fine. The design made it easy to explore, and there's no question I was finding interesting items that wouldn't pop up in the usual Amazon search unless it was very specific. Canopy should help you look for gifts during this holiday season, and your recipients might really appreciate your creativity in gift giving. Canopy requires iOS 7 or later. It's optimized for the iPhone 5 and 6 series of phones, but it is not universal, and only runs in portrait mode, which is a really dumb decision since many iPad cases are set for landscape. On the iPhone it's not an issue. That's my only gripe, and I think Canopy is worth a look.
iPhone users taking astronomical photos with the help of NightCap Pro
Taking pictures of stars and deep sky objects with an iPhone would not have been something I thought would have worked, but as Apple hardware improves with better low light camera performance, apps are there to exploit it and push the envelope. Several users of NightCap Pro, an app designed for night and low light photography, are getting some impressive results. Star trail shots are looking pretty good, and we're seeing meteor captures, and even shots of the International Space Station as it orbits the earth like the one at the top of this post. One amateur astronomer grabbed a decent shot of M42, the Orion Nebula, by attaching his iPhone to a telescope. The twin enemies of low light photography are grain and noise, and NightCap Pro does a good job of reducing the noise, leaving your faint subject visible. None of these photos are going to rival the Hubble Space Telescope output, but it's pretty amazing what an iPhone can do with the right software. Many iPhone owners have had some luck in the past taking photos of the moon through a telescope, but the moon is bright and doesn't put the iPhone camera to much of a test. NightCap Pro has a special 50 percent discount offer currently, making the app only US$0.99. The app requires iOS 7 or later, it's optimized for the iPhone 5 and 6 series, and it's universal for iPads.
Strategy plus math equals Make a 9
About ten years ago, the numerical game Sudoku became an overnight sensation. It required players to fill a series of boxes with the numbers 1-9, with some or most of the boxes empty. Players thrived on strategy, quick wits, and the perseverance needed to stick with the game until the puzzle pieces clicked together. As I played Make a 9, I couldn't help but think of that venerable predecessor, if only for the heavy numerical element of the puzzle. Make a 9 is a just-released game for any iPhone user who likes a mathematical challenge. Requiring iOS 5 or later, this free app is universally available but optimized for iPhone 5. Although it takes a while to get used to and figure out, the basic thrust of the game is as follows: You are given a blank slate divided into thirty-six squares. Each square mist be filled by a randomly-generated tile, numbered from 1-8. Simply tap any square to place a tile, and move to the next tile. As you arrange three in a row (more if you make L, T, or larger square shapes), the tiles will combine to move to the next highest number. So, if you place three 2 tiles in a row, they will collapse to become one 3 tile, moving to wherever you placed the last tile (this becomes important later on). Points are scored by the number on each tile, and as tiles combine your points are multiplied by however many tiles were put together (e.g., three 2 tiles are worth six points). The combining and collapsing of the tiles is important because, as the game's title suggests, you are to "make a 9." The goal is to collapse and combine enough tiles to move from a 1 all the way to 9. My description sounds like this would be easy enough, but it isn't at all. You can't just randomly slap tiles wherever you please. Not if you want to score high points, or even actually get to a 9. The game is over if you fill all the tiles, and this is very easy to do if you are not careful about where you place tiles. More than once, I ended the game with a pitifully low score because my tiles were landlocked-only one or two like tiles with a bunch of random tiles surrounding them. This means no opportunities to merge, change, and most importantly thus clear spaces to drop more tiles (and thus potentially merge more and get more points). Users can also pay a small fee of US$0.99 to unlock a swapping feature that allows them to swap out one potential numbered tile for another, depending on which is better for current gameplay. The game's current version has banner ads at the bottom of the screen; I did not see a way for them to be turned off. I never made a 9. I made 8s a good smattering of times, but the game's designers were extremely smart in how they set up the algorithm (or however the tiles are generated). I tried every strategy I could think of: concentrating on one small section of the board, trying to multiply as many tiles as I could in the smallest space. Placing higher tiles far away so I'd have plenty of room to easily merge three or more. Eventually learning to be very choosy in which tiles I filled when, realizing if I picked particular ones I could extend how many tiles were condensed at once and thus get a higher total score and more cleared spaces. None of these ultimately worked. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. The app's designers were very clear there isn't a traditional win/lose scenario, and to be honest I'm not entirely sure what would happen if I actually made a 9. Surprisingly, I was never mad at the app, felt like it was impossible, or that my time was wasted. To say I became addicted to it in the space of 48 hours might be a stretch, but I was definitely committed. In my thinking, that is the sign of a quality game with refreshingly attractive design and structure. iPhone games involving strategy, wit, and investment will only become more popular as our society becomes increasingly mobile. I'm grateful well-made contenders like Make a 9 are at the front of the pack.
Logitech's AnyAngle case: Just the angle you want for iPad Air 2, iPad mini
Logitech continues to outpace most accessory manufacturers in coming out with a variety of very useful products for the iPad. Today's announcement is for a very adjustable iPad case for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini called the AnyAngle (US$59.99). As you can see in the video below, AnyAngle uses a unique hinge mechanism to adjust to, well, just about any angle. I can see the AnyAngle being a good companion to Logitech's recently-released Keys-To-Go Bluetooth Keyboard, a standalone keyboard equipped with Logitech's splashproof FabricSkin. It's the perfect combo for people who want to use a keyboard with their iPads, but don't necessarily want that keyboard to be attached to the tablet. AnyAngle comes in a variety of colors - Black, Red/Blue, Violet, Grey, Teal, and Yellow. We hope to have a review item in hand soon.
RHA's T10i brings sound customization to high-fidelity headphones
The recently announced RHA T10i (US$199.95) noise-isolating, in-ear headphones take top-shelf in RHA's lineup of fantastic headphones. According to RHA, the T10i headphones take precedence over the MA750i (read my review here), which have been my everyday headphones over the last year or so. They're also the set I recommend to anyone looking for new headphones with high-quality sound, but with a modest budget. How does the T10i compare as the new top-tier RHA offering? Design According to RHA's website, the T10i takes a step forward in almost every aspect compared to the MA750i. The MA750i drivers are made from 303F Stainless Steel. The T10i drivers are made from Injected Molded Steel -- a process where steel is subjected to 1300 degrees Celsius heat for up to ten hours, ensuring the correct shape and density for superior comfort and durability. The result is a cool, brushed metal look and feel, with a sturdy confidence. I would have no problems shoving these into my back pocket or bag. The MA750i has over-ear cable supports. The T10i has "moulded" over-ear hooks that adjust to the shape of your ear. The MA750i has a steel reinforced, oxygen-free cable with gold plated connections. The T10i has a multicore, reinforced, oxygen-free copper cable with gold plated connections, and it's noticeably thinner, but still strong and hard-wearing. The list goes on. Incrementally different as they are, both headphones look fantastic, are rugged and durable, have a three button remote and mic made for iOS users and, as with all RHA headphones, have a 3-year warranty. However, the big difference here is between the MA750i 560.1 driver and the T10i 770.1 driver. For starters, the T10i's are noticeably bigger. But there's a lot more to it than just size. Aside from delivering a natural, balanced sound signature aiming to accommodate all genres of music accurately and precisely with high levels of soundstage imaging, the frequency response of the 770.1 driver is customizable with the T10i's interchangeable tuning filter system. By unscrewing the tip-ends off the drivers and replacing them with either of the two sets of additional filters, users can enhance the bass or treble response of the T10i or remain with the pre-installed, true-to-life reference filters attached. Check out RHA's details on the differences between all the drivers in their line-up here. Performance I spent the bulk of my listening time using the reference filters on the T10i. After the lengthy, but recommended burn-in period, I found the T10i's to be immediately familiar in feel and sound -- though offering a weightier, more detailed sound compared with the MA750i's more open sound -- but with a new found focus and determination that bested the MA750i. Of course, choosing the right ear tip is crucial for both noise isolation and the sound you'll get. I have some universal custom molds for my ears, but found that they didn't work well with the T10i's. Perhaps when fitted, there's a bit more travel between the driver and my ear. Either way, do try the different tips that come with the T10i's to get the best fit. Damien Rice's The Box (do listen to the album version) demonstrates how the T10i delivers fine detail and presentation as well as range and depth with life and energy. Rice's vocal is front and center, delicate and then soaring over an acoustic guitar. Subtle inflections, intonations and rhythms are beautifully presented and handled. The later piano and strings demonstrate the breadth of the T10i's soundstage, with warmth and clarity. Brass and drums join the mix, filling into the balanced depth and fullness the T10i offers. Everything culminates with a climatic end; piano harmonics linger while Rice's vocal and guitar end the song. It's a great song and a pleasure to hear through the T10i's. I spent less time with the filters, but appreciated the enhancements that each brought. If you're looking for that extra bit of sonic depth or height in your music, both will deliver subtle, but appreciated enhancements to either end of the spectrum. The filters provide a customization that is not often found in headphones of this price range, if at all. Conclusion The T10i sets a new high for RHA, pushing the boundaries of sound quality and delivery. They're a worthy upgrade to the MA750i, with incremental upgrades to an already impressive feature set, but it's those 770.1 drivers that make all the difference. There's also the custom filters for personal taste, which is a premium feature. Hitting the $200 price point starts to push beyond the realms of budget headphones, but I think the T10i offer great value for money when you could easily spend a lot more for a similar, high-quality experience. The T10i is available directly from RHA's website, Apple's Online Store or Amazon
iOS 8.1.1 is here, full of bug fixes, stability and performance enhancements
Another day, another iOS update. iOS 8.1.1 is appearing on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches around the world via the standard over-the-air update process. You can install the update by simply launching Settings, then going to General > Software Update. While there's no big info about what has been fixed and/or enhanced in 8.1.1, the update notes do say that performance improvements are specifically for the iPad 2 and iPhone 4s. As of publication time, information on the security content of the update was not yet available. It will be available soon at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222. Unlike the fateful iOS 8.0.1 update, this does not appear to be bricking iPhones. Unless you hear from us again soon, it's probably safe to run the update once it's available for you.
AstoundSound Music player can enhance audio from iOS devices
The AstoundSound Music Player (free with a single in-app purchase option at US$2.99) is an audio 'enhancer' designed to increase the 3D spatial effects that can be enjoyed while listening through headphones, speakers, and in cars. Play your music through the app, and when you switch on the enhancement you'll notice an increase in volume and a slight increase in spaciousness, especially on headphones. There is also a 'bass lifter' that does just that, increases the low end of the music spectrum slightly, keeping things musical. The GUI is attractive and easy to use. No help screens are needed. Your album art if preserved, and it rotates in a spherical graphic. The app is ad supported, but for an additional $2.99 you can be ad-free, have a choice of nicely designed skins, and enjoy a wider choice of levels of enhancement. I listened to a variety of music with Astound Sound (film soundtracks, classical, hard rock and some jazz) with pleasant results. You can switch the processing on and off. When it's off, the volume is much lower, so the enhanced version will always sound better as people will generally respond positively to an increase in levels. This is an old trick I learned as a Hi-Fi salesman back in college. When comparing two systems, the one that is slightly louder will 'win' every time. When I level-matched I still liked the slight processing better than listening straight through, especially on rock and jazz. On classical, I generally preferred a lack of processing. The best way to see if the app has an effect you like is to do the free download and give it a try. The AstoundSound Music Player also has presets for different headphone brands, speaker manufacturers and cars. Those options are pretty limited, but it's good to have choices. My preferred Sennheiser and Beyer headphone models weren't there, but other headsets from those brands were. There are other audio enhancement apps available, including CanOpener, Auvio EQ (free), the Dirac HD Player ($2.99) and the free AudioPhile app. They're all worth a look. The AstoundSound Music Player requires iOS 7.1 and is optimized for the iPhone 5. It's universal so you are good to go on any iDevice.
Live Weather Forecast app adds weather radio and HD Radar
Even with lots of weather apps to choose from, including excellent free apps from Apple and Yahoo, I'm always interested to see something new come along in the weather category that has a unique feature set. Live Weather Forecast (US$0.99) is a graphically pleasing universal app that packs a lot of information into an uncluttered user interface. Of course you get temperature, wind speeds, humidity, feels-like temperature, and a nice ten-day forecast, but you also get the Ultraviolet Index for your chosen location and an interactive map with radar and satellite maps for cloud cover, precipitation, snow and more. It allows unlimited cities to be added for review, and there is a nice, unobtrusive animated background reflecting the weather in each city. Swiping down provides more detail for the current location, while swiping left to right displays any other cities you have added. A circular swipe on the current temperature shows predictions of temperatures for many hours ahead. I think the nicest feature of Live Weather Forecast is full access to NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) comes from stations that are set up by the U.S. government to broadcast timely forecasts and alerts for bad weather. It can also provide information during severe incidents like oil spills or other disasters like earthquakes. It's handy to have NWR built into the app. It can play in the background while you do other things with your iDevice, and as a bonus, the app supports AirPlay. Live Weather Forecast does not provide dedicated weather alerts, but if you want audio notifications of significant events that feature is built into your iPhone. Most U.S. cellular carriers support this feature. To turn it on, navigate to Settings > Notifications, then scroll to the bottom of the screen and you can turn on (or off) AMBER alerts and Emergency Alerts. I think the only thing Live Weather Forecast lacks is text-based weather notifications. Moonrise/set times would be also nice considering all the other information that is provided. This is a nice app for under a dollar, and the NOAA Weather Radio service is a solid addition. Live Weather Forecast requires iOS and is optimized for the iPhone 5 and 6 series of devices.
A hands-on look at Logitech's Keys-To-Go keyboard for iPad
So you want a keyboard to use occasionally with your iPad, but you don't want a keyboard case. Up to this point, that meant that you usually had to buy an Apple Wireless Keyboard (US$69) or something similar to drop into your iPad bag. Logitech, which just happens to make some of the best iPad keyboard cases on the market, has just released the new Keys-To-Go ultra-portable keyboard for iPad ($69.99). Specifications Dimensions: 9.53 x 5.39 x 0.24 inches (242 x 137 x 6 mm) Weight: 6.35 ounces (180 grams) Rechargeable battery with life of three months Design The Keys-To-Go keyboard follows the tried-and-true design cues of Logitech's popular FabricSkin keyboard case. In that respect, it means that the keyboard is covered with the spill-resistant FabricSkin material and that it comes in three different colors - red, teal and basic black. Logitech points out that Keys-To-Go works with any iOS device, including iPad, iPhone and Apple TV. If you use another favorite iPad case that doesn't already have a built-in keyboard, or if you like using your iPhone 6 Plus as a "phablet", Keys-To-Go is designed for you. The keyboard is very complete and uses a standard layout for iOS devices. There are separate rows for numbers and functions - the functions include a home screen key, a home key double-click, Spotlight, keys for switching between keyboards, opening the virtual keyboard when the Keys-To-Go is in use, and various play/pause/rewind and volume keys. There's also a key for putting Bluetooth into discoverable mode (useful if you're switching devices that are using the keyboard) and another to test the battery level. Lastly, there are arrow keys, perfect for navigating around spreadsheets or word processing documents quickly. Functionality My first thought when I saw the bright teal FabricSkin covering on the Keys-To-Go was that this was probably the best keyboard I could personally use. My Twitter followers know just how many iPad keyboard cases I've inadvertently ruined by spilling liquids on them... It's hard to believe just how thin the Keys-To-Go is (see edge-on view below), but it's even harder to believe how good the keyboard feel is. There's a surprising amount of throw to the mechanical keys that gives just the right amount of feedback for fast touch typers. FabricSkin has a slightly rubbery feel to it, which is great because when you're typing on the keyboard on a slick surface, the keyboard stays in one place. At 6.4 ounces, Keys-To-Go is just slightly heavier than a naked iPhone 6 Plus (6.07 ounces). The two devices together weigh just 12.47 ounces, which is a really lightweight pocketable (if you have a SCOTTeVEST) laptop! Pairing is very quick and easy. The device is obviously made for primary use with iOS devices, as it shows up immediately in Bluetooth settings when turned on. When pairing with a Mac, the keyboard shows up with a hexadecimal identifier instead of a name, but still works perfectly. Conclusion Logitech has been making iPad keyboards for years now, and with the introduction of the Keys-To-Go keyboard, they now have a keyboard that works with any iOS device or Mac -- in fact, the majority of this review was written using Keys-To-Go paired with my iMac. Keys-To-Go is a transportable, lightweight, and rugged keyboard that has a good feel and makes an excellent all-around primary or spare keyboard. I would like to see Logitech put the pricing of the Keys-To-Go keyboard more in line with the K480 Multi-Device Keyboard that sells for just $49.99. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible
UNU Superpak Battery charges your iOS devices quickly
iOS devices have always had battery issues for heavy users. Each new model comes with a bigger battery, but that battery often serves a higher resolution screen, added radios, a faster processor and other features. There are a variety of battery packs for sale that you can use when you are away from AC or a USB charging port, and there are also integrated battery cases that add some weight and thickness to your iPhone or iPad. Either type of battery pack can get you through a long, data-heavy day. UNU has a most interesting offering that's just become available. It's an external battery pack called the Superpak (U.S. $39.99 on sale) with a hefty 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery. Some smart software on board can charge iOS devices up to 2X faster than most chargers, and it automatically adjusts to each device plugged in to figure out the device's maximum charging speed. Specifications: 2 charging ports; 5v/2.1 amp and 5v/1 amp 10,000 mAH Lithium Polymer Battery Micro USB in from a standard USB cord (included) 4 LEDs to show charging state of the battery pack Special cable that supports either a micro USB connection or a lightning cable (included) Colors: Black or white Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches Weight: 8.8 ounces 1 year warranty Design The unit itself looks very sturdy, with a hard plastic case. One end lists the specifications of the unit. The other end has a power switch to initiate charging, a micro-USB port for charging the battery pack, 2 output ports and a cord with a fitting that provides both micro-USB and Lightning connections to your device. The top of the case holds the four LED charging indicators -- when all four are lit up, the Superpak is fully charged. Using the Superpak The Superpak is simplicity defined -- just plug it in and charge it up. When it's fully charged, it's ready to recharge your iOS devices. Using both ports, you can charge an iPhone and an iPad at the same time. While I don't have scientific tests to back my claim, charging was rapid. My iPhone 6 went from 70% to 90 percent charge using the 1 amp port in about 15 minutes. Using the 2.1 amp port, the iPhone 6 went from 90 percent to fully charged in just a hair over 10 minutes. A fully depleted Superpak can recharge from AC power in five to six hours. Some third party tests say that the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus can charge twice as fast with a 2.1 Amp charger, and I've certainly confirmed those results with my iPhone 6. Apple's stock charger is only 1 Amp, so this battery will surely speed the process up if you use the 2.1 Amp port. Using the faster port, expect an iPhone 6 to charge from 10 percent to full in just about an hour. You can charge the UNU battery at the same time you are charging an iOS device. The only missing is a case. I think all battery cases should have a carry case, and this one doesn't. Summary and final thoughts The UNU Superpak is a solid piece of hardware with an unusually high power output. It charges rapidly, handles multiple devices, and includes a Lightning connector making it fully compatible with the newer iPhones and iPads. Basically, potential iPhone users will have to decide between this kind of charging or an integrated battery case. I've used both, but manufacturers are beginning to get less excited about integrated cases, as are consumers it seems. I've had battery cases, but a new phone usually means the battery case won't fit anymore. They also add a lot of bulk to the svelte iPhone designs. More than one battery/case designer has told me they are planning on curtailing those cases in favor of form factors like the UNU. Still, UNU expects to offer integrated battery cases for the new iPhones soon, to meet customer demand from those that don't want to carry the extra pack. The UNU Superpak is available direct or from Amazon at the same sale price. It's the most powerful battery charger I've seen for iOS devices, and the clever cable that can provide micro-USB and Lightning connectors is really useful. Recommended.
Seasonality Go is a top tier weather app
I reviewed Seasonality Go (US$5.99) a couple of years ago when it was an iPad-only weather app and pretty pricey at $10.99. I liked the app, but wished for a lower price and an iPhone version. Those wishes have been granted, as the app is now 40 percent cheaper, and has a first class iPhone version. There are plenty of free weather apps, so you'd wonder what makes this app worth putting money on the table. First off, there is a wealth of information here: 30,000 weather locations in 200 countries, and astronomical data like sunset/sunrise time and moon phase. There are graphs for 10 weather variables including temperature, wind speed, precipitation, cloud cover and more. There is an animated satellite map with radar and infrared weather data. This latest version has been thoroughly rewritten and adds even more data like dew-point temperature graphs. My favorite feature is the Particle Mode. It simulates what you would see if you dropped some confetti into the air and watched the patterns as it blows. You can watch in a worldwide view and see major weather systems, or zoom down to your location and see the wind direction or how the winds interact with weather fronts. Maybe it's more weather data than you think you need, but you will get used to the richness of the data and the striking GUI. This latest version has been optimized for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and it really looks clean and easy to read. Most people won't buy a weather app and are well served by freebies like Yahoo Weather, but if you crave more, Seasonality Go is really worth a close look and your consideration. There is built-in help and good explanations of what you are seeing. It requires iOS 8, runs in both landscape and portrait mode, and to me it is worth the investment. Check it out on the app store and see if it catches your fancy.
Leaf on the Wind is an engaging and very clever game
I don't do a lot of game reviews because to me they usually are endless variations on a theme. Leaf on the Wind (US$2.99) is a clever exception, and a game I am really enjoying. Leaf on the Wind is a gentle game that involves flicking leaves off a tree to a target off screen that you slowly scroll to. The leaves obey the laws of physics, and you will have to avoid natural hazards like fire, water, wind, and even some man-made obstacles. The pleasant rush of a whistling wind is heard until you hit something and end that level. There is also a pleasing guitar background. The game is challenging without ever becoming silly. It's sort of an adventure, sort of a puzzle, and there is clear goal-seeking. The graphics are very nice and it plays as a nicely integrated package. There are 30 levels, and so far I've been through four, so there is lots of play left, and starting again would also be a good challenge and not repetitive. There is a trailer for the game on the Pangeasoft site. I do like this game. It shows a lot of fresh thought, and it doesn't involve murder and mayhem, although depending on my mood, that's OK sometimes too. I don't want to spoil too much of what the game offers, but suffice to say you're likely to enjoy it if you crave something different. The game is universal, and it's ready to accommodate the larger screen sizes of the iPhone 6 series. Leaf on the Wind requires iOS 8.
iOS users: Nest Thermostat update on the way
The popular Nest Thermostat will see a significant software upgrade within the week. The system, popular with iOS users who can control it from their iPhones or iPads, will see improvements to its auto-schedule software, a new Quick View option, and enhanced system test features. Nest says the Auto-Schedule software can "...help you save up to 6% more on your heating and cooling bills by learning new schedules quickly and adapting to changes better. So when your schedule shifts – like when summer's over and the kids are back at school – Nest can now catch on faster that the temperature adjustments you're making are part of a new pattern rather than just one-off changes." Quick View is a major GUI change. Pushing the thermostat ring will now display weather, indoor temperatures and humidity. You will also get a summary of energy used the previous day, and the next change to the schedule. Finally, a System Test will walk you through your attached hardware and check functionality. The update will be pushed from the Nest servers automatically. There will also be updates to the iOS Nest applications to support the changes. Nest says other new features are on the way. The company is getting pushed by competitors like Honeywell. I'd love to see the Nest use my iPhone to figure out if I am near home or not, so it can set the auto-away function using geo-fencing, rather than using the motion sensing feature of the Nest to see if I am home.
