iNews Review

iPad FAQ and Unknowns, Apple vs. Android, App Store Piracy Debunked, A4 CPU Details, and More

This Week's iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2010.03.05

So we can post our three news roundups (Mac News Review, The 'Book Review, and iNews Review) earlier, we first do a quick proofread and link check, leaving out images. We add images later when time permits. dk

Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Apps & Services

Accessories

iPod Deals

These price trackers are updated every month.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Everything You Need to Know About the iPad

Macworld UK tackles questions about Apple's new tablet, plus a few of their own Macworld staff, including:

  • What's the iPad going to cost? (in the UK)
  • Will all models be available at the same time?
  • Are there any other differences between the WiFi and 3G models?
  • If I wait and pay more for the 3G model, will I get free 3G access?
  • And what's that going to cost me?
  • Which mobile networks will be able to support the iPad?
  • Should the iPad support pen-input?
  • Will everything be available in the UK at the same time as the US?
  • What if I don't want to use the on-screen keyboard to type in long emails?
  • Does the iPad have a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver?
  • How hot will it get?
  • Is there any way to get files off the device?
  • Will it stream video and audio podcasts from the iTunes store?
  • Will I be able to print from the iPad?
  • Will I be able to buy magazines through iBooks and the iBookstore?
  • How much will books cost?
  • Can the iBooks app display PDFs or ePub files that didn't come from the iTunes store?
  • Will books purchased through iBookstore have digital-rights management restrictions?
  • Is the iPad going to require developers to completely rebuild their iPhone apps?
  • Will I be able to move the apps I've already bought for my iPhone onto an iPad?
  • Is there a way to get apps on the device that don't come through the App Store?
  • Will the iPad display web content made using Flash?
  • Apple tweaked iWork to run on the iPad why not iLife?
  • How does Photos on the iPad compare to iPhoto?
  • What's the relationship between the Calendar and Mail apps on the iPad and their iPhone/Mac counterparts?
  • I already carry an iPhone and a laptop. Why do I need a third device?

15 iPad Mysteries Remain

Computerworld's Mike Elgan says that Steve Jobs is such a great salesman that he can actually give us a sense of familiarity with something we don't know anything about. Apple's iPad is a perfect example. But huge, fundamental questions about the device remain unanswered, such as:

  • When can you buy one?
  • When can you pre-order one?
  • Will AT&T delay the 3G version?
  • Where will the missing iPhone apps show up?
  • Will there be new 'gestures' we don't yet know about?
  • Will Apple censor TV, movies and magazines?

Taiwan-Based Component Makers Doubt iPad Delay

DigiTimes' Ninelu Tu and Joseph Tsai reports:

"In response to reports that initial volumes of Apple's iPad in late March will be lower than originally planned and the launch will be only in the US market because production by Foxconn Electronics has been delayed, Foxconn's component suppliers have said their supplies are on schedule and Foxconn should be able to ship 600,000-700,000 iPads in March and one million units in April."

Inside Apple's iPad: iPhone OS vs. Mac OS X

AppleInsider's Daniel Eran Dilger says:

"Apple's new iPad is facing criticism for using the streamlined iPhone OS rather than the full Mac OS X, but Apple has a number of reasons for aligning the iPad with the iPhone rather than its desktop Mac platform."

Dilger suggests that rather than being a dumbed down notebook, the iPad is most accurately categorized as a scaled up iPhone.

Experts Trash iPhone for Health Care Use

smarthealthcare.com reports:

"Two NHS mobile equipment specialists have said that the short battery life of Apple's iPhone makes it unsuitable for use in health work.

"Paul Curley, clinical director of IT and consultant surgeon for Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said that his organisation's tests had found that personal digital assistants were viable for use within hospitals, but that performances varied.

"'With the BlackBerry, the battery life is superb. With the iPhone, it's rubbish,' he said."

Physicians Most Likely to Use Apple iPhone

According to SDI's Mobile & Social Media Study: Physicians' Views of Emerging Technology, approximately 30% of physicians access medical information using a handheld device or smartphone. The most popular handheld device or smartphone is the Apple iPhone, with 31% of respondents owning one.

Not surprisingly, 95% of physicians who use handheld devices/smartphones download applications to access medical information. The most popular application reported is Epocrates, followed by Medscape and Skyscape.

The majority of handheld device/smartphone users also access medical information utilizing desktop and laptop computers. However, the type of medical information physicians seek differs greatly by device. When using a handheld device or smartphone, physicians are most likely to access information about drugs, drug interactions, and prescribing. When using a computer, physicians are more likely to seek articles, abstracts, and continuing medical education-related information.

Handheld device/smartphone users generally access medical data more frequently than desktop/laptop users. For example, 52% of handheld users obtain medical information several times a day, compared to 37% of those using a desktop or laptop.

SDI's Mobile & Social Media Study: Physicians' Views of Emerging Technology surveyed nearly 1,200 physicians from 15 specialties in October 2009 regarding their use of mobile technology and their participation in online physician networking. The study provides detailed information about:

  • How physicians access online medical information
  • What medical information physicians seek and when they seek it
  • Physicians' preferred sources of online medical information and CME credits
  • E-prescribing behaviors
  • Physician usage of, and purpose of participating in, online physician networking
  • Usage and relevance of non-physician networking social media to their practice
  • In addition to providing overall panel responses, the study utilizes SDI's prescriber-level data to analyze physicians' responses based on their annual prescribing level and specialty.

AdMob: iPad Purchase Plans 'Sluggish'

VentureBeat's Paul Boutin reports:

"Only one in six iPhone owners surveyed by Google-owned mobile ad network AdMob said that they 'intend to purchase' an Apple iPad tablet computer. Among Android phone owners, the ratio dropped to one in seventeen.

"The results, from an opt-in survey of 960 respondents that AdMob ran in January, strongly suggest that the iPad lacks the iPhone's gotta-have-it hotness."

Editor's note: If one in six iPhone owners intend to purchase an iPad within its first months on the market, that's about 5 million sales. If iPod touch owners adopt the iPad at the same rate, we're looking at over 7 million units by mid-year. How does this translate into "sluggish"? dk

iPhone vs. Android statesAndroid vs. Apple: The Flyover States

Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt says:

"Google phones may outsell iPhones in eight U.S. states. Can you guess which ones?

"Here's a bit of geographical trivia that may have business consequences."

Android Tablets Will Challenge the iPad

Technology Review's Kristina Grifantini reports that tablet computers powered by Google's Android mobile operating system are set to debut and according to analysts will enjoy some key advantages over Apple's iPad such as their Tap and go interface and ability to access the software ecosystem developed for Android phones, the ability to run Flash, a webcam and multitasking support.

Is Your Mobile Phone Cancer Causing?

Treehugger's Jessica Root says:

"My cell phone makes me feel funny. Does yours?

"I couldn't tell if it was my better body awareness from yoga or my generally strong cell phone neurosis (long live the bees!). Every time I held my phone up to my ear, I felt a vibratory drum-like sensation as though something external and vampire-ish was sucking life out of me. Dash in a little of my hypochondria and you can imagine the visions of brain tumors, breast cancer and salivary gland cancer dancing in my head.

"The situation called for a cry out to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The non-profit issued a recent update to their Cell Phone Radiation Guide released last September that now includes new, popular 2010 phone models. I decided to brace myself for better or for worse to find out where my model stood. Find out where mine - and yours - ranks on the list."

The Myth of iPhone App Piracy

Gizmodo's John Herrman says:

"People rarely talk about iPhone app piracy, but when they do, it sounds devastating: 90% piracy rates, $450 million in lost sales, etc. Here's the truth: App Store piracy isn't a big deal - and it never will be.

"With these shockingly high reports comes the general air that developers are being marauded and pillaged by Viking hordes and that Apple isn't doing enough to stop it. This resonates! Developers don't control much about the App Store, so if the entire app protection system has been cracked - which it has - you'd expect the looting to be wholesale; the impact on developers to be immediate and devastating; and the problem to be grave indeed.

"And yet the piracy issue seems to be dying. The story behind the lack of a story, it turns out, is that iPhone piracy is nowhere near as serious as many people say it is, and that before long, it may not be a problem at all."

Apple's A4 Chip: Less Is More?

Engadget's Nilay Patel says that although early erroneous reports placed Apple's custom A4 chip at the leading edge of ARM-based design, things are slowly falling back to earth, with Ars Technica reporting that the CPU is the familiar single-core Cortex A8 also found in Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, making the A4 seem an awful lot like an tightened-up, overclocked iPhone 3GS chip....

Apple A4 CPU a Feature-stripped ARM Cortex-A8

AppleInsider's Sam Oliver says:

"Though early reports and speculation suggested Apple's custom A4 system-on-a-chip found inside the iPad was based on the more advanced, dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 architecture, one new report says the processor actually 'just isn't anything to write home about.'"

Apps & Services

TasteTimer for iPhone and iPod touch

PR: Gormaya has announced that their first App, TasteTimer, has been updated and is available exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch. TasteTimer is a precise timer with over 600 included timer recipes for tea, coffee, and food.

TasteTimer11Main.jpg

With TasteTimer, there are 19 categories of timer recipes: Black Tea, Botanical, Chai, Coffee, Eggs, Fruit, Grain, Green Tea, Hot Chocolate, Legume, Meat, Oolong Tea, Poultry, Pu-erh Tea, Rooibos, Seafood, Vegetables, White Tea, and Yerba Maté.

TasteTimer112.jpg

"I'm very happy with this new version of TasteTimer," said Duane Fahey, cofounder of Gormaya, LLC. "We listened to suggestions from customers and reviewers to improve the color scheme and adding/editing of a timer recipe, not to mention doubling the number of included recipes."

TasteTimer115.jpg

Foodies use TasteTimer for cooking and grilling. Gourmet coffee or tea drinkers use TasteTimer every day. Each timer recipe includes time, temperature, measurements, and notes. Tap a category. Tap a food or drink. Read the timer recipe. Prepare ingredients. Tap the Start button. Three taps to great taste!

TasteTimer 1.1 is now available for $3.99 in the US and is priced accordingly in other regions. iPhone OS 3.0 is required. TasteTimer is available worldwide from Apple's App Store.

Wakeupcall.tv Turns Alarm Clock into Eye Opening Video Newscast

PR: Wakeupcall.tv is a new iPhone application that turns an alarm clock into a daily two-minute video newscast set off by a jazzy retro ringtone. The creator and host of wakeupcall.tv, Andrea Jackson uses a conversational style to deliver the latest eye opening news headlines including a brief national weather forecast. Jackson's casual presentation is perfect for slumbering types who would rather listen than watch with sleepy eyes. Plus parents, the content is suitable for the 12 & under smartphone set.

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Easy-to-use and styled with '60s flair, wakeupcall.tv can be viewed with or without setting the application's alarm clock. Users can set their own alarm and view the daily webcast by tapping the classic TV icon featured on the screen's home page. When a new webcast is uploaded, the application automatically updates the video and plays the most recent newscast.

Andrea Jackson, best known for her work as host & managing editor of the TV morning show The Daily Buzz (2002-2009), created wakeupcall.tv after leaving the program and dreaming up new ways to deliver morning news.

A big idea took shape as a small mobile screen and the search began for the right team to develop the wakeupcall.tv iPhone application. A dozen top developers were consulted before Jackson discovered the team at Branded Research, an app development and marketing firm based in southern California.

Branded Research, cofounded by Matt Gaffney and Rhett McNulty, started out creating applications for Facebook and quickly transitioned into the world of smartphones. The firm was way ahead of the app game, developing video style applications for celebrities, integrated with an alarm clock for the iPhone. The Santa Monica based company was a perfect fit for Jackson's innovative concept of a newscast cued by an alarm clock.

The idea of wakeupcall.tv caught the attention of owners Gaffney and McNulty who are pitched hundreds of app ideas on a weekly basis. Both consider it the next step in the evolution of media, "We've seen the genesis of news delivery, from newspaper and print, to the web, and now on the phone through mobile applications. The wakeupcall.tv application falls directly in line, delivering concise "Twitter" style content with relevant daily news."

Wakeupcall.tv was inspired by the growing demands of a smartphone lifestyle, revealed in these recent studies:

  • A poll of nearly 1500 people showed 82% of them owned a mobile phone, with over half of them using it as an alarm clock. Telegraph
  • 95% of people surveyed online by Ruder & Finn use their mobile phones to stay informed with 60% going to their smartphones for current news and events. Editor & Publisher
  • Consumers will spend $6.2 billion dollars on apps this year. Gartners

Download the wakeupcall.tv application for $1.99 on the iPhone, iPod touch, or new iPad. Go to the official website's hospitality page to join the wakeupcall.tv social networking scene and find out who's dialed into the phone call waking up the app world.

Vancouver 2010 - Official Game of the Olympic Winter Games

PR: Embrace the spirit of competition with the Vancouver 2010 Official Mobile Game. Become the ultimate winner in this thrilling sports challenge filled with superior features and great gameplay. Play solo or with friends and take part in five electrifying sport events: Cross Country Skiing, 500m Short Track Speed Skating, Snowboard Cross, Biathlon, and Freestyle Moguls. Catch the fever and join the world's most exciting competition!

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New in Version 1.4.3:

  • New icon
  • Minor bug fixes

MultiEducator Releases Auto Buyer for iPhone and iPod touch

PR: MultiEducator, Inc. introduces Auto Buyer 1.0, their new iPhone and iPod touch reference for anyone in the market to purchase a new car. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone's unique capabilities and touch interface, Auto Buyer brings together key information every car purchaser should have. Program index features include: the official US government mileage calculations for every car, as well as, each car's carbon footprint, and the percentage chance of each car's overturning in an accident as well as each cars crash car ratings done by the US government.

Auto Buyer's "financial section" calculates the amount of money you would save in gas by buying a more fuel efficient car, (such as a hybrid); indicating what price gas has to be, in order to save a set amount of money and make the purchase of more efficient car economical. Auto Buyer will calculate your monthly lease and loan payment, along with the true interest of your lease, and calculate the total monthly cost of purchasing the car you want.

Users can save or e-mail any calculations. In addition, Auto Buyer allows users to select favorites and automatically returns to the last place last searched upon exit. MultiEducator's Auto Buyer joins the companies 25 formulator apps targeted for a variety of niche engineering, personal productivity and history apps.

System Requirements:

  • iPhone and iPod touch
  • Requires iPhone OS 2.2 or later
  • 6.9 MB

Auto Buyer 1.0, for iPhone is offered at the introductory price of $1.99 and available exclusively through Apple's App Store in the Reference category. Review copies are available upon request.

Screenshot: http://www.multieducator.net/formulator/autobuyer/main.jpg

Gallup Application for iPhone and iPod touch

Gallup_Daily_Numbers.gif

PR: With the Gallup news application for the iPhone and iPod you can get breaking Gallup news and data updates on the go. You will also get the latest Gallup articles and videos on politics, business, well-being and world news.

Gallup Daily data updates at 1 p.m. EST every day:

  • Obama Job Approval
  • U.S. Workforce
  • Consumer Spending
  • Economic Confidence
  • Economic Outlook
  • Economic Conditions
  • Standard of Living
  • Life Evaluation
  • Mood
  • Health

Features:

  • Gallup Daily data on politics, business, and well-being
  • Breaking Gallup news headlines and full articles
  • Gallup video
  • E-mail Gallup articles

Gallup_Application_for_iPhone_and_iPod_Touch.gif

The Gallup application for the iPhone and iPod touch is a free download available in the iTunes App Store.

dBelement Bypasses the AppStore and Releases Revolutionary Reader App

PR: dBelement, LLC announces Reader for the iPhone, Droid, iPad, and virtually any modern mobile device. Reader by dBelement is the first of its kind offline eBook WebApp for the iPhone and iPod touch. There is no need to go to the AppStore; Reader bypasses the entire AppStore process and offers a revolutionary reading experience.

Reader makes enjoying your books easy. From an organized bookshelf interface to the crisp fonts scientifically proven to speed up your reading:

  • Reader lets you import your own books, and it also has a built in Public Library so you'll never run out of books to read
  • The colors are chosen to be easy on the eyes, so you can read for hours
  • Reader has a built-in "night time" mode to make it easy to read books at night
  • Quick bookmarks will let you jump back to exactly where you left off
  • You can adjust the font size to your liking and use one touch scrolling to turn pages
  • Set an auto scroll speed and your books will flow up just like movie credits. The auto scroll is a great feature for touch-free reading, it also trains your eyes to read at a constant pace
  • Reader also has a built in dictionary so you can lookup words on the fly

You can try Reader for free. There is nothing to download or install. Reader is a revolutionary webapp that works completely offline. You can start adding and reading books within minutes. Navigate to the Reader App page to learn more.

Screenshot: http://dbelement.com/apps/images/Reader/Screenshot8.png

iExit 1.2 for iPhone - New Way of Delivering Interstate Info

PR: Announcing that AllStays, the developers of iExit, has released the latest version of their new app for users who travel on the interstate. This application is new, offering an incredibly easy way of looking up interstate information, usually within ten seconds. Ideal for pinpointing rest and fuel stops, iExit has native GPS, mapping and offline use capabilities.

Adam Longfellow, President of AllStays, developed the iExit application because of his own frustration, "I love to drive on trips and I would constantly find a better exit after stopping at some crappy place with bad food or driving too many miles to a station that was on the interstate sign. My GPS unit is fine for where I am right now but it's very hard to look ahead by an hour or two for multiple categories."

Longfellow has solved the problems by integrating a full native GPS navigation system into the app. iExit determines which direction a user is driving in then loads the upcoming exits, along with the user's favorite places to stop, all in ten seconds on average. iExit works with local data to provide information, therefore the app can be used, even without phone or Internet service. This is particularly handy for traveling in rural or remote areas where service access can be iffy or nonexistent.

The app is highly intuitive, which helps to keep a driver from getting lost. It handles junctions to let users know whether the spot they're looking for is located on the right or left of an off ramp and how far away it is, saving the time and frustration that result from having turned the wrong way or gone too far. Integrating perfectly with Google Maps, iExit can display up to one hundred and fifty different points of interest, all on a single map. This makes it easy to plan a few hours ahead as a user travels.

Features:

  • Shows points of interest (POI) at the 50 next exits
  • Gives directions (left/right) and distances for POIs relative to the interstate
  • Filters exits by only those with a user's favorite locations
  • Displays upcoming information in both a list and map view
  • Handles interstate junctions intuitively
  • Works even without phone service
  • Supports an offline mode so users can look up exits manually
  • Detects whether a user is on the interstate or not, instead of always assuming you're on the interstate
  • Draws from extensive POI database from travel website, AllStays

iExit is unique because of how quickly and intuitively it delivers the most extensive interstate information available in an iPhone app. Anyone who travels the country's highways can do so much more comfortably with iExit.

Device Requirements:

  • Compatible with iPhone
  • Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
  • 10.5 MB

iExit 1.2 is $2.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Navigation category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWSrxoO5_GY

AllStays, based in New Mexico, primarily lists all kinds of lodging, from primitive campgrounds and RV Parks to luxury hotels and spa resorts. AllStays also links directly to official websites to make sure users have the real scoop on the latest and most accurate information

Where to Wee iPhone App Finds a Restroom Near You

PR: Dave and Twila Pitcher have announced Where to Wee for iPhone and iPod touch. When you gotta go, you gotta know. Where to Wee uses your exact GPS location to recommend the nearest and cleanest restrooms. The App has over 60,000 worldwide washrooms in its database, with more being added every day by Where to Wee users. Users can detail their search to find restrooms with specific amenities, and much more.

When you gotta go, you gotta know: Where to Wee is an iPhone and iPod touch application that uses your exact location to recommend the nearest and cleanest restrooms. The App was launched this fall and already has over 60,000 worldwide washrooms in its database, with more being added every day by Where to Wee users.

It can be a huge issue finding a washroom when you're out and about in an unfamiliar place. Travellers, people with health issues, or with children in tow need to find fast answers whereever they are. Where to Wee provides instant options, showing the nearest washroom on a map based on their exact GPS location. Where to Wee users can detail their search to find restrooms with specific amenities (i.e.: handicap access/change tables etc.), and if users need to research washroom locations in advance of their travels they can do so by entering an approximate address into the search tool.

Dave and Twila Pitcher, a Canadian couple, created the application. Dave is a former Canadian Football league running back. Twila has a Travel Industry background. They were inspired by their frequent travels on the road, and a loved one who suffers from Ulcerative Colitis. The Pitchers' goal is to provide a quick, simple means of locating a clean restroom at your fingertips and to provide this service on a global basis.

The Pitchers' are proud of the tool's smart looks and ease of use. Over the next few months, they look forward to the database expanding and improving organically as users add restrooms, submit photos, and rate them to separate the good restrooms from the bad, and the ugly.

Whether you are on a road trip, travelling in a foreign country, or shopping in your own city or town, 'wheretowee' helps you find a washroom, on the go, and with ease. Aside from finding a clean washroom, you may stumble upon a cool cafe or great restaurant. It also beats pulling out a map when you are travelling.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone and iPod touch
  • Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
  • 2.0 MB

Where to Wee 1.0.1 is $1.99 and available exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category. Watch for updates and exciting contests on their website.

Screenshot: http://tinyurl.com/ya3tqkk

Bowers Technologies Celebrating iTunes Store Top 100 Ranking of PrayerJournal with Discounts

PR: Bowers Technologies, Inc. announces that their best selling iPhone app, PrayerJournal, broke into the top 100 sales ranking on the iTunes store. As a result, they announced a discount sale on their most popular apps in celebration.

  • iPastor now $1.99 (Originally $4.99) = 60% discount
  • TrackMyTime now 99¢ (Originally $1.99) = 50% discount

"We are so excited here today." said Bryan Bowers, founder of Bowers Technologies, Inc. "Our staff has been working extremely hard to make this app a success. Everyone in the office is grinning from ear to ear today."

iPastor is a valuable tool for pastors, ministers, missionaries, church staff, and even volunteers to effectively and efficiently serve the church members. It allows a pastor to track the individual needs in the church and to plan out a care strategy for each person.

TrackMyTime is a simple to use app that allows someone to accurately record time in order to better manage billable hours. Once finished with a job or project, the person simply presses the submit button and the information will be emailed to the appropriate person. This app works well for both sole proprietors and large firms with many employees.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone and iPod touch
  • Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
  • 0.7 MB

PrayerJournal 2.3 is 99¢ and available exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category.

Power Line and Handmark to Put Best of the Conservative Web in Readers' Hands with New Mobile Application

PR: Handmark, creator and distributor of mobile applications and services, and Power Line, one of the most influential American political blogs, today introduced Power Line Mobile, a novel application enabling readers to carry "the best of the conservative web" in their pockets.

"Power Line's readers are loyal, brilliant - and very, very busy. We want to give them access to the stream of thought we generate, and putting it conveniently in their iPhone or BlackBerry was a natural"

Named Time magazine's first-ever "Blog of the Year," describing it as "a certain Ping-Pong, finish-each-other's-sentences conversational chemistry" merrily covering the politics and culture of the day, is read from the halls of Congress to the newsrooms of New York to offices around the world. The site attracts more than three million readers per month.

The new mobile application provides users with an instant, real-time access to Power Line content, as well as special connections to other conservative commentators. Readers can download the Power Line Mobile app, inviting their favorite writers into their lives, incorporating the "steam" of news and thought into the everyday.

Unlike enhanced mobile websites, content within Power Line Mobile is refreshed automatically. Readers can be visually notified whenever something new comes through the feed. The application will also integrate social networking capabilities so favorite posts can be shared via Facebook, Twitter, and del.icio.us. A customizable "My Feeds" tab will also enables users to access their own preferred news and feature stories.

"Power Line's readers are loyal, brilliant - and very, very busy. We want to give them access to the stream of thought we generate, and putting it conveniently in their iPhone or BlackBerry was a natural," said Joe Malchow who, with authors John Hinderaker, Scott Johnson, and Paul Mirengoff, publishes Power Line. "We are pleased to work with Handmark to develop an exquisitely simple mobile application that keeps our readers connected around the clock."

Power Line Mobile was developed in partnership with Handmark, whose Mobile Publishing Platform (MPP), supports a wide variety of major newspapers, magazines and other leading content destinations like Power Line launch quality mobile applications quickly.

"Targeted news sites and blogs are now clearly an important source of information," said Evan Conway, EVP of Marketing at Handmark. "It's exciting to extend the reach of Power Line to a mobile audience through our mobile application publishing platform."

The Power Line mobile application is available free for the iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones from the Handmark website.

Color Expert 1.1 for iPhone Adds CMYK, Image Palette, New Libraries

PR: Code Line has announced Color Expert 1.1, their Color Wheel, an Image Palette and a Swatch Book for the iPhone and iPod touch. Color Expert puts the power of color into your hands. And its new, updated features and user-interface are sure to streamline your workflow and keep you productive, no matter where you are.

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Color Expert has your favorite color libraries:

  • Pantone® solid coated
  • Pantone® solid uncoated
  • Pantone® Goe™ coated
  • Pantone® Goe™ uncoated
  • Pantone® f + h cotton
  • Pantone® f + h paper
  • Web Safe Colors
  • HTML Colors

We built Color Expert from the ground up with the creative spirit in mind. Designers of all types, regardless of their medium, have a common thread - and that common thread is color. We use it to be loud, quiet, bold, subtle, soothing, frenzied and sometimes just to stand out. But working with color can be difficult away from the studio.

Case in point. You're visiting a client and they want a good color combo to go with Pantone 123 C. These things can take time. Especially if you have to go hunting around for swatches in your color books. You know, the ones you left back at the studio. Well, not to seem too dramatic, but with Color Expert, it takes about 15 seconds and 8 taps. Make that 9 taps if it's not already running. Sure, you'll want to play around with it after that. It's actually kind of addicting. But what a great place to start.

And how about building your Spring Collection's palette from that flamingo you saw at the zoo? Well, you can get started on that one in about 8 taps as well. Suddenly your design begins the moment inspiration hits you, no matter where you are. But Color Expert is more than just a Color Wheel and Image Picker, it's also a Swatch Book that contains all of your favorite libraries, many with CMYK data. So give it a spin with your iPhone or iPod touch.

The world is full of color. And now that world fits in your pocket. Color Expert. Tap into it.

Pantone, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world's color authority for 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone now offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at pantone.com

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone and iPod touch
  • Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later
  • 2.3 MB

Color Expert 1.1 is $9.99 and available exclusively through the App Store in the Reference category.

Overview/Tutorial Video: http://www.code-line.com/sharing/tapintoit/movie.php

Screenshot: http://bit.ly/bwKk8H

Clipper Magazine iPhone App Delivers Savings

PR: Clipper Magazine has just launched a new, free savings app for the iPhone. The Coupon Clipper app literally puts the savings power of America's best local direct mail advertising in the palm of the mobile user's hand.

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Designed specifically with consumers' hectic lifestyles in mind, the savings app provides instant coupons and an easy-to-use interface for maximum convenience. With Coupon Clipper App, users can access over 50,000 offers from businesses nationwide where they eat, shop and play. Built-in GPS allows users to quickly find local savings wherever they may be and to plot locations using Google Maps.

Key Features:

  • 50,000 coupons and counting - a valuable savings resource
  • Search in your location with phones integrated GPS technology
  • Search any location with Zip code or City and State
  • Save favorite coupons and favorite store locations
  • Featured search-by shopping categories include restaurants, retail and more

Clipper Magazine Cofounder and COO Ian Ruzow says "Coupon Clipper app offers fast, free savings in consumers' most popular shopping categories, including groceries from major manufacturers. It offers all the benefits of coupons without the need to plan ahead, clip, organize or keep track of expiration dates. It also allows consumers to enjoy savings while away from home."

The savings app makes finding relevant coupons simple. Users can locate coupons via city and state, auto locate or by favorites. Some featured search-by shopping categories include restaurants, health and beauty, medical and dental, retail, professional services and automotive services.

The application has great benefits for advertisers, as well. Ruzow comments, "The Coupon Clipper app provides a great opportunity for advertisers to 'interact' with hard-to-reach consumers who are constantly on the go. They also benefit from the extra exposure the app gives their offers and from being able to gauge the success of those offers with daily redemption reports." The application is powered by couponclipper.com, the on-line local coupon search site Clipper introduced last year.

Founded in 1983, Clipper Magazine has grown from a single local, four-page campus advertising publication to over 500 local direct mail editions in 31 states. Mailed seven times annually (and more in selected markets), Clipper Magazine reaches roughly 35 million American homes with full-color ads featuring money saving offers. In addition to couponclipper.com, Clipper Magazine operates subsidiaries including The Menu Company, Loyal Customer Club, Spencer Advertising & Marketing, Clipper Web Development, and Total Loyalty Solutions.

Accessories

TuneWear Releases New Earphones, TuneSonic for iPod, touch & iPhone

PR: TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control is an in-ear type earphone employing a high resolution 9mm neodymium rare-earth magnet driver to produce a clear and dynamic sound. It also houses "Made with Crystallized™-Swarovski Elements" rhinestones on its smooth aluminum body making it a truly fashionable accessory. The rhinestones accentuate the earphones while the matching aluminum designs on the earphones and remote control give TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control great aesthetic appeal.

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Whether listening to pop, rock, hip hop, techno, jazz or classical, enjoy your favorite genre of music at the highest quality level. The cable is protected with a magnetic shielding and the 3.5mm stereo mini-jack is 24k gold plated. The Y-connector on the cable is rubber protected. You get clear sound quality with reduced noise interference.

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The remote control button can control music and video functions such as play, pause, next and previous. The button allows you to answer and end calls on iPhone 3GS/3G. The microphone can also to be used for recording voice memos on some devices.

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TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control includes four different sized ear tips to ensure a fit for different sized ears. The tips are made of soft silicone to provide a comfortable fit over a long period of listening.

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Specifications

  • Earphone type: in-ear, Speaker driver: 9mm neodymium rare-earth magnet
  • Sensitivity: 89±3dB/1mW, Impedance: 16Ω
  • Rated input: 2mW, Max input: 5mW
  • Frequency response: 100 Hz - 20,000 Hz, Body material: Aluminum
  • Plug: 24k gold plated 3.5mm stereo mini-jack
  • Cable length: approximately 110cm (length from the Y-connector is approximately 35cm)
  • Weight: approximately 15g

Compatibility

  • iPhone 3GS/3G (calls, remote control functions)
  • iPod classic 160 GB, 2009 model (voice memo, remote control functions)
  • iPod touch 2G (voice memo, remote control functions)
  • iPod nano 5G, iPod nano 4G (voice memo, remote control functions)
  • other iPod models and MP3 players (audio support only)

TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control is available in Chrome Silver or Crystal Pink.

TuneSonic Crystal with Mic & Control ($49.95) is now shipping and is available for purchase at the TuneWear online store.

Pioneer Announces New 5.1 Channel A/V Receivers with Expanded iPhone Functionality

PR: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. unveils a new line of 5.1 channel A/V receivers that deliver a dynamic music experience to the living room. For the first time, the Pioneer VSX-520-K and VSX-820-K feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content allowing users to enjoy their music directly from their Bluetooth-enabled device to their home theater system and are 3D Ready with the latest HDMI, version 1.4, providing more high definition connectivity options for the Blu-ray 3D specification. The VSX-820-K also features "Works with iPhone" certification, providing a seamless user experience for iPhone owners. Preorders of the VSX-520-K and the VSX-820-K are currently available at Amazon.com.

"Pioneer continues to innovate the A/V receiver category with expanded compatibility for iPhone users. The addition of Bluetooth audio streaming allows consumers to keep their phones close to them to answer calls or select their next song without limitations of a wired connection to the receiver," said David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Additionally, by equipping all models with HDMI 1.4, consumers can be assured that their Pioneer receiver is ready for future 3D home theater experiences."

Enhanced iPhone Functionality & Bluetooth Audio Streaming

The new models feature expanded iPhone functions including an iPhone™ Control Button and Bluetooth Audio Streaming for portable media devices.

"Works with iPhone" Certification - Pioneer was the first in the industry to introduce "Works with iPhone" certified A/V receivers which allow for playback of content on an iPhone™, iPod and iPod touch. The VSX-820-K features this certification and allows users to listen to their music, watch downloaded as well as stream audio and video such as YouTube and Rhapsody music services all while charging their Apple devices when connected to the receiver.

iPhone Control Button - Adding to the ease-of-use expected by Apple users, the VSX-820-K additionally features a front panel iPhone Control button that transfers iPod navigation control and on-screen display from the A/V receiver's remote control back to the connected Apple device so users can easily and quickly navigate through their library of media files directly on the device.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming - Expanding on the iPhone user's experience, both new models feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content from any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, Android, Smart Phone or personal computer with an optional Bluetooth adaptor. The Pioneer branded AS-BT100 ($99) Bluetooth Adaptor allows consumers to keep the phone close to them while they enjoy music through their home theater system.

3D Ready Features

Both new Pioneer A/V receivers are 3D Ready with the latest HDMI version 1.4 and feature the new Dolby ProLogic IIz decoder for HD audio formats.

HDMI 1.4 - HDMI 1.4 allows for passage of the high data transfer rate required by the Blu-ray 3D specification as well as a new 3D specific command protocol.

Dolby ProLogic IIz Decoding - All new Pioneer receivers are equipped to decode new HD Audio formats including Dolby True HD and DTS Master now with the new Dolby ProLogic IIz height channel. Dolby ProLogic IIz distinguishes background sounds and adds them to additional front height speakers for an enhanced front surround sound experience. Creating the depth and dimension of a lifelike soundstage, this speaker configuration is ideal for gamers and may also complement a 3D video experience. The new technology provides new speaker placement options for consumers as well as easier installation solutions. Additionally, Pioneer's proprietary Front Wide Mode adds versatility and dimension to a 7.1 speaker arrangement.

Pioneer's Proprietary Audio Enhancements & Room Calibration

The new 5.1 channel A/V receivers feature Pioneer's proprietary audio enhancement and room calibration technologies that elevate the sound quality experience of compressed audio including:

Advanced Sound Retriever - ASR enhances compressed audio files by restoring critical data from iPhone, iPod and other portable media players as well as satellite radio devices, delivering a robust music experience that is near CD quality.

Auto Level Control - ALC technology ensures consistent listening from all entertainment by equalizing fluctuating volume levels across digital audio tracks, television channels and commercials that can cause unexpected disruptions to the entertainment experience.

Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration - Featured in the VSX-820-K, MCACC analyzes the room's speaker configuration then optimizes each one to balance out any room-induced acoustic inaccuracies to provide an optimal, customized audio experience in any home theater room.

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Prices:

  • VSX-520-K $229
  • VSX-820-K $299

All models are finished with premium glossy, black and will be available at national and regional retailers in March 2010.

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