iNews Review

iPhone OS 4 Preview, Smaller iPad Planned?, Opera for iPhone Is Fast, eBay for iPad, and More

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

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2010.04.19

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.

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News, Reviews, & Opinion

Apple Previews iPhone OS 4, Which Includes Multitasking, Folders, iBooks, a Unified Inbox, and More

PR: Apple last week previewed its iPhone OS 4 software and released a beta version of the software to iPhone Developer Program members. The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,500 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer. New features include Multitasking for third party apps; Folders to better organize and access apps; improved Mail with a unified inbox, fast inbox switching and threaded messages; enhanced Enterprise support with even better data protection, mobile device management, wireless app distribution and more; Apple's new iAd mobile advertising platform; and iBooks, the delightful new ebook reader and online bookstore recently debuted on the iPad.

"iPhone OS 4 is the fourth major release of the world's most advanced mobile operating system," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're delivering over 100 new features, including multitasking, folders, a unified inbox, deeper Enterprise support, and an iPhone version of our iBooks reader and online iBookstore."

iPhone OS 4's new multitasking offers users a new way to quickly move between apps, and provides developers seven new multitasking services to easily add multitasking features to their apps. These services include background audio, so apps like Pandora can play music in the background, and VoIP, so VoIP apps can receive a VoIP call even when the iPhone is asleep or the user is running other apps. iPhone OS 4 provides multitasking to third party apps while preserving battery life and foreground app performance, which has until now proved elusive on mobile devices.

Folders help users better organize and quickly access their apps. Simply drag one app icon onto another, and a new folder is automatically created. The folder is automatically given a name based on the App Store category of that app, such as "Games," which the user can easily rename. Using folders, users can now organize and access over 2,000 apps on their iPhone. Users can also create and manage iPhone folders on their Mac or PC using iTunes 9.2.

iPhone OS 4 delivers the best mail experience on a mobile phone with its new Unified Inbox, allowing users to see messages from all their email accounts displayed together in a single inbox. With just a few taps, users can quickly switch between inboxes to see messages from any single account. In addition, users can now thread their messages by conversation, making it easier to stay on top of email discussions, as well as open email attachments with compatible apps from the App Store.

iAd, Apple's new mobile advertising platform, combines the emotion of TV ads with the interactivity of web ads. Today, when users click on mobile ads they are almost always taken out of their app to a web browser, which loads the advertiser's webpage. Users must then navigate back to their app, and it is often difficult or impossible to return to exactly where they left. iAd solves this problem by displaying fullscreen video and interactive ad content without ever leaving the app, and letting users return to their app anytime they choose. iPhone OS 4 lets developers easily embed iAd opportunities within their apps, and the ads are dynamically and wirelessly delivered to the device. Apple will sell and serve the ads, and developers will receive an industry-standard 60 percent of iAd revenue.

The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes a developer preview of Game Center, which contains a set of APIs that allows developers to create apps with the ability to invite friends to play a game, start a multiplayer game through matchmaking and track achievements and compare high scores on a leader board. Apps created with GameKit APIs will work with Game Center, Apple's new social gaming network available to iPhone and iPod touch users later this year.

New enterprise features in iPhone OS 4 include improvements in security, scalability and compatibility. The new Mobile Device Management service can be integrated with third party servers to wirelessly configure, query and even wipe or lock managed iPhones, and iPhone OS 4 enables enterprises to securely host and wirelessly distribute their own in-house developed apps to employees. The new Data Protection feature uses a user's passcode as an encryption key to protect mail messages and attachments stored on the iPhone. iPhone OS 4 now provides the option to set a longer, more complex passcode, making iPhone and its data even more secure. iPhone OS 4 allows IT managers to set up multiple Exchange ActiveSync accounts, is compatible with Exchange Server 2010 and includes support for forthcoming SSL VPN applications from Juniper Networks and Cisco.

Today, more than four billion apps have been downloaded from the revolutionary App Store and more than 185,000 apps are available to consumers in 90 countries. Over 85 million iPhone and iPod touch users around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.

The iPhone OS 4 beta software and SDK are available immediately for iPhone Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iPhone OS 4 will be available as a software update to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer.* A version of iPhone OS 4 will be coming to iPad this Fall.

* Some features may not be available on all products. For example, Multitasking requires iPhone 3GS or third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32 GB or 64 GB).

Apple Pushes Back International iPad Release to May 10

PR: We received a media advisory from Apple informing us that:

Although we have delivered more than 500,000 iPads during its first week, demand is far higher than we predicted and will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks as more people see and touch an iPad. We have also taken a large number of preorders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April.

Faced with this surprisingly strong US demand, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the international launch of iPad by one month, until the end of May. We will announce international pricing and begin taking online preorders on Monday, May 10. We know that many international customers waiting to buy an iPad will be disappointed by this news, but we hope they will be pleased to learn the reason - the iPad is a runaway success in the US thus far.

DigiTimes: Apple Planning a Smaller iPad

DigiTimes' Ninelu Tu and Joseph Tsai reports:

"Apple is reportedly scheduling a smaller 5- to 7-inch version of the iPad that is expected to launch as soon as the first quarter of 2011, according to DigiTimes Research senior analyst Mingchi Kuo.

"Kuo, citing talks with upstream component sources, said Apple's smaller-size iPad will be priced below US$400 and will target the highly-portable mobile device market and consumers that focus mainly on reading and do not have a high demand for text input."

Link: Apple Reportedly Planning a Smaller-size iPad for 1Q11, Says DigiTimes Research (subscription required)

Opera Is Top Download in the App Store

9 to 5 Mac's Seth Weintraub reports that the free Opera browser app (more below) is the top downloaded in all markets tracked by Apple. It's reported that there were over one-million Opera Mini downloads in its first 24 hours of availability.

Link: Opera Is Killing It in the App Store

Opera Mini for iPhone: It's Fast

The Register's Andrew Orlowski reports:

"At last. Apple approved Opera's Mini browser for the iPhone overnight, and in in a few hours it's already attracted over 150 reviews. They're not all positive, and not all accurate, but it's an indication of how much interest there is in a better browser. While Safari was the jewel in the crown of the iPhone user interface, it hasn't changed in three years. There are now 80 million iPhone and iPod Touches out in the wild, so some choice is long overdue.

"What's it like, then?"

Link: Opera for iPhone: The Review

Mobile Safari vs. Opera Mini iPhone Speed Test

GadgetVenue's Matthew reports:

"A few days ago Apple surprisingly approved the Opera Mini web browser for the iPhone. Opera have designed their browser to be faster than Safari with claims from the company saying it can potentially beat it speed wise by up to 5x.

"Of course 5x is quite a bold statement to work, however after testing my self, seeing a video online and seeing some test results compiled by LifeHacker it seems like this is almost the case in some instances which is quite impressive."

Link: Mobile Safari vs. Opera Mini iPhone Speed Test

For Writing and Real Work, iPad Needs a Keyboard Dock

Cult of Mac's Leander Kahney says:

"The weirdest thing about using Apple's iPad Keyboard Dock is that you are constantly reaching for a mouse - a mouse that isn't there, of course. The iPad doesn't support mice. Instead, you should be tapping and swiping the screen.

"Using the keyboard to work with the iPad takes you out of the multitouch mode and puts you back in mouse/keyboard mode. And while you can use the keyboard in a limited way to navigate the iPad, you can't use many of the desktop shortcuts you've learned over the years....

"So using an iPad with a keyboard takes a little getting used to, but the $69 iPad Keyboard Dock is a very handy accessory, with a couple of caveats."

Link: For Writing and Real Work, iPad Needs a Keyboard Dock

iPad Keyboard Dock or Bluetooth Keyboard?

Macworld's Dan Frakes says:

"Compared to the iPhone's tiny onscreen keyboard, the version on the iPad is nearly touch-typable, especially in landscape mode. But if you plan to use your iPad for serious data input - such as writing an article like this one - you'll want a real, physical keyboard.

"Apple's official option is the iPad Keyboard Dock, which combines an iPad-optimized version of the company's no-keypad keyboard with a sturdy dock base. But one of our favorite iPad surprises is that you can instead use any Bluetooth keyboard, including Apple's own super-portable Wireless Keyboard."

Link: iPad Keyboard Dock or Bluetooth Keyboard?

Notes About iPad and Keyboards

ZDNet's Jason D. O'Grady relays a couple of interesting tips about the iPad when used with a keyboard, such as when you pair Apple's mini Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad it completely overrides the onscreen/virtual keyboard and more.

Link: Notes About iPad and Keyboards

Finally, Bluetooth Keyboard Support for the iPhone

MobileCrunch's Devin Coldewey says that among the iPad features they felt would be useful on the iPhone, unfortunately just one seems to have made it in OS 4.0, albeit a handy one: Bluetooth keyboard support.

Link: Finally, Bluetooth Keyboard Support for the iPhone

Sympathy for iPad Luddites

Rough Type's Nicholas Carr asks: "is it possible for a Geek God to also be a Luddite? That was the question that popped into my head as I read Cory Doctorow's impassioned anti-iPad diatribe at Boing Boing," with the device Apple calls "magical" and "revolutionary" impressing Doctorow as a counterrevolutionary Trojan horse ushering in a locked-down, self-contained ecosystem with nary a USB port in sight and no support for third party apps not blessed by Apple, all of which manifests "a palpable contempt for the owner."

Carr notes that Doctorow is not the only Geek God uncomfortable with Apple's transformation of the good old hacktastic PC into a sleek, slick, sterile appliance, with veteran programmer Tim Bray, who recently joined Google, fretting that iPad, specifically designed to optimize a few tasks and cripple others, could lead to "a very nasty future scenario" he dreads for personal and ideological reasons, being deeply bought-into the notion of a Web populated by devices almost anyone can afford and be creative on.

Carr says he has a lot of sympathy for the iPad Luddites' point of view, affirming that personally a beige box with easily accessible innards, a big rack of RAM, and a dozen or so ports is his ideal model of computing, but saying he's not under any illusion that progress gives a damn about what he wants, noting that an emblematic characteristic of technological advance is refinement tending to remove real human agency from the workings of a tool, observing that the earliest radios were broadcasting as well as listening devices and the first phonographs could be used for recording as well as playback - much like early computers were Jacks-of-all-trades, but both morphed turned into streamlined, single-purpose entertainment boxes, suitable for living rooms, with the tools of creativity segregated from the mass-market device, one result being individuals who imagine themselves great fans of progress changing their tune as soon as progress destroys something they care deeply about and raging against the evolution.

Link: Sympathy for the iPad Luddites

3 Ways the iPad Breaks Apple's Brand

BNET's Erik Sherman says the iPad has become emblematic of a cultural divide over the concept of central control, and suggesting that Apple has put itself at risk of damaging to its traditional brand identity, in which the Mac was perceived as a platform that supported creative tools providing creative people with their own technical landscape, whereas the iPad is all about media consumption, and observing that he can't remember another recent Apple product that created so many serious second thoughts by core customers, noting that people are frustrated over things it lacks: USB, a camera, a real keyboard, and even the cloth that comes standard with the iPhone to help keep the smudge-inviting screen clean.

In so positioning itself, Sherman says Apple leaves its core of loyalists on the outside, making creatives just another part of the audience and not their own tribe.

Apple's usually near perfect pitch design is also off the mark this time, Sherman contends, with most reviews complaining that the iPad just a bit too heavy, raising the alarm that Apple could lose a grip on its most important asset: the well wishes of its most loyal customer base.

Link: Three Ways the iPad Breaks Apple's Brand

Why Early Adopters Are Returning iPads

WalletPop blogger Tom Barlow says that he had high (in retrospect, unrealistic) expectations for his new iPad that arrived last Saturday. The iPad fell short of fulfilling those expectations, so he took advantage of the 14-day return policy and shipped it and its keyboard dock back for a refund, noting that he's not alone in his disappointment.

Specific shortcomings noted include the lack of a Flash viewer, a major drawback. He hoped to use the iPad in place of his creaky PC laptop for writing business articles and fiction, but he found the iPad mounted on the optional keyboard dock a flimsy construct, dashing confidence that it would put up with the abuse he puts a laptop through.

Moreover, he found the iPad cumbersome to hold and carry, with the slippery aluminum back of the iPad making it all too easy to drop, and that moving files back and forth form his Windows-based home system proving more awkward than he'd hoped.

Other complaints registered by prominent iPad returners like media expert Jeff Jarvis ("I am having morning-after regrets") include lack of multitasking ability (Michelle Alexandria of tv.com), and privacy issues, digital rights, and the Apple handcuffs cited by science-fiction writer Corey Doctorow, who didn't buy one in the first place.

"As a toy, as an entertainment platform, the iPad is great (if you don't mind paying for everything you watch)", says Barlow. "As a work platform, not so much; certainly not at a price point well above that of more versatile netbooks."

Link: Why Early Adopters Are Returning iPads

450,000 iPads Sold, but How Many Returned?

ZDNet's Joel Evans observes that last week Apple treated the world to what's coming in iPhone OS 4.0 with initial reviews mixed, but what was more interesting was how many iPads are flying off the shelves - reportedly more than 450,000 have been sold. And more interesting than that is scuttlebutt that there's a tremendous amount of buyer remorse with the iPad, with early adopters returning them in droves.

Evens notes that were he not a publisher/developer of apps, he would probably be returning his iPad too, finding that it adds little that his iPhone and a laptop don't already handle very satisfactorily.

Sounds like there should be lots of iPad choice in the Apple Certified Refurbished channel very soon.

Link: 450,000 iPads Sold but How Many Returned?

DIY Duct Tape iPad Sleeve and Docks

TUAW's Frank Hsueh says:

"Actually doesn't look too bad, does it? It has a certain je ne sais quoi, brought about by the use of industrial textiles.

"Red Green would be tickled."

Link: Do-it-yourself Duct Tape iPad Sleeve and Docks

The $5 iPad Dock

TUAW's Michael Grothaus reports:

"Despite the glut of fancy iPad dock accessories flooding the market, a trio of enterprising Dutchmen have come up with a brilliantly simple iPad dock . . . All stands are handmade. Best of all, it only costs $5 (or free, if you make one yourself)."

Link: The $5 iPad Dock

iPad Stop-Motion Disassembly Video Released by TechRestore

PR: 1675 high-definition frames of iPad striptease, stop-motion animated to an electronic beat - need we say more?

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Maybe just a bit more. From unboxing to unbuilt and back again, in under three minutes, this video is a roller-coaster ride that celebrates the exciting innovation and beautiful design of Apple's state-of-the-art technology - animated by TechRestore designer Brian Northway, with time-lapse reassembly performed by Apple Certified technician, Ivan Villanueva.

Over a million people have viewed TechRestore's videos, showing various consumer electronic devices, MacBooks, iPhones and iPods being taken apart and worked on by a TechRestore Technician. The videos are enjoyed and used by viewers all over the world that want to learn more about their gadgets. The iPad Disassembly video now joins our library which includes stop-motion take apart of the iPhone 3G, PSP Go, Modbook, Nintendo DSI, Barnes & Noble nook, Kindle 1 & 2, MacBook Air, Apple TV, PSP and more. All of these videos can be found at TechRestore's YouTube channel. In addition, all videos are available for download from the TechRestore Download center (in full HD quality as well as iPod/iPhone/iPad-ready format) or as a free podcast on the iTunes Music Store. In addition to stop-motion disassembly videos, TechRestore offers informational and instructional videos at TechRestore EDU.

From unboxing to unbuilt and back again, in under three minutes, this video is a roller-coaster ride that celebrates the exciting innovation and beautiful design of Apple's state-of-the-art technology - animated by TechRestore designer Brian Northway, with time-lapse reassembly performed by Apple Certified technician, Ivan Villanueva.

TechRestore performs repairs and upgrades on MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook and iBook computers. In addition, our consumer electronics division performs overnight repair on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Sony PSP, PSP Go, Mac mini and Apple TV. TechRestore is certified by and follows the strict guidelines of the Bureau of Electronics Repair and all TechRestore technicians are highly trained and many carry advanced electronics degrees, including Apple certification.

Link: iPad Stop-Motion Disassembly Video

Tired of the iPad? Google May Cure Your Woes with an Android-based Tablet

DailyTech's Brandon Hill says:

"With Apple's iPad and iPhone OS 4.0 soaking up the majority of tech headlines these days - along with side stories detailing the ongoing battle between Apple and Adobe - most people are ready for a break from Apple.

"And if there's one company with enough clout to drown out the buzz surrounding an Apple product, it's Google. According to a report by the New York Times, Google will soon be selling its own tablet device. Although the NYT article isn't exactly clear on the matter, it appears that Google will be selling it own branded Tablet - a la the Nexus One...."

Link: Tired of the iPad? Google May Cure Your Woes with an Android-based Tablet

$600 WePad Android Tablet: Will It Kill the iPad?

T3's Adam Bunker says:

"Don't give Apple your money just yet....

"The WePad is a German-made tablet running on the Android OS that is consciously aiming to steal Apple's thunder by offering a host of features that the iPad doesn't.

"What kind of features? Well, for a start, the OS is fully customisable thanks to its Android underbelly, but there's also a bigger, 11.6-inch 1080p HD display, HDMI output, Flash support, a built in 1.3-Meg camera, a stronger 1.66 GHz processor and multitasking right out of the box.

"Still want an iPad?"

The price: €449 - about US$605.

Link: WePad Android Tablet Pricing Unveiled - Will It Kill the iPad?

Apps & Services

Opera Mini App Approved for the App Store

PR: Opera announces its popular mobile browser, Opera Mini has been approved for iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store. Opera Mini will be available as a free download within 24 hours, depending on market.

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Opera Mini, with more than 50 million users worldwide, enables fast mobile Web browsing by compressing data by up to 90 percent before sending content to the device, resulting in significantly improved page loading. Users of the app will notice an uptake in speed, especially on slower networks such as the 2G Edge network. Surfing the Web with the Opera Mini App on iPhone and iPod touch will also help users save money because of its data compression capabilities. This will hold especially true while the user is incurring roaming charges.

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"We are delighted to offer iPhone and iPod touch users a great browsing experience with the Opera Mini App," said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. "This app is another step toward Opera's goal of bringing the Web to more people in more places."

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A demo video is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpTCS3g-cBY

Link: Opera Mini (download link)

Gibson Learn & Master Guitar App

PR: Gibson Guitars, known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. The Gibson Les Paul guitar is the best selling guitar of all time and bears the name of the late, great Les Paul.

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Now you can have Gibson on your iPhone with the Gibson Learn & Master Guitar App. Gibson has partnered with Legacy Learning Systems, producers of the Learn & Master Guitar course, the most comprehensive guitar instructional series on the market, to provide you with a must-have application for any guitar player. This application provides you with essential tools to help you become a better guitar player as well as free full length lessons from the award winning Learn & Master Guitar course that will take you from beginner or intermediate to advanced.

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Features:

  • A professional quality Chromatic Tuner that will allow you to tune any instrument using the iPhone microphone (or iPod Touch with microphone attachment)
  • Alternate Tuning settings so you can quickly and easily tune your guitar to various alternate tunings, including Open G, Low C, Drop D, E♭ and others.
  • A Standard Mode Tuner that allows you to tune each string to a sample tone
  • An accurate Metronome with multiple time signatures, visual and audio options, and a set-your-own tempo tap pad
  • A Chord Library with a sample of the essential chords for every player beginner to advanced
  • Free Videos Lessons - Watch full length lessons from the Award Winning Learn & Master Guitar course. Watch as instructor Steve Krenz gets you started on your way to mastering the guitar. You will also be directed to printable resources to accompany these lessons on www.learnandmaster.com
  • Quick access to Gibson.com's mobile site where you can keep up with the latest in music industry news, artists and events.

New in Version 1.1:

  • Reduced file size

System requirements:

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
  • Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

Note: iPod touch users will need an external mic or mic'd earphones plugged into the audio jack in order to use the Chromatic and Simple tuners (with sound off) - To use the tune without a microphone, click on the Modes button on the Chromatic Tuner screen - change to the Simple mode with Sound "ON" - click Done and you will be taken to the Simple tuner screen. Touch the string you want to tune and a tone will play and repeat. Tune your instrument to the tone being played.

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Designed and developed by Gibson Guitars, Legacy Learning Systems, and Deepwell Software.

The Gibson Learn & Master Guitar app is also your portal to the Gibson Mobile site where you can find the latest news and information about your favorite artists and your favorite guitars. If you are looking for in-depth interviews with the hottest artists or want to keep up with the latest in designs and technology from the worlds #1 guitar maker, this is your connection!

Link: Gibson Learn & Master Guitar (download link)
Link: Gibson

eBay for iPad Transforms Online Shopping Experience

PR: eBay has announced the availability of its first application for iPad in conjunction with the US debut of the device. The eBay for iPad app delivers a dramatically different, visually compelling shopping experience to browse the vast selection of products available on eBay , the world's largest online marketplace. eBay for iPad builds on the momentum of eBay's expanding portfolio of new iPhone apps, including its new Selling and Classifieds apps launched earlier this week. More than 8 million consumers are using eBay's shopping app for iPhone. eBay expects to generate $1.5 billion in merchandise volume through mobile commerce in 2010.

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Debuting in the top 10 most downloaded free iPad apps in the iTunes Store, eBay for iPad pushes the boundaries of mobile shopping and features an elegant, graphical interface in which users can:

  • View and search through items in a rich, visually compelling gallery display
  • Scroll through a vast selection of items seamlessly using their fingertips
  • Easily filter search results by price, category and more using intuitive finger controls
  • Quickly pinpoint items in a desired range with a Pricing Histogram
  • View item details without navigating away from search results

"eBay for iPad defines a new way to shop, with visually rich displays and eBay's vast selection at your fingertips," said Lorrie Norrington, president of eBay Marketplaces.

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eBay Mobile Applications - Buy and Sell Virtually Anywhere, Anytime

As a global leader in m-commerce, eBay recognizes that sellers and buyers are increasingly turning to mobile devices for their shopping needs. eBay's mobile applications are available in more than 190 countries and eight languages and generate a mobile purchase every 2 seconds.

The launch of the eBay for iPad app continues the company's momentum in mobile commerce. In late March, eBay released two new apps for the iPhone: eBay Selling and eBay Classifieds. eBay Selling is the company's first app designed exclusively for casual sellers, allowing consumers to list an item for sale in less than 60 seconds through an interface fully integrated with Apple iPhone technology. Similarly, the eBay Classifieds app offers an easy-to-use experience for buying and selling locally with built-in safety and security features to ensure a smooth transaction.

Link: eBay for iPad

Yahoo! Re-Imagines Entertainment; Launches Yahoo! Entertainment App for iPad

PR: Yahoo! Inc. has announced Yahoo! Entertainment for the Apple iPad. The app provides consumers with a brand new experience for the way they live, consume and enjoy content. People are able to explore entertainment content, television listings, videos, news and more - through an elegant and immersive experience that only Yahoo! can provide. Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at http://itunes.com/apps/yahoo-entertainment

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Yahoo! is leveraging the powerful features of the iPad to create one of the most interactive and personal experiences possible. An innovative Multi-Touch user interface makes it easy to help people discover new content on Yahoo! Entertainment. The app takes advantage of iPad's geolocation functionality to pinpoint consumers' locations to deliver relevant, local television listings and content. The app can be used in both portrait and landscape displays.

"Devices like the iPad allow Yahoo! to create new experiences and expand the art of what's possible in the eyes of consumers. Just like we did with Connected TV and mobile, we successfully re-imagined the consumer experiences for an entirely new platform," said Tapan Bhat, senior vice president of Yahoo!'s Integrated Consumer Experiences. "Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad is simply amazing. The combination of compelling and engaging content coupled with unique design and innovation, provides consumers with an unparalleled Web experience."

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The Yahoo! Entertainment App offers an intuitive and rich design. Through real-time content from local providers, the app surfaces and recommends TV shows, entertainment articles, and a wide variety of videos from across the Web. Key features of Yahoo! Entertainment for iPad include:

  • TV Program Guide and Listings: Find favorite programs, featured TV shows, and recommendations; customize and filter content for a personalized entertainment guide.
  • News, Comics, and Book Reviews: Read the most sought after entertainment news from Yahoo! TV and Yahoo! Movies and more, in an easy-to-navigate, magazine-style layout.
  • Original Video Content: From sports to news, discover videos from Yahoo!'s top media properties, including Yahoo! Sports Minute and Tech Ticker. Video content is also available from other notable sources.

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The Yahoo! Entertainment App demonstrates the future direction of Internet design and is another example of Yahoo!'s continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge, innovative and personally relevant experiences. It is the first of many engaging experiences being developed by Yahoo! for iPad.

Link: Yahoo! Entertainment

SkyGrid App for iPad

PR: SkyGrid has announced its SkyGrid App for iPad is now available on the App Store. Using SkyGrid, iPad users can now discover and share exciting new things from across the Internet right when they're happening.

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"The iPad with its large display, innovative Multi-Touch user interface, and revolutionary software was our first choice of devices to launch SkyGrid on," said Kevin Pomplun, founder & CEO of SkyGrid. "We're delighted to have an app available for the launch of the breakthrough iPad."

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To anyone with a TV, the SkyGrid App for iPad will feel familiar and easy-to-use. Today when you watch TV you flip through many channels to find what you want. SkyGrid works just like a TV, and instead of channels it has streams. SkyGrid streams are dedicated to important changes happening around events, people, or specific things users care about. SkyGrid even has rising streams that quickly take users to the events, people, and topics that are spreading fastest across the Internet.

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The patented technology behind SkyGrid uses a unique algorithm that determines information velocity or the things that are spreading the fastest across the Internet. By determining what is spreading the fastest, SkyGrid connects users to only the most important or relevant content.

The SkyGrid App for iPad is available for free from the App Store.

SkyGrid lets you see the events, people, and topics that are spreading the fastest across the Internet, right as they're happening. SkyGrid is for people who want a simple way to see the important changes happening around events, people, or specific things they care about. Many people enjoy using SkyGrid to see exciting things changing in sports, entertainment, world events, politics, travel, fashion, business, and an almost unlimited number of categories.

Link: SkyGrid

Notability for iPad

PR: Ginger Labs, Inc. has announced its Notability App for iPad is available on the App Store. Notability takes advantage of iPad's large Multi-Touch screen, keyboard, built-in microphone and WiFi connectivity, to put the power of creating, reviewing and sharing notes at a user's fingertips.

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"College students want an app that allows them to easily create notes and quickly access the web," said Fred Mitchell CEO of Ginger Labs. "Notability on iPad is a great solution that gives users lots of functionality and also lets them share their notes with classmates and sync with recordings of the lecture."

Notability is designed around 3 types of notes:

  • Text notes - type on the expansive onscreen keyboard.
  • Figure notes - draw colorful figures on the large Multi-Touch screen.
  • Web notes - visit web sites for quick references via built-in WiFi.

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The Notability App for iPad automatically creates summaries for each note, using a familiar 2-column view. Summaries help to quickly navigate notes, and the built-in microphone is used to make recordings. Notes created during a recording are bookmarked in time and these notes are scrolled in sync with the recording as it is played back.

Other features include:

  • Share notes to a classmate's browser.
  • Search notes across all note-taking sessions.
  • Format text styles, size and color.
  • Plugin earbuds to hear the professor.
  • Tune the sound with the 5-band equalizer.

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The Notability App for iPad is available for $8.99 from the App Store.

Link: Notability

Men's Health Magazine Launches on iPad with Free Preview

PR: Men's Health, the largest men's lifestyle magazine brand in the world, announced that a digital edition of the publication designed exclusively for the Apple iPad is available for purchase. The release makes Men's Health one of the first consumer magazines to enter the iPad market. The April issue of the magazine, complete with a host of multimedia and interactive content, will be available for download in the Apple iTunes store for $4.99 and will be followed by the May issue, available by April 20th. iPad users will also be able to download for free 15 pages of handpicked content from the April issue as a preview.

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In addition to the health, fitness and lifestyle tips and in-depth feature stories Men's Health readers have come to rely on from the print edition of the magazine, the iPad app will present users with a highly interactive experience - including real-time polls, increased social networking capabilities with Twitter and Facebook, audio-narrated slide shows, and photo galleries of bonus content. The Men's Health iPad app is also set to incorporate fullscreen, high-definition video footage from behind the scenes of Men's Health cover shoots.

"When you have a brand as strong as Men's Health, you have to let the content do the talking," said Men's Health Brand Editor, Matt Bean. "Our model - the free newsstand preview, with an in-app purchase option - does just that, while creating a natural opportunity for sponsor integration that never existed before. We won't just be offering monthly issues using this approach, either. We'll be able to provide everything from a training guide to a gift subscription to a compilation of recipes."

"We've learned from our experience developing for the iPhone and iPod touch, and have taken full advantage of this new medium," said David Zinczenko, SVP/Editor-in-Chief of Men's Health. "Our iPad products will be some of the most robust and well-rounded in the marketplace yet." Zinczenko also said that Women's Health will be available on the iPad as of its May issue.

Other capabilities of the Men's Health iPad app include:

  • Connect - Every printed website URL is live. Simply tap to visit websites from within the app, allowing users to learn more, buy products featured in the magazine, and access handpicked, related content from MensHealth.com.
  • Watch - Exclusive video takes users step-by-step through exercises, recipes, and tips, featuring the world's top athletes, trainers, chefs, and other experts.
  • Interact - How do you stack up to the Average Guy? Users have the ability to take real-time Snap Polls throughout the issue to find out.
  • Share - Users can share content with friends, and so much more: Tweet a shocking stat from Bulletins, brag about completing a Men's Health physical challenge via a Facebook post, or email a recipe with a shopping list to yourself or a friend - all without ever leaving the app.

Gillette, the world leader in men's grooming products, is the official launch sponsor of the April and May issues of Men's Health on the iPad. The iPad app is the latest addition to a stable of nearly 20 Men's Health-branded iPhone and Android app products on the market since June 2009, which have combined to accrue over 600,000 downloads, more than half of which have been purchased by consumers.

Link: Men's Health iPad Edition

Accessories & Services

ColorWare Adds Custom Colorized iPads

PR: The much anticipated iPad is finally here, touted as a revolution for the print industry and touch computing - and now ColorWare offers the device in an array of custom colors.

cwipad.jpg

ColorWare's design studio is simple to use and will allow you to customize the body, button, and even the logo. Browse product images and videos, or spin the product in the 360º section to see every angle. You can even share your designs with friends over your favorite social networks.

cwipadcol.jpg

The iPad offers the convenience and size of a notepad paired with the power of a multitouch Apple computer, and now you can have the tablet with a custom Softouch color finish instead of the standard gray.

ColorWare Custom iPad (WiFi)

  • Multi-Touch Display
  • 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches, 1.5 pounds
  • One Year Limited Warranty

Buy new (includes iPad) $900/$1,000/$1,100 (16/32/64 GB) (Available USA and Internationally)

Send your iPad in: $400 (Ships Only to USA)

ColorWare Inc., established in 2000, is an industry leader in altering the color of existing products. ColorWare began with the concept of transforming the ubiquitous beige computer into a custom-colored work of art. The idea began with an attempt to color a late-model cell phone in 1999. After a year of testing and experimenting, the ColorWare high-gloss, scratch-resistant polymer-based coating was perfected. ColorWare's initial offerings included 22 standard colors available on two MP3 players, three gaming consoles, and four computers, and many new products as well as additional colors have been added in recent years.

As evidenced by ColorWare's appearance in magazines such as In Style, Vogue, and Entertainment weekly, a ColorWare product is also a statement in fashion and individuality, and as such fills a high-demand niche market.

Link: ColorWare Design Studio

Pedestal Base for the iPad

PR: The new Pedestal Base for iPad has the same look and feel as the expensive acrylic bases that Apple features in their retail outlets, and now you can have that same look at home or office when displaying your brand new iPad at a more friendly price. The Pedestal Base will improve the performance of your iPad and display it in style.

lrg_1.jpeg

New PC Gadgets have designed the Pedestal Base to match Apple's own viewing preferences. In addition, they've added a couple of extra features including an open slot to hold excess cables, a rear hole to route your charging cable through, and nonskid pads to elevate your iPad to increase ventilation and reduce slipping. Just like the Apple displays, you can position your iPad in either the horizontal or vertical position.

lrg_2.jpeg

  • Attractive acrylic base holds iPad in vertical or horizontal position
  • Provides better working angle to improve performance
  • Similar to pedestal bases seen in Apple Stores
  • Open slot in front stores earbuds and other cables
  • Slot in rear for charging cord
  • Nonskid pads prevent slipping
  • High quality black acrylic construction gives your iPad an elegant look while improving overall performance

lrg_3.jpeg

Retail $29.95

Link: Pedestal Base for iPad

Element Case for the iPad

PR: Designed with both landscape and portrait modes in mind, the the new "Joule" work stand for iPad provides a stable solid base with a simple, clean, and elegant design that enhances your iPad and makes it easier to use.

joulemain.jpg

Unlike some iPad stands, the Joule won't tip over when using the iPad's touchscreen, allowing you to better and more safely utilize your iPad on your desktop or kitchen counter top.

joulekitchen.jpg

CNC machined in the USA from solid aluminum, the Joule comes in a brilliant polished finish or a black anodized coating. Custom coatings and laser engraved graphics are available.

joulefront.jpg

Other features:

  • Magnetically attached tilt foot at the rear allows for quick and easy view angle adjustments.
  • Rubber pads at the bottom assure a firm grip on any surface.
  • A velvet lined recess holds the iPad comfortably and securely.
  • Designed and made in California.

jpuleback.jpg

Available now for $129

Link: Element Case for the iPad

Belkin Cases for the iPad

PR: Additional sleeves make it comfortable and easy to use your iPad whether you're at home or on the go

Belkin adds nine cases to its lineup for the iPad - Cap Sleeve, Contour Sleeve, Grip Vue, Grip Ergo, Grip Swell, Grip Groove, Leather Sleeve, Leather Folio, and Envelope. Like the previously announced Pleat, Vue, and Grip Sleeves, the new cases and sleeves add design, comfort, and protection for your new Apple iPad while you're on the go.

belkinipad.jpg

The new iPad unlocks the opportunity for these always-connected people, allowing them to read books, play games, watch movies, send emails, listen to music, browse the Internet, and much more. Belkin's new assortment of sleeves and cases protect and give you instant access to your iPad, making it comfortable to use in your hand, on your lap, or at a desk or table

We've conducted consumer insight research that shows people want to be able to connect to the world - their friends, family, the Internet - at any given point in time, whether at the doctor's office, waiting in line at the grocery store, or even in a café. With these key insights, Belkin has developed new cases designed to keep the iPad easily accessible and protected.

Availability

  • Vue Sleeve and Grip Vue available now at Apple stores in the US
  • Vue Sleeve, Grip Vue, Pleat Sleeve, and Cap Sleeve available now at Apple Online stores in the US
  • Other sleeves will be made available throughout spring 2010 in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

belkinipadopen.jpg

Sleeves

These sleeves feature lightweight, durable material and soft inner lining to help cushion your iPad and protect the touch screen.

Cap Sleeve (F8N276) - $39.99

  • Close-fitting knit design provides easy access
  • Cushions and protects iPad touch screen from scratches
  • Rolls neatly to store when not in use
  • Colors: Perfect Plum/Violet Mist, Caviar/Gray
  • Cap Sleeve for iPad (purchase link)

Contour Sleeve (F8N370) - $59.99

  • Contoured, reinforced, fused-rubber design protects iPad while on the go
  • Compact design fits easily into a larger bag
  • Colors: Perfect Plum/Violet Mist, Caviar/Gray
  • Contour Sleeve for iPad

Grip Cases

Grip cases protect your iPad with a rugged layer of silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Different textured designs add style, color, and increased grip-ability. Grip cases allow your iPad to charge while in the case.

Grip Vue (F8N378) - $49.99

  • Translucent case provides durable protection and enhanced grip-ability
  • Made with impact-resistant TPU material
  • Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
  • Grip Vue for iPad

Grip Ergo (F8N384) - $49.99

  • Ergonomic design offers comfort while reading, gaming, or surfing the Internet
  • Contoured ridges provide maximum grip-ability of your iPad
  • Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
  • Grip Ergo for iPad

Grip Swell (F8N382) - $49.99

  • Made with snug layer of rugged silicone for shock absorption
  • Features laser-etched printed pattern
  • Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
  • Grip Swell for iPad

Grip Groove (F8N383) - $49.99

  • Features gripable textured surface with in-molded pattern to protect iPad
  • Made with durable silicone for shock absorption
  • Colors: Vivid, Royal Purple, and Black
  • Grip Groove for iPad

Leather Cases

These fashion-inspired leather cases protect your iPad from everyday scratches and scuffs.

Leather Sleeve (F8N375) - $59.99

  • Enables instant access to iPad
  • Made with luxury leather and durable materials
  • Features soft inner lining for protection against scratches
  • Secure closure keeps iPad in place
  • Leather Sleeve for iPad

Leather Folio (F8N376) - $59.99

  • Made with durable luxury leather to protect iPad screen
  • Features soft inner lining for protection against scratches
  • Secure closure keeps iPad in place
  • Leather Folio for iPad

Envelope (F8N377) - $49.99

  • Made with durable leather-look materials to protect iPad screen
  • Features soft inner lining for protection against scratches
  • Secure ribbon closure provides extra security in keeping iPad in place
  • Envelope for iPad

Shield Clear (F8N385) - $59.99

  • Slim, formfitting polycarbonate design minimizes bulk
  • Clear case preserves the look of the iPad
  • Made with durable materials for optimal protection
  • Shock-absorbent and impact-resistant to protect iPad screen

kickBACK P1: Hybrid Case with Kickstand for iPad

PR: Shatterproof polycarbonate and shock resistant black rubber hybrid case for iPad.

P1hybrid.jpg

Includes kickBACK case, ultra-clear screen protector and a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Hinged kickstand for convenient widescreen and vertical viewing as well as low-angle typing

P1hybridupright.jpg

Polycarbonate and rubber hybrid case provides unmatched protection and shock resistance

Integrated traction nubs provide grip on flat surfaces

Price: $44.99

Link: kickBACK P1

iPad Bacon Case

PR: It's here. The famous handmade Bacon Case is now available for the iPad, landed at your Grill, ready for the newest Apple gadget.

PadBaconCase.jpeg

$59

Link: iPad Bacon Case

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