Posted by: Lorraine Barte Nepomuceno on Mar 13, 2010 | No Comments
What are the first pages you load when you fire up your browser in the morning? For me, it’s Gmail and Google Reader (yes, I am quite dependent on the almighty G). Of course, that’s for mornings when I actually have time to enjoy a cup of coffee in front of my desktop, that is. On mornings that I have to be somewhere, I am extremely grateful for Newsie.
Newsie is a Google Reader client app that:
- Downloads my Google Reader subscriptions at lightning speed. I’m not kidding, this thing’s fast, because it doesn’t take forever to sync all your feeds (I have over 200!)
- Supports starred items, and automatically saves the item’s original web page with a virtual “paperclip” so I’ll remember to get back to it later.
- Works well with Tweetie & Twitterific, letting me tweet interesting posts. Not something I really do, but I like knowing that I can.
- Is beautifully designed, with a simple user interface and support for full-screen.
If you’re an RSS feed junkie like me, check Newsie out. It’s currently $3.99 at the App Store.
Posted by: Lorraine Barte Nepomuceno on Mar 13, 2010 | No Comments
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 12, 2010 | No Comments
A few years back, my wife and I bought our first house, and it didn’t come with any appliances with the exception of a stinky dishwasher and a crappy stove. As a result, we had to go out and buy everything new, which cost a pretty penny and ticked me off quite a bit. I didn’t care about most of the items – as long as they weren’t too expensive – but I did want a nice fridge. We ended up paying a good chunk of change for this gloss black Samsung model, with lots of cool cabinets and drawers. I was happy.
For months, we didn’t have anything on that obelisk, it just functioned. Then the magnets started creeping into place. First they were small yellow ones, then big ugly ones. Now I can barely see the damned fridge underneath all of the things stuck to it. Drives me nuts.
We have ugly magnets, not cool ones like these here. They’re the App Magnets, produced by Jailbreak Toys. Honestly, I don’t know how other to describe these, so let’s let Jailbreak do the hard work.
Whatever you want to do… There’s an app for that. That’s right. Whether you want to buy movie tickets, read the news, write a review, pay a tip, catch a taxi, or even train your dog, there’s an app for that. But what if you want to hang a photo on the fridge? Or leave a note on the microwave? Or save that Chinese take-out menu in a place where you can’t lose it? When it came to certain old-school tasks, the apps were coming up short. A little reverse innovation was needed. Well, good news, everyone… Now there’s an app for that, too.
Oh look, they used the “there’s an app for that” phrase. Twice. That’s not overused or anything. Regardless, these are pretty cool little things, and they’re not expensive either. Just $12.99 for the whole deal. Buy them now or risk having stupid magnets on your fancy fridge.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 12, 2010 | No Comments
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 12, 2010 | 3 Comments
I came across this article today on Forbes.com, and it brought up a point that I’ve been pondering for the past few weeks: is it better to get a data plan for the iPad from AT&T or a data device from Sprint or Verizon for close to the same price?
At first, this seems like a simple answer. The AT&T plan is $15.95 for 250mb, and $30.00 for “unlimited” usage, so go with that. After all, you don’t go past the unlimited mark with your iPhone, so the iPad shouldn’t be any different right?
Well sure, but it’s not that simple. See, both Verizon and Sprint offer mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for really low prices, then you can get a data plan for anywhere from $39 to $59 a month. Yes, that’s a substantial increase in cost, but it’s also not only for one device. You could use it for your iPhone, laptop, even your home computer if need be. It’s an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require a locked-in subscription for the single device.
I’ve been putting some feelers out there on this topic recently, and I hope to have some hard data to back up my thoughts soon. In the interim, let’s discuss the options.
Ultimately, the iPad and how it’s used for data is up to you and where you plan on using it. If your iPad stays at home 24/7, then chances are the Wi-Fi mode will be just fine. If you plan on taking it anywhere though, you’ll either need to be sure they have Wi-Fi, or get a 3G model. The only real advantage with the AT&T plan is that it gets onto the same bills as your iPhone so you can just put out one check. I guess that makes it easier.
The Verizon/Sprint option means that you’d have to carry a device with you at all times to run your mobile hotspot. Although that’s inconvenient, it’s not ridiculous to consider. Not only would you be able to use the hotspot, but so would any of your friends who needed to hop on as well. Plus Sprint has 4G service in some areas, making it an even faster option to consider. It doesn’t make sense to use this option if you just have an iPad, but chances are you also own an iPhone, and in moments where 3G coverage is crappy, you could log onto the Verizon/Sprint model and get going. Better yet, use a laptop.
For me, the main difference is in the cost. It’s $60 for the biggest plan that they both have, which is pretty pricey. then again, if you use it more than a few times a month, it’s going to pay for itself. The other issue is the contract, which is required on both other providers. The AT&T option is nice because you can opt out whenever.
Like I said, I’m hoping to have some better numbers soon to back this up. In the meantime, if you have any thoughts on the topic, drop them in the comments box.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 12, 2010 | 3 Comments
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 12, 2010 | 1 Comment
Last year, I got into the MacHeist bundle and picked up Twitteriffic along the way. Almost instantly, it pissed me off. The interface was annoying, hearing the little tweet reminder got irritating, and I hated how new windows would pop up behind others. I ended up taking it off my dock and forgetting about it. When the MacHeist Nano bundle came up, it came with Tweetie, so I figured I’d give that a shot.
I had some experience with the iPhone App, since I purchased the original Tweetie a while back and recently updated to Tweetie 2. But I hadn’t tried the Mac version yet, so here was my chance. I loaded it up, and I was good to go.
First, the interface. I love it. It’s clean, simple, and stupid easy to figure out. You start with your avatar up top, then it’s followed by a tweets button, @ mentions, mail and search. If you have multiple usernames, the others show up just below that, all in order. Switching between identities is easy, just click and go.
One of my favorite features though is how it deals with links and images. Twitpics load up in separate windows, with their own clean appearance, similar to quick-look for OSX. Any other links just load up in your default browser, all in a new window. It’s clean and simple, without being overdone. It’s that kind of application design that I can really appreciate.
If you missed out on the latest MacHeist bundle and still want a copy, it’s only $19.95 on their website. If you’re a hardcore Twitter user, this is the app for you.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 12, 2010 | 1 Comment
Posted by: Lorraine Barte Nepomuceno on Mar 11, 2010 | No Comments
I was an English Literature Major, so you’ll understand if I’m more than just a little excited about my new find on the iTunes Store: it’s called Lit2Go, and it’s a collection of classic stories and poems, yours to download and listen to for free.
There’s a good selection, with something for almost everybody, from Edgar Allen Poe’s Stories to Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations (my personal favorite), to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, which you might want to download if you enjoyed Tim Burton’s recent production.
The recording quality could be better, I suppose- but the voices are crisp, and plays clear enough on my iPod for me on my ancient, somewhat noisy, treadmill.
You can go directly to the iTunes page of Lit2Go, which doesn’t include their entire library, or search through their huge database on the web.
Posted by: Lorraine Barte Nepomuceno on Mar 11, 2010 | No Comments
Posted by: RJ Huneke on Mar 11, 2010 | No Comments
The meeting drags on as the drab droll continues to reflect on the integral usage of office toilet paper, and in the process the March Madness college hoops game slips away. Get a text message on the iPhone that sheds light on the score at the end of each half with the “Sportacular” application.
The free sports guide quickly assembles all of the current day’s games for nearly every game, and with the flick of a finger the “Sportacular” App user can have any game report a change in score, or an update at the end of a period in the game!
Games are listed by sport, and clicking on a Bulls Vs. Magic basketball game will result in the live game time ticking away every few seconds, the score, the stats, the channel the game is on if it is televised, the spread and even a scoring summary!
Scrolling down to the bottom of the basketball court background, that beautifully borders the highlights, the “Sportacular” App user can see the game leaders, like Matt Barnes in the Orlando game, complete with a picture and his six points for the first quarter.
At the top of the screen a fixed scoreboard reflects the score no matter what aspect of the game the user is researching. Fantasy picks and custom teams can all be figured into this intuitive and quick action sports tracking “Sportacular” application!
IMPULSIVE Review Grade: A
Posted by: RJ Huneke on Mar 11, 2010 | No Comments
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 11, 2010 | 1 Comment
Oh Jennifer Anniston, is there any rom-com that you won’t do?
It’s Thursday, and I’m going to start a new regular feature titled Two Rumor Thursday. And by feature, I really mean that if I have two rumors to post up about on a Thursday, I’ll do it. Got it? Even you in the back? Alright, good. Now let’s get to it.
Rumor 1 from Apple Insider:
People with a proven track record in predicting Apple’s technological advances tell AppleInsider that the Cupertino-based company has developed a “full-on solution” to multitasking on the iPhone OS but offered no specifics on how the technology would optimize resource conservation and battery life — two of the most critical issues surrounding the matter, alongside security.
From a user-facing perspective, Apple plans to deliver a multi-tasking manager that leverages interface technology already bundled with its Mac OS X operating system, according to those same people. It was requested that specifics be withheld at this time, as the iPhone Software 4.0 remains under development and reportedly has a quite ‘way to go’ before it’s ready for prime time.
Some people would say that I forgot about multi-tasking in my amazing What I Want in the Next-Gen iPhone article. I didn’t. That’s because I really don’t care.
See, I don’t want to listen to Pandora and work on Tweetie. I’m just fine with working with the iPhone as is, no worries. Now I will say that apps such as 1Password and TextExpander would really benefit from multi-tasking, but it’s not the end of the world to me if it doesn’t happen. I don’t need my iPhone to be a computer, that’s what my MacBook Pro is for.
Rumor 2 from ZDNet:
I’m getting tips in from sources who claim that Apple is set to revamp its high-end Mac Pro line, adding a ‘hexacore’ Core i7-980x model to the line up.
All information points to this happening next Tuesday, March 16th.
The Core i7-980x is Intel’s first six-core part. Here’s the spec:
- 3.33GHz (TurboBoost to 3.6GHz)
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 32nm architecture
- Socket LGA1366
- 130W TDP
I don’t understand much about technical jargon, but I do know that the Intel Core-i7 is getting great reviews, and I’ve been hearing it’s coming to the laptops soon. I also know that the 3.33Ghz processor would fly in a Mac Pro, and would make me heavily consider a purchase. Well, until the price tag hit me. Then, I’d consider robbing a bank.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 11, 2010 | 1 Comment
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 11, 2010 | No Comments
[image via reddit]
What? Twice in one day? That’s awesome.
Anyways, I used to love playing Street Fighter II in high school, but I could never get the moves just right. But now, I get to be frustrated all over again with the latest release of Street Fighter IV for the iPhone [iTunes link]. It’s $9.99, which is a bit steep for an iPhone app, depending on who you ask. But in the spirit of being fair, I went ahead and paid for a copy myself, then spent a bit of time playing it to see how the gameplay translates.
Holy crap is this game awesome.
For the record, I was never very good at SFII, I just kept trying really hard until I came close, pushing a lot of buttons and trying to get things going. With SFIV on the iPhone, none of that is there. Rolling the joystick to perform moves comes naturally, because you’re just rolling your thumb on a slick screen. It all came rushing back to me with ease, like I had never stopped playing the game.
A problem a lot of iPhone games have is the joystick. It gets in the way of gameplay, so it becomes difficult to see what you’re doing to move the character. I didn’t find that to be a problem with the iPhone version. In fact, it seemed so natural that I didn’t even notice I was on an iPhone. It just played clean and simple.
The graphics are also excellent. You can notice little details on all of the characters, such as the muscle tone on Ryu or the folds of fabric on Chun Li. And the environments are active as well, just like the ones from the console. Frankly, it’s like having a console in your hands, which is exactly what I imagine they intended.
If you’re a fan of the Street Fighter series, this is a must-purchase. It’s easy to play, fun to use and fast. I will say that if I had an iPhone or iPhone 3G that loading times might suffer. On the 3GS though it flies pretty well. Go download it now, you won’t regret it.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 11, 2010 | No Comments
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 11, 2010 | 2 Comments
Summer time will be here before we know it, and with it will come a new iPhone for all of us to enjoy. Well, that’s the assumption anyways, since Apple has released a new iPhone every summer since 2007. This year the 3GS will have a successor, so what will it be and what will it have? I’m not psychic, nor do I have any kind of fancy superhero costume. But I can make some requests to what I do want on the next model, and that’s what I’ll do here.
Change the Unlock Screen
The unlock screen on my iPhone is functional. It shows me any current text messages, the time, and my fancy wallpaper, but that’s it. If I get a text and an appointment comes up, it displays them both in a truncated format, meaning that I have to open the phone, and open up both the Text and Calendar apps. It’s annoying, but there’s an easy fix: make the unlock screen customizable. Maybe include the calendar so you can see upcoming appointments. A text box for upcoming texts. Listings for push notifications. All that could be on the unlock screen and more, it just would take a little tweaking. I just hope it’s doable.
Switch out the Back Surface Material
The first thing I did when I bought my 3GS was buy a case. Was that because I wanted to protect my iPhone? Sure, but I really wanted to make sure that I could have something to hold on to. My iPhone 3G was slicker that a greased pig, and the 3GS isn’t much better. I do like the glossy plastic look, but there’s no texture to it at all, which makes it difficult to hold on to, particularly in hotter climates.
Front Facing Camera
I’m tired of hearing people complain about this. I don’t know anyone who would video conference over AT&T’s 3G network, but by just putting a camera on the front as well as the back you could eliminate all of those stupid mirror pics everyone puts up on their Facebook and MySpace pages. Yes, video conferencing could be done too, but maybe limit the framerate so it doesn’t screw up my reception.
Higher Quality Camera
While we’re talking about camera, let’s get into something a bit more high quality. There are plenty of phones with 5 mega-pixel cameras, let’s get one in the iPhone.
More Memory
Currently you can buy an iPhone 3GS with 32 gb of storage. Let’s double that to at least match the iPod Touch.
Better Screen
It’s completely possible to get high def video out of the current iPhone, so why not take it up a notch? I’d love to be able to watch Star Trek in HD on the go. OLED anyone?
Give Me My Tethering
I’ve all but given up on getting tethering on my iPhone in this century, but if it does happen, I have a feeling it’s not going to be cheap. Here’s an idea: make it affordable, then you get more customers. They probably won’t use it all the time, so you collect money for something you don’t use. Otherwise, people like me will go to Verizon for their portable internet needs.
Clean up the Apps
I’ve got 10 pages of apps. It’s difficult to organize, to find things, and tough to move around. iTunes has made that nicer for sure, but let’s try some new ideas. Think of something out of the box.
Do you have any ideas? Let us know in the comments.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 11, 2010 | 2 Comments
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 10, 2010 | No Comments
I’ve looked around at iPhone wallpaper sites for a long time now, and I never seem to find that one that just fits me. I’ve tried, but it always seems like I’ll get something that I kind of like, then feel like it’s cheesy so I bail on it entirely.
So I’m working on stuff at my desk today, when I get an IM from a good friend of mine, who I’m sure would rather remain anonymous. Let’s just call her by her rapping name, MC Look. She sends me a link to an iPhone wallpaper site that I had never seen before, with new and different wallpapers than are out there currently. At least that I’ve found, anyways.
They’re called Poolga, and they’ve got the magic touch with iPhone screens. Here’s the big difference: These wallpapers are designed by designers and illustrators, so they’re more artsy than your traditional wallpaper site. Yes, they have Darth Vader, but he’s a bit more cubist. Otherwise, these all appear to be original watercolors, painted illustrations and photoshop marvels that really show off the creative people doing the work. Me, I’m not capable of this kinda stuff. That’s why I can appreciate it when I see quality work.
Of course, none of this is important unless the price is right, which it is. The wallpapers are free, so go ahead and download to your heart’s content. Don’t worry, there’s lots to choose from.
Posted by: Kevin Whipps on Mar 10, 2010 | No Comments
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