Category: I-phone

You’ve probably seen Chopper 2 here on TUAW before — we originally covered the app’s iPad-out-to-TV feature and then chatted with creator David Frampton back at WWDC last year. With the news of the Mac App Store coming soon, Frampton has decided to port the game over to the Mac, and since he already included a way to control the universal iPad app with an iPhone, he’s decided to do the same thing for the Mac. On the next page, you can see a video demo of the app on the Mac being controlled by the iPhone version over Wi-Fi.

It’s very slick, and I don’t think this will be the last connection we’ll see between iOS apps and the Mac App Store. When developers are able to “control” versions of all three of their apps (iPhone, iPad, and eventually the Mac), there are probably many more ways they can connect them up, from straight controls like this to regular syncing of information and other connections. I wouldn’t be surprised if we even see Apple get in on the action, both enabling this type of cross-platform compatibility in its own apps (controlling Keynote on the Mac from an iPhone, for example), and including helpful calls in the API to let developers do so themselves.

But kudos to Frampton for his work on this one — he tells TUAW he wants to have the Mac app ready to go on launch day, so if you’re a Chopper 2 fan, you’ll be able to load it up and play right away.

Continue reading Chopper 2 for Mac controlled by iPhone

Chopper 2 for Mac controlled by iPhone originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple has garnered yet another win in a customer satisfaction survey — this time it’s PC World conferring the honors onto Cupertino, as Apple has topped both the laptop and desktop categories for most reliable and well-supported computer products. PC World says that Apple also did well in its smartphone category (with, of course, the iPhone), but that the antenna issues and a few other problems with the iPhone kept it from being listed at the top of the category. Still, PC World has nothing but praise for Apple, which is well-known both for solid, perfectly built hardware, and a software experience that rules out as many questions as possible.

This of course fits everything we’ve heard anecdotally about Apple in the past — while of course there are sometimes issues from computer to computer or in certain experiences at the Apple Store, most of Apple’s products are extremely reliable. Even when they’re not, 9 times out of 10 we’ll hear about Apple just outright replacing them for customers, under warranty or otherwise.

Asus also joined Apple at the top of the survey for both desktops and notebooks, and down at the bottom, PC World says that Dell and HP both show “troubling” figures for customer support. Both of those companies still saw increased earnings this past year, but problems in their customer support departments and cheaply made hardware have earned them reputations for trouble.

Apple, ASUS top PCWorld satisfaction survey originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I love finding useful free apps. Today I’ll steer you to GateGuru, a free app that will help you navigate airport terminals and find food, ATMs, conference rooms and shops. The app was featured in an iPhone TV ad earlier this year, and has been updated since then with some new features and bug fixes.

GateGuru starts by locating the nearest airports via GPS (U.S. and Canada only, unfortunately). You can also type in an airport’s 3-letter identifier code or city name. Once your airport is identified, you can select the main terminal or a particular concourse. You’ll get a map and a list of what’s there, be it food, shops, or services like shoe shine stands or free WiFi.

You also get user-supplied ratings of shops and restaurants. Sometimes there are photos as well. This is all pretty handy, especially if you are in an unfamiliar airport. You can also add your own photos and reviews.

Continue reading GateGuru is free and just in time for holiday travelers

GateGuru is free and just in time for holiday travelers originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mega entrepreneur Richard Branson is set to release his iPad-only magazine, Project, tomorrow. That’s Jeff Bridges on the cover, no doubt talking Tron inside. This issue seems to focus on pop culture, with articles about a French record label and a new super car from Jaguar teased on the front cover. Plus, the official blog has stories about gadgets, clothing, Internet culture and movies.

That’s about all we know, really. There’s no word on pricing, navigation, business model, etc. We’ll find out soon enough. One can only assume that the super-competitive Branson is thrilled to have delivered an iPad-only publication before Rupert Murdoch. You can watch a brief (and we mean brief) teaser video after the break.

[Via 9to5Mac]

Continue reading Richard Branson’s iPad-only Project magazine to debut Tuesday

Richard Branson’s iPad-only Project magazine to debut Tuesday originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You’ve updated your iPad and iPhone to iOS 4.2 and you want to print something… anything… but that printer hooked up to your Mac doesn’t show up in the list of available devices. What can you do to make your iOS user experience complete?

As Mike noted in his AirPrint roundup last week, Netputing took note of the re-enabling process that Chris posted about and created a little hack called AirPrint Hacktivator (which now uses a different method than it did originally, see below). You can easily install it on your Mac and be printing like a maniac from your iOS 4.2 device in minutes.

It’s a simple, non-Terminal way to fool your iPad or iPhone into thinking that your shared printer just happens to be one of those HP ePrint printers that work seamlessly with AirPrint.

Continue reading AirPrint Hacktivator enables AirPrint for any printer

AirPrint Hacktivator enables AirPrint for any printer originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those eager to carrier-unlock their iPhone 3G/3GS under the latest firmware (and only the latest firmware) have an option, if the risk of using iPad code does not dissuade them. The iPhone Dev Team has released a new version of PwnageTool that uses the 6.15.00 baseband from iPad firmware 3.2.2, which runs happily on the iPhone 3G and 3GS, as a result of all three devices using the very same Infineon radio chip.

This unlock isn’t for the “weekend warrior.” A mistake could render your device unable to execute a full restore ever again. In addition, Apple Store employees will frown upon you if you approach them for advice with an iPhone running iPad code, and that’s just the beginning. The more patient among us can wait until the team releases an official bundle.

[Via Engadget]

PwnageTool offers risky iPhone 3G, 3GS unlock originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s Cyber Monday y’all, so dust off those keyboards and put the car keys down because all you need is an Internet connection and some patience to hunt down scores of deals online.

We’ve rounded up a few deals from our friends over at Dealnews and will continue to do so at least until the shopping season is over. Which, in my family, lasts until the sun comes up on Christmas morning… You’d be surprised at the gift options the local gas stations have at 4 in the morning!

We’re also tweeting deals on our @TUAW account, so join the madness over there or on our Facebook page.

• Apple Store: Apple Store Merry Monday Sale: Up to 30% off select items + free shipping
• ZAGG: ZAGG.com Cyber Monday Sale, 50% off sitewide on iPhone accessories, no minimum
• MacUpdate Promo: MacUpdate Mini Bundle — Five Mac apps for $20
• B&H Photo Video: Western Digital 2TB USB External Hard Drive for $85 + free shipping
• iTunes App Store: iPhone App Price Drops: Perfect Photo, Cabela’s Hunts, LoTR Defense, more
• Meritline: Refurb Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player for $35 + free shipping
• Apple Store: Refurbished iPod touch from $149 + free shipping
• MegaMacs: Used Apple iBook G4 1.2GHz 12″ with software suite for $200 + $20 s&h
• Best Buy: Panasonic VIERA 50″ 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV for $700 + free shipping
• Dell Home: Dell 23″ 1080p Widescreen LED LCD Display for $150 + free shipping
• Beach Camera: Olympus E-PL1 12MP Micro Four Thirds Camera w/ lens for $399 + free shipping
• mwave: XtremeMac InCharge Charging Base w/ $1 credit for $13 + free shipping

Return of the revenge of the Daily Deal originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The iPad continues its march towards world domination. A number of TUAW readers and the Swedish Apple site Alltommac.se are reporting that the iPad will finally make it to authorized Apple resellers in Sweden tomorrow.

It also appears that iPads will be warming hearts throughout the Nordic countries of Norway, Finland, and Denmark tomorrow as well. Confirmation of the launch has been forthcoming from official Apple sources as well as from resellers, many of whom are reported to be planning special early store openings tomorrow to feed the frenzy.

The largest Apple retailer in Finland, Humac, ran teaser ads this morning saying that “morning coffee is one reason to come visit Humaciin on Tuesday,” with a tell-tale iPad-shaped coffee stain on the ad.

No pricing information has been forthcoming from any of the retailers at this time.

[via MacRumors]

Update — Thanks to TUAW reader Henrik, who reported the following prices for Norwegian iPad purchasers

16GB Wi-Fi – NOK3999 – USD644
32GB Wi-Fi – NOK4999 – USD805
64GB Wi-Fi – NOK5999 – USD967
16GB Wi-Fi + 3G – NOK4899 – USD789
32GB Wi-Fi + 3G – NOK5899 – USD951
64GB Wi-Fi + 3G – NOK 6899 – USD1112

iPad officially debuts in Nordic countries tomorrow originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I visited an Apple Store last Friday and the place was packed — we had to wait just for a chance to enter the store and once inside, employees were frequently dipping into stacks of MacBook Airs and iPhones. My experience wasn’t unique as Philip Elmer-DeWitt reports for Fortune.

Along with anecdotal evidence like mine, Piper Jaffray polled 100 Apple Stores by phone to come up with some real numbers. They found that Macs were selling at the rate of 8.2 units per hour per store, down from 8.3 last year. iPads were selling at 8.8 per hour. Gene Munster noted for Piper Jaffray that the iPad was gaining traction among demographics that typically avoid Macs, though specifics on those groups were not provided. Munster concluded by calling the iPad “the Mac of the masses,” and it does seem to be becoming just that.

Additionally, the MacBook Air sold quite well on Friday, according to Chris Whitmore of Deutsche Bank. Whitmore polled 100 Apple Stores over the weekend as well as 50 3rd-party retailers selling Apple’s goods. While he didn’t provide any numbers, he did quote employees as calling the 11-inch Air a “customer favorite” that was “flying off the shelves.”

iPad, MacBook Air sell well on Black Friday originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Every time I’ve been to Holland, I’ve been amazed at the number of languages that many people could speak fluently. Perhaps one of the reasons is that the Dutch start teaching their children other languages at a very early age. I came across a very simple and well-designed app that might prove that’s true. iKidz Pro (US$2.99) is an educational universal iOS app that teaches very small children basic words in nine languages: US English, UK English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Italian, Russian, Polish and Turkish, with more on the way. For fun, a baby language was put in that doesn’t teach anything but is fun to play with.

If a child taps on a picture within a category, the picture expands to the whole screen, and the written word and picture are displayed. If the child taps anywhere on the page, an animated written word pops in, and the word is spoken in a perfectly accented language of the parent’s choice. If tapped more than once, each tap shows the printed word in a different color, and the word is spoken again. That’s all it does, but for little ones, I think it’s more than enough as an introduction to language education.

Continue reading Teach small children basic foreign language words with iKidz Pro

Teach small children basic foreign language words with iKidz Pro originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While capacitive touchscreens have a lot of wonderful qualities when it comes to precision and sensitivity, the need for skin contact can be a problem in cold climates. MobileBurn has tried out three different solutions that help protect your digits from frigid air while still letting you manipulate your iPhone or iPad without resorting to some kind of sausage.

Gloves from Isotoner and Agloves and a retrofit kit from GloveTips.com gave a decidedly mixed set of results in MobileBurn’s testing. Fleece smartTouch gloves from Isotoner feature capacitive pads on the tips of the index finger and thumb. While the gloves are warm and the pads work well, their position means that your finger or thumb have to be straight on to make contact. If you often use the side of the finger tip or thumb, you’re out of luck. The Agloves are infused throughout with silver, meaning that you can touch the screen any way you want and still control it. However, the knit construction means they don’t keep your hands as warm as the Isotoners, and they are apparently very slippery, making it hard to keep a grip on your phone unless it is in some kind of case.

Finally, the GloveTips let you retrofit your favorite gloves with capacitive tips. Unfortunately, the contact points are very small, and if you don’t get them in exactly the right spot for the way you hold your phone, they aren’t very reliable. If you’ve tried out any gloves that let you control a touchscreen, let us know how they worked out in the comments. Check out MobileBurn’s video in the second part of the post.

Continue reading Three touchscreen-capable gloves tested

Three touchscreen-capable gloves tested originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The second half of the Apple Store one-two punch of weekend discounts hits today, as the company is offering savings on select accessories and peripherals like the Twelve South Compass stand for iPad (featured in our recent gift guide). Considering that the store isn’t necessarily known for everyday low pricing, these sale offers aren’t really spectacular savings; there are a few exceptions, however.

The M-Audio Keystudio 49 MIDI keyboard connects to your Mac with a single USB cable and works out of the box with Garage Band and other music apps; it’s $70 today, a solid $20 off of the price you’ll find elsewhere. The Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox (a solid replacement for the lamented iPod Hi-Fi) is $40 off; it’s also hard to find for less than $390 usually. The Panasonic HM-TA1 HD camcorder (with support for the iMovie-friendly iFrame video format) can be found for $140 elsewhere, but the white color is exclusive to Apple; it’s $17 off today.

Also on the special offer sheet today: free signature gift wrapping, to put the final touch on your iPod touch.

Apple’s Cyber Monday sale cuts prices on accessories originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Found Footage: The Woz on how Apple got its name

Found Footage: The Woz on how Apple got its name originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I know, I went and used “wiki” and “Markdown” in the headline and scared off all of the non-nerds. Nerds, welcome. If you’re a non-nerd who kept reading, well, keep reading. Markdown is an easy way to create HTML, and wikis are a powerful means of connecting and organizing your notes. Your mobile note-taking deserves a peek at this.

Trunk Notes is a note-taking app with a built-in wiki (similar to VoodooPad). It works for both iPad and iPhone and provides great tools for editing (and rendering) Markdown. It also syncs with Dropbox and sends emails in Markdown or rich text (HTML). The wiki feature allows you to create automatic links between pages using WikiWord syntax. It’s an extremely fast way to create linked notes with rich formatting.

If you don’t know Markdown, take my word for it: it’s easy. There is some great documentation included in the app, and you’ll catch on quickly. Read on for a dive into Trunk Notes.

Continue reading Trunk Notes: a Markdown-based wiki, to go

Trunk Notes: a Markdown-based wiki, to go originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Given the options for getting AirPrint working with your existing gear, it’s probably not necessary to run out and get a brand-new printer just to enable output from your iOS 4.2-enabled iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. If you actually need a new printer, however, it’s worth considering whether one of HP’s AirPrint-ready models is suited to your printing lifestyle. For Cyber Monday, HP is offering instant rebates on all the Photosmart inkjets that are qualified for AirPrint use.

While HP’s press materials indicate that all of the company’s ePrint-capable printers will eventually work with AirPrint, only about 10 printers are ready for iPad printing out of the box or with currently shipping firmware (full list here). Of those, almost all of these are discounted for Cyber Monday, ranging from US$30 off the budget Photosmart D110a (for a total cost of $70) up to $50 off the C510a and $100 off the A910n. All models include free standard shipping for the sale event.

Chances are, if you’ve got an educational or EPP (employee purchase program) discount, you’ll be able to shave a few more dollars off these prices. Our colleague Laura Heller at WalletPop suggests checking price aggregator sites like Fatwallet.com or Dealnews to verify that you’re getting the best deal, and make sure that your local office equipment chain (OfficeMax, Staples, etc.) won’t beat the price.

AirPrint for less: Deals on HP printers for Cyber Monday originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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