Category: I-phone

With the addition of the Safari Extensions Gallery to Apple’s website over the last few days, TUAW will be highlighting extensions that we think are special, useful, or just plain fun.

Minimal Gmail is my new favorite Safari extension. It allows you to “clean up” a lot of the GMail interface, including turning off several items that you can’t disable any other way.

Yes, that means that you can disable ads, although to be honest I really haven’t noticed the ads in Gmail for a long time. However, now that they are gone, it is nice to have that space for reading the message, especially if you are on a smaller screen. What’s more exciting is the ability to hide things that I never use such as the “Invite” box. I mean, come on, when is the last time anyone invited someone else to Gmail? I’m guessing it was 2005. Also, I never use Gmail chat through the webpage, and never have it enabled, but Minimal Gmail allows me to hide that box completely.

Minimal Gmail will also hide the footer and header information. The footer alerts you to other IP addresses accessing your Gmail account, so some may want to keep an eye on that, but for me it was just clutter. Hiding the header means the links to Google Calendar, Documents, Reader, etc which I never accessed using those links anyway. That said, it also hides the links to the Settings and Labs on the right side of the header. I used the Google Lab “Quick Links” feature (which I was already using anyway) to make quick links to Settings and Labs, and then disabled the header as well.

There are a lot of other options as well, but that should give you a feel for it. If you use Gmail in Safari as often as I do, it’s definitely worth checking out. (Yes, it also supports Google Apps too.)

Important note to uses of Minimal Gmail v.1.0: you will have to manually update to version 2, but from now on Safari should be able to automatically update it, if desired.

Thanks to the SafariExtensions Tumblr (which is where I learned about Minimal Gmail) for continuing to point out useful new extensions. I use that site more than Apple’s official page.

TUAWSafari extension highlight: Minimal Gmail originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parallels, Inc. has taken the wrappings off of its new desktop virtualization software (yes, the same app which was already spotted on some store shelves — looks like a few retailers jumped the gun), and provided TUAW with a look. The update adds over 80 new and enhanced features, with better support for 3D apps and games, an enhanced Transporter program that will connect Windows and Mac files to both implementations. Also, integration between the two OSes has been improved to include the ability to use Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts, Spotlight, and Parental Controls across both Mac and Windows on the same computer.

We got a quick demo of the new app, and it looks great — Parallels has expertly integrated Windows and OS X in whatever form you want, from a full screen switchable setup, to a windows mode, all the way to Coherence mode, which leaves the virtual machine metaphor out of the equation and just lets you run Windows apps straight from the dock as if they were Mac apps.

There’s one caveat: Parallels has discontinued support for Tiger, so you’ll need to have OS X 10.5 or better installed to run Parallels 6. The app comes in two flavors: Parallels Desktop 6 is the standard app and can be purchased (officially starting on September 14th, we’re told, regardless of what’s on the shelves at your local Best Buy) for US$79.99, or you can get a Switch to Mac edition (which includes easy file migration and special tutorials for Mac newbies) for $99.99. Previous users of the software can get an upgrade for $49.99. Stay tuned, too — Parallels tells us it has more even more big news about the new version coming up soon.

TUAWParallels Desktop 6 coming September 13, with better 3D support and Windows/Mac integration originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The first one (above) is actually a bug with iMovie 1.1, although the app was updated yesterday and requires iOS 4.1. As you can see, reader Sean P. is still seeing a glitch in iMovie for iPhone that makes clip trimming a haphazard affair.

Eric B. reports that the headphones he received with his “iphone 2g” (we’re thinking he meant the 3G) now work, whereas before 4.1 but after 4.0 they did not.

John T. tells us “the iOS4.1 upgrade somehow ‘recovered’ clued 2+ weeks of lost voicemails that I really wish I had received, well, 2 weeks ago.” He reports others have seen this as well — have you?

Joseph T. says there’s good news for Bluetooth headset users who jam out on their headsets: “…the new AVRCP profile allows Bluetooth headsets to FINALLY skip forward and rewind.”

A few of us noticed it, but Jonathan L. wrote in to point out the icon for “deleting” an email in Gmail accounts has changed to indicate that you’re not deleting, you’re archiving the email. Instead of a trash can, you now have an arrow pointing to a file cabinet. If you want to go back to trashing email, however, you can set this in Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > choose the account (Gmail only) > Turn OFF “Archive Messages.”

Jeff V. reports a welcome enhancement regarding app updates on the phone: “Guys, I haven’t seen anyone cover this yet, nor do I know if it is a really big deal, but now in iOS 4.1 you can download and install more than one app at a time. Up to three at a time from what I see. I noticed this while updating some apps on my iPhone after updating to 4.1. I had twelve updates, told it to download all, and then it started downloading 3 of the apps at the same time (I have a screenshot showing the three blue install bars at the same time). Again, I thought this was nice, and I wasn’t expecting it, so I figured I would pass it along in case you hadn’t noticed.”

Reports from our commenters on the next page.

TUAWTUAW Mailbag: your iOS 4.1 tips and tribulations originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve been busily going through the App Store Review Guidelines that Apple released to developers this morning, and we’re surprised (and happy) to find direct, blunt language which makes Apple’s requirements crystal clear. Here are a few gems.

Line 8 is a standout: “We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don’t need any more Fart apps. If your app doesn’t do something useful or provide some form of lasting entertainment, it may not be accepted.”

From line 9: “If your App looks like it was cobbled together in a few days, or you’re trying to get your first practice App into the store to impress your friends, please brace yourself for rejection. We have lots of serious developers who don’t want their quality Apps to be surrounded by amateur hour.” You’ll remember Steve also said “amateur hour” during last week’s press event.

Here’s line 10: “We will reject Apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line. What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, ‘I’ll know it when I see it’. And we think that you will also know it when you cross it.”

Line 12 ends with a punch: “This is a living document, and new apps presenting new questions may result in new rules at any time. Perhaps your app will trigger this.”

Finally, the introduction concludes with a subtle barb: “If it sounds like we’re control freaks, well, maybe it’s because we’re so committed to our users and making sure they have a quality experience with our products. Just like almost all of you are too.” Almost all of you.

The introduction sounds like it was copied verbatim from Steve Jobs’ own mouth. We’re looking at the rules themselves now, but here’s the gist: Go ahead and use 3rd party apps, keeping the following in mind:

1. Don’t submit 3rd-party apps that download code
2. Don’t make crap
3. Help us make a kick-ass experience for everyone

Good work, Apple.

[Via Engadget]

TUAWApple’s App Store Review Guidelines: Some juicy bits originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No matter what size iPad or other portable device you get, many times it seems that you’re going to hit that storage limit and find yourself aching for more space. The HyperDrive may not fix that problem for you, but it may be handy in certain circumstances.

Using the portable HyperDrive and the iPad Camera Connection Kit, one can transfer movies and photos onto the iPad from either the HyperDrive’s internal storage or via memory cards attached to it. Since the iPad only allows attached storage of 32GB or less, the HyperDrive sections off its on-board storage into 32GB “folders,” each of which is viewable using the iPad Photos application.

It’s definitely a hacky way to go about transferring data to your iPad while on the go, but at least it doesn’t require jailbreaking to use (if that’s a concern of yours). The usefulness of the HyperDrive seems rather limited, though, as it’s not able to transfer data off of your iPad, only onto it.

The HyperDrive comes in 120GB up to 750GB models, starting at US$299.

[via Macworld UK]

TUAWCarry more iPad data with you, using HyperDrive originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here’s a surprise we didn’t expect this morning — or ever, for that matter — Apple has changed its stance on iOS app development, now allowing all tools “…as long as the resulting apps do not download any code.” Theoretically, this would include Adobe Flash CS5 but certainly includes tools like Unity. [Note that while the Flash CS5 authoring environment may be kosher, this rule still excludes the Flash browser plugin due to the no-downloaded-code clause. -Ed.]

In addition, Apple has published the App Store Review Guidelines for the very first time. We’ll be anxious to hear what developers have to say after giving those guidelines a good read.

You’ll remember a recent change in Apple’s SDK language that prohibited iOS apps to be written with anything other than Apple-approved tools, including Flash. This led to a viciously bitter spat between Adobe and Apple (though it really seemed to be between Jobs and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen) with both sides setting up their tents and firing barbs. To say that this morning’s change is dramatic is an understatement.

Great, now I have to be on the lookout for 3 other horsemen for the rest of the day.

[Via Engadget]

TUAWApple loosens reins, allows 3rd party iOS dev tools with caveat originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today with the official release of iOS 4.1 Apple made a some extra major announcements for developers.  Those being a change in policy on developer tools, and a statement demanding higher quality apps – directly noting that “Fart Apps” would no longer be allowed.

First off, it looks like the announcement that Apple is lessening restrictions placed on developer tools will pave the way for third parties like Adobe with Flash CS5 to continue working on their development tools.  From what I understand none of these apps were ever blocked simply because one of these tools were used, but for developers using these tools that is one less thing to worry about.

Apple has also added new rhetoric to the developer agreement regarding app quality (perhaps in anticipation of a flood of crappy Flash made apps coming in).  In the new policy apple has gone into greater detail specifically as to what types of apps will be rejected outright (many had been rejected for sometime – often leaving developers wondering why)  – even mentioning Fart Apps directly.  If you’re a member of the developer program you can read the new policy in detail here.  In the new policy Apple has specifically used words such as “fart apps” and “amateur hour”.

What does this really mean?

In the end this will be a boon to anyone who was using or wanted to use development tools such as Flash CS5 to create apps.  For the consumer it will probably mean many great looking, but simple apps hitting the app store (unless Apple really gets restrictive).  Ultimately, if you were using a third-party tool and worried about your app being banned because of it (I know some Unity developers who were) this should alleviate most of your worries. Marketers who had been flooding the app store en masse with silly, simple novelty apps could have something to worry about.  We will see if things really tighten up or if it is just talk.

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©2010 iPhone, iOS 4, iPad SDK Development Tutorial and Programming Tips. All Rights Reserved.

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Some time ago i created an iOS Objective-C cheat sheet for developers looking to transition to Objective-C who already understood languages such as Java, C++ and C# to get started with Objective-C.  As it was just a quick guide I did not get into memory management which was so different from those languages.

Since then I also posted about a great video tutorials on Objective-C memory management which covered things in great detail.

Today I found a good guide on some specific situations that could lead to a memory leak if dealt with improperly.  This includes dealing with autorelease objects, autorelease pools, returning pointers, and how memory management is handled with collections.

You can find the guide here:
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/iPhone/avoidiphoneleaks.aspx

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©2010 iPhone, iOS 4, iPad SDK Development Tutorial and Programming Tips. All Rights Reserved.

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Today sees the official release of Learning iOS Game Programming. I hope those who have bought it or who do buy it enjoy it and I’m looking forward to see all the games the come from the readers. Remember to let me know of any games you create that use code from the book and […]

Arkon is a manufacturer of car mounts for the iPhone. The company recently sent me a couple of mounting solutions for the iPhone 4, and I have been testing them out for the past month.

The package Arkon sent me contained the following items:

1. SM012 – Mini Weighted Friction Dashboard Mount
2. GN014-SBH – Travelmount Mini Swivel Windshield Suction Pedestal
3. AP013 Circular Adhesive Dashboard Disk
4. GN015-HPB-2 Mini Windshield Suction Pedestal
5. SM050-2 Slim-Grip Holder

First Impressions

I have to say I was a bit overwhelmed when I first received the package due to the sheer number of parts. First there is the weighted dashboard mount — which if I may be honest is far from “mini” as the product name states. Then there is an adhesive hook to prevent the weighted mount from sliding off the dashboard. Then there is the pedestal that attaches to the mount. The pedestal is comprised of several parts which you have to assemble, including the plastic pedestal itself, the Slim-Grip holder, and four support legs that you have to slide into the holder before you can mount your iPhone.

Phew! That’s a lot of parts. As Apple customers, we want products that “just work,” as the old Mac slogan goes. I don’t want to have to read an instruction manual to figure out how to use this thing. I just want to take it out of the box and use it.

Arkon iPhone 4 Mounts Reviewed

After assembling both mounts (the friction dashboard mount and the adhesive dashboard disk), I found the friction dashboard mount to be cumbersome, far from “mini,” and not well fitted to my dashboard. On the other hand, I found the adhesive disk to be a much smarter solution.

The friction mount was in fact too large to fit anywhere but right in the center of my dashboard, and even there it was difficult to hook it to the safety hook due to lack of space. Arkon advertises this mount as more portable, since you can use it in several vehicles, however my package only contained one adhesive safety hook, which is not portable yet is vital to preventing the mount from sliding off your dashboard.

The Arkon Pedestals

The one subtle difference between the GN014-SBH and the GN015-HPB-2 is that the latter allows you to adjust the angle of the holder higher or lower, in addition to the swivel ball that both pedestals feature. I like the swivel ball because it allows for easy manipulation of the iPhone’s position.

The suction cup can be attached to either the mount or to the windshield. In my experience, the suction cup was reliable and never became detached from either the mount or the windshield.

The Slim-Grip Holder

The only holder that Arkon offers for the iPhone 4 is the Slim-Grip Holder, and I must say this part makes the Arkon mount a deal breaker for me. The Slim-Grip Holder requires you to slide four support legs into grooves in the holder, but I found this to be troublesome. The reason is apparently that this is a universal mount, and so the support legs can be adjusted to suit any phone. The problem for me was that these legs were difficult to adjust without using considerable force.

Furthermore, to mount the iPhone, you need to pull the spring-loaded grip mechanism down and then it will spring back up and secure the phone to the holder. This sounds practical in theory but it is not ideal because a) it’s a pain in the butt to pull the grip mechanism down with one hand while mounting your iPhone with the other, and b) the spring puts considerable pressure on the iPhone 4, which makes me slightly uncomfortable.

I would much prefer a holder that was fitted perfectly for the iPhone 4 so that I could be spared the trouble of adjusting the legs and the inconvenience of mounting the phone with the spring mechanism.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I like the swivel pedestal and the adhesive dashboard disk, but I was not a fan of the friction mount or the Slim-Grip holder. Show me a fitted holder that I don’t have to fiddle with too much, one that “just works,” and then I might change my mind.

Thanks sincerely to Arkon for providing these mounts for review. I hope the company will consider implementing some of this feedback into their product line. For pricing and other details, visit the Arkon page for iPhone 4.

Arkon Car Mounts for iPhone 4 [Review] is a post from Apple iPhone Review.

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1. Xtand Go Windshield and Dashboard Car Mount for iPhone [Review]
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3. Bicio’s GoRide iPhone Bike Mount [Review]

Here’s a surprise we didn’t expect this morning — or ever, for that matter — Apple has changed its stance on iOS app development, now allowing all tools “…as long as the resulting apps do not download any code.” Theoretically, this would include Adobe Flash CS5 but certainly includes tools like Unity. [Note that while the Flash CS5 authoring environment may be kosher, this rule still excludes the Flash browser plugin due to the no-downloaded-code clause. -Ed.]

In addition, Apple has published the App Store Review Guidelines for the very first time. We’ll be anxious to hear what developers have to say after giving those guidelines a good read.

You’ll remember a recent change in Apple’s SDK language that prohibited iOS apps to be written with anything other than Apple-approved tools, including Flash. This led to a viciously bitter spat between Adobe and Apple (though it really seemed to be between Jobs and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen) with both sides setting up their tents and firing barbs. To say that this morning’s change is dramatic is an understatement.

Great, now I have to be on the lookout for 3 other horsemen for the rest of the day.

[Via Engadget]

TUAWApple loosens reigns, allows 3rd party iOS dev tools with caveat originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VLC, the play-anything video player for the Mac, may soon be available as an iPad app. App maker Applidium has spent months porting the open source player into an iPad app and has submitted it to the App Store. Now they’re just waiting for Apple to approve it; if approved, the app will be available next week, and like its big brother on the Mac, the app will be free.

Having VLC available on the iPad would be hugely beneficial. VLC plays far more video formats than QuickTime or the iPad’s built-in video support; on the Mac, I’ve often said that if VLC can’t play it, it can’t be played. We don’t know yet if VLC on the iPad will allow you to move (for instance) AVI files straight into the VLC program via iTunes or if you’ll be required to stream files from a Mac to view them on the iPad. In either case, VLC’s ability to play almost any video codec out there would vastly expand the iPad’s capabilities.

That said, there are multiple reasons why Apple might reject this app. “Duplicating functionality” is one possible reason; the iPad already has a built-in video player, though one that’s far more restrictive in the formats that it supports. There may be severe battery life issues to contend with as well. The iPad has the ability to decode H.264 video via its built-in hardware, but most other formats would have to be decoded via software, and depending on the format, it could tax the iPad’s A4 processor pretty heavily. Finally, it’s possible that media providers might squawk in protest at the iPad being able to easily and freely play video from any source — let’s just say that a lot of the AVI files and almost all of the VIDEO_TS folders out there aren’t exactly condoned by the media conglomerates and leave it at that.

I hope this app does get approved. I don’t own an iPad, but being able to play back virtually any type of video file on the device via VLC would be a huge selling point for me, and probably for many others, too.

TUAWVLC coming to the iPad originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In case you missed it, the highly anticipated iOS 4.1 software update was released yesterday. If you’ve already upgraded, or after reading that sentence you’re not already downloading it now, then you obviously like to play it cool and safe. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Good for you! Either that, or you got seriously burnt last time.

Well, when you’re good and ready, Mac Observer has just the guide for you. It’s so extensive, it practically holds your hand when taking your first steps to the land of iOS 4.1. From considering whether you should upgrade or not, to making sure your ‘must have‘ apps are compatible and backed up for the new update, the walk through will guide you every step of the way, without making you run before you can walk!

Seriously though, if you can’t afford any mishaps, it’s well worth the read. The walk through will even guide you on resetting your iTunes warnings so that the ones you nonchalantly clicked through last time will trigger again. Just make sure you read them this time, OK?

Have you upgraded your iOS device to software version 4.1? Have you hit any snags along the way? Let us know how you’re doing in the comments.

TUAWThe extra safe, extra cautious iOS 4.1 upgrade guide originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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