Category: Tutorials

After a few fits and false starts, the image above shows the iControlPad in what’s purported to be its final production form, according to inventor Craig Rothwell’s Twitter account. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, and sales are supposed to start sometime in September, but Rothwell says the unit above is the first off the line, and there will be a production run of just 3000 to start. The unit has two sidebar pieces that wrap around the iPhone or iPod touch, and in addition to the extra control buttons on the bottom, the ‘pad also has a battery that “doubles the iPhone battery life for gaming.” There are shoulder buttons on the back as well.

Rothwell says he doesn’t ever expect to get Apple’s support on the project, but by just switching out the two side pieces, the pad could be adapted for any number of phones, so if the concept takes off, you can probably expect to see an Android version as well. We’ll keep an eye out for pricing and other information. It’s been a long (long) time coming, but for iPhone gamers who could use a few more buttons in their games, looks like the wait might almost be over.

[via Engadget]

TUAWiControlPad going into production (again), 3000 units in first run originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to another episode of TUAW TV Live, the weekly livestreaming video show where you can join in on the conversation.

Today, I’ll be presenting another all-Mac episode, where I try to avoid using the i-words (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) and showcase the venerable Apple computer line. Some of today’s topics include:

• Upgrading older Macs to bring back some of that new-Mac speed
• Ideas for regular maintenance of your favorite Mac
• Backups
• Boot Camp
• How to prepare an old Mac for “repurposing” (i.e., sale or donation)
• Places to sell an old Mac

I’ll also give you a peek at a few Mac apps that I’ve been playing with lately.

Now it’s time to get on with the show! To join in from your Mac or PC, just go to the next page by clicking the link at the bottom of this post, and you’ll find a live stream viewer and a chat tool. The chat tool allows you to join in on the fun by asking questions or making comments.

If you’re driving somewhere and would like to watch TUAW TV Live while you’re stuck in traffic, please don’t — keep your eyes on the road! However, if someone else is doing the driving, you can watch the show on your iPhone by downloading the free Ustream Viewing Application.

iPad users haven’t been forgotten, either, as you can tune in to TUAW TV Live on your iPad! That link will send yo to a non-Flash page, although you won’t have access to our chat tool.

TUAWThe extra special TUAW TV Live all-Mac episode, version 2.0 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nominations have been announced for the Game Developers Choice Online Awards (to be announced at the upcoming GDC Online conference in Austin), and iPhone developer Ngmoco has secured a few spots in among the rest of the big PC game developers. We Rule picked up nominations for Best Online Game Design, Best Online Audio, and Best New Online Game, and Godfinger was recognized in the Best Online Visual Arts category. iPhone developers Booyah and Digital Chocolate also got nominated, but both of those companies were chosen for their Facebook titles, not their iPhone creations.

So congrats to Ngmoco — the company has certainly made a splash on the App Store with its freemium model, but these nominations show that former EA exec Neil Young’s company is competing on quality with much larger PC titles like League of Legends, Aion and Dungeon Fighter Online. The awards will be given out at GDC Online, taking place October 5-8 in Austin, Texas.

TUAWNgmoco’s iPhone titles nominated for a few GDC Online awards originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well now. The previous rumor about 99 cent rentals for TV episodes on iTunes was just your average, but now that we know there’s an Apple event just around the corner, it’s time to start making hay out of all the chaff floating around. A source now tells the Wall Street Journal that Apple is pushing hard for a deal with Disney to nail down cheaper 48-hour rentals, presumably to come through iTunes and the revamped iTV service. Resistance to the deal is coming from TV companies (surprise, surprise), who are leery about putting too much content out through online services, fearing that people will leave their monthly cable bills behind if another service arises.

What’s funny about that, of course, is that Apple sees that’s already happening. Services like Hulu Plus and Netflix are already making cable customers rethink their monthly fees, and so Apple is finding itself with a limited amount of time to get in on the action. The Wall Street Journal says the company is pushing for agreements “before the new television season starts,” but now that we know there’s an event planned for September 1st, it’s more likely Apple is trying to get agreements set up before the announcement. Of course, as Philip Elmer-DeWitt points out, the real economic tradeoff isn’t between the $0.99 rentals and a more lucrative plan the studios come up with — it’s between Apple’s proven iTunes-based economy and the free-range TV programming on BitTorrent.

And with its ties to Disney, odds are that Apple will definitely have enough to go forward, even if it doesn’t have every channel signing on the dotted line just yet. So here’s the question: if Apple does announce a new iTV, and a way to watch new television on demand right away, will you choose a system like that over whatever cable bill you’re currently paying?

TUAWMore murmuring about 99 cent iTunes TV rentals originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kaplan Publishing is offering quite a few free eBooks through the iTunes store, but you can only access them on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It’s a great deal if you’re heading back to school or just want to stock up on some quality reference material.

The books are in the categories of college prep, graduate studies, law, medicine, nursing and education. The book are free from now until August 30.

Kaplan first became well known to students preparing for SAT and other exams such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT and many others. The company then expanded into publishing on many education topics.

TUAWA barrel of free books from Kaplan makes a great back-to-school haul originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A recent FCC filing has revealed an upcoming iPad case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. With an iPad installed, it’ll look and behave more like a traditional laptop, for better or worse.

Since this case includes a wireless keyboard, it must meet with FCC approval, and that’s how it was discovered. Though it’s less fun that this homemade version in my opinion, the case features a built-in keyboard and angled mount for the iPad itself. AppleInsider says that the keyboard is expected to get 100 days of standby time, and a theoretical working time of 90 hours, though real-world performance will probably differ. The battery will be charged via a standard dock connector-to-USB cable.

GearZap has it listed for £59.95, though it isn’t currently available. It looks pretty cool and should offer nice protection when closed. If you use the iPad primarily for writing, keep an eye open for when this goes on sale.

[Via AppleInsider]

TUAWNew iPad case will offer hard shell, built-in keyboard originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iTunes U lets students (or anyone, really) listen in on lectures, classes and other programs from the world’s top educational institutions. In fact, more than 800 universities participate, and this week Apple announced the delivery of 300 million iTunes U downloads.

Students can use iTunes U to find lectures and other materials related to their studies, of course, but really anyone with an interest in continued education can browse the store’s contents for audio or video that meets their areas of interest. For example, here’s a collection from the Stanford Historical Society, and another from Japan’s Keio University. All iTunes U content is free.

Congratulations to Apple and the participating institutions.

TUAWiTunes U breaks 300 million downloads originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What do you do if you run a stable of sumo wrestlers who are charged with illegal gambling, assault, and drug use? Most likely, you help the authorities in an investigation. Since you’ll need to ask the wrestlers confidential questions, you give them mobile phones and send them text messages. Unfortunately, the big guys’ fingers are too large for them to text you back.

If you’re the Japan Sumo Association, according to Japanese news agency Jiji, you buy iPads and distribute them to all 51 sumo stables for the purpose of getting the mostly computer-illiterate stablemasters and big-fingered wrestlers to communicate to you immediately. The association announced Monday that they’ve purchased 60 iPads already, which start in Japan at about 48,800 yen ($570).

There’s no word on whether a new form of mawashi, the traditional silk belt worn by sumo wrestlers during training and competition, will be developed to let the wrestlers carry their iPads with them wherever they go — but we can dream.

[via iPadmodo & Apple 2.0]

TUAWJapan Sumo Association is wrestling with iPads originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s official — the media invites have just gone out from Apple to invite the select outlets to a company event on Wednesday, September 1st. That’s a week earlier than BusinessWeek’s prediction.

Apple has historically used a September event to introduce new iPods and announce enhancements to the iTunes service. Apple TV, which is widely expected to be refreshed and relaunched (possibly with a naming/branding change to iTV), was originally introduced at a Fall event.

In addition to the anticipated Apple TV update, many analysts are predicting a 4th generation iPod touch (possibly with cameras), an iPad refresh, an iTunes update (likely to 9.3 or 10.0), and a TV episode rental scheme.

Regardless of what Apple introduces, TUAW will be virtually there to meta-liveblog the event, bringing you updates and analysis as they happen.

Got some predictions? Share them in our comments.

TUAWApple to hold media event on September 1st originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although it is overshadowed by the younger, touch-based members of the Apple family, the Mac is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Perhaps driven by the ‘halo effect’ around the success of the iPod, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, more and more individuals, schools, and businesses are buying Macs.

Today on TUAW TV Live, your humble host presents another all-Mac episode. Inspired by the Mac makeovers from last weekend, we’ll talk about upgrades, backups, repurposing or selling old Macs, and also feature demos of some new Mac software. As always, you’re welcome to ask questions during the show via live chat.

To watch or participate in today’s show, visit TUAW later today (just before 5 PM EDT/2 PM PDT) and we’ll have full instructions on how to join in.

TUAWTUAW TV Live: Another all-Mac episode today at 5 PM EDT originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project Sanctuary is one of the best dual-stick shooters I’ve seen on the App Store yet. It’s quick and responsive, and it’s got a surprisingly solid back-end, which includes four different characters to choose from, multiple game modes and settings, and even an in-game talent tree where you can specialize your characters and weapons as necessary in order to bring the best fight that you can. The game has a serviceable storyline, but the action here is all about shooting, moving, and using power-ups and weapons to take down as many enemies as possible.

If the game has an issue, it’s that the view isn’t quite as big as it could be. That kind of helps the intensity (as enemies can jump up on you quickly), but it’d be nice to see a little bit more of the field as you run around. It doesn’t hurt the core gameplay, though; if you’re a dual-stick shooter fan, you’ll find some terrific hardcore action here for sure. Achievements and the ability to replay maps will help you keep playing, too. I wasn’t able to try co-op, but the game reportedly has four player co-op available, which seems like it would make for a good time. At US$2.99, this is probably one for the genre veterans. If you’ve never played a dual-stick shooter before, I’d go with something a little more polished (Minigore is a good, traditional place to start). But if you’re a dual-stick veteran seeking a little more depth, check out Project Sanctuary on the App Store now.

TUAWTUAW’s Daily App: Project Sanctuary originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peavey and Agile Partners have just introduced AmpKit and AmpKit LiNK, an iPhone-based hardware/app combo that takes portable guitar and bass effects to a new level. It’s loud, it’s lightweight, and it’s an extremely flexible (and relatively inexpensive) alternative to a floor full of pedals.

Matt Tinsley recently reviewed the iRig and AmpliTube combination that also became available recently. I pre-ordered the iRig, and I loved it from the moment I got it in the mail and plugged my guitar into it (I did unbox it first). I received a review unit of the AmpKit LiNK this month, though, and for the last couple of weeks, it’s been the mainstay of my practice sessions.

I’ll tell you up front that I’m not currently gigging, so I can’t attest to the road durability of this hardware, or the actual feasibility of using it onstage. I don’t doubt that it would perform well on both counts, but I haven’t battle-tested it. That being said, click “Read More” for my thoughts on the AmpKit/LiNK setup.

TUAWAmpKit, a new way to shred with your iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yesterday, Bloomberg published a story about Apple’s alleged plan to rent television shows through iTunes and, we assume, the Apple TV. The cost would be US$0.99, which is half off the purchase price of $1.99.

Bloomberg also mentioned that Apple will hold a press event on September 7th. That’s likely, as Apple has refreshed the iPod line every year in September since its launch. Additionally, the “Buy a Mac, get an iPod touch for free” promo that Apple is currently running for students expires on September 7th. So expect new iPods.

The real question, as Engadget points out, is what else will be announced at the event? Is the TV rental option the end of the story or part of a larger service? Also, would the new Apple TV (or “iTV“) be announced on the 7th as well? We’ll know soon enough. Be sure to follow our coverage on the 7th (should the rumored event actually take place) for the latest news.

[Via MacRumors]

Update: Invitations have gone out and it looks like Wednesday the 1st of September is the magic day. Join us on TUAW for coverage.

TUAWBloomberg: Apple press event on Sept. 7 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dear Aunt TUAW:

Behold the $1.39 iPad holder. It holds the iPad perfectly in both orientations. All of the iPad users in my office have one, and it’s the best. It’s very very stable, too.

Love and kissies,

Your nephew Joel

TUAWDear Aunt TUAW: $1.39 iPad holder originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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