Appletell

Hot Apple gaming news for the week of 7-12-2009

NEWS — 2009-07-18T13:24:22+00:00

Section:

Miss out on any Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPod gaming news this week? Here’s a look at this week’s top Apple stories from our friends at Gamertell...

And don’t forget to check out our App Store updates.

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Important Importables: Buying Japanese music from iTunes

NEWS — 2009-07-18T13:23:55+00:00

FROM GAMERTELL - If you’re yearning to purchase Japanese video game soundtracks, pop or rock music, then perhaps it’s time to look into creating a Japanese iTunes store account.
MORE »

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Free Apps roundup for July 17th, 2009

Jake Gaecke — 2009-07-17T22:59:55+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Originals

Based on recent sales figures, chances are high that you now have an iPhone 3GS (and are also out of money as a result). But don’t worry, I have your back. It’s Friday again, and here comes my list of great apps on the App Store that are free of charge. You’re welcome, no problem really, just doing my job.

Waterslide Extreme - Remember when Sonic (the hedgehog) used to be fun? Yeah, I know, it’s been a while. This game gives me that feeling I had when I was, like, 10 or so, playing the bonus levels of Sonic that were pseudo 3D. Basically, you’re a nameless human sliding down a waterslide filled with diamonds (points), obstacles and a few power ups. Reminds me of the last time I went to Noah’s Ark Water Theme Park! This game is pretty cool, and not just because it’s free.
TwitVid - All the cool kids these days are on Twitter…well, at least I am, and I’m pretty cool. What better way to announce your current status to the world than to post a video with your brand new iPhone 3GS? TwitVid is what you need (unless you just want to upload it to YouTube and turn on Twitter announcements, but you already knew that).
Coast Guard - I’m not sure how long this one will last, so grab it while it’s free. You command a ship with which you intend to protect yourself and your island against terrorists. The graphics are fun and the game looks to be a steal at free.
Cyclops - Turn your iPhone 3GS (only) into a one eyed monster…er, a barcode scanner. You can scan a barcode with the camera and it goes out to Amazon and figures out the product you’re looking at, as if you didn’t already know. Could be handy for you to quickly find out the online price of a product you found interesting in store.
Signals - This app gives you access to a user-submitted iPhone signal strength database. I’m not certain how you’d actually use this, but it could be interesting to know where signals typically drop out in your area.

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 17, 2009

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-17T21:50:30+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone Accessories, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 17, 2009:

Macintosh

Adreamsoft has announced the launch of the latest version 2.0 of PDF to Word Converter. The all new Converter, designed as the most efficient and versatile PDF tool, empowers business users to convert any PDF documents into editable Microsoft? Word documents with higher accuracy, faster speed and better stability. Because of the good quality of the product, Brothersoft, the famous software download site, holds a promotion for Adreamsoft PDF to Word Converter.
Yazsoft has announced Playback 1.0.1, an update to their new zero configuration media server for Mac OS X. With a focus on ease-of-use, Playback allows anyone to share their media with any Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or other UPnP compatible device. Playback can also share media stored in folders or even make entire disks available to a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. By default, Playback will share almost any content on the users system. No configuration required.
Opcoders has released GraphicDesignerToolbox 1.2.0, a free update to their powerful Mac OS X graphics editor. Perfect for web designers who need to compose seamless tiling textures, trim pixels, prepare thumbnails and add shadows, plus much more. A round milestone is crossed, the 100 building blocks. Improvements since last major release are 13 new building blocks, documentation for 30 blocks, extended 5 blocks with new features and more.

iPhone/iPod

Design-PT, Inc. has announced Here Say 2.0, an update to their popular virtual bulletin board for iPhone and iPod Touch. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone’s unique capabilities and interface, Here Say offers iPhone users a fun, fast and easy way to share and discover what is going on around them. Here Say provides access to a whole new virtual space which is location specific. No user account is required to use the application, and all usage is anonymous.
Creaceed has announced the release of Vocalia 2.0, its speech recognition application for the iPhone. Creaceed listened to their users and implemented the most requested features. Users can now ask Vocalia to search for songs from the iTunes library by saying the artist or group name. Additionally, users can import their bookmarks from their Mac to their iPhone or iPod Touch, and then ask Vocalia to open them in Safari.
Barclaycard has released Waterslide Extreme, a game which sees your character racing down a waterslide, avoiding the crabs and rubber ducks and collecting bonus points along the way.
Freeverse Inc. has announced an update to their popular game, Grunts. The newest update provides players with menu, control and gameplay changes to polish the successful top-down squad-based shooter.
A company by the name of Glu Mobile has released teasers of their upcoming games, one of which is called Family Guy Uncensored. Appmodo reports that the game will take you on an action packed adventure with multiple levels. There are five playable characters (Stewie, Peter, Brian, Chris or Quagmire), cameo apperances by other characters, mini-games, locations based from the series such as Spooner Street and The Drunken Clam, and more.
Appmodo also want to let you know that Artificial Life is giving away promo codes for iSoccer Backstreet. We could tell you about it, but bother when Appmodo has already done the work?

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So Hot Right Now: Top 10 Appletell posts for the week of July 12, 2009

NEWS — 2009-07-17T16:56:31+00:00

Section:

Haven’t caught all of the Appletell news this week? Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

Apple netbook planned for October?
” We dreamed of seeing a touch-screen Apple netbook at this year’s WWDC, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Now, seven weeks after the event, rumors have surfaced once again of a…” MORE »
Appletell reviews David Pogue’s Digital Photography: The Missing Manual
“Author: David Pogue Publisher: O’Reilly Publication Date: January 2009 ISBN 10: 0-596-15403-8 ISBN 13: 9780596154035 Pages: 304 Price: $24.99 print, $19.99 e-book David Pogue…” MORE »
Apple designing their own chips in house?
” Yesterday, my favorite rumor broke again. You know, the one about an Apple tablet device for mobile computing. Something along the lines of a netbook without a physical keyboard, perhaps like a super sized iPod touch. That sort of thought…” MORE »
Palm Pre syncing and AT&T tethering workaround both broken with Apple updates
” As most of you probably know, Apple recently released iPhone 3.1 beta 2 to developers to play with. Along with some bugs fixes and improvements in code, this update features the breaking of the IPCC…” MORE »
Last chance to win an iBoo iPod Docking Station and speaker system
” It’s July 12th, meaning it’s the last day of entries for our iBoo giveaway. Courtesy of our friends at Speakal, one lucky Appletell reader will be randomly selected to receive an iBoo iPod Docking Station and 2.1 speaker system ($89.99…” MORE »
Snow Leopard to receive minor UI updates alongside speed
” As we approach the release of Snow Leopard, Apple continues to send new betas to developers to fix all the existing issues. One of the latest releases—10A402—contains some user interface improvements on top of the…” MORE »
Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 14, 2009
“Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 14, 2009: Macintosh app4mac has released the final version of CheckUp 2.5, an innovative tool that allows you to check the health and monitor the…” MORE »
Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 13, 2009
“Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 13, 2009: Macintosh Jumsoft has expanded its selection of templates for Apple’s Pages with a brand new line: Pages Templates Expert. This collection presents all…” MORE »
Appletell reviews HyperMac’s External MacBook Power Battery
“Provides: Extra battery life Developer: HyperMac Minimum Requirements: MacBook with MagSafe power connector Price: $199.95 - $499.95 Availability: Now Apple has made their best effort to maximize battery life in their notebook line,…” MORE »
Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 15, 2009
“Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 15, 2009: Macintosh iWebTemplate has announced the addition of new iWeb themes to be used with Apple’s Website building application. iWeb Themes for Business 4.0…” MORE »

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Casual Friday: Update for July 11 - 17, 2009

NEWS — 2009-07-17T16:55:03+00:00

FROM GAMERTELL - The Gamertell Casual Friday casual game update for July 11-17, 2009 includes Keys to Manhattan (PC), Kuros (PC), Zuma Web Connect (Mac, PC) and Fishdom H2O: Hidden Odyssey (Mac).
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No promo codes for apps with a 17+ rating. Really, Apple?

Josh Holat — 2009-07-17T16:16:09+00:00

Section: Apple, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iTunes, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps

It’s very well known that Apple has some major issues when it comes to what they are doing with the App Store. App submissions commonly take longer than four weeks (and may I remind you, some people’s livelihoods rely on this), and app updates can even take longer than two weeks. Furthermore, there is no way for developers to respond to reviews on the iTunes Store (although Apple has done a little bit to make this better). And most recently, Apple started enforcing a strict rating system for applications. The worst part about this? Apparently, apps with a 17+ rating can no longer be obtained through promo codes.

What?! This makes zero sense whatsoever. The app has already been forced to have a strict rating, and everyone knows it does who visits the App Store. Why can’t it still be given away for free? The most important part about these promo codes is how they are used when it comes to getting reviews of applications from blogs as well as distributing it to friends and family. Come on, Apple, this is going way too far.

Via [The Unofficial Apple Weblog]

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iPod nano rumor: 5th gen model to include a camera?

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-17T13:14:45+00:00

Section: Rumors, iPod + iTunes, iPod nano

I have no idea who these Uxsight people are, but they sure have become a fun source for ridiculous rumors. A couple weeks ago, they started taking pre-orders for a case for the unannounced 3rd gen iPod touch, complete with opening for a possible camera. Now, they’re selling a case for an unannounced 5th gen iPod nano, complete with…you guessed it…an opening for a possible camera. Come on, Uxsight, it’s like you aren’t even trying anymore.

Coincidentally, this case and the one for the 3rd gen iPod touch (which is currently on backorder, of course), cost $1.19 each. I guess that’s Uxsight’s default cost to accessorize items that don’t exist. They even admit this in the product’s description:

This product is based on a mock-up design of the upcoming iPod Nano 5G with a 1.5:1 screen and a camera at the back. There is no guarantee that the final iPod Nano 5G launched by Apple would follow this design exactly. But still it is good for fun collection

Yeah, it’s always fun to pay for a device that serves absolutely no function whatsoever. Of course, I’ve still got some early iPod cases lying about, and they’re as useful to me now as would be this iPod nano 5G case…and about as useful as would be a camera on an iPod nano. With no WiFi or other network capabilities, what good would a camera do? You could synch photos with iPhoto when connecting the docking cable, but what fun is that when the iPhone and iPod touch allow you to share photos wirelessly, post them online, edit them, etc.?

If you do feel the need to protect air from scuffs and scratches, you’ll be pleased to know this case is constructed with soft and durable silicone material for extra grip and durability. It’s available in white, green, black, grey, blue, pink and red, all of which perfectly complement nothing.

Product [Protective Silicone Case Skin Cover for iPod Nano 5th Generation 5G]

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iPhone and iPod touch action games roundup

Indraneel Purohit — 2009-07-17T10:45:03+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Originals

Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch have solidified themselves as booming platforms for game developers. Some, including myself, find themselves setting down their Nintendo DSs and Sony PSPs in favor of the numerous (and constantly growing) games the iPhone and iPod touch have to offer. The games spread across every genre, from sports to word games. Just as well, there is a wealth of action games available in the App Store—some great, some…not so much.

If knights, jumping off leaves, or knocking down planes to keep your boat afloat…well, floats your boat, then these games are definitely for you. In this review roundup, we will be looking at Knights Onrush, iYamato, and Leaf Bound.

Knights Onrush

Developer: Chillingo
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.2 or later
File Size: 21.9MB
Price: $0.99
Appletell Rating: 3/5
App Store Link: Knights Onrush

Knights Onrush, in true “defend your castle” form, provides a simple premise: there are knights attacking your castle, and the only thing stopping them is your finger. You must pick and drop the enemies as they attempt to break down your castle door, the condition of which is denoted by the status bar at the bottom of the screen. The game offers three different modes of play: Campaign (basically the “story” mode of the game, you move from level to level), Endless Siege (where you try to last as long as possible), and Madness (in the same style as Endless Siege, but the enemies are much more difficult to defeat and attack in larger and quicker waves).

I thought Knights Onrush was pretty fun for a quick play. It seems to be a pretty deep game, with multiple upgrades and add-ons to buy between levels. I’m generally less receptive to games in this style (but for good reason) and this is no different—it tends to get very repetitive. There is only so much flicking and dropping that I can do before a game loses its luster. Nonetheless, Knights Onrush is an entertaining game for the one dollar price tag it carries.

iYamato

Developer: Geppetto Inc.
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.2 or later
File Size: 7.3MB
Price: $0.99
Appletell Rating: 2/5
App Store Link: iYamato

An interesting game, iYamato gives you control of two sets of cannons on a ship which you move with controls on the bottom of the screen. You aim and fire the cannons at fighter planes, as well as the bombs they drop, and shoot them down. I played on both the Easy and Normal difficulty settings, and, despite the numerous games I handle with relative ease, I found iYamato to be a quite the challenge, and I will definitely continue to try to improve with it.

The controls, though explained visually, are a bit tricky to understand, especially since the game hits you hard and fast. Knowing when the cannon you’re firing runs out of ammunition was something that I was not able to figure out. I would have enjoyed a more thorough introduction to the game or an easier difficulty setting for the inadequate, like myself. iYamato was an okay game, but definitely has some shortcomings.

Leaf Bound

Developer: Pixel Stream
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.2 or later
File Size: 44.1MB
Price: $0.99
Appletell Rating: 4/5
App Store Link: Leaf Bound

Leaf Bound is reminiscent of the flash game, Winterbells. In both, you move your leaping character from one flying object (in this case, leaves) to the next, by sliding your finger horizontally across the bottom of the screen, trying to make your way up as far as possible. On your way up the seemingly endless forest, mechanical movies will attempt to take away your health and end your leaps prematurely.

These types of games are really addicting, due to their simple-to-learn nature and easy controls. Unlike iYamato, for example, no instruction set is required besides the very succinct “slide your finger on the bottom of the screen.” The uniform background on each level may makes the game seem repetitive, but beyond this, I did not find many flaws. Though the overall originality may be low, Leaf Bound translates well to an iPhone game and provides a lot of entertainment.

Appletell’s Action Hero

Overall, I think Leaf Bound really shines amongst the three action games gathered here. Its simple and addicting gameplay makes it very enjoyable with lasting value; games like these can be played for a long while before they even start to grow stale. Knights Onrush and Leaf Bound have free versions available as well, so be sure to check out each game and make the choice for yourself.

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Frictional Games re-releases Penumbra horror series for $5

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-16T22:40:59+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Games, Mac + Computers, Software

Frictional Games has announced a re-release of their Penumbra Series for Mac and Linux. All three Penumbra games—Overture, Black Plague and the Requiem expansion—will be available tomorrow as a single download with a single installer. Even better, on launch weekend (July 17th-19th), Mac and Linux users can get all three games for $5.

During the launch weekend of Friday the 17th to Sunday the 19th the Penumbra Collection for Mac & Linux will sell for a mere USD 5! Windows users recently had the same offer available to them and due to numerous inquires from Mac & Linux gamers we hope that this offer will achieve full cross-platform horror enjoyment. After the launch weekend the Penumbra Collection will sell for USD 20.

The Penumbra Collection will be available in the Frictional Games Store for Mac & linux. In addition the Mac version will also be available from the Mac Game Store, Mac Games Arcade and the recently launched Gamer’s Gate for Mac. All stores are participating in the USD 5 weekend launch!

I reviewed Penumbra: Overture back at Applelinks, and, based on that experience alone, can say that this is an amazing deal that will surely satisfy fans of adventure and horror games. Aside from great puzzles and scares, Penumbra features a unique physics interaction system, detailed story and dreadful environments. Its approach to the survival horror genre has received numerous awards and critical acclaim. Visit www.penumbragame.com for more information, media and demos.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 16, 2009

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-16T22:19:40+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 16, 2009:

Macintosh

Ohanaware has announced the immediate availability of an update to their flagship product Funtastic Photos. Funtastic Photos is a user friendly Photo Editor for the Macintosh platform, with advanced effects engine and sharing capabilities. This update (free to existing customer) features a multitude of bug fixes and more built-in creativity.
Eltima Software has released SyncMate 2.0, software for multiple sync. SyncMate simplifies the process of all data synchronization between Mac and Windows Mobile devices, other Mac computers, Nokia S40 phones and online accounts. There is no need to unlock a device in order to install SyncMate. A Mac can be connected to Windows Mobile device via USB or Wi-Fi. Mac to Nokia connection is available via Bluetooth, and you can also sync your Mac with another Mac via Ethernet.
ProteMac has announced ProteMac KeyBag 1.7. ProteMac KeyBag is a stealth keystroke monitor and recorder for your Mac computer. KeyBag runs in the background, completely undetectable by the user so it won’t interfere with way you work on your computer. For home and business use, ProteMac KeyBag is a useful tool for productivity and security.

iPhone/iPod

Juicy Development has released Police Scanner 1.2, an update to their critically acclaimed iPhone and iPod Touch application. Police Scanner allows anyone to listen to police, fire, and EMS activities around the world. Version 1.2 sports a sharp new user interface, faster access to streams, and improved database and GPS performance. With over 1100 national and international EMS streams, Police Scanner offers the largest selection of police, fire, and emergency services streams available.
Rexi Media has released the first presentations skills iPhone app, Presenter Pro for iPhone and iPod touch. Presenter Pro is designed to help business presenters be heard over the corporate noise, clutter, and distraction of digital leashes. Often over-tasked and disenchanted in the business space, listeners attend a presentation with the intent to multitask. How can you attract and sustain an audience’s attention?
Muli Mobile today released FlowerPedia 1.2, an update to its popular flower gallery and encyclopedia for the iPhone. The new release focuses on improving the overall user experience with a simplified user interface, improved comprehensive flower search, improved flower photo gallery and more flower photos. FlowerPedia is a portable flower encyclopedia, identification tool and photo gallery, featuring over 1500 high-resolution photos of flowers, organized by flower family, genus and photo rating.
IGG Software today announced the release of iBank Mobile for iPhone and iPod touch. Users can harness the power of iBank to check account balances, enter transactions and categorize purchases, even in foreign currencies. Designed to sync seamlessly with the desktop version of iBank for Mac, iBank Mobile also works as a separate, stand-alone app for handheld finance management.
iLuv has debuted the iEP515 Premium Earphones and the iEP315 In-ear Earphones with microphone remote. The perfect match for iPhone 3GS music lovers looking for sound reproduction that closely resembles a live performance, these precision-engineered earphones are the result of meticulous attention to detail from the streamlined, ergonomic exterior to the technological mastery of the speakers inside. They feature drivers that create a balance of high and low frequencies for superior sound and a light, comfortable, sound isolating design with built in hands free iPhone and iPod functionality control. The iEP515 earphones will be available in August for MSRP $59.99 and the iEP315 earphones for MSRP $29.99 at www.i-luv.com.
iMetal is the newest metal detector app for the iPhone 3GS. Featuring a slick and interactive UI, iMetal uses the magnetic detector (aka compass) to measure the surrounding magnetic field and will alert when metal objects (or objects with a strong magnetic field) are detected.
Triple-Q has announced Turn Turn Tank: Globe Defense, a combination shooter / tower defense game. The objective of the game is to defeat the Aliens by rotating the earth and moving the tank in the screen. The game offers 30 stages of action, 7 types of aliens and beautiful effects.
Do you want to win an iPhone? Sorenson Media wants you to prove it. Create and upload a video, and tell the world what iPhone feature you’d like to have. To enter, visit win.squish360.com, submit your video, and alert your Twitter followers. Your video competes with other submitters, and the person with the most votes wins.
EeryLab has announced the release of Adubble Lite on iPhone and iPod Touch. Just in time for the summer holiday season and free of charge. If you like games like Trism or Bejeweled then you’ll really appreciate this game and the uniqueness of it. The Lite version contains first 8 levels from full version.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

iPhone word game round up

Josh Holat — 2009-07-16T13:52:24+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iTunes, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Reviews

When it comes to gaming, the iPhone is an unusually fun platform on which to get your fix. With all sorts of games ranging from classic titles to new 3D breakout games, there is something for everyone. That said, there is a nice variety of games based around words. They all offer their own type of interface and gameplay, and each is interesting in its own way.

In this app review round up, we will be looking at iAssociate, WordSolitaire, Wordulous, and Lexulous.

iAssociate

Developer: Fredrik Wahrman
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.0 or later
File Size: 0.2MB
Price: $1.99
Appletell Rating: 4/5
App Store Link: iAssociate

iAssociate is a word connection game that involves finding words similar to other words in order to create a large web of words. The game starts with one bold word and a few branches off to blank words with a number representing how long they are. The user is to fill in these blank words by choosing words that are commonly used with the bold word that you start with. The game will let you know if you get any of the beginning letters right until you finish the word. Then, it turns bold as well and creates even more branches in the web.

Overall, I really enjoyed this game. It was fun to try and discover some of the words that I and others relate to other words in our lives. Also, some of the words aren’t as easy as others, adding a degree of difficulty to the game which creates more fun, in my opinion. The progress screen shows users the status they’ve reached through each level so they know when they can begin a new web.

All in all, this was a pleasantly entertaining game.

WordSolitaire

Developer: Candywriter
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later
File Size: 5.2MB
Price: $0.99
Appletell Rating: 3/5
App Store Link: WordSolitaire

WordSolitaire is exactly what it sounds like—a solitaire game that uses words rather than cards and numbers. Other than this detail, the gameplay is very similar to normal solitaire. The user is able to drag cards around the screen in a very easy to use interface and create words with the cards available. By creating words, the user gains points and gets closer to defeating the round.

This game was pretty fun overall, but I also found it to be somewhat weird at times. When you get a point in the game where you know you can’t make any more moves (and the program knows, as well, I presume), the game should end and let the user know. I found myself trying to create random words to see if they worked, but the app has a surprisingly nice dictionary to know which words are right.

In summary, it was an enjoyable game.

Wordulous

Developer: 99Games Online Private Limited
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.1 or later
File Size: 9.6MB
Price: $0.99
Appletell Rating: 3/5
App Store Link: Wordulous

Wordulous, another word game, involves starting a game with a random six letters and a chalk board with a bunch of blank words (i.e. it shows dashes in the list instead of the words). As the user, you create words using the letters you started with and check to see if they are okay. When they are, you receive points and the word shows up on the chalkboard. When they aren’t, you lose points and start the word over.

I love the idea of this game, and this developer has executed the idea very well. That said, the game itself was somewhat too thought out. During the creation of the words, I noticed that sometimes I would pick random letters (that I wasn’t sure would form a word) and then check to see if they were. Some of the time these random words were. This is sort of weird in that there were words in the game of which I’ve never heard (and some I even questioned if they were actual words). That said, the game itself was really interesting.

Lexulous

Developer: Rajar Agarwalla
Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch, iPhone OS 2.0 or later
File Size: 0.8MB
Price: $3.99
Appletell Rating: 3/5
App Store Link: Lexulous

Lexulous is a scrabble-based word game that is intertwined with Facebook. This game involves starting a game with another user over Facebook and alternating turns over the internet in a game of online scrabble. The interface consists of drag and drop game pieces as well as the ability to zoom in and out on the game board. It works much like real scrabble does.

Although I am a huge fan of Scrabble, this game didn’t really do it for me. Since it is all based online over Facebook Connect, a few things must be true for it to work: 1.) You’ll need an internet connection, 2.) You’ll need to find a game partner who plays back relatively quickly, or else you’ll find yourself staring at the screen not even knowing if that user is logged on, and 3.) You’ll need patience, since most user-based actions require something on the server end that leaves you waiting for the internet connection.

I do love the idea, but I don’t think the iPhone is right for this type of thing.

Appletell’s Word Game Winner

All of these games were fun in their own way, as I said. However, if I were to choose one that I would spend my money on, it would be iAssociate. This game offered a well-put-together interface as well as interesting and challenging gameplay. It got me thinking, and really made sense to me. That said, each game is worth the money in the end, and I would recommend you check them all out, if you want. Some of them do have lite versions available.

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell reviews HyperMac’s External MacBook Power Battery

Jake Gaecke — 2009-07-16T10:42:47+00:00

Section: Mac + Computers, Laptops, MacBook Air, MacBook, MacBook Pro, Peripherals, Reviews

Provides: Extra battery life
Developer: HyperMac
Minimum Requirements: MacBook with MagSafe power connector
Price: $199.95 - $499.95
Availability: Now

Apple has made their best effort to maximize battery life in their notebook line, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Even if battery life has been extended since previous models, the new MacBooks don’t support swapping of batteries (at least not in a usable fashion). So, what do you do? Call up HyperMac I imagine. They have a new external battery, and it does its job.

It’s a simple problem with a simple fix. You need more battery life, so you need more power. You can fix this problem in a number of different ways. You can dim your backlight, turn off WiFi, and work in battery saving mode. You could bring a power adapter along everywhere you go. But what if you don’t have access to a power outlet? What if you’re in a car? Since the entire MacBook line only accepts MagSafe connectors, you are extremely limited in your power options. You’d have to buy a power inverter in order to power up your MacBook in a car. Or would you?

Turns out, you have another option. Not only can HyperMac’s External MacBook Power battery help alleviate some of your power woes in the form of an external battery (with MagSafe connector), you can also get a car adapter for the included MagSafe connector (no battery necessary). At the time of this writing, the HyperMac Car Charger is included at no additional charge for the top 3 capacity models. Heck, the darn thing will even charge your iPhone or other USB device (but what other device could you possibly need?).

How well does it work? Superbly. I got the chance to try out HyperMac’s top of the line model, the 222Wh. They have a chart on their site with expected battery life extension by model of MacBook assuming WiFi ON, 50% display brightness and Better Battery Life setting. I, of course, just can’t compromise, so I tested it with full brightness, tons of apps running, all antennae on, etc, etc. The chart says that my unibody MacBook Pro should get about 4 times more battery life than normal, so I knew it wasn’t going to live up to that. But to my amazement, it recharged my MacBook Pro (from dead) 3 times before giving up the ghost. I’m seriously impressed.

How about the design? Not bad, especially for external batteries. These things tend to be on the ugly side of ugly, but this one is very tolerable. It’s made out of aluminum and has a white plastic end for the capacity display and connectors. The unit chargers fairly quickly, considering it’s size. Be forewarned, the higher the capacity, the larger the unit, but this is detailed on HyperMac’s site; no secrets here. Still, 5 pounds is not really that bad; heck, that’s about a 30% improvement over a mediocre Will Smith movie.

HyperMac offers the External MacBook Power battery in the following sizes: 60Wh, 100Wh, 150Wh, and 222Wh, though they get progressively out of the range of affordability quite quickly. But if you need extra battery life, you need it, and price may not be a deterrence. In all truth, the only downside to these batteries is their price compared to their utilization. Do yourself a favor and think about how often you’re really going to use this, and then make your decision. If you do decide you need an external battery, you will be very happy with your HyperMac purchase.

Appletell Rating:

Buy HyperMac External MacBook Power

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Review: Mountain Dew World of Warcraft Game Fuel

NEWS — 2009-07-16T10:41:58+00:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Think a carbonated beverage based on World of Warcraft might taste like a troll’s old bath water? Click through and find out what we think of these uniquely colored drinks…
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 15, 2009

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-16T00:38:05+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 15, 2009:

Macintosh

iWebTemplate has announced the addition of new iWeb themes to be used with Apple’s Website building application. iWeb Themes for Business 4.0 includes five new excellent themes: Simplicity, International, Blackout, Time Machine and Flourish. Each iWeb Theme for Business includes eleven templates instead of ordinary eight. The new release extends iWebTemplate’s iWeb themes collection up to ninety one themes. Each iWeb template incorporates a number of different graphic elements.
ActyMac today announced DutyWatch 1.3, an update to their Employee Monitoring Software for Mac OS X. DutyWatch record and log everything your employees do, from recording keystrokes typed and website visits, to chats, employee emails and screenshots. DutyWatch is completely invisible to your employees. It runs silently and unobtrusively while logging everything that happens on their computers.
ProteMac has announced ProteMac NetMine 1.3, an update to their network firewall for Mac OS X. ProteMac NetMine is a network firewall for Mac OS X which is able to control and intercepts all internet and network activity of all applications on your Mac. Firewall can restrict or prevent the spread of networked computer worms, trojans, viruses and malware. NetMine firewall can prevent all unwanted outside and inside traffic from reaching protected machines.
Elixir today has announced Thurly 1.0, a plug-in for Apple Safari. Thurly allows you to shorten long URLs, as well as let you easily post them and more on Twitter, directly from within Safari. With a quick keyboard shortcut, Thurly springs to life automatically shortening the URL of the web page you are on. From there you can copy the shortened URL out to use elsewhere. Paste it into emails, forums posts, blog entries and much more.
MacVide has announced MacVide 3gp Converter 2.7, an update to their mobile video conversion utility for Mac OS X. Developed specifically for Mac users, 3gp Converter allows video conversion to mp3 mobile video. All of the most popular formats are supported, and helps bridge the gap between many video standards. MacVide 3gp Converter offers an easy-to-use interface that guides the user through the conversion process.
Axiotron and Toon Boom Animation have announced the introduction of the Nomad Storyboarding System, combining the speed and portability of Axiotron’s award-winning Modbook tablet Mac computer with the creativity and ease-of-use of Toon Boom’s industry-leading Storyboard Pro digital storyboarding application. The Nomad Storyboarding System is available beginning immediately in North America exclusively through Complete Tablet Solutions by calling toll-free (866) 780-7480, ext. 101.

iPhone/iPod

FDG Entertainment has announced the v1.1 update of Parachute Panic for all iPhone and iPod touch devices, OS2.2 and higher. This unique casual game requires you to successfully land a host of parachutists into passing boats. Beware of imminent dangers such as helictopter blades, U.F.O.s, sharks and thunder clouds.
PressOK Entertainment and Large Animal Games have announced the release of Bumper Stars Mobile. Using Facebook Connect, Bumper Stars Mobile combines mobile and social networking capabilities and gives over 40 million iPhone and iPod Touch users the ability to play one of the most popular Facebook games either solo or against their friends. With more than 200 million active users, Facebook is the fourth- most trafficked website in the United States.
TechPad Productions has announced that iMEvil for iPhone and iPod Touch is now available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store. iMEvil, which was developed under the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) New Media Agreement, features David Sobolov, one of the most notorious voices of evil in Video Games, TV and film.
Griffin Technology, Inc., has announced the availability of iFM Radio Browser for iPhone OS 3.0. The application, Griffin’s first for the new OS, is designed to take full advantage of the platform’s improved speed and performance. iFM Radio Browser connects users with radio in a way traditional and satellite radio services have never allowed, through an innovative, real-time media browser interface.
AppMobi’s latest iPhone app, PhotoBeamer, leverages the new 3.0 OS and Bluetooth technology to provide a super easy wireless realtime photo sharing tool. It’s designed for casual photo sharing with family and friends (up to 3 simultaneously).

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Palm Pre syncing and AT&T tethering workaround both broken with Apple updates

Josh Holat — 2009-07-15T22:40:22+00:00

Section: Apple, Apple News, Updates, iPhone, Carriers, iPhone

As most of you probably know, Apple recently released iPhone 3.1 beta 2 to developers to play with. Along with some bugs fixes and improvements in code, this update features the breaking of the IPCC hack we saw that enabled tethering for AT&T early on the iPhone. Since AT&T won’t be supporting iPhone tethering until later in the year for an undetermined price, this is sort of a bummer for the people who found this workaround useful. I think it is safe to say that once the official 3.1 software is released to the general population of iPhone users, this hack will no longer work.

In other broken software this week, it is being reported that the iTunes 8.2.1 release has broken the Palm Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes. Anybody could have guessed that this was coming, and I’m sure some were surprised that it even took this long. It looks like Palm may have to find another way to market the Pre when it comes to competing against the iPhone. Good luck.

Via [The Unofficial Apple Weblog], [MacRumors]

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple to be hurt by poor factory conditions?

Josh Holat — 2009-07-15T21:36:03+00:00

Section: Apple, Apple News, Retail & Apple Store

An investigation into factories in China used by Apple has come up with some interesting facts and numbers about the quality of work that is going on across the sea. Some of these issues range from pay to hours to working conditions, and it appears as if more factories than one are affected. While many people see Apple as a company of high quality, this has left AppleInsider wondering whether this will affect that.

Here are some of the numbers:

45 of the 83 factories that built iPhones and iPods in 2008 weren’t paying valid overtime rates for those workers who qualified.
23 of these weren’t even paying some of their workers China’s minimum wage.
25 of the 83 also discriminated to some degree against people based on ethnicity, biological issues such as disabilities, or political leanings.
22 didn’t meet environmental standards.

As you can see, there are quite a few issues going on here. That said, Apple has stated that they audit their factories frequently and have tried to improve conditions for the workers at those areas. What do you think of this?

Via [AppleInsider]

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Official Google Voice apps coming for Android and BlackBerry, but not for the iPhone or Pre

NEWS — 2009-07-15T17:24:46+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - Despite Google Voice still not being open for anyone to sign up without first having been invited, the smartphones apps are beginning to roll out. In an announcement that came via the official Google Voice Twitter account, we now know that we can expect to see an Android and a… MORE »

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Gadgetell visits with TechVi to talk about Apple’s App Store: Year One

NEWS — 2009-07-15T02:34:57+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - App stores are starting to resemble opinions—everyone has one. There is one store that is leaps and bounds beyond the competition, the Apple App Store, which just turned one year old and even moved its 1.5 billionth app recently. Randall Bennett brought in Stuart Miles from Pocket-Lint and myself to… MORE »

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Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 14, 2009

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-14T23:12:15+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 14, 2009:

Macintosh

app4mac has released the final version of CheckUp 2.5, an innovative tool that allows you to check the health and monitor the behavior of a Mac computer. Built from the ground up with Mac OS X technologies, CheckUp features an amazing user interface. CheckUp is designed to check your disks and memory but also to monitor the usage of CPU, Memory, Disk Drives and Network Adapters in a very visual way. CheckUp works with any Mac with a PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Processor.
Geeksuit has announced Client Folder Maker 3.0, a major update to their popular folder creation and management tool for Mac OS X. Client Folder Maker is a simple to use, general purpose folder creation and management tool for the busy desktop publisher, prepress operator or web designer. It allows the user to set up a hierarchy of folders once, then re-create that hierarchy anywhere in the filesystem with just a few clicks from the Finder.
Ergonis Software has announced the release of SharewarePublisher 1.1, an improved version of their new software submission tool and assistant for Mac OS X. The new version adds a new feature to automatically copy the product’s category from the submission form to the SharewarePublisher database and delivers a number of other improvements and fixes. SharewarePublisher helps to semi-automatically submit software products to leading software listing sites and repositories.
Insider Software has released Smasher 1.7, its automatic, preventive maintenance utility for Macintosh. New features include support for Adobe CS4, QuarkXPress 8, and Microsoft Office. Smasher works unattended, automatically eliminating corruption of font caches and temporary files, the #1 cause of font-related problems and workflow interruptions. Smasher eliminates common font problems such as garbled text, erroneous font substitutions, fonts not appearing in application menus, and more.
Softpress Systems has launched version 5.4 of Freeway, its award-winning website design software. This latest update features an extended CSS menu creation tool and an AddThis social bookmarking Action. It also includes several other enhancements and bug fixes. Famous for its ease-of-use and clean standards-compliant code generation, Freeway is the tool of choice for professionals and home Mac users who want total design freedom and prefer to focus on design issues, not on coding.
Sandvox Web Designs has announced the “4 Corners” design, a brand new design for the popular website creation tool Sandvox. Serving as a professional design with easy to use features. “4 Corners” offers users some new and unique features which make creating their website as easy as possible. 2, 3, or 4 column snippets along with “Boxes” snippets are included to help you get up and running in the shortest amount of time possible.
Mien Software has released MediaEdit 3.1.6 for the Mac, a consumer-level video editing tool which supports standard painting tools and multiple layers. Designed specifically for moviemakers, amateur photographers and new creative artists, MediaEdit 3 can edit virtually all QuickTime compatible formats. This update improves stability. Built completely from the ground up with the latest video editing technologies. Add video, audio, photo, and text with ease.

iPhone/iPod

The two brothers behind the PocketMac brand of Macintosh tools, announce RingtoneStudio 2.0 for iPhone, the most powerful, complete, and easy way to create iPhone ringtones. This new version aims to be the “Final Cut” of ringtone creation tools, complete with robust editing tools.
About Objects has announce da partnership with Northern Technology Institute Leeds to offer iPhone 3.0 developer training in the UK. NTI Leeds will begin immediately to offer the iPhone Development course licensed from About Objects, with the first 3-day class scheduled to run July 20 through July 22, 2009. The class will be held at NTI Leeds headquarters in the Old Broadcasting House in the Civic Quarter, Leeds, UK.
SintraWorks has announced Metron 1.0, a professional digital metronome for iPhone and iPod Touch. Metron offers a high-precision engine and a bar based sequencer to provide detailed control over tempo settings and time signatures, including accelerandos and ritardandos. Metron also incorporates a tuner that can be calibrated to cent level.
Readdle has announced an update to Readdle Storage, their iPhone friendly cloud file storage solution, that improves saving email attachments to the service. The update brings support for more types of attachments and fixes several issues with popular email clients. This announcement further extends usage of Readdle Storage combined with ReaddleDocs, Readdle’s popular document and file management solution for the iPhone, for saving email attachment to the iPhone.
Vogster Entertainment has unveiled a new online destination for fans of their upcoming Robocalypse games. Gamers looking for more information about Robocalypse - Beaver Defense (WiiWare™) and Robocalypse - Mobile Mayhem (iPhone), can visit www.robocalypse.com and discover a wealth of game information, artwork and images from both titles.
Chillingo has announced Crystal, the social gaming platform for the iPhone, at Develop Conference in Brighton. Crystal will embrace the powerful features of the new iPhone OS 3.0 and provide developers with a fully integrated and transparent framework to include social features in their games. Crystal is iPhone’s answer to Microsoft’s Xbox Live.
The App Orchard has announced Bon Mot! for iPhone and iPod touch. The main thing that distinguishes Bon Mot! from other word games is that Bon Mot! is super simple to get started with and yet surprisingly sophisticated once you get to know it. Bon Mot! is actually 3 games in one app: Bon Mot!, Spellissimo! and Free Spell.
Idle Diversions has announced the release of its latest title, Bailout Bucks, for iPhone OS 3.0. Bailout Bucks lets you take a new or existing photo and add it to a high-denomination US Dollar Bill. Bills from 100 Million to 500 Trillion can be customized with a photo and a signature. Each Bailout Buck can be saved or emailed directly from the device.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell reviews IK Multimedia’s StealthPedal

Jake Gaecke — 2009-07-14T17:05:35+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Audio, Third-Party, Mac + Computers, Peripherals, Reviews

Provides: Guitar recording and effects
Developer: IK Multimedia
Minimum System Requirements: 1.5 GHz Intel, 1GHz G4 or better, 1 GB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4.4+, 1 USB port
Price: $269-$449
Availability: Now

IK Multimedia has really done it this time; they’ve completed the circuit between guitar and computer with the StealthPedal. Now you can have the best of both worlds: the versatility of computerized effects and amps along with the feel of a real expression pedal between you and the computer. IK Multimedia really made a significant improvement on the standard USB guitar interface by adding an expression pedal plus options. Trust me, guitarists won’t be disappointed.

If you’re familiar with recording interfaces for computers, then you probably have tried at least one of the numerous offerings of the USB type. They all work the same; you plug your instrument (a guitar, bass or maybe even a microphone) into the device, and it translates it into a signal the computer can interpret through USB. You fire up your favorite recording software, which is likely Garageband, considering you have a Mac, and strum away. There isn’t really a problem with any of these devices, unless being the same as everyone else is a problem. Right, that is a problem, quite a big one.

So how do you improve upon this sort of problem? Differentiate your product from others, just like IK Multimedia did with the StealthPedal. It’s a plain jane USB recording interface with a few special exceptions. It has a built-in expression pedal (with toe switch and support for up to two more switches) and another pedal. And there’s so much more than Volume that you can control. You can send MIDI signals if you choose, which happen whenever you push a switch or adjust a pedal. So not only can you do the obvious Wah control, but you can change pretty much any parameter involved with your guitar setup. Oh yeah, about that guitar setup…

The StealthPedal comes with AmpliTube 2 (Live), AmpliTube X-GEAR, RiffWorks T4 (Ampeg SVX and AmpliTube Metal depending on Deluxe version and timing). This makes for one killer set of tonal capabilities. There are tons of great presets for those shorts on time or motivation, or those who just want to have fun. But if you really want to get into things, you can change everything. Tweak it to your heart’s content and get the sound you really want. I can’t say whether it sounds exactly like the real thing, mostly because I don’t have millions of dollars worth of guitar gear, but I can say that it sounds amazing, and that’s what really counts.

While I’m talking about the software, I might as well mention the very worst part of this bundle. All of the included software has to be installed and verified with IK Multimedia; you know, because you’re guilty until proven innocent. It wouldn’t be so bad if this simply consisted of one serial number registration from inside of the installer that worked for the whole bundle, but it doesn’t. There’s a separate serial number for each piece of software, and they have to start the verification process from AmpliTube, then go to the internet site in your browser, then back to Amplitube with at least one long string of text each time. This is incredibly annoying, and is almost enough to deduct a full point from the review. But since you only have to do this once (even though this prevents you from using your StealthPedal in a reasonable ammount of time from opening the box), I’ll let it slide this time with just a warning. This may tarnish your first hour with the product, but thankfully, the product recovers from this initial annoyance.

Now, the StealthPedal will work as a generic instrument input to your recording software, but you’ll likely just want to use it with the included AmpliTube software. As you may have guessed, it works just fine with all of the other offerings from IK Multimedia as well. I actually got the chance to play around with AmpliTube Fender. As if you didn’t already have enough tonal choices with the StealthPedal’s included software, AmpliTube Fender adds 12 amps, 12 cabinets, 9 stompboxes, 9 mics and 7 rack FX. The StealthPedal will work with this and all other IK Multimedia plugins, so you can truly customize your sound to exactly what you need as long as you have the money.

If you are motivated to record guitar or bass with your Mac, then the StealthPedal is likely the best choice you can make. Even if you are just learning your instrument, this is an amazing tool to start with (after the headache of a setup process is complete). It blends real world controls with the limitless options presented by software emulation. Imagine all the amps and effects you could ever want right on your Mac. It’s awesome, it’s amazing, I love it. It is a bit pricey (between $269 and $449), but when you consider all the sounds you can get by using it, with the ability to record, you might come to the realization that it’s quite a bargain.

Appletell Rating:

Buy StealthPedal

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple designing their own chips in house?

Jake Gaecke — 2009-07-14T11:25:49+00:00

Section: Rumors, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, Mac + Computers, Laptops

Yesterday, my favorite rumor broke again. You know, the one about an Apple tablet device for mobile computing. Something along the lines of a netbook without a physical keyboard, perhaps like a super sized iPod touch. That sort of thought process might not be too far off if Venture Beat knows what they’re talking about. Their source says Apple is using their aquisition of PA Semi to design chips for the iPhone and this long rumored Apple Tablet.

Apple acquired PA Semi in April, 2008 for $278 million. It never said what it planned to do with the chip design firm, which featured star chip designers including Dan Dobberpuhl and Jim Keller. But we’ve learned that PA Semi’s team was split into two parts, one designing portable ARM-based processors for iPhones and iPods, and another designing a processor for the tablet device.

No other details are available, but it could add some wood to the fire that is the Apple Tablet. Believe it? I sure want to.

Full Story » | Written by Jake Gaecke for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple netbook planned for October?

Ed Parry — 2009-07-13T22:48:34+00:00

Section: Rumors, Mac + Computers, Laptops

We dreamed of seeing a touch-screen Apple netbook at this year’s WWDC, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Now, seven weeks after the event, rumors have surfaced once again of a plausible touch-screen device from Apple HQ, this time with a little more information.

If The China Times is to be believed, Apple have plans for a 9.7-inch touch-screen netbook device that will cost around $800. Three companies would provide various hardware; Foxconn, Dynapack and Wintek, suppliers of the touch-screens. All three have apparently received orders from Apple.

While it seems hardware may be organized, there’s still a question mark hovering over the software. Would it run a version of the iPhone OS, or a modified Mac OS X? Would it be seen as more of a small computer or a huge iPod touch? Only Apple knows the answer to these questions, but with Steve Jobs back in a driving seat, I’m sure the answers will be worth waiting for.

Will you be first in line for an Apple Netbook? Or is it filling a gap that isn’t there; with the Mac for computing and iPhone for mobile, is there a need for a netbook? It would be interesting to see how Apple would market such a device, since the iPhone offers the internet in your pocket. There’s a good chance of this being nothing more than a rumor, but maybe, just maybe, October will see the birth of an Apple netbook.

Via [MacRumors]

Full Story » | Written by Ed Parry for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 13, 2009

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-13T21:49:54+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 13, 2009:

Macintosh

Jumsoft has expanded its selection of templates for Apple’s Pages with a brand new line: Pages Templates Expert. This collection presents all the basic documents that a business is likely to need in an elegant, uniform style. Pages Templates Expert includes everything from business cards and envelopes to brochures, project proposals, and more. The line includes five packs of templates: Minimal, Fashion in Process, Flora, Summer Party, and Terra Spa.
Dare to be Creative has announced the release of MainMenu 2.0, an update to its system maintenance utility for Mac OS X. MainMenu allows users to clean up their Mac, improve system performance and free up hard disk space from their system menu. It marks the first commercial release since the company acquired MainMenu earlier this year. The new version offers an enhanced user experience, including an animated system menu icon, and Growl notifications to inform when tasks complete.
SeedCode has released fmSearchResults for Filemaker. Add fast, google-like searching to your FileMaker solutions by importing a few scripts and pasting a simple search field on to your layouts. Get your users out of find mode and into a single search field they already know how to use. One global search widget gives users a familiar google-like search. Searches across multiple tables and multiple fields in one operation.

iPhone/iPod

The Binary Mill today has announced the immediate world-wide release of Affirmation Garden 1.0, their latest iPhone and iPod Touch application. Affirmation Garden is a wonderful companion to assist users in engaging with simple, positive statements. Affirmation Garden utilizes beautiful 3D graphics and sound to help users engage with and retain these all important life altering tools. Affirmation Garden ranges the full gamut of humanity’s brightest lights and most inspiring brilliance.
Random Ideas, LLC has announced Edibles 2.4, its popular food journaling application Edibles for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. Edibles allows you to track either calories, carbs, or virtually any single user-configurable item. It comes with everything you need to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Version 2.4 features exercise journaling, and enhanced iPhone OS 3.0 compatibility. Edibles 2.4 is a free update for existing users.
Lee Falin has released BoredBeGone 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Just answer a few questions and BoredBeGone will help you find something to do. BoredBeGone not only gives you suggestions, but provides links to more information on each suggestion, teaching you new skills and helping you find the materials you need to cure your boredom. At home or on the road, alone or with a friend, BoredBeGone can help you conquer boredom forever.
TwitVid.com has announced the immediate availability of the TwitVid.com video uploading application for the Apple iPhone 3GS. The TwitVid.com app provides the fastest and easiest way to share video via Twitter. People without an Apple iPhone 3GS can add video to their tweets via www.TwitVid.com. The company also announced that TwitVid.com users can automatically broadcast their videos and tweets to their Facebook, MySpace and YouTube profiles by simply setting their preferences on the TwitVid.com website via the new AutoShare feature.
Airsource Ltd and Glasshouse Apps has released Cellar 1.0, a portable, swipeable showcase of your wine collection. Cellar is designed to keep track of your wine, and remember what to buy next time you visit the store, thanks to the app’s unique “Garage” feature. Cellar is not just a list, it’s an actual Cellar.
mobya has launched JoinMe, the company’s first app for the iPhone. JoinMe allows two people to localize each other very simply. You just have to send a request to a friend and you can see a graphic visualization of your distance apart and moving speed.
GAMEVIL, Inc., has announced that its top franchise, Baseball Superstars, has surpassed 10 million total downloads worldwide. GAMEVIL first created its franchise of Baseball Superstars in 2002 on the mobile platform in Korea and has been releasing a new version of its franchise every year. Through its expansion of territories and platforms, the game is now available on hundreds of cellphones, smartphones, and portable music devices around the world.
Programmer and technical writer Charles Rose has announced an eBook, “Secrets Of iPhone App Marketing: How To Get Your App Noticed & Increase Your Sales.” The purpose of the eBook is to teach App Developers the importance of a strong marketing strategy and how to create one for their application. Developers will learn the best websites for iPhone App reviews, step-by-step instructions for how to prepare and submit their app to each site, how to write an effective press release, and more.
TuneWiki, the #1 app for jailbroken iPhones, is finally available in its complete form from the iTunes app store, and its downloads are skyrocketing. With the largest licensed database of music lyrics, global music maps and social TuneWiki Blip Technology, it’s the hottest new application for the iPhone.
Chromatic Bytes, LLC, has announced the release of ZeusDraw Mobile 2.0, its versatile drawing and painting program for the iPhone/iPod Touch. Version 2.0 adds complete undo/redo, the ability to email drawings as jpg, png or pdf from within the program, support for copy and paste, a revised Zoom tool, and additional shapes and brushes.
MobilEaZe, LLC has announced the release of DigitMan for iPhone and iPod Touch. DigitMan is a creative and unique application built around the classic Hangman game that provides an interactive way to ask someone for his/her phone number. DigitMan is a great conversation piece that will help ease nerves when approaching that someone who has caught your eye. DigitMan will also provide pickup lines for those who need help to get the conversation started.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Gadgetell introduces a new show: InterrupTech

NEWS — 2009-07-13T16:44:57+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - Here’s how this works: every Monday we get you caught up on the most important tech news with a bit of analysis. Since we don’t want to waste your time, we’re on a timer. … MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Snow Leopard to receive minor UI updates alongside speed

Josh Holat — 2009-07-13T11:04:19+00:00

Section: Apple News, Updates, Software + Apps, Operating Systems, Leopard, OS-X

As we approach the release of Snow Leopard, Apple continues to send new betas to developers to fix all the existing issues. One of the latest releases—10A402—contains some user interface improvements on top of the bug fixes. Apple has mostly been advertising this version of their operating system as a speed update with less of a footprint on your hard drive, so it is nice to see some UI improvements, even if they are minor.

As you can see in the images, Apple has made some recent improvements to both the List view in the Dock as well as the sliders that can be found on the bottoms of some applications. Although they are minimal, they are still fun to keep track of. With the release of Windows 7 and Snow Leopard coming up, it will definitely be entertaining to see what the final releases look like.

Via [Ars Technica]

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell reviews David Pogue’s Digital Photography: The Missing Manual

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-13T03:15:39+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, iLife, Mac + Computers, Peripherals, Reviews

Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O’Reilly
Publication Date: January 2009
ISBN 10: 0-596-15403-8
ISBN 13: 9780596154035
Pages: 304
Price: $24.99 print, $19.99 e-book

David Pogue is quite the popular fellow. Newspapers love him, NPR loves him, Apple users love him, and apparently the camera loves him…or he loves the camera. David has written numerous books in O’Reilly’s The Missing Manual series, but he does seem to focus on photography and video. A few months back, I received a review copy of David Pogue’s Digital Photography: The Missing Manual, but it sat on my bookshelf behind a slew of other reviews I’ve allowed to pile up. But now that summer’s here and my camera’s out more often, I decided to check this out to see what tips David had for me this time. Ends up, I should’ve looked at this book sooner, because it may be the most practical Pogue book I’ve ever read.

That, of course, is not a knock on any others. But if I’m reading a book on iPhoto or iMovie, the usefulness of the book is limited to the software. Yes, David tends to include chapters on how to first film something good or shoot something good before you bother to learn how to edit it, but the focus of those books is rightly on how to use software. With Digital Photography David has more room to cover photography terminology, practices and rules you should know before you bother learning how to apply transitions or when to use the Ken Burns effect.

It’s actually a bit odd reading a book like this, because along with the freedom of not having to focus on one piece of software comes the fact that you also can’t focus on one piece of equipment. There are hundreds of digital cameras out there, a couple dozen of which are likely pretty good. So, what features should be covered? Is it worth talking about nighttime photography when so many cameras simply can’t handle it? Highlights warnings? Prime lenses? The answer here is obviously “Yes,” as David covers them all, albeit at different degrees. This is a book for beginners, after all, and…well, I’m not sure that’s a fair way to put it. It’s a book that helps you make sense of the technology, the capabilities, the limitations and the theories behind digital photography. Pretty much anyone can benefit from that.

To illustrate this point, here’s the table of contents:

Part One: The Camera

Camera Kinds
The Only Features that Matter

Part Two: The Shoot

Taking the Shot
The Ten Decisions
The Anti-Blur Chapter
How They Did That
The SLR Chapter

Part Three: The Lab

Camera Meets Computer
The Digital Shoebox
Fixing Your Photos

Part Four: Your Audience

Photos on Paper—and Everything Else
Electronic Photos

Part Five: Appendixes

Where to Go From Here?
The Top Ten Tips of All Time
Photo Credits

As you can see, although you’re not likely to need every chapter, beginning to intermediate photographers are bound to find some use. When my wife and I decided to make the push into the world of SLR, I did enough research to know what to look for, but not enough to learn how to properly use what I bought. This book was wonderful at making the technology useful to me. Not only does it explain certain features and techniques better than the manuals do (of course), but it tells you when what’s appropriate, and offers tricks on how to get shots it would’ve taken me years to discover on my own (see Part Two, Chapter Five: The Anti-Blur Chapter). Would I have ever figured out how to create a makeshift tripod using string, a bolt and a washer? No.

Beyond such tricks, David does a great job of teaching you how to use your camera without actually ever talking about your specific camera. Unfortunately, this also means that he’ll detail some wonderful technique that can’t be accomplished with what you have, making you wish you’d paid that extra hundred bucks for the next step up.

And, of course, David does this with his normal flair. His writing is friendly. It’s accessible. He’s a great teacher. And when he echoes something you already knew, you’ll become his buddy. (Hey, David, I’m with you on turning off the flash. Nothing amused me more when I lived in NYC and I could see all those flash bulbs popping atop the Empire State Building at night…people trying to light up New York City from 86 stories up with the flash on their Kodak Disc Camera.)

Ultimately, then, this book proves useful at three different points. First, when you’re researching a camera to buy and need to know what to look for (hint, the megapixel count simply isn’t that important); second, after you’ve purchased the camera and want to learn how to take better photos; and third, after you have the photos and want to know what to do with them. That third bit is better served by books dedicated to your software of choice, but this book does cover some options to help you chose said software.

David Pogue’s Digital Photography: The Missing Manual is a fun read that makes takes the intimidation out of learning digital photography, and will correct you on the many things you’ve learned incorrectly over the years. If you’re looking to buy a camera, buy this first. If you’ve just bought a camera, buy this second. You (and the people who look at your pictures) will be better off for it.

Appletell Rating:

Buy David Pogue’s Digital Photography: The Missing Manual

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Last chance to win an iBoo iPod Docking Station and speaker system

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-12T17:02:03+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPod Family, iPod Accessories, Docks & Speakers, iPod, iPod nano, Features, Giveaways

It’s July 12th, meaning it’s the last day of entries for our iBoo giveaway. Courtesy of our friends at Speakal, one lucky Appletell reader will be randomly selected to receive an iBoo iPod Docking Station and 2.1 speaker system ($89.99 value). And to enter, all you have to do is tell us what song you’d like to play on it.

iBoo details and contest rules are available on the giveaway page. Head on over now to enter.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Popular technology industry news for the week of 7-05-2009

NEWS — 2009-07-12T15:01:27+00:00

Section:

You know what’s going on in the wonderful world of Apple, but what’s going on throughout the technology industry? Gadgetell‘s got you covered. Here a list of their top stories from this week…

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Google vs. Bing: Let’s put them to the test

NEWS — 2009-07-12T13:00:52+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - Gadgetell decided to do a Coke vs. Pepsi scenario, but with Google vs. Bing. You know, put them head to head and search out the same material to see how they compared. I admit that I am one of those people that is so used to going to Google to… MORE »

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Navigon’s MobileNavigator LITE app officially available for the iPhone

NEWS — 2009-07-11T20:47:11+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - Note: Image says “Coming Soon” for the paid app, not the LITE app. After the iPhone 3.0 software was made available, GPS companies such as TomTom and Navigon announced their navigation plans for the iPhone. Back in early June, Navigon had officially announced their plans for a GPS app for… MORE »

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Hot Apple gaming news for the week of 7-05-2009

NEWS — 2009-07-11T16:25:00+00:00

Section:

Miss out on any Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPod gaming news this week? Here’s a look at this week’s top Apple stories from our friends at Gamertell...

And don’t forget to check out our App Store updates.

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Free Apps roundup for July 10th, 2009

Jake Gaecke — 2009-07-11T03:52:18+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Originals

Happy Birthday App Store. That’s right, you’re one now. You’re not old enough to remember this, but I’m sure you’ll be happy that we at least acknowledged it. Heck, I’m about to throw a party. There’s cake and presents, and everyone else is going to have a great time watching you fail to blow out the candles. And truth be told, none of the presents are for you; they’re mostly for our readers. So, let’s go opens some!

Nano Fighter! FREE - Quite possibly one of the best freebies to hit the App Store in some time. If you have a PS3, think Super Stardust. If you have something else, think of Geometry Wars. You pilot a tiny ship whose sole purpose is to destroy parasites, viruses, and oddly enough, aliens. Left thumb controls movement, while the right thumb controls shooting direction. This is a ton of fun, and you need to download it now please.
MobileNavigator North America LITE - Easily the biggest freebie in terms of gigabytes, this app will give you a taste of what turn by turn directions on the iPhone 3G or 3GS is like. The only difference between this one and the paid version is the lack of support for active route guidance with GPS. You might as well try it out. Be warned though, it’s almost 1.3 GB.
Glypha - Remember Joust? Yeah, me neither. Glypha is basically a Joust clone written for Mac some time ago. In it, you ride a winged steed, and you fight sphynxes in an Egyptian temple with a pole. Sounds ridiculous, but it’s free, and I’m told it’s also fun.
Tournament Checkers Free - If Chess is the game for deep thinkers, who is Checkers for? Hey, who am I to judge, it’s fun all the same with more than enough features for a free checker game.
uDrummer Lite - I love my guitars, but there’s just something about drums. That something is not present when playing around on an iPhone, but if you insist on drumming with your fingers, at least give this a try. Transform your useless tapping into something of a beat.
The Knot Wedding911 - Getting married? I know I am. You might need some help, and who better to get it from than TheKnot.com. This is their app for wedding questions on the go, and it might just help you save some money and headaches while you’re out and about setting up (and hopefully not breaking down).

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Casual Friday: Update for July 4 - 10, 2009

NEWS — 2009-07-10T21:49:58+00:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Gamertell’s Casual Friday casual game update for July 4-10, 2009 includes Peggle: World of Warcraft Edition (PC), Deadly Sin (PC) and FishCo (Mac), among other titles.
MORE »

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App It Up: The Weather Channel

Josh Holat — 2009-07-10T20:24:43+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Originals

Category: Weather
Developer: The Weather Channel Interactive
Requirements: iPhone OS 2.0 or later
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod Touch
File Size: 5.0MB

What is it?

As the name implies, this application is used to get complete coverage of the weather in your local area. It is a tab bar application full of various ways of getting the weather information.

How does it work?

It works by using the iPhone’s GPS to find your location and then offering you the weather for that area. However, there is also the ability to look up any area, as you could’ve guessed. Furthermore, these locations can be saved for easy access later. Weather can be viewed by the hour or up to 10 days from the current date.

This weather application is ad supported, as it is free, but it does have some neat features. For instance, it uses Google Maps to show the radar over your current area if you enjoy checking out the weather that way. There are also some neat settings for the map on the application, and you can also view videos of what the forecast will be like for your local area, which is helpful.

Features

Location area weather finding
Google Map with possible overlay of various types of weather
Warnings of severity for possible weather conditions in your area

App it Up, Sum it Up

As far as weather apps go, you can’t get much more simple than getting data from weather.com itself. That said, the application could use a little polishing. It does crash once in a while, and the interface can be slow. However, it is free and the data is good, so those minor downfalls are worth it.

Cost - Free
Worth the Money? - What money? It’s definitely worth a look!
Availability - Now, at the iTunes App Store.

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

So Hot Right Now: Top 10 Appletell posts for the week of July 05, 2009

NEWS — 2009-07-10T16:48:46+00:00

Section:

Haven’t caught all of the Appletell news this week? Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

iPhone OS 3.1 beta: what’s new
” The next update of the iPhone’s firmware—3.1 beta—was pushed to developers last week. Along with the usual bug fixes, some new features have cropped up. There’s nothing amazing here, just a few small additions to…” MORE »
Happy birthday, App Store!
” It’s hard to believe it, but it has already been one year since Apple released the App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It’s been a long journey full of ups (hundreds of success stories from indie…” MORE »
Internal projectors coming to the iPhone/iPod touch?
“Last week I wrote about a micro projector coming soon for the iPhone and iPod touch. Such devices will prove to be very useful for showcasing your holiday snaps or to simply project a movie…” MORE »
Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 6, 2009
“Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 6, 2009: Macintosh Maggot Software has announced Conformalizer 3.1.3, the long awaited update to its cutting edge re-conform application for sound post-production professionals. Conformalizer enables…” MORE »
Jonathan Ive creates huge iPod Nano for friend
“Jonathan Ive has always been known to be a fantastic designer over at Apple, having won numerous awards for his creation of beautiful products. So, what else would you expect him to do for a friend’s birthday…” MORE »
Chrome OS: Google throws down the gauntlet
” It’s official (even across the pond); Google is expanding the Chrome brand beyond a browser and creating the Chrome OS. According to the Google Blog, the OS is founded on a three S strategy: speed, simplicity…” MORE »
Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 7, 2009
“Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 7, 2009: Macintosh Wuonm has announced Layers 1.1, an update to their popular screen capturing utility for Mac OS X. Version 1.1 sports a new…” MORE »
App it Up: iJellyfish
“Category: Entertainment Developer: Global Net Value Co. Requirements: iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later Compatibility: iPhone and iPod Touch File Size: 2.7MB What is it? iJellyfish gives you pretty much what you’d expect from the title; it’s a virtual…” MORE »
Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 8, 2009
“Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 8, 2009: Macintosh Cynical Peak Software has announced the release of Rivet 2.2. Rivet enables users to stream video, music, and photos from Mac OS…” MORE »
3GS launch still causing backlog in app submissions for Apple
“It’s well known by now that Apple has an issue when it comes to the amount of time required to accept certain applications. However, what is even more outrageous is the obvious increase in this already lengthy period at times when…” MORE »

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Appletell reviews Social News for iPhone, iPod touch

Josh Holat — 2009-07-10T12:21:28+00:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Reviews

Category: News
Developer: Alex Sydell
Minimum Requirements: iPhone OS 3.0
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
File Size: 0.7MB
Price: $1.99
Availability: Now
Version Reviewed: 1.0

Social News is an application focused on brining your RSS feeds to your iPhone and making it easy to keep track of those stories you want to read. It comes with a few feeds built in, but users can add the feed of any website they want. User can also choose stories from these feeds to add to their queue to be viewed later. The queue is basically a folder for marking stories you don’t have the time to read currently, but want to later. Items are added to the queue by simply tapping on them while in the list view, as seen in the screenshot below.

As mentioned before, one tap will add an item to the queue. That said, a simple double tap will avoid the queue and open the story right away in the built in web browser view, as seen below. The site that loads is simply the actual post on the website in a built-in browser. It has all the basic functions, such as refresh and going back. Also, an information button in the top right allows the user to see the full URL and post title, as well as from where it was loaded.

Being able to add feeds is an obvious must. However, feeds can also be later deleted and reordered so that access to your favorite websites is easier than those that you may not read as much. There is also an option to dim old posts so you can more easily stay up to date with the most fresh news. When it comes to getting the posts from your favorite site, this application does a great job of it.

All in all, Social News was put together very well. It works in portrait mode as well as landscape, which can be useful. Although the interface can be somewhat confusing when you first open the application, it does get better as you go along. Furthermore, there is a tutorial that is played using alert messages when the app is opened for the first time to ease this process. If you want to see it again, you can do so via the settings menu.

Once you have it all set up, Social News could basically be your only mobile RSS reader.

Appletell Rating:

Buy Social News

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

PlayFirst releases Diner Dash t-shirts for gals on the go

NEWS — 2009-07-10T12:20:35+00:00

FROM GAMERTELL - For those who might not yet quite enough gaming garb, now you can get T-shirts featuring Diner Dash‘s main character, Flo.
MORE »

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Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup - July 9, 2009

Kirk Hiner — 2009-07-10T03:35:43+00:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 9, 2009:

Macintosh

iFunia, a professional developer of Mac multimedia applications, announced today the immediate availability of its new family of Mac video converter products that offer a quick and simple way for consumers to convert video formats on Mac. iFunia Mac video converter products allow consumers to convert their digital video content to appropriate format for use on personal computers or popular portable and mobile devices such as the Apple iPod, iPhone, Sony PSP, Apple TV Vision and Smartphones.
app4mac has released CheckUp 2.5, a new update to the innovative tool that allows you to check the health and monitor the behavior of a Mac computer. Built from the ground up with Mac OS X technologies, CheckUp features an amazing user interface. CheckUp is designed to check your disks and memory but also to monitor the usage of CPU, Memory, Disk Drives and Network Adapters in a very visual way. CheckUp works with any Mac with a PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Processor.
Fanurio Time Tracking SRL has released Fanurio version 2.1, a time tracking and billing software application, highly appreciated by freelancers for its intuitive interface, flexible timer and ability to produce detailed invoices. Fanurio has lots of features for billing contracted work. It can record services and expenses, round time, apply discounts, handle subcontracted work, use multiple currencies, apply taxes, record partial payments and many more.

iPhone/iPod

The Binary Mill today has announced the immediate world-wide release of Amoebaz! 1.0, their latest iPhone 3D adventure game. Direct the Amoebaz! on their journey to find their gene pools. But be careful, these little Amoebaz! like to bounce and aren’t afraid to push each other around. Take too long directing them and they’ll never get the chance to contribute to the universal gene pool. Realtime physics make the Amoebaz! fun and unpredictable.
Edovia Inc. has announced their one year celebration of the App Store by offering a sale of all six of their products. This includes Rocket Taxi, Linguo, NumPad, Steps, Find Me! and Currencies. Save up to 75% off our apps. This event will be held for one day only, on July 11th, 2009.
Retina-X Studios, LLC has announced the immediate availability of Mobile Spy version 3.0 for the Apple iPhone 3GS. No other spy software is currently compatible with the iPhone 3GS, Users can silently track GPS locations, SMS messages and calls of children or employees inside a secure online control panel. Mobile Spy runs in total stealth mode and no mentions of the program are shown on the iPhone 3G
Sense Studios has released iFeel You for iPhone. With this massaging game you can start practicing without hurting anybody. This way you will become a real massage master with that perfect touch. The screen of your iPhone shows a lady who wants you to bring her in the mood. Get her going by softly caressing her back with your fingers. You’ll hear it right away if you’re hitting the right spot - or not!
Freeverse, Inc, a leader in iPhone and iPod development with two of the Top Ten Apps of 2008, today announced that Version 2.0 of their hit postcard application Postman is available now on the App Store. This update features a streamlined interface by noted U.I. designer David Lanham, professionally created built-in themes and much more.
Recently-formed game development studio Controlled Chaos Media has announced that its first game, Pocket Fish, is now available in the Apple App Store. Select your favorite fish and teach it tons of tricks, including barrel rolls, karate chops and air guitar, for a bubbly, aquatic experience in your palm.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Jonathan Ive creates huge iPod Nano for friend

Josh Holat — 2009-07-09T16:24:52+00:00

Section: Apple, iPod + iTunes, iPod nano

Jonathan Ive has always been known to be a fantastic designer over at Apple, having won numerous awards for his creation of beautiful products. So, what else would you expect him to do for a friend’s birthday other than send him a huge iPod Nano (which is quite the contradiction in terms if you ask me). The iPod is actually pretty awesome looking, and is very similar (at least the part that the photo shows us) to the actual iPod Nano.

Sir Paul Smith, the man who receieved the present, stated on his blog:

On Friday 3rd July, I received a really lovely mad gift for my birthday (which is on the 5th) from Jonathan Ive and Jody who works with him at Apple - a perfect model of an Ipod but as you can see slightly bigger than usual. Jonny knows I like strange things; as the real thing gets smaller, he sends me a giant version!

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind receiving something as cool as this for my birthday. Although the chances it has any function are very slim, it would still be very unique to have. Leave up to Jonathan Ive to design yet another awesome product.

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »