They get it right because they're not playing the same game.

Just ask Simon Sinek... He's figured it out.

In 2009, ThinkGeek released the iCADE as an April Fool's Day joke but now it's here!

From the iCADE iPad Arcade Cabinet product page:

To bring the iCADE to life, ThinkGeek has partnered with ION. Atari, the first name in classic arcade games, also signed up to bring a huge suite of classic arcade titles including Asteroids® to market with iCADE support built right in. When released, a friendly API will be made available to developers to add iCADE support to almost any game.

API?

Oh yes. This beautiful little device is going to be released with an API that will allow any game developer to write real, arcade games for the iPad.

As most of you know, I work at ThinkGeek. When I'm able, I'll post more details about said API and it's capabilities... And when I say, "when I'm able" I mean when I'm allowed to talk about it so no knocking on my door and asking about it. I ain't talkin'!

This is not a joke.

iPhone and iPad developers were notified today that the iTunes Connect back end would be down from 12/23 through 12/28.

From the release:

During this shutdown, iTunes Connect will be unavailable. In addition, app releases and pricing changes which are scheduled to take place during the shutdown will be handled as follows:

All releases will not appear in the App Store until Wednesday, December 29. This includes apps scheduled to appear on the App Store for the first time as well as updates to existing apps.

Pricing changes will cause the app to become unavailable for purchase until Wednesday, December 29, at which point the app will become available at the new price. Please check to ensure you have not scheduled any price changes during this time.

This means that all app developers should make sure there are no app changes during the down time. No price changes and no new releases. If you have changes like that scheduled, YOUR APP WILL BE UNAVAILABLE FOR FIVE DAYS.

Ok, you may now return to your regularly scheduled anger management training concerning iTunes Connect's usual deficiencies.

ThinkGeek just announced the upcoming availability of the TK-421 iPhone Case with Flip-Out Keyboard. This case has a flip out bluetooth keyboard underneath that is fully supported by iOS 4 on the iPhone4 and 3GS. I know it works because I was one of the testers.

I can't give away the secrets of the case here, but let me say that there were a lot of candidates for the keyboard part of the case and I got to peck around with most of them.

Some of the specs from ThinkGeek:

• Keyboard flips out for use, then flips back in when done
• Magnet based clasp keeps keyboard in position whether flipped in or out
• Completely wireless Bluetooth™ connection does not use dock connector
• Keyboard powered by built in rechargeable battery, recharges via included USB cable
• Invented and designed at ThinkGeek
• Models available to fit iPhone 3Gs and iPhone 4
• Phone case has holes for camera (and flash on iPhone 4 model
• The keyboard will not work with iPhone 3, as only the 3GS supports an external keyboard.

So, if you've been jonesing for a real keyboard, drop by the site and sign up to get notified when it's in stock ($49.99).

Full disclosure: If it isn't obvious, I work at ThinkGeek.

iCade - iPad MAME Cabinet from ThinkGeek for $99.99

Just today, ThinkGeek announced the release of the iCade, an iPad MAME Cabinet. How brilliant is this? Heck with the keyboard dock, THIS is the iPad accessory we've all been waiting for!

Just check out the specs:

• Beautifully retro styled, handcrafted wooden tabletop arcade cabinet and MAME emulator for your otherwise useless iPad
• Play your favorite arcade games anywhere there's a table



• Hundreds of games available from various online sources - not included in product!
• Professional grade arcade stick and microswitch buttons rated for 10,000,000 uses
• Authentic arcade controls connect to your iPad via a standard 30 pin dock connector
• One and two player select buttons add authenticity and really work!
• Integrated 2.1 dolby speakers and subwoofer in cabinet
• Includes 10w USB power adapter
• Separate iCade app required to use the cabinet controllers available soon from the App Store
• Dimensions: 9" wide x 10" deep x 16" high

Seriously, I AM DROOLING! Here's some more on the iPad MAME cabinet from ThinkGeek's site:

Oh, and if that isn't enough, ThinkGeek is also giving away an Apple Netwon... and an iPad!

Ok, full disclosure: I work at ThinkGeek and today is April 1st.

Actually, I'm here to tell you why USAA is the world's coolest bank. And while you might think that this has absolutely nothing to do with the iPhone, I am here to tell you that you are just flat out wrong. Lots of banks are developing iPhone apps to serve their on-the-go customers, but none that I know of have what USAA is offering.

"What is Deposit@Mobile?" you ask? Well, I'll tell you. Through this special magic portal, you are able to take a picture of the front and back of a check and USAA will deposit that money immediately into your bank account. [enter sounds of trumpets playing triumphantly] Right now, USAA is the only bank in the iTunes store offering this fantastic technology.

That, my dears, is why why my bank is better than your bank. And that is also why you should rush right out and get yourself a USAA account too (eligibility requirements may apply). And without further ado, I will show you exactly how easy it is to deposit a check via your mobile phone. Here's what you'll need:

• an iPhone with the USAA [iTunes store link, free] installed.
• a valid check (yes, I said valid... I'm not condoning any kind of funny business here)
• a dark unreflective surface (flip that mouspad over!)

Now, first thing you do is log open the USAA app, and volia! there's a perfect little button for Deposit@Mobile. You'll be asked to log in to your account and away we go! Click on the thumbnails below for a full tour!!

(Click on the thumbnails to see larger images)

Alright, alright, I'll stay away from the potential Jay and Silent Bob jokes that I can make. But you'll have to admit that the iPhone has been rocketed into cult media iconography. I mean, how could it not? It's so cute, it's so geeky, it's so... so... the iPhone!

Part of my morning ritual is to wake up and hit the snooze bar as many times as absolutely possible. And then when I think that it can't be possible to procrastinate my day any more I'll roll over and grab my iPhone off of my nightstand and check my email and my Twitterfeed while still lying in bed pretending that I am no longer procrastinating. This morning, I happened across a Tweet from @mashable that lead me to a post on their page talking about the newest craze on Etsy....

iPhone Soap

Can you believe it? A company that goes by the name "Two Eggplants Company" is producing soap in the shape of little iPhones. It's gloriously cool. And you can even get it in a the black or white variety iPhone with various scents (including Macintosh Apple scented). Two Eggplants Company's iPhone soap retails for just $7.99 (less than you might pay for some apps, and guaranteed to not need an update from Apple to keep your hands clean)!

What will they think of next?

P.S. You'll have to forgive Two Eggplants for also producing the Palm Pre and Blackberry soap. After all, it's hard to please the masses. Their iPhone soap is still the coolest.

iPhonespazzes who happened to be Windows users have no other option but to use GEDCOM viewers. None of the Windows-based genealogy applications have produced a companion iPhone app. Keep on them, iPhonespazzes, eventually they'll have to listen to the masses!

Software Linked Apps

Originally, I was going to write this review like I did the GEDCOM Viewer review and lump all the apps into one gigantic review. But then I realized I had quite a bit more to say about each of these apps. So, in order to avoid the risk of information overload, I'll split this one up and discuss each app individually. But first a quick little bit about these apps in general.

The benefit of an iPhone application that is linked to desktop software is that information can be synced between the desktop and the iPhone, giving the user more control and a wider feature set. Rather than lugging your laptop along on research trips, the footprint of your research tools are greatly diminished. Suddenly, what began as an ordeal complete with bags and bags of items, you only have to remember one thing! And who are we kidding, if you're an iPhonespaz you're not going to forget your iPhone. And let me be perfectly clear, since these are not VIEWER apps, but actually fully functional apps you can sync your information between your iPhone and your desktop. That means you can make changes to the stuff in your iPhone and then sync it up to your computer!!! YES!!!! This is possible!!!! Now let's get right to it.

LeisterPro Reunion for iPhone

First, I gotta say that these guys have amazing customer service. When I started this review I had the original release of their app but I had already upgraded to iPhone 3.0 (I mean, who didn't rush out and upgrade the moment it was released with all those cool new features?). But I immediately ran into problems. When I was trying to take screenshots of their software to share with you guys I kept having issues with crashing. So I sent a quick email to their Reunion iPhone support team and within minutes I received a response!! They'd been working on the 3.0 compatibilty upgrade, but Apple had yet to release it on the App Store (we all know how that can be). But in order for me to finish my review in a timely manner, they were so kind as to offer several different solutions for me. I ended up receiving a developer's version so that I could continue my testing and get everything out to you guys. It was simple to install and they kept in close contact with me the whole way. And I'm proud to announce that the upgrade is available on the App Store now, so if you're so compelled to go out and purchase it and you've upgraded to 3.0 you can rest assured that you won't have any compatibility issues.

Right off the bat, before I even get into the features I'm gonna give them four stars for customer service!

I should mention that I'm completely addicted to Reunion 9 for the Mac. I love it, love it, love it. And I waited and waited and waited for the iPhone version to come out.

Clearly it pays to be patient, because their iPhone app is just jam-packed with features! LeisterPro finally released their iPhone version that works with Reunion 9.09 and later. LeisterPro Reunion for iPhone [iTunes link] retails for a whopping $14.99. And yes, I kind of feel like that's an exorbitant amount for an app. If I wasn't so attached to my Reunion software I might have passed it up because of the price. But because I'm so attached to their desktop software, the moment I received my email from LeisterPro I ran out and purchased it.

And was I disappointed? Not in the least! The Reunion iPhone interface looks quite a bit like the desktop application, a pseudo-family group sheet view that begins with your home person. On the outside it looks like a watered-down version of the desktop app, but click the wrench in the top right corner and you'll find that Reunion iPhone isn't at all watered down.

The "Wrench" Menu

From that little "wrench" menu you have the ability to sync with your desktop program, search for family members, access your family tree bookmarks (people within your family), see your treetops, view sources, and more.

(Click on the thumbnails to see larger images)

I simply can't go into a full scale tutorial for every single feature of this app because we'd be here from here until eternity. And while I'd love to think that you're as interested in this app as I am, I'm sure you've got other things to do... like darn socks and remove squids from your manifolds. Anyway, I would like to touch on some highlights of some of those features I just showed you from the "Wrench" menu.

First, I'm floored by how much they've packed into that little menu. Second, I find it slightly annoying that when I finish with something in the Wrench Menu and I tap back, I am taken back to my Family Group Sheet screen and not back to the menu. I think it's a workflow issue for me, but I often have several things I want to do under that menu and I feel like intuitively it would be nice to return back to the menu I started from.

I like the overview feature, but I think it could be improved upon. I think that this is an excellent place that Leisterpro could use the iPhone's inherent "pinch" feature so that you can view more on your screen at one time. Instead, with the current version, you are only able to scroll back and forth and to a certain extent up and down.

I also really like the Bookmark feature, I use it quite a bit in my desktop application. But (in both versions) I wish that there was a way to remove individuals from bookmarks. It seems like once you stick them in there they stay for all eternity. Often I just want to put someone in there for a short period of time while I'm researching them, and then I don't ever need to quickly access them again.

The Treetop function is fantastic quick little overview of how far up the family tree goes... according to the specified "Home" person/family. You do have a little bit of wiggle room, because the app lets you choose the Treetops for either the husband or the wife from the home card.

Syncing with your desktop software

LeisterPro Reunion syncs both ways with its iPhone counterpart. Which means, if you're out doing genealogy on the fly you can enter some info into your iPhone tree and the come home later and sync with your desktop. Both programs use wifi syncing, so you have to be connected to the same wifi network as your desktop application before you can transfer the data. Unfortunately, the data transfer from desktop to iPhone can take awhile if you enable all the features (i.e., you add all the photos stored, all the sources, all the people in your tree, etc.), I clocked my last upload at 18 minutes (*gasp*)!!!! But, if you know that you want to take everything with you it's just a matter planning ahead to give yourself enough time to sync up before you head out for some research.

(Click on the thumbnails to see larger images)

Here's a video (yes, I said video) screenshot of what it looks like on your desktop while your Reunion data is uploading to your iPhone. And because it took 18 minutes the last time I did it, I thought it was only appropriate to use the Jeopardy music. Don't worry, it's not actually 18 minutes long... I cut to the good stuff.

Massive amounts of data!

I am just amazed at the amount of information that Reunion for iPhone stores. It's incredible. All my individuals have all the same info as on the desktop (vital stats, marriage info, children, pictures, sources)! And I can edit them all!! What's even better is that I've begun to get into the logs. At first I wasn't sure how to use them, but it's a terrific way to add on the fly when and where I've been to research, what I looked up, what sources panned out, and which fell flat. And since it's all stored in one easy to get to location I can quickly go back and see what I've done before so I don't repeat my research! I can also plan for future research trips. And with the ability to sync back and forth between the iPhone and the desktop software it's a breeze! Especially for those research locations that don't have a continual power source for my laptop.

These are screen shots of everything you can do from the main screen / individual screen. It's just amazing how much there is!
(Click on the thumbnails to see larger images)

Source Citations, The Lifeblood of Genealogy

So far, I haven't found an app that does this better than Reunion. I'll admit, Reunion's desktop app does have some pitfalls where source citations are concerned (including the very controversial topic of whether or not genealogists should subscribe to a particular style of citations), however their decision to integrate citations into their iPhone app was pure genius!

On any event or fact screen that you attached a citation to, you can view (and edit) the citation information! If you used one of Reunion's predefined templates then the information will appear in the source fields with the source type. If you chose to do freeform citations then you'll just see a block of text displaying what you typed in originally.

It's simple to add a citation too! If you're using Reunion while you're out researching you can add citations on the fly either directly to an event or via the "wrench menu" under "Sources."

These are screen shots of how Reunion for iPhone does Citations
(Click on the thumbnails to see larger images)

That Sums it Up!

There are tons of more features on Reunion... really there are. But in the interest of not making your eyes bleed from having to stare at a computer screen for the next millennium while I review each one, I'll stop my gushing here. I simply love, love, LOVE this app. There isn't a whole lot more that I would ask for (maybe faster uploading times on the initial upload). If you're passionate about genealogy and you're a Mac user with an iPhone it would be an absolute SIN if you didn't have this app in your library!

Jon also gave me a preview of JUFTi's new game, Cornhole All-Stars, which just went live last night! I have to say, this is one fun game. Amazing graphics and fun characters. It feels a lot like Cel Damage in the mix of cartoon-like fun and rockin' music. Of course, Cornhole (or Bags as it is known in some parts of the country) is one of those things best played with friends and Cornhole does not disappoint. The multiplayer is option is perfect.

A big thanks to Jon for hooking up for the interview!

The Jon Myers iPhonespaz Interview

Q: Let's kick it off! How many apps do you have on your iPhone and which are your favorites?

Jon: I have 8 pages of apps, basically the max. Picking a favorite is hard, but I'm really digging Real Racing from Firemint. I think it's an incredible game. They did a great job. I probably use Tweetie the most. It's a tight product. Beautiful app.

Q: What got you into doing iPhone development and how did you come to pick Cornhole?

Jon: I've always built digital products, and I saw the iPhone as the most efficient platform for distribution and monetizing social, casual games. We chose the game Cornhole because of the regional appeal, but we built it with an international roll-out in mind. Developing custom characters and environments.

Jamie: Cornhole All Stars is a beautiful game. Great work!

Jon: Yeah, it's a beast. Cornhole's been in production since January, but we're working on two more games as well.

Q: Your team is kind of virtual with people spread all over the country. How do you manage that?

Jon: We're in-touch daily, but then we're all used to working like this. Sometimes we pick a place and get together too.

Jamie: What's the wildest place you've been to work on this app?

Jon: Puerto Rico.

Jamie: Really?

Jon: It just worked out. We actually got a ton of work done on the game while we were there.

Ok, because this is iPhonespaz, I have to ask this question... What's the spazziest thing you've done with your iPhone?

Jon: I was stopped by a street reporter the other day and they asked me how do you stay cool in the summer? I said, "Well, with my iPhone of course. We're developing an app called iFan."

It was a joke. I didn't think they'd print it, but they did!

Jamie: Hey, that's journalism for you... Um, wait. Isn't that what I'm doing here?

If you're in Columbus, or just like to party with cool people, you ought to drop by the Cornhole launch party! Jon's crew is going to go down in history as the first company ever to use Columbus' replica of the Santa Maria as a successful marketing platform! Ha!

And don't forget to download Cornhole All-Stars. Great value for $0.99!

Of course, being me, I sent along a jaunty reply asking for an interview.... and he said yes!

I planned to write a long Fanboy devotional, but I already run a site called iPhonespaz. I think Fanboy is implied.

However, I do want to thank Guy for taking time out to answer my questions. He also surprised me by asking a question of his own - it's the last one. If you ever wondered, you can stop now: Guy Kawasaki is extremely cool.

The Guy Kawasaki iPhonespaz Interview

Q. OK! First thing's first... How many apps do you have on your iPhone and what's your favorite?

Guy: I have about 60 apps on my iPhone. I use Mail and Tweetie the most. I love that HearPlanet makes the whole world a museum with an audio guide. I also think that the Comcast app just kicks butt—who would have guessed Comcast could produce such a cool iPhone app.

Q. Alltop just released a new interface for iPhone and it rocks (read Guy's post about it). How does the rapid expansion of the iPhone impact your thinking about all the other web-based services you're involved in?

Guy: The iPhone’s impact is much larger than “just the numbers” would indicate because there are far more Nokia phones out there, but Apple is always about reality distortion. An iPhone-optimized site or an iPhone application—either will do—is a badge of coolness these days.

Q. Many iPhone shops are tiny, 1-3 person operations, killing themselves to hone and *ship* that one, perfect idea... What advice would you give these folks as they work through the process of boiling apps down to the essentials? What might they be missing?

Guy: My shipping philosophy is, “Don’t worry, be crappy.” Which is to say that when you have an app that pretty much “does the job,” it’s time to ship. Note that I didn’t say, “Ship crap.” I’m saying that you should ship cool apps that might have elements of crappiness to them.

Jamie: That's exactly the approach I took with WordFlipper. It's still a work in progress, but it shipped and people like it.

Q. Because we're iPhonespaz, I've got to ask this... What's the spazziest thing you've done with your iPhone? The thing that made people say, "You're totally going to tweet that, right? Cause if you don't I am..."

Guy: I hate to disappoint, but I’m not that cool. I did try to use Maps while standing on the deck of the USS Stennis, an aircraft carrier, in the middle of the Pacific to see if it could locate me. It couldn’t.

Jamie: Oh, don't sell yourself short. I think that's plenty spazzy and I'm tweeting it.

Q: What’s your ideal iPhone setup?

Guy: The ideal iPhone setup would be an iTouch with the new iPhone camera, a Sprint MiFI card for web access, and a cheap Verizon phone for calls. The fact that millions of people tolerate AT&T is proof that iPhones are great.

Jamie: Thanks again, Guy! Once more, you prove that you totally rocketh!!

Guy: Thanks for the exposure!

As a side note, I also went out and picked up Guy's Reality Check (see Amazon link below). Does the awesomeness never end?

Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition