PadGadget

PadGadget Daily App Deal – 15 iPad Apps on Sale

2013-05-18T04:56:51Z

For today’s Daily Deal we’ve found 15 great apps to add to your iPad collection. We have 9 productivity / entertainment apps and 6 game apps in today’s bundle.

We used our PadGadget Apps Tracker to find these great deals and we’ll continue to look for the best app deals as they pop-up. Some of these apps are up to 75% off, a couple are even free, so be sure to check them out because they are on sale for a limited time.

Game Apps

Apache SIM HD – This great copter action game has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $3.99. This app weighs in at 252 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.
Avernum 6 HD – This RPG has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $6.99.
Chess Pro – with coach () – This very popular chess game has a 5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $9.99.
Sky Gamblers: Air Supremacy () – This fighter pilot game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99. This app weighs in at 707 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.
Sonic The Hedgehog () – This extremely popular SEGA game is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $5.99.
Table Top Racing () – This fun racing game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $2.99.

Productivity and Entertainment Apps

Animoog – This very popular music synth app has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $14.99 instead of $29.99.
Beauty and the Beast: Storybook Deluxe – This Disney book is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $4.99. This app weighs in at 373 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.
Brave: Storybook Deluxe () – This popular storybook app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $4.99 instead of $6.99. This app weighs in at 542 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.
Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe () – This entertaining book app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $1.99 instead of $3.99.
ClickySticky Trains () – This educational app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
Filtatron () – This great music app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $3.99 instead of $7.99.
Image Blender () – This photo app has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $2.99.
Tangled: Storybook Deluxe () – This Disney storybook app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $4.99 instead of $6.99. This app weighs in at 259 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.
Wreck-It Ralph Storybook Deluxe () – This book app based n the hit Disney movie has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $4.99 instead of $6.99. This app weighs in at 320 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.

Also be sure to check out yesterday’s Daily Deal to find more great savings.

= Indicates app is Universal and will run on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

We use our PadGadget Apps Tracker to constantly monitor the App Store to find the biggest price changes on iPad apps. Our editorial team goes through the data, picks the best deals on the most interesting apps and then brings them to you on a regular basis. All app prices are checked at the time of posting but prices are subject to change without notice. When developers put their apps on sale it’s usually for a very limited time, often 24 hours or less, so be sure to check pricing on iTunes before making a purchase.

Ex-Intel CEO Admits Not Building the Chip for the iPhone and iPad was a Huge Mistake

2013-05-17T16:59:57Z

The Atlantic recently profiled Intel CEO Paul Otellini, who ceded his post after 8 years helming the renown chip maker. Yesterday was Otellini’s last day in the office. Though his Intel colleagues, and even former rivals, like AMD CEO Hector Ruiz, were willing to praise Otellini’s accomplishments, the man himself admits that he could have done even more for the company had he agreed to make chips for the iPhone prototype.

Otellini told the Atlantic, “The thing you have to remember is that this was before the iPhone was introduced and no one knew what the iPhone would do… At the end of the day, there was a chip that they were interested in that they wanted to pay a certain price for and not a nickel more and that price was below our forecasted cost. I couldn’t see it. It wasn’t one of these things you can make up on volume. And in hindsight, the forecasted cost was wrong and the volume was 100x what anyone thought.”

Atlantic reporter Alexis Madrigal noted the regret he heard in Otellini’s voice as Intel’s top man described his decision. “The lesson I took away from that was, while we like to speak with data around here, so many times in my career I’ve ended up making decisions with my gut, and I should have followed my gut,” Otellini said. “My gut told me to say yes.”

Silicon Valley has changed greatly during Otellini’s tenure with Intel. He witnessed the rise — and presumed fall — of the PC and the dawn of the mobile computing era. Incoming Intel President Renee James compares his place in the industry to Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. His regrets about his failure to forge a deal with Apple that would have put Intel chips in iPhones show that every hardworking person will inevitably face a few missteps.

Apple’s relationship with Intel will continue to evolve in the post-Otellini era. Will the rumor that Intel will make A7 chips for Apple pan out? We’ll have to wait and see.

US Military Give the Thumbs up to iPad and iPhone

2013-05-17T16:50:50Z

Last week, Bloomberg reported that Apple’s iOS devices were on the short list for mobile devices that would be approved for Pentagon use. This approval would allow the iPad maker to dig in deep for a long-lasting contract with U.S. Military. Today, Bloomberg reported that the Pentagon has officially cleared Apple devices for use on its network.

This approval puts Apple on the same playing field as Samsung and Blackberry, who were both recently approved for military use as well. According to Bloomberg, now that Apple has joined the ranks, this may prompt a three-way fight for the military market.

The Defense Department specifically approved Apple devices running iOS 6. Whether this approval will also incorporate future operating systems is unknown. Apple recently announced that a new generation of its mobile operating system would be included in this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference. If the rumored iOS 7 launch happens this fall, then the military doesn’t have long before it needs to schedule a new approval.

Cybersecurity officials have voiced concerns that opening military communications networks to Apple and Samsung presents a security risk. According to a recent interview by Bloomberg with Ixia principle systems engineer Pat McGarry, there is “no technology that would make Apple and Samsung smartphones and tablets immune to new malicious software.”

A program executive officer for the Defense Information Systems Agency reassures that testing will take place regularly to ensure that products are safe and secure.

PadGadget’s Flashback Friday: Crazy Taxi

2013-05-17T16:52:55Z

Welcome to another installment of PadGadget’s Flashback Friday. Every week we spotlight a game or app that appeals to the younger version of ourselves. Whether it is an 8-bit side-scrolling game, or a macramé how-to app, we love to go back in time. Last week, we reminded you of the time-sucking PC duo from Cyan Worlds. I had almost forgotten how long it takes to get through Myst.

This week, we are getting a little bit crazy with a flashback to the turn of the century. It is hard to believe that we left the 1900s more than a decade ago. The nineties brought us Grunge music, bowling shirts and the height of the Goth era. It also brought us Crazy Taxi.

Crazy Taxi took the gaming world by storm in the late 1990s. By 2000, it had landed in the living room of practically ever kid who owned a Dreamcast, Playstation 2, or GameCube. Players control a supped up taxi as they barrel down the city streets, looking for the next fare.

Players must pick up a fare and race to the next destination in a timed trial game that offered rewards for getting there fast. If you get your fare to his destination within the designated amount of time and with few accidents, you’ll receive a tip.

Once you’ve dropped off the fare, drive to the next one and repeat. As the game goes on, you’ll run low on time. Once your clock runs out, the game is over.

Choose from the four original cabbies, including the green-haired Axel, the joyful B.D., the sweaty bald Gus, or the quick-witted Gena.

The iOS version of the game is an identical port of the console version, including Arcade Mode Original mode with three, five, and 10-minute time limits. The game also features 16 mini games, like taxi bowling, balloon popping and super speed pickups.

You will be pounding pavement to the tunes of Offspring and Bad Religion, but if you really can’t stand those tracks, you can always listen to your own device’s music library.

Crazy Taxi is available for $4.99 for the iPad and iPhone. Pick it up in the App Store today for some good time turn-of-the-century fun.

PadGadget Daily App Deal – 15 iPad Apps on Sale

2013-05-17T06:15:00Z

For today’s Daily Deal we’ve found 15 great apps to add to your iPad collection. We have 10 productivity / entertainment apps and 5 game apps in today’s bundle.

We used our PadGadget Apps Tracker to find these great deals and we’ll continue to look for the best app deals as they pop-up. Some of these apps are up to 80% off, several are even free, so be sure to check them out because they are on sale for a limited time.

Game Apps

Gangstar Rio: City of Saints () – This fun gangster themed iPad game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $4.99. This app weighs in at 838 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.
N.O.V.A. 3 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance () – This very popular space game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $6.99. This app is a whopper, it weighs in at 1.57 GB so be sure that you have enough space on your iPad and that you are on a speedy network before purchasing.
Rail Maze Pro HD – This popular train strategy game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $0.99.
Reiner Knizia’s Medici HD – This iPad strategy game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
Sonic The Hedgehog () – This extremely popular SEGA action game is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $5.99.

Productivity and Entertainment Apps

Animation Desk for iPad – This drawing and animation app has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $4.99.
Another Monster at the End of This Book…Starring Grover & Elmo! () – This very popular Sesame Street storybook app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $3.99.
City Maps 2Go – Offline Map and Travel Guide () – This maps app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
iDownloader Pro – Downloads and Download Manager () – This file utility has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
Laminar Pro – Image Editor () – This easy-to-use photography app has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for $0.99. That’s a savings of 80% off the apps’ normal price of $4.99.
mSecure () – This very popular iPad productivity app has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $4.99 instead of $9.99.
NAVIGON North America () – This very popular iPad navigation app is now on sale for $44.99 instead of $59.99.
TomTom U.S. & Canada () – This top navigation app from TomTom is now on sale for $44.99 instead of $59.99. This app is a whopper, it weighs in at 1.44 GB so be sure that you have enough space on your iPad and that you are on a speedy network before purchasing.
TomTom U.S.A. () – This very popular US based navigation app is now on sale for $35.99 instead of $49.99. This app is a whopper, it weighs in at 1.34 GB so be sure that you have enough space on your iPad and that you are on a speedy network before purchasing.
TomTom Western Europe () – European drivers will enjoys this map app. It’s now on sale for $54.99 instead of $79.99. This app is a whopper, it weighs in at 1.65 GB so be sure that you have enough space on your iPad and that you are on a speedy network before purchasing.

Also be sure to check out yesterday’s Daily Deal to find more great savings.

= Indicates app is Universal and will run on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

Toca Boca-backed Sago Sago Releases First App, Sago Mini Sound Box

2013-05-16T18:47:19Z

Toca Boca, the Swedish developer extraordinaire, boasts an impressive track record of hit kids’ apps. Toca Boca acquired Canadian developer zinc Roe back in March. The result of the marriage was Sago Sago, a new, Toronto-based developer, whose first app, Sago Mini Sound Box, premieres on the App Store today.

Get ready to make some noise! With Sago Mini Sound Box, kids tap their way through nine different sound makers from wind chimes to barking puppies. As the child taps the screen she releases colorful dots that sound off on a theme. As the screen fills with dots, whose sounds compliment each other, the child is encouraged to play around with the different sound combinations.

This über-cute app includes the following features:
• Play, listen and learn musical scales
• Tilt to hear sounds bump into each other
• Move sounds around the screen with your finger
• Tap and hold for a silly surprise

Since the app works with multi-touch, parents and children can play with Sago Mini Sound Box together. The app is recommended for toddlers, though older kids and even (ahem) some adults will enjoy it, and parents can rest easy knowing that it includes no in-app purchases or third-party advertising.

Sago Mini Sound Box is free to download from the App Store. This universal app is compatible with the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

Once a child gets a taste of Sago Sago, she’s sure to want more. Fortunately, curious kids everywhere can look forward to Sago Sago’s second release, Mini Forest Flyer on May 23, 2013.

Apple Celebrates 50 Billionth Download from App Store

2013-05-16T18:46:46Z

Less than two weeks ago, Apple announced that the 50 billionth download was imminent. To celebrate, the company held another contest by which the lucky person to download the 50 billionth app would receive a $10,000 gift card to the App Store. Last night, the contested ended and the winner was announced.

Mentor, Ohio resident Brandon Ashmore won $10,000 when he downloaded Say the Same Thing by Space Inch, LLC. Say the Same Thing is a free word game that you play with friends.

According to Apple, iOS users are currently downloading 800 apps per second at a rate of more than two billion apps per month.

“Apple would like to thank our incredible customers and developers for topping 50 billion apps downloaded,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “The App Store completely transformed how people use their mobile devices and created a thriving app ecosystem that has paid out over nine billion dollars to developers. We’re absolutely floored to cross this milestone in less than five years.”

Ashmore is now the proud owner of $10,00 worth of apps, books, magazines, movies, television shows, music, and whatever media is available from Apple’s iTunes, Apps, and iBookstore. What is he going to do with all of that media?

Incidentally, according to Apple’s Countdown to 50 Billion Official Rules, the company will also be giving away 50 additional gift cards worth $500 each. So, there is still a chance for you to win something. Winners will be listed online within the next 10 days.

Finally! Google Unveils Upcoming Maps App for iPad

2013-05-17T16:51:47Z

When iOS 6 launched, some of us immediately downloaded the new update in anticipation of many of the new features, one of them being Apple’s Maps app. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and we now know that Google Maps is the superior service. Lucky for iPhone users, Google graciously gave them an app that would help them get from one place to another without getting lost.

However, iPad users were left unattended and either have to use the Web-based version or risk it all using Apple’s mapping service. Yesterday, Google showed off a bunch of new features coming with its next Maps update. One of the best announcements of the day is that Google Maps is finally coming to the iPad.

According to a report from The Verge, Google showed a demonstration of the upcoming changes to it’s Maps app at Google I/O 2013. Not only will Google Maps be available on the iPad sometime this summer, but the mapping service has been completely redesigned. One new feature is Google Offers.

Google Offers includes deals from retailers and restaurants that you can find within the Maps app. Users will also be able to rate restaurants, read Zagat reviews, and see live traffic alerts.

Google Maps for iPad is expected this summer. The app will also be integrated with user recommendations from your Google+ contacts.

PadGadget’s Sound Stage: SmartMusic Turns Your iPad Into a Personal Music Trainer

2013-05-16T15:43:10Z

Welcome back to another edition of Sound Stage. Every week, we talk about music. Not just bands we like or our favorite albums, but instruments, compatible music devices, apps, and accessories that we think musicians and fans of music will like. Last week, we told you about SmartMusic. This cloud-based learning app is the perfect companion for music teachers who want to share sheet music with students who can actually practice along with the app.

This week, we found an awesome synthesizer app that lets you create layers of sounds using module components, just like you would if you were connecting synth instruments in real life.

Tabletop is a virtual synthesizer studio that comes with 12 different instruments for free, but also offers more than a dozen additional instruments that can be added to help you flush out a full-featured music experience. Choose from samplers, sequencers, mixers, turntables, and more.

Instruments are displayed on the screen like they are laid out on a tabletop. Move them around, get rid of them, or add more. Once you’ve got the instruments you want on the tabletop, start making music.

Once the setup is ready. Start composing your song by selecting an instrument. For example, to add a basic beat, tap the Gridlock sampler and pick the sound you want to play as the beat. Once you’ve laid down the backbeat, select the RS3 polyphic keyboard to add the next layer.

The app comes with the Gridlock sampler, the RS3, a M8Rx pattern machine, the Goblin MX8 mixer, the X2 splitter, a 3-band equalizer, low-pass filter, and autopan effect, a turntable, a sequencer, an input recording mic, and an input recorder.

There are 10 templates for tabletop mixing. Four of them are free. The rest can be added individually as an in-app purchase.

The instruments can also be purchased individually or as a bundle, so you are sure to only pay for the instruments you want to use.

This app also allows users to add supported apps. Similar to Audiobus, Tabletop lets you add stand-alone apps, like iMPC, to be used inside the Tabletop app. What would really be awesome is if this app supported Audiobus.

You can record and share your music creations with others through the integrated SoundCloud upload. Other Tabletop users can even download your session and remix it for the ultimate music collaboration.

Tabletop is free to download and available in the App Store today.

Google Launches ‘Hangouts,’ a New Unified Messaging for iOS and Android

2013-05-16T15:46:42Z

Yesterday was a big day for Google. After much anticipation, the company launched its unifying messaging service, Hangouts. This new chat client is not a mobile messenger for Google +. It is a replacement app for all of your Google-related social networking accounts.

Hangouts lets you keep track of conversations, no matter what device you are using. If you start a conversation on your desktop and finish it on your iPhone, you messages sync across devices so that you won’t lose track of who said what.

To start a conversation, or “Hangout,” as Google is calling it, tap the + symbol at the top of the screen. Not only can you chat with your Google + buddies, but you can Hangout with your Gmail contacts, too.

You can have group conversations, or one-on-one discussions. Make video calls with multiple people, send photos, and keep the conversation going no matter what device you are on.

Basically, Hangouts is like iMessages for Google account owners, except that you don’t have to own an iOS device in order to use it and it supports cross-platform communication.

That’s not to say that Hangouts doesn’t have its hang-ups. First of all, you have to use a Google + account to sign into the app, even if you just want to G-chat with someone. Most people already have Google + and it is connected to their Gmail account, so that’s not an issue for 90 percent of potential users.

You also must use the Hangouts app on all devices, even if you can talk with someone through another chat client. For example, if you start a hangout with someone who already uses G-Chat on their desktop, that person will have to install the Hangouts app on their desktop in order to keep the Hangouts thread going.

This is also not going to be the end of multiple chat client needs. It simply does away with the need for multiple Google chat clients. You don’t need a separate G-Chat, G-Talk, and Google+ app in order to communicate with others who use those same services. You can now access them in one location and your conversations will sync across devices and platforms.

You are still going to need SMS, Facebook Messenger, Yahoo Chat, AOL Instant Messenger, and Messages, depending on how you stay in touch with others. However, if you are a heavy Google user and are tired of juggling multiple chat services within the Google community, then you’ve found a solution to your problem.

Unreal Engine To Get Competition for iPad From EA Games

2013-05-15T16:42:08Z

When Epic Games launched the Unreal Engine development kit for iOS, the world was floored at the advanced graphics capabilities. The software is used in such games as the Infinity Blade series, Dungeon Defender, and Unmechanical. Although EA Games has used the Unreal Engine in some of its titles, one of the company’s software development departments just announced the creation of a mobile engine called Frostbite Go that is expected to perform on the same playing field as Unreal Engine.

According to AppleInsider, Frostbite Go is currently in development by EA development team DICE. The new project plans to give EA game developers tools that will allow them to take Frostbite mobile.

From the company’s website:

“One of our most exciting current projects is called Frostbite Go, a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite’s proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms.”

The console and PC version of Frostbite has been used in such games as the Battlefield series, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect. Frostbite Go is expected to push EA games further into the mobile gaming spotlight.

EA Games recently announced that it had plans to make most, if not all, of its future mobile games Freemium titles. So far, the company has not backed down from that statement. Real Racing 3 launched in the App Store on March 4 and quickly made Apple’s Editor’s Choice list. The game is free to download, but features a plethora of in-app purchases. In fact, EA Games’ top eight bestselling iPad games are all freemium titles.

If EA launches freemium titles that feature Frostbite Go, the company will be poised to take over as the biggest grossing game company in the App Store.

U.S. Justice Department Calls Apple Ringmaster of E-Book Price Fixing

2013-05-15T16:41:36Z

More than a year ago Apple, along with five major book publishers, were investigated for what the U.S. Department of Justice called collusion over price-fixing of e-books. By February of 2013, all of the book publishers fell under the weight of the lawsuit and agreed to settle their case, leaving Apple alone in the fight against the accusations. Today, The New York Times is reporting that the DOJ is treating the iPad maker as the mastermind behind the entire price-fixing scheme.

According to the New York Times, an email from Apple’s former CEO Steve Jobs to James Murdoch of News Corporation said, “Throw in with Apple and see if we can all make a go of this to create a real mainstream e-books market at $12.99 and $14.99.”

That is some pretty damning evidence.

The email is part of why the DOJ is accusing Apple of being the “ringmaster” of a price-fixing conspiracy over e-books. The DOJ filed suit against Apple and the five other book publishers in April of 2012 for violating antitrust regulations as a way to force Amazon to raise its e-book prices from $9.99 to a higher level. The DOJ claims that the conspiracy resulted in higher prices to consumers and “ill-gotten profits for Apple and its partners.”

The email was released as part of the government’s filings in the case. The DOJ appears to have a fairly strong case against Apple. In one of its filings, the department accuses Apple of strong-arming Random House into agreeing to an e-books deal with Apple. A correspondence between Jobs and Eddy Cue, Apple’s e-books executive officer, shows that the latter prevented a Random House app from being approved in the App Store until the publisher agreed to the deal.

Additionally, Penguin’s CEO claimed that Apple was the “facilitator and go-between” for the publishing companies in arranging the agreement.

Apple, however, stands its ground stating that no price-fixing conspiracy took place. Tom Neumayr, a representative for Apple, spoke with the New York Times.

“We helped transform the e-book market with the introduction of the iBookstore in 2010, bringing consumers an expanded selection of e-books and delivering innovative new features,” Neumayr said. “The market has been thriving and innovating since Apple’s entry, and we look forward to going to trial to defend ourselves and move forward.”

The trial against Apple is set to begin on June 3 in New York.

PadGadget’s DIY iPad Project Spotlight: Felt iPad Case

2013-05-15T16:40:46Z

Here we are again at another installment of or DIY Project spotlight. Each week, we look for interesting projects that can be made by you using some simple instructions and easy-to-find supplies. Last week, we told you about some cardboard crafting iPad cases. Mine came in the mail yesterday. Now, I just need an idea for what to glue on them.

This week, we found a very easy iPad case that requires just a bit of sewing skill. Oh So Lovely Vintage has a sweet DIY case tutorial that will make you the envy of the cocktail party.

You will need a length of thick felt that measures 19 inches long and 10.5 inches wide. You’ll also need a pair of scissors, a sewing machine, sewing pins, a needle and matching thread, two buttons, embroidery floss that matches the buttons, and two black snaps.

First, lay the felt flat and place the iPad on it so that you can mark where to sew your edge. Leave three inches at the top for a flap. To create a scalloped edge, place a spool of thread on the flap and trace around the bottom. Then, cut out the scallops. No sewing necessary.

Fold the material closed where you’ve marked the measurements and sew the edges together using a basic straight stitch on your sewing machine. Then, hand-sew the snaps to the outer edge of the flap so that it stays securely closed. Be sure to line up the top and bottom so that they snap together properly.

Then, add your buttons. Sew one to the flap and the other to the body of the case using the embroidery thread. Then, attach an eight-inch piece of the thread to one of the buttons and use it as the claps to wind around both buttons and you’re done.

Thanks to Stef and Erin at Oh So Lovely Vintage for sharing this simple, but adorable DIY iPad case project.

Surprise! – All the Big Mobile Device Companies Make Apps for Apple’s iOS

2013-05-16T13:27:15Z

Yesterday, BlackBerry (Formerly Research In Motion) held a conference where the company’s CEO announced that its popular messaging service, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), would soon be available on Android and iOS. BlackBerry’s foray into the App Store means that all major mobile competitors of Apple now offer apps for iOS.

As iMore pointed out after yesterday’s announcement, Google, who makes Android, has apps for Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, and many more. Samsung even has its own chat client on iOS, called ChatOn. Microsoft makes OneNote, SkyDrive, Xbox SmartGlass, and more. Nokia, Microsoft’s most popular Windows Phone vendor even has an app called Here Maps.

How many apps does Apple make for other mobile devices? None. The company doesn’t even have an iTunes app for Android. It could be that Apple doesn’t want to share its apps because it doesn’t want to give up control of what people use them for. It could also be that Apple doesn’t want to give a leg up to its competition. However, it is more likely that the iPad maker just doesn’t feel like it needs to spread its applications around to other mobile devices. Apple’s iPhone and iPad are doing fine on their own. If you want to use iTunes on a mobile device, you get an iPod. If you want to use some other music service… well, you can use many of them on iOS devices, too.

Angry Birds Developer Rovio Plans to Publish iOS Games from other Developers

2013-05-16T13:29:40Z

Finnish gaming juggernaut Rovio plans to launch Rovio Stars, which will expand its brand to include games created by third-party developers. The company hopes to help smaller devs market their games, as they also please fans, and build their well-regarded brand.

“In the course of our work, we run into so many fantastic upcoming titles — games with memorable characters and entertaining gameplay that are also just really fun to play!” said Kalle Kaivola, Director of Development for Rovio. “These are the sorts of titles we’re interested in. We want to help the developers to give these games that last coat of polish, publish the games and find their audience. We’re focusing on a small, select number of games, and each Rovio Stars launch will be an event of its own.”

Rovio Stars first release will be Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage by London-based Nitrome Ltd, which follows the adventure of a lone Viking, and blends ice-slicing game play with humor. The second release will be Tiny Thief, a medieval adventure featuring stealth-based puzzles, by 5 Ants, which is based in Barcelona.

“Being involved with Rovio Stars means that we have one of the best marketing teams behind us, as well as visibility to their vast audience. To a small indie studio like Nitrome this is all the backing we could hope for!” said Mat Annal, Managing Director of Nitrome Ltd.

Developers can learn how to become a Rovio Star by visiting the company’s website.

If Rovio chooses well, it sounds like a win-win. Small developers can bootstrap their way to fame thanks to Rovio’s name recognition and marketing prowess, and Rovio extends its reach more efficiently by effectively outsourcing game development to hungry new developers. If it keeps the game market fresh and exciting, then it’s good for consumers too. Win-win-win? Let’s hope so.

Check out the video below for Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage:

And this trailer for 5 Ants’ Tiny Thief:

Gaming fans: Are you tiring of playing Angry Birds? Does an endorsement from Rovio make you more likely to pony up for a new game? What kind of games would you like to see Rovio promote?

How Much Does Coffee With Tim Cook Cost? More Than Half a Million Dollars

2013-05-15T13:24:42Z

On April 23, The Robert F Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, with the help of online charity marketing firm CharityBuzz, launched an auction for coffee with Apple’s CEO. The coffee date had an estimated value of $50,000. Today, the auction ended after 86 bids and the winner donated $610,000 for the get-together.

According to CNet, the winning bidder is anonymous. His listed nomenclature is “a********s.” The price was sitting steady at $605,000 until just before the close of the auction today when the unknown bidder upped the anti by $5,000.

Coffee with Cook ties for the highest-grossing CharityBuzz auction to take place. The other $610,000 auction was for a Lamborghini Aventador, which has an estimated value of $500,000. The next closest auction went for $340,000 for an original painting by Columbian artist Fernando Botero.

CNet pointed out that, although coffee with Cook has turned out to be an expensive meeting for someone, it is a bargain compared to what some would pay for lunch with Warren Buffett. Last year, his charity auction generated $3.45 million, and that wasn’t the first time the billionaire passed the million-dollar mark.

I wonder what the unnamed winner will talk about with Cook at his coffee date? Will he pitch him an idea, hit him up for a job, or maybe just ask him to pass the sugar.

PadGadget Daily App Deal – 7 iPad Apps on Sale

2013-05-15T05:18:41Z

For today’s Daily Deal we’ve found 7 great apps to add to your iPad collection. We have 4 productivity / entertainment apps and 3 game apps in today’s bundle.

We used our PadGadget Apps Tracker to find these great deals and we’ll continue to look for the best app deals as they pop-up. Some of these apps are up to 60% off, a couple are even free, so be sure to check them out because they are on sale for a limited time.

Game Apps

3volution () – This challenging iPad game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $0.99 instead of $1.99.
Castle Champions () – This popular role playing game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $0.99.
Grim Tales: The Legacy HD (Full) – This adventure game has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $1.99 instead of $4.99. This app weighs in at 844 MB so please be sure that you have enough space on your iPad before downloading.

Productivity and Entertainment Apps

DMD Panorama () – This panoramic iPad photo app has a 4.5 star App Store rating and is now available for Free instead of $1.99.
NOAA Weather Radio HD – This weather alert app on sale for $1.99 instead of $2.99.
OMGuitar – Play Virtual Guitar with FX – This guitar app is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $4.99.
Remoter VNC – Remote Desktop () – This popular remote desktop app has a 4 star App Store rating and is now on sale for $2.99 instead of $3.99.

Also be sure to check out yesterday’s Daily Deal to find more great savings.

= Indicates app is Universal and will run on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

Square Looks to Reinvent the Cash Register with iPad Point of Sale Solution

2013-05-14T18:54:54Z

In February, Square launched a small business package called, “Business in a Box,” which included a sleek, heavy-duty iPad stand made by Heckler Design, the iconic Square Reader (also known as a dongle), a locking cash drawer, and a receipt printer. Today, the company has announced a new addition to the cash register design with an iPad stand that doubles as a credit card reader.

The Square Stand is the company’s newest submission to the retail finance market. When used in conjunction with Square Register, it turns the iPad into a complete point-of-sale system. The company also recently updated Square Register to allow for customizable orders so that you can create restaurant kitchen tickets with special requests.

“Local business owners take as a given that they need an ugly, slow, expensive, and complicated point of sale system cluttering their counter,” said Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Square. “Square Stand is elegant, fast, affordable, and easy to use. Whether you’re selling cupcakes, cardigans, or cappuccinos, running your business with Square has never been easier.”

The Square Stand features an integrated card reader so that you don’t have to worry about misplacing the dongle. It connects the iPad to the stand and allows for use with a receipt printer, kitchen printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner.

You can lock the iPad to the Square Stand and then mount the stand to a countertop to ensure a secure cash register device. The stand features a swivel base so that you can turn the iPad’s screen around to let the customer sign their name.

The Square Stand is available for preorder now for $299. Currently, it is only compatible with the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad. However, a Lightning connector-compatible model will be available later this year.

BlackBerry Plans to Launch Popular Messenger Service on iOS this Summer

2013-05-14T17:42:18Z

Research In Motion used to be the biggest smartphone provider in the industry. That is, before Apple and Samsung got involved. Now, the company struggles to keep its celebrity spokespeople from using iPhones instead of BlackBerry devices to sent tweets. RIM is reinventing itself. The company is now called BlackBerry, a new operating system for the device has just been released, and today at BlackBerry Live 2013, the company’s product conference, CEO Thorsten Heins announced that BlackBerry Messenger will soon be available for iOS and Android.

According to a press release from the company, BlackBerry plans to make its social networking service BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) available on iOS and Android. The app will be available on devices running iOS 6 and Android 4.0 or higher.

BBM is an instant messaging service that allows users to send delivered and read statuses, plus create profiles and avatars, and create multi-person chats where they can share photos, voice, and text messages.

“For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry.

As soon as Apple and Google approve the BBM app, customers will be able to communicate with others across different platforms. Android and iOS users will be able to add contacts through PIN, email, SMS, or QR code scan. Android users will also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device.

Later this year BlackBerry will launch video and voice chatting for iOS and Android. Plus, BBM Channels will be added for iOS and Android customers to connect with celebrities, groups, and brands that they love.

The company plans to launch the BBM app this summer, pending approval from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Astronaut Uses iPad to Record Music Video in Space

2013-05-14T16:18:31Z

By now, almost every one in the world has heard of Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield. On Mother’s Day, May 12, Hadfield’s Earthbound social networking team published a video on Youtube of the celebrity astronaut singing his own rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity. It is pretty phenomenal. Today, Cult of Mac discovered that Hadfield recorded the guitar and vocals on his iPad using GarageBand… in outer space.

Canadian-born Hadfield has became an ambassador of the Space Station program when he began sending pictures and tweets from space. He left Earth on December 19, 2012 and has been sending us images and videos ever since.

The music video that landed on YouTube this past Sunday was Hadfield’s last transmission before heading home. The guitar and vocals were sung and edited on the International Space Station by Hadfield, while the music was composed and the song finalize here on Earth by musician Emm Gryner and Joe Corcoran. Filmmaker Andrew Tidby edited the video footage and combined audio and visual into the masterpiece that we now see.

Gryner wrote about how the music video came to be on her blog.

“The task was in front of me. I came up with a piano part. i then enlisted my friend, producer and fellow Canadian Joe Corcoran to take my piano idea and Chris’ vocal and blow it up into a fully produced song. Drums! mellotrons! fuzz bass! We also incorporated into the track ambient space station noises which Chris had put on his Soundcloud. I was mostly blown away by how pure and earnest Chris’ singing is on this track. Like weightlessness and his voice agreed to agree.”

Hadfield has been known to use his iPad for sending videos to Earth, so it is no surprise to find out that the Space Oddity music was recorded using GarageBand.

Check out the music video below from Commander Hadfield in outer Space. The part where Hadfield looks out the window at the Earth while singing the like “A last glimpse at the world,” is possibly the most awe-inspiring thing I’ve ever seen.