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Tag: iPod Touch

SplashTop Remote Delivers Your Desktop to Your Tablet

Posted by Andrew at 3:16 PM on January 30, 2011

Andy McCaskey visits SplashTop and chats to Sergei about their SplashTop Remote app that allows you to see and use your PC desktop on your iOS or Android device.  Why would you want to do this? Perhaps you want to edit some Ms Office documents on your tablet while sitting in the living room. Or perhaps you want to play your favorite (Flash) game that’s not available for the iPad. Basically, SplashTop Remote allows you to use your PC by remote control (if you’ve ever used VNC, you’ll get the idea). There are two components to the setup – there’s a program that’s installed on the PC and then app for the mobile device. Naturally, there’s more info on the website.

It’s available now. $1.99 for the iPad and $4.99 on Android.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News.

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Zoodles Child-Safe Play App

Posted by Andrew at 8:02 PM on January 29, 2011

Jeffrey interviews Mark Williamson, CEO of Zoodles, which makes software that gives a “kid mode” to devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones. As I suspect most parents will testify, children are always keen to get their hands on Mommmy’s or Daddy’s latest toy. The “kid mode” creates a walled-garden (or sand-pit) that includes lots of child-friendly educational games and activities, such as painting, and prevents the child from accessing other software on the phone. I’ve had a look at the Zoodles website and there are plenty of games for different age ranges, including games from Lego and Disney.

Recently, Zoodles has been focussing on Android but there are versions for iOS, Mac and PC. The basic version is free, though there is a Premium membership that gives more control over the software.

I’ll be trying this out with my 3 year old – any chance of a WebOS version?

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine Podcast.

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Wicked Metal Jacket Gives Your iPhone a Roll Cage

Posted by Andrew at 6:29 PM on January 26, 2011

Jeffrey talks to Warren Roth, President of MSW Wireless about Wicked Metal Jackets, precision-machined aluminium iPhone and iPod Touch cases made in California, USA. It’s a full wraparound case that is screwed together (screwdriver included) in a range of different designs, including some for the ladies.  They’d also go great with leather and a Harley.

Available now for $49 and up.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine Podcast.

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iRig Mic for the iPhone

Posted by Andrew at 4:36 PM on January 8, 2011

Would-be Pop Idol and X-Factor competitors rejoice. IK Multimedia has announced the first handheld condenser microphone for iOS devices, the iRig Mic.

Working with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, the iRig is perfect for the singer or songwriter on the move but can also be used to record speeches, performances or any other audio source.

The iRig Mic features a highly unidirectional electret-condenser microphone capsule that provides quality recording, in both close mic and long distance mic conditions, and real-time monitoring with its dual mini-jack connector. A three-level gain switch makes it instantly adjustable for any sound pressure condition — from soft speaking to loud playing. Its classic form is perfect for handheld performance, plus it can be mounted on any standard mic stand. A rugged metal body means it will stand-up to life on the road.

iRig Mic also comes with set of apps which can be downloaded from the AppStore.
- VocaLive free, IK’s new real-time effects processor app suite for the singer and vocalist.
- iRig Recorder, the new IK free audio recording app.
- AmpliTube Free, the best selling app for guitar players and songwriters.
iRig Mic also works with a multitude of other vocal and audio recording or processing apps for the iOS platform.

No price given.

Star Wars Augmented Reality

Posted by Andrew at 3:45 PM on November 4, 2010

I’m sure that this will be all over the Interweb very shortly, if it isn’t already.  Absolutely fantastic and really shows off the possibilities of augmented reality.

Apparently it’s test footage from an upcoming game called Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner.  I’d almost buy an iPod Touch just for this.

Update: I’ve been thinking about this overnight and actually, while it’s still amazingly cool, it’s not really that good a demonstration of augmented reality.  The Manhattan skyline is only the background to the action and doesn’t appear to take part in the game itself.  What would be very clever would be if the TIE fights could fly behind the buildings, but I don’t think that they do, unless someone has better eyesight than me.

iPod Touch – Upgrade Motivation Gone

Posted by GNC at 8:01 AM on September 13, 2009

ipodtouch-090909-2I was eagerly awaiting Apple’s recent fall “Rock and Roll” music event.  My excitement centered on one product, the iPod touch.  I own a first generation iPod touch and have loved it.  The applications are enjoyable and productive.  The iPod and Media functionality is outstanding.  The internet browsing experience great for a small screened computer.  When the second generation was released with an internal speaker and mic capabilities I briefly debated the upgrade.  Was the speed bump and those features worth it?  It would allow me to use Skype. . . hmm.  Still not enough.

The iPhone 3GS was released in June.  The iPhone included an amped up camera, vastly improved speed, GPS, and firmware 3.0 features made me sigh in jealousy.  Unfortunately my carrier doesn’t use the iPhone and/or subsidize it so that I can afford it where I was going to live.  And so I began looking forward to the 3rd generation Touch.  If the 3rd gen product had the new processor, highly rated camera, and improved voice recording then that would force the upgrade.  I could blog, podcast, take pictures, capture video, and then upload all from the device.  That would be worth putting it into my pocket.  Who knew?  Maybe Apple was going to throw in GPS and that would be delicious frosting.  With those features I would pay a price increase.

And yet, Apple released a Nano with the camera but the Touch without the camera.  What?  Are you kidding me?  Speculation in days prior hinted that hardware problems would keep the camera out of the Touch.  It works fine in the iPhone.  Or then maybe it doesn’t and this is Apple’s way of covering themselves.  Or maybe they left the features out so that they could drop the price and undercut Microsoft’s new Zune handheld (Update: Since original draft this has been verified in an interview with Steve Jobs).  Whatever the reason, they will sell millions of iPod Touch units, but will see few upgrades from previous generation users.  Give me the iPhone without the phone, nothing less.  This new one just didn’t come close to delivering the upgrade motivation for me.  Sad day.  I wanted to give them my money.  No doubt someone will.

My iPod Touch Wish List

Posted by fogview at 9:31 AM on September 4, 2009

itouch-imgI was one of the first to get a Zune when it was announced. I also was one of the first to get an iPod Touch. Being first is great but like most “version 1.0″ products, you’re left wanting more.

There are rumors that Apple will refresh it’s its iPod line next week and I’m hoping that includes the iPod Touch. I’ve enjoyed my first generation Touch but I wish it did more. In fact I wish it was just like the third generation iPhone, without the phone (and the monthly bill).

Apple, if you’re listening, here is my wish list for a new and improved iPod Touch:
1. Camera. There are rumors this will be included and it would be a killer product if it had the iPhone camera that could do stills and video.

2. GPS and Compass. I realize that the iPhone uses GPS and google maps to show you where you are and you need an internet connection to update the maps, but there are a few turn-by-turn GPS programs that store the maps in the iPhone and don’t rely on a Internet connection. This would be perfect for the Touch. Also, wifi is showing up almost everywhere so I think it still makes sense.

3. Built-in mic and speaker. Yes, I know the 2nd generation Touch has a speaker but I want to make sure it stays in for the 3rd gen (my 1st gen Touch doesn’t have it). A built-in mic means you could use the Touch as a recording device (for voice memos and video), as well as for services like Skype.

4. Music subscription service. I know this isn’t specific to the iPod Touch, but since you are rumored to be coming out with big announcements, why not shock everyone and offer a monthly fee for a service that gives you unlimited (DRM-encoded) music (similar to what Microsoft offers for the Zune). That would really take the thunder out of the pending Microsoft Zune HD release.

5. Approve Google Voice application to run on the iPhone/Touch. Oh sorry, this is for a different blog post.

So, 09/09/2009, is the big day and I can’t wait to see what Apple announces. What is on your wish list for Apple announcements?

73′s, Tom