Verizon

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Verizon this weekend stepped up the pressure in its anti-AT&T campaign with three new ads (viewable below). The lead ad, "Misfit Toys," attacks the iPhone's attachment to AT&T and says it belongs on Rudolph's Island of Misfit Toys for running on a network with relatively low 3G coverage. Unlike the recent Droid ads, the new commercials take care to praise the phone but attack the network, suggesting Verizon is backing away from direct criticism of Apple.

11 hours ago | Posted in: peripherals, digital imaging, accessories

Genius' EasyPen i405 tablet promises to undercut the mainstream in tablets by offering a substantial number of drawing features attached to a reasonable price tag. However, can it compare to the user experience of industry titans like Wacom, whose businesses revolve almost exclusively around pen input? We take a look in our review.

Sat November 7, 2009 | Posted in: digital imaging, audio, Apple

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Apple in a rare weekend update released Apple TV 3.0.1. The firmware upgrade, accompanied by a support document, mends a flaw which made music, video and other content from "disappearing" until the Apple TV next syncs with its host iTunes computer. The company urges customers to apply the update "immediately" and suggests rebooting the Apple TV followed by checking for an update in the Settings menu.

Sat November 7, 2009 | Posted in: iPod, iPhone, peripherals, accessories, audio, iPhone apps

Venturing into Sonos' world has historically been expensive and partly redundant: listeners have usually needed at least two pieces of equipment, and it isn't at all uncommon to see setups that cost over $1,000. The ZonePlayer S5 aims to fix this with a single-piece $399 speaker and receiver that relies on what you already have -- such as a computer or an iPod touch -- to provide its multi-room audio. Our full S5 review will let you know whether the drop in cost is a better bargain.

Sat November 7, 2009 | Posted in: iPod, iPhone, gaming

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id Software co-founder John Carmack has described working with Apple as a "rollercoaster ride" in a new interview, arguing that Apple executives are not happy with the increasing popularity of the iPhone and iPod touch as a gaming platform. Carmack -- responsible for Doom, Quake and other titles -- has spent several years working with Apple in order to get games such as Doom Classic onto the App Store.

Sat November 7, 2009 | Posted in: peripherals, troubleshooting

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In spite of the relative newness of the Magic Mouse, some complaints have begun emerging on Apple's support forums. Anticipated drag and swipe functions are sometimes said to be failing, leaving only regular click commands available. When the special wireless mouse software is applied, a Mac may still fail to detect a Magic Mouse.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPhone, industry, mobile phones, Apple

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An analyst report sent today hints at Apple producing an iPhone that would work with both GSM and CDMA networks. The OTR Global note obtained by AppleInsider claims to know of an iPhone in development with a hybrid Qualcomm chipset that will support the two normally incompatible standards. It would support UMTS-based 3G on carriers like AT&T and would presumably support EVDO-based 3G on Verizon and similar CDMA carriers.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPhone, industry, Apple

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Radio Shack in a terse notice today said it would begin selling the iPhone 3G and 3GS in its retail stores later this month. The initial rollout is small and will be limited to certain company-run stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area as well as in New York City. Expansion to all of its stores isn't expected until 2010.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: peripherals, accessories, audio

LaCie is without a doubt best known for its hard drives and other storage solutions, many of which are often particularly good-looking. The company's new Sound2 Speakers could also be described in just such a way. Shaped by French designer Neil Poulton and engineered by Cabasse, a French loud speaker manufacturer, the design comes across as a French supermodel. But does that mean the design is strictly superficial? Our Sound2 review finds an answer.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: software, digital imaging

Jumsoft has released Aperture Themes 2.0, a package of ten new themes for Apple's photography software. The new content adds to the six themes available in the previous v1.0 bundle. The styles are geared toward creating web galleries with photos via Aperture. Each of the 16 themes has up to ten different layouts for a total of 51 designs.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: Apple

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An Italian computer maker is the latest company to ignore Apple's Mac OS X license agreement and launch a new series of Mac clones, according to the Italian site Macity. The startup Engineering Project recently launched a site promoting its upcoming EVO computers, which are allegedly compatible with several platforms including Mac OS X.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: audio, iPhone apps

Sonos has released an update to its Controller app for the iPhone and iPod touch. Version 3.1 adds the ability to send Twitter updates with information regarding the current track. The interface has been refined, with new icons and logos on the Music Menu and a simplified layout. Users are also able to control the company's latest ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one device.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPhone, industry, networking

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Verizon late Thursday confirmed that it would add tethering to the Motorola Droid but clarified its plans. Contradicting a prior statement, it now says tethering when ready will cost $30 in addition to the phone's existing voice and data plans. It will also have a 5GB bandwidth cap before overage fees begin, though the tethering rate will be separate from the Droid's regular data.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPod, iPhone, accessories

Vers, a company specializing in handcrafted wood, has added new open-front Shellcases to its product line. The cases allow full access to the display of an iPhone or iPod. Models are available in walnut, cherry and bamboo, and have their corners reinforced with steel pins in order to enhance the wood's resistance to impacts.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: computers, industry

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A new development by partly government-backed Fluidic Energy could potentially extend the battery life of notebooks, cars and other devices well beyond existing lithium-ion cells. Known as Metal-Air Ionic Liquid (MAIL), it would improve energy storage beyond relatively efficient zinc-air batteries by using an ionic liquid salt to conduct electricity that is much more stable and isn't prone to drying out either by accident or by eventual decay. The move would let battery makers use metals denser than zinc and therefore hold a much larger charge in a given volume.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPhone, accessories

Quirky has announced a new addition to its line of iPhone 3G and 3GS accessories, the Beamer. The case features a hard plastic outer shell, and a two-piece design, requiring owners to remove the base before inserting an iPhone. Giving the case its name is an LED light, which can be used either as camera flash or a standalone light. A button triggers three different functions: 10-second lighting, constant light, or simply shutting off.

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Apple launches Reserve and Pick Up retail program

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPod, computers, Apple

Apple has unveiled a new program for its retail stores, Reserve and Pick Up. Via the company's website, shoppers can now opt to have products held for later purchase at a store they select. Only Macs and iPods are eligible however, and pickup must occur between December 15th and the 24th. As the program is meant to cope with potentially long holiday lineups, shoppers can also have some products wrapped.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPod, iPhone, industry, iPhone apps

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A Spanish translation of Mein Kampf has been launched at the App Store, observers note. Written in the 1920s by Adolf Hitler, the book is both an autobiography and a charter of the fascist, anti-Semitic policies that would come to guide the Third Reich. No other version of the book is available as a standalone app, and its icon is the Nazi Party emblem, complete with swastika.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPhone, industry, mobile phones, Apple

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The absence of long lines at most Verizon stores for the Motorola Droid is a positive sign, company spokesman David Samberg claimed today. According to the representative, Verizon believes early queues as "not really the goal" and that they are "flashy" more than a sign of actual built-up demand. The carrier would prefer to see a regular flow over coming weeks rather than an initial rush.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: software

Gideon Softworks has launched updates for Dock-It, Snard and Snippet Monkey, adding Snow Leopard support to all three. Dock-It 2.7.2 is a multifunctional dock and Finder enhancement tool, enabling users to create or customize multiple docks and navigate folder contents without the need of a Finder window. Docks can be used to hold files, folders, apps and scripts; users can drag-and-drop as well as copy and paste text clippings or URLs.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: developer, iPhone apps, Apple

Apple has been criticized once again for its App Store review policies, as Macworld.com complains of frustrating inconsistencies between different members of the review team. The company has worked to publish its first book, the "iPhone & iPod touch Superguide," as both a PDF version and an app available on Apple's portable devices.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: industry, mobile phones, Apple

ARM president Tudor Brown at a presentation on Friday provided early details of his company's next-generation architecture for smartphones and other handhelds. Nicknamed Eagle, the processor design will focus on speed and come with a multi-core main processor, "high-end" graphics and better security against hardware-related attacks. Power use will be kept down by using GlobalFoundries' new 28 nanometer process and should get more efficient still when the assembly process shrinks to 22 nanometers.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in iphone apps

0.1MB

HTML Mail Editor 2.0 ($1)

With HTML Mail Editor users can enter HTML code into e-mails on their mobile device. The application includes a list of html code that can be entered automatically and uses a split screen interface to show a preview of the e-mail as it is typed. Finished messages are exported to the mail application to be sent from one of a users e-mail accounts. The v2.0 update has added support for composing e-mails in the landscape orientation.
0.6MB

Gas Log - MPG Fuel Calculator 1.5 ($1)

Gas Log allows users to track monthly business gas and mileage usage from a personal vehicle. Data can be broken down into mileage and fuel consumption by month or trip and figures such as miles per gallon can be calculated. Users are able to customize the app by choosing between imperial or metric entries and a default currency.
0.7MB

Checkers! 1.2.4 ($2)

This simulation of the popular board game allows players to compete against computer or human opponents. Checkers! features a customizable interface along with four different sets of rules: English, Italian, Spanish, and International/French. The game also includes a silent save feature which allows players to exit the game without losing the current game status.
4.1MB

iAlcohol 1.1 ($2)

iAlcohol is a tool that can be used to help a user approximate their current blood alcohol level. Users can select drinks from a list of over 230 common drinks, enter information on foods they have eaten, and record any physical activity they have performed. An estimated time is then displayed for how long the user should wait before considering to drive. Version 1.1 includes several bug fixes and has added statistics of alcohol consumption, a graph of consumption by day, week, and month, and a description of current alcohol intoxication.
1.1MB

Mover+ 3.0 ($2)

With Mover+ users can send different content to iPhone and iPod touch devices using a WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Users can load images, contacts, videos, bookmarks, or text clippings into the main display and then flick them to the edge of the screen to transfer them. The latest update has introduced support for video sharing and incorporates a new faster transfer engine.

Boxee beta to be unveiled on December 7th

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: software

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The first public beta of Boxee will be shown on December 7th, according to its developer. The app is primarily used to stream movies and TV shows to an HDTV, including remote content from sources such as Hulu and Netflix. Music and photos can also be streamed; versions of the app have been produced for the Mac, Windows and the Apple TV.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: iPhone, industry, mobile phones, Apple

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Apple gained market share in the summer but slipped in the face of tougher competition, according to new IDC data. The iPhone's share of smartphones grew from 16.6 percent to 17.1 percent during the quarter but was overtaken by Research in Motion's record BlackBerry sales, which pushed it above Apple from 14.6 percent to 19 percent. The reversal is credited to the BlackBerry's wider distribution and the launch of a pair of key phones, the Tour and the Curve 8520.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: software, mobile phones

Sailing Software has released v1.1.4 of Sailing Media Sync, its multi-platform file transfer software. The Mac edition syncs music and podcasts from iTunes with phones other than those made by Apple. Playlists are preserved, including those created with Genius. Photos can be synced from Aperture and iPhoto.

Fri November 6, 2009 | Posted in: Apple