Keepin’ it real fake, part CLXX: the highly confused (and confusing) iFone x1

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake, part CLXX: the highly confused (and confusing) iFone x1

Filed under: Cellphones

Keepin' it real fake, part CLXX: the highly confused (and confusing) iFone x1 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drowning in a sea of spam? Spamsweep can help

Filed under: Software, Cool tools, Productivity, Internet Tools, iPhone

Spamsweep from Bains Software offers a nice solution that has largely gone unnoticed, although there was a brief mention of it here in 2005. Now, for people with iPhones or other smartphones, it is even more useful. Spamsweep is a small app that displays an icon in your menu bar. In my situation, it runs on my Mac Pro desktop at home, checking my mail account(s) once a minute. It downloads the spam, and leaves the good mail alone, ready to pass it on to any device while I am on the road, connected via a laptop or cell phone. The spam gets trapped and goes to spam heaven (or hell).

You can train it, of course, and go back through the list of spam to correct any errors, but there are darned few of them. A nice side benefit is that it keeps the spam off my iPhone. It works with several mail clients including Apple Mail, Eudora, Entourage, Mailsmith, Powermail and Thunderbird. Those connections to your mail app are important only if you want Spamsweep to launch your mail client after it checks for spam. I don't use it in that mode, so Spamsweep quietly spends the day obediently checking my POP mail account and cleaning out the garbage. It is great when I travel, and when I get home I can check to see if there are any good messages (false positives) that got trapped. That almost never happens; if Spamsweep is unsure, it passes the mail through.

Support from the company has been very good, and there are usually a few updates per year adding some features and tightening up the code. It's a great solution for keeping spam vanquished when you travel, and really keeps your iPhone (or lesser device) clean.

Of course, a spam message could sneak in if your phone checks your mail server right before Spamsweep has done its check, but in the real world I only see that happen a couple of times a week, and of course during that week Spamsweep has snagged hundreds of messages I never want to see.

Drowning in a sea of spam? Spamsweep can help originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Drowning in a sea of spam? Spamsweep can help originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Found Footage: First game demo for iPhone video-out

Filed under: Hacks, Found Footage, iPhone, iPod touch

Around here, we used to call her "the unstoppable Erica Sadun" -- well, not to her face, but sometimes when she wasn't paying attention. The Queen of the iPhone Hackers has leveraged the undocumented video-out features in the iPhone 2.2 SDK, in cooperation with the clever folk at Freeverse Software, to produce the first playable demonstration of an iPhone game that displays on an external monitor. The one-off build of Moto Chaser plays best on a 2nd gen iPod touch (since it's got the fastest base hardware) and uses the device accelerometer for steering. On an HDTV, it outputs a respectable 20fps at 640x480.

Erica's post at Ars goes into the details of the work that Bruce Morrison and his team at Freeverse did to bring this custom build to rapid fruition, and it notes that this is in no way a product at this point; it's just a tech demo, although an impressive one. I had the opportunity to see this build in person earlier today at Freeverse's offices, and the surprising thing is how natural it seems to use the iPod touch as a game controller for big-screen play. With a less-intensive offering (a quiz or music guessing game would be ideal) and a design that takes advantage of the iPod's screen for simultaneous content display... well, I'd be game for that.

Video embedded in the 2nd half of the post. Check it out, and let us know what your dream game would be for a video-out setup from your iPhone or iPod touch.

Continue reading Found Footage: First game demo for iPhone video-out

Found Footage: First game demo for iPhone video-out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Found Footage: First game demo for iPhone video-out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Ziibii for iPhone

Ziibii presents news headlines, Facebook and Twitter status messages, and Flickr and YouTube links in a floating list. It’s a great concept, but the execution is less than impressive.

Christmas with Weezer game made for iPod

The rock band Weezer has recorded six Christmas songs for a rhythm-based music game.

iRingPro offers “professional” ringtones

Filed under: Multimedia, iPhone

Like many of you, I love the convenience and fun of owning a mobile phone. However, I detest loud and obnoxious ring tones, not to mention the disappointment of a great conversation interrupted by an ear-shattering rendition of The Hamster Dance.

I'd prefer it if people used their phone's (least annoying) default tone, but I know that some users can't resist fiddling around. Here's hoping those people will check out iRingPro.

Billed as "...smart, attractive, livable alerts," these aren't your nephew's ringtones. Instead, you get a serene but noticeable series of notes that won't elicit strange looks in the board room. Additionally, the pause between repetitions is longer than most, eliminating that sense of "I've got to answers this now!" urgency. There are few samples you can check out on the site, and they're quite nice.

A collection of 21 tones in M4R format will run you $9.95US. Please, if you're the downloading type, consider iRingPro.

Alternatively, you can try your hand at making your own classy tones with GarageBand.

[Via The Iconfactory]

iRingPro offers "professional" ringtones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iRingPro offers "professional" ringtones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secret iPhone video-out features hacked, used for video games

Hey, just because using secret undocumented iPhone SDK calls might get you booted from the App Store doesn't mean it's not a good time -- Ars Technica commissioned Freeverse to mod its Moto Chaser game to use the hidden video-out features in iPhone 2.2, and we have to say the results turned out pretty decent. It's not perfect -- it looks like it only works in landscape mode, and rendering to TV resolutions strains the processor and slows framerates down on all but the faster 2G iPod touch -- but it works, and it's a taste of where iPhone app development could go if Apple ever opens up the gates. Or you could just be Google and do whatever you want, we suppose. Video after the break.

Continue reading Secret iPhone video-out features hacked, used for video games

Filed under: Cellphones

Secret iPhone video-out features hacked, used for video games originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Outputting iPhone Apps to a TV: Moto Chaser Demo

Last week, Ars Technica had reported that the latest iPhone 2.2 SDK included an new undocumented framework that allows iPhone/iPod touch applications to output to a television rather than to the native screen.

The MPTVOutWindow class ...

State of the Apps: 10,000 Now True! 300M Downloads Too! Icon Must-Do! And Promo Code How-To!

Apple has now hit the milestone 10,000th app in the iTunes App Store, and to celebrate, TapTapTap created the awesome icon tile artwork above (via TUAW), and what’s more, CNBC (via iLounge) noted that Apple has snuck in some new ad copy claiming iPhone users have “downloaded over 300 million” apps.

Those numbers are simply staggering. As Steve Jobs recently, the adoption rate is beyond anything seen before in the industry. That the App Store is as unified, integrated, and easy as the iPhone platform itself is no doubt the driving factor.

But the question increasingly becomes, amid 10,000 apps, how do developers get more of those 300 million downloads for their apps?

Icon Factory co-founder and Frenzic designer Gedeon Maheux, on his gedblog, suggests that the app icon is an important place to start:

All too often icons are treated as second-class citizens, especially in the App Store. Lately, developers have taken to plastering “SALE” or “60% OFF!” within their icons. They’ve become lazy and let the iPhone software mar their design with glossy highlights which obscure efforts to brand their software. They use dull colors or pile on heaps of detail that just adds unwanted noise to an already cluttered array of choices. After the flashy ad pitches have faded, the icon still has to live on the user’s device and is often the first line of interaction with the product.

Another tool that may help is the new promo code system Apple has enabled for the (US-only so far) App Store. Erica Sadun provides a great iPhone promo code walk through over on Ars, explaining how to both give and receive, as well as some helpful hints for developers:

You can preview your Application. Once your App has been given a green light by Apple, the codes can be used—even before the release date you set in iTunes connect. Whenever your app is “Ready for Sale”, Apple says you can offer free downloads. Setting a future date and releasing previews allows you to build your buzz before you go live in the App Store.

The scariest thing of all? It hasn’t even been 6 months since the App Store launched (Dec. 17 will mark that anniversary). What will things look like in another 6?

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

State of the Apps: 10,000 Now True! 300M Downloads Too! Icon Must-Do! And Promo Code How-To!

Nam’s Remote will Allow you to Remotely Control Apps on both Mac and Windows using your iPhone

Apple Advertises 300 Million Apps Downloaded, Over 10,000 Apps in App Store

O2 ad posted to Flickr
Both Apple and O2 have started advertising the App Store in print media today. O2 posted a copy of this ad which appears in The Metro. Meanwhile, Macworld reports that Apple has placed ads in The Wall Street Jo...

Review: Facebook 2.0 for iPhone

Accessing Facebook on your iPhone has improved with the 2.0 version of the app, although it could still use a few tweaks.

ComiXology comic book app released for iPhone

ComiXology is a new application designed to serve as a front end to the ComiXology comic book enthusiast Web site.

Air-sickness bag makes a great iPhone stand

One clever iPhone user came up with a way to turn an air-sickness bag into a handy stand for watching video.

Review: PDA Skins Horizontal Organizer Case

The PDA Skins Horizontal Organizer Case can be purchased in the TiPb Store here and is available in both a microfiber version for $19.95 and a leather version for $39.95. If you have a bit more to carry than just your iPhone, this case can accommodate more items in an organized fashion. I had the chance to use the leather version for a while and can let you know how it measures up after the break!

Design and Quality

I can’t specifically speak to the quality of the microfiber version of this case, but the leather version is durable and well-constructed. The stitching all the way around is seamless and the case I used is constructed of quality top-grain glove leather. The front of the case has a Velcro-secured expanding compartment to hold your iPhone or any other smaller item. The reverse side of the case has a standard leather belt loop, Velcro-secured bag-strap latches to secure the case to a carrying bag, and two small metal D-rings to attach an optional carrying strap. It’s nice to have several options for carrying the case.

There are two zipper tabs to secure the case closed, and when opened, the case reveals additional organized storage within. There is a pen loop, a removable money insert that holds credit cards and I.D., and other pouches and slots for items you may need with you. The interior of the case is large enough to accommodate other PDAs or phones up to six inches long. This case can be a good travel companion, easily fitting your passport and other personal items. The interior is padded nylon to protect your valuables.

Performance

Although I don’t normally use a case of this size, the PDA Skins Horizontal Organizer case is compact and is a great way to carry phone, PDA, pen, small pad of paper, passport, credit cards, I.D., and other sundry items that you want to keep organized while on the go. It is excellent for traveling and I like the several carrying options. For me, the case is a little bulky to carry on a belt for every-day casual use, but for the traveler, it’s nice to have the option.

The belt loop is durable and fits most belt widths. The bag-strap latches Velcro firmly in place and make it convenient to attach the case to a larger carrying bag so you still have access to your iPhone and other valuables. A detachable carrying strap is convenient if you need both hands for something else and aren’t wearing a belt or other bag with a strap to attach your case to.

With several pockets and pouches inside the case and a convenient pen loop, it’s easy to keep the little things organized that you have to or want to carry with you. If you have more to carry with you than just your iPhone, this case is a great option if you need a small compact carrying case for credit cards, money, notepad, pen or pencil, or even your iPod so you can carry your entire music library with you.

Conclusion

The PDA Skins Horizontal Organizer Case, in either microfiber or leather, is a quality case offering several carrying options and will help you keep your mobile items organized. It has the convenient Velcro-enclosed compartment on the outside to carry your iPhone and offers more storage on the inside for your valuables, like credit cards, cash, I.D., etc. Although it’s a bit bulky to carry on a belt for every-day use, it’s a great travel companion and just a great place to throw all the little items that you would otherwise carry in your pocket or purse. It is durable for lasting use and is a great solution for the business person or traveler.

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Lots of pockets and pouches for storage
• Several carrying options
• Exterior storage for easy access to iPhone

Cons:

• A bit bulky for every-day use (i.e., wearing on belt)

TiPb Rating:

 

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: PDA Skins Horizontal Organizer Case

Nice List is…uh…a nice list

Filed under: Software, iPhone, Holidays, App Store, iPod touch

This has gotta stop. Three times in the last two weeks, I've said, "Wouldn't it be nice if there was an iPhone app that did this?" -- and then received an email the next day from a developer who has released the app I was thinking about. I may need to put on my tinfoil hat to keep iPhone devs from reading my mind.

The latest mind invasion happened last night, when my spouse and I were out Christmas shopping for two low-income families. Barb had a list in iPhone Notes, but no way to check off the items we picked up. Today I received an email from Polar Bear Farm, announcing that they'd released Nice List, a Holiday Gift Manager for iPhone and iPod touch.

If somebody has been especially nice this year, you can add 'em to your Nice List from your address book. Once you know who you'll be gifting, you can add gifts and an estimated price. Mark off when you've bought, wrapped, and shipped presents by tapping on a special icon for each task. You can be a secret Santa by password-protecting your list.

The US$2.99 app just arrived in the App Store last night (click opens iTunes). With just 19 shopping days until Christmas, this might be a big help for your last-minute buying frenzy.

Nice List is...uh...a nice list originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nice List is...uh...a nice list originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple: 300 million iPhone apps downloaded

Apple reached a new milestone of 10,000 iPhone apps available and 300 million downloads.

Track auto lease miles with new iPhone app

My Lease Miles tells you how well you're doing with your auto lease, and when to abandon the car and leave the country to avoid paying overages.

Tap Tap Dance debuts for iPhone

Tap Tap Dance is a new premium rhythm music game from the makers of Tap Tap Revenge.

First Impressions of Apple In-Ear Headphones

Image from Engadget
After months of delay, Apple's In-Ear headphones are started arriving to customers. Here are some early first impressions of the $79 headphones:

Gizmodo - "After a history of offering lackluster ea...