Oracle to Acquire Sun for $7.4 Billion

The big industry news on Monday was the announcement that Oracle Corporation would acquire Sun Microsystems for approximately $7.4 billion. The acquisition would bring Sun controlled technologies such as Java, MySQL and Sun's workstations under the ...

NVIDIA Announces Quadro FX 4800 Graphics Card for Mac Pro

NVIDIA announced the release of the Quadro FX 4800 professional graphics card for the Mac Pro today.

With its sophisticated GPU architecture and industry leading features, the Quadro FX 4800 delivers a substantial boost in gra...

NVIDIA Announces Quadra FX 4800 Graphics Card for Mac Pro

NVIDIA announced the release of the Quadro FX 4800 professional graphics card for the Mac Pro today.

With its sophisticated GPU architecture and industry leading features, the Quadro FX 4800 delivers a substantial boost in gra...

Review: Chop Sushi for iPhone

An interesting take on the classic matching-piece puzzle game concept, Chop Sushi may tempt your tastebuds if you're a fan of fish.

Touch Ski 3D lets you ski without leaving your couch

Filed under: Gaming, iPhone, App Review

If you're the type that spends your winter cubicle moments dreaming of making lazy doglegs down a snowy slope, than you might just find a tiny bit of solace in Touch Ski 3D from Naquatic, Inc. This game got some tweaks under the hood recently and it looks like they may really have something here.

Touch Ski 3D offers visuals and effects that are quite stunning, as well as a rather unique approach to game play. Instead of simply rocking your device in varying directions to control your player, you lay two fingers on the screen and, based on their direction and relative orientation, control the speed and direction. I found this a little awkward at first (mostly because you need to hold the device in such a way that it makes "line-at-the-bank" play a little difficult), but it didn't take much time to acclimate.

Slalom-style Race and Jump are the two types of game play available, and I'd highly recommend starting off with the latter as it lets you focus more on how to orient your fingers and trying to maintain a straight line. The Race involves some pretty tricky turning (if you're a beginner like yours truly) and it's fairly easy to get a confused as to which direction you're supposed to be going. Again, it's not too bad once you get the hang of it, but you can definitely expect your first few minutes to be spent doing a windshield-wiper-style dance with your fingers.

I'm not a big skier; this app doesn't make me dream of faraway Alpine peaks, but for the short time I've spent with it, I enjoyed it. I'm not sure this is something I'll be firing up too often (again, not a skier), but I can definitely see this being some people's go-to game (and it's certainly one of the best looking games I've played on the iPhone). Perhaps a little more variety in the game play would make the $3 price tag a little less of a barrier, but they've certainly nailed the animations and imagery.

Touch Ski 3D [App Store] is available for $2.99US.

Touch Ski 3D lets you ski without leaving your couch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Touch Ski 3D lets you ski without leaving your couch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T Upgrading Network to 7.2 Mbps for Apple’s New iPhone?

First look: Qlikview for iPhone, for business intelligence

Qlikview for the iPhone is a new ERP reporting tool for businesses that need real-time business intelligence.

Making cocktails with video for iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch, App Review

The App Store has some very nice apps with instructions for making cocktails. Type "cocktails" in the search field and you'll see a nice selection. Now, developer Unowhy from France has put together a very nice app with video, social features, and even information on the history of cocktails. iVideoCocktails [App Store link] is $3.99US and has detailed instructions for creating 50 cocktails. The video has to be downloaded to the iPhone or iPod touch, so 3G or Wi-Fi is a must.

You can let the app know what you have on hand, and it will suggest what you can make with your ingredients. You can also get a random suggestion, or just explore the database for something that interests you. You tell the app how many people you are mixing the drink for, and it will adjust the ingredients list. It also contains a nice list of non-alcoholic drinks that should please those so inclined.

The videos are very well produced, and obviously not the work of amateurs. I did notice that sometimes the videos were a bit slow to load, and a couple of times they stopped in mid-play, but eventually they picked up. The videos are not required to make the drinks, but they are a nice instructional touch.

Although not the only iPhone app that helps you make cocktails, it is well organized and visually attractive. My only gripe was the 'send to friend' function. I thought it would allow you to email a recipe for a drink to someone, but instead sends a pre-formatted email suggesting they go to the App Store and buy this program. Boo. You can also get ten more cocktail recipes by filling out a brief form and providing your email address, and answering some marketing questions about other services the developer might provide. Double boo.

Otherwise, this is a solid app that does what it advertises, and does it with visual style. A handy thing to have in your pocket when you want to drink something different, or see what you could create with what you have on hand. I'll drink a toast to this clever app.

If you want to spend your money on drinks rather than iPhone apps, here is a link to Cocktails, and Cocktails + which are free. (Note: Although the icon on Cocktails+ notes that it is free, it is still apparently $2.99US. It was free for a limited time last week, and Apple apparently did not update the icon.)

Screen shots below:

Making cocktails with video for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Making cocktails with video for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleSnapper arrives for iPhone

LittleSnapper, an iPhoto-like utility for snapping, organizing, and sharing images and is now available in a travel size on the iPhone and iPod touch.

Road Tested: Otterbox’s serious iPhone case

Filed under: Accessories, iPhone, iPod touch, Road Tested

I bought my 4GB iPhone way back on June 29th, 2007, release day for the US. Upon removing it from its box, all shiny and smooth, I thought, "I need a case for this thing." I'm what you call scratch-phobic. But then I saw the rigorous torture test that PCWorld subjected their unit to, and was persuaded to go commando.

Here it is nearly two years later and my iPhone's display still looks great. There's a single nick next to the earpiece but other than that it looks fantastic. The back is another story.

I have two kids aged 4 years and 6 years. Occasionally, I'll hand over the iPhone to keep them entertained. For instance, at the end of a day of boring errands when their patience is at an end, I'll whip out a little Wheels On The Bus [App Store link] or Pocket God. As any parent of young kids will tell you, one of the things they love to do is drop stuff.

My iPhone has seen the floor of the mall, Dunkin Donuts and my Saturn Vue. It's been in sand and sun. In other words, it needs protection. I picked up an Otterbox.

Continue reading Road Tested: Otterbox's serious iPhone case

Road Tested: Otterbox's serious iPhone case originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Road Tested: Otterbox's serious iPhone case originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ngmoco Unveils StarDefense for iPhone

ngmoco just sent over their latest trailer for StarDefense, coming in May for the iPhone and iPod touch, and we’ve uploaded it to YouTube and embedded it above for all to enjoy.

In Star Defense, players take control of the captain’s chair and travel to a series of planets invaded by alien S’rath forces. Twisting and spinning complete 3-D planets, players must examine the terrain to plan tower defenses, selecting from a broad range of turrets that unleash everything from burning hot plasma to high voltage decimation. With seven planets, five upgradable tower types and three difficulty levels available at launch, Star Defense will challenge players of all skill sets, from sci-fi fans to tower defense champions.

If this really combines the skills of ngmoco with the addictive qualities of tower defense, we’re already predicting a massive slowdown in postings here as we play review this baby for hours on end.

Screenshots after the break!

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

ngmoco Unveils StarDefense for iPhone

Apple Has Chosen Foxconn to Manufacture iTablet/iNetbook?

Commercial Times (via Inquirer/MacRumors) is saying Taiwan’s Foxconn — which manufacturers the iPhone — is set to do similar for Apple’s rumored… iSomething..

iTablet and iNetbook chatter has been growing almost faster than any other Apple rumor lately. While we have no reason to believe Apple will join the race-to-the-bottom, razor-thin netbook market proper, strings in iPhone 3.0 firmware revealing an iProduct to make us think something is coming. Eventually.

Meanwhile, Software Advice has posted up a nice summary of why such a device, especially if it’s an iTablet, would be a compelling offering for verticals like healthcare.

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

Apple Has Chosen Foxconn to Manufacture iTablet/iNetbook?

AT&T Migrating 3G Network to 7.2 Mbps, Planning for 21 Mbps Later This Year?

Telephony Online reports that AT&T is in the process of upgrading its 3G wireless network from the current 3.6 Mbps download standard to 7.2 Mbps. Several recent rumors have suggested that the next-generation iPhone due this summer will be able to t...

Review: Word Twiddle for iPhone

With Word Twiddle, you can generate arbitrary combinations of words to kick-start your stalled imagination.

Quickoffice Mobile Suite for iPhone Now in App Store

Quickoffice just let us know that their Mobile Suite for iPhone, which includes Excel, Word, Email, and File integration, has just gone live in the iTunes App Store for $19.99)

We’re checking it out now, and will update later with first impressions and screen shots. In the meantime, let us know if you have any questions, or if you’re already using it, tell us what you think!

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

Quickoffice Mobile Suite for iPhone Now in App Store

AT&T Hopes to Extend iPhone Exclusivity Until 2011

Reports from the field suggest that in the U.S., AT&T is looking to maintain its exclusive carrier rights with Apple to be only iPhone distributor until at least 2011. Previously thought to expire in 2010, AT&T stands to lose some competitive ground over competitors Verizon and Sprint if the iPhone ...

AT&T Clearing Inventory? 16GB iPhone 3G Refurbs Online for $149.99

I will be honest here and say I’ve never been a fan of any refurbished products and AT&T is not making refurbished iPhone 3G’s any more enticing. It seems that AT&T has once again gotten some stock of refurbished 16GB iPhone 3G’s and are dumping them for the price of $149.99.

So you’re saving 150 bucks from the price of a new iPhone 3G, but is getting locked into a two year contract worth it at this point as all signs point to a new iPhone coming in the next few months? How about a measly 90 day warranty compared to a full year? And finally how about the chance your refurbished phone comes with a few dings and scratches?

Refurbished Phones and Devices Refurbished phones are previously owned devices that have been unused or lightly used and returned during the 30-day trial period. Each refurbished phone is independently quality tested and loaded with the latest software to meet current factory standards. Some refurbished iPhone 3G devices will have minor scratches. Refurbished iPhone 3G devices carry a warranty of 90 days or more. For details about the warranty on your refurbished iPhone 3G go to www.apple.com/support/oss/.

We say pass on this deal and either go in for a new device or hold out until this summer for the rumored new iPhone. If you simply do not care about the above concerns, this deal is for you.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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

AT&T Clearing Inventory? 16GB iPhone 3G Refurbs Online for $149.99

Airfoil Speakers released for the iPhone

Rogue Amoeba is known in the Mac community for Airfoil, the $25 Mac and PC application that allows any audio to be streamed from a host computer to an AirPort Express or Apple TV. It was an innovation at the time that was much celebrated. Rogue Amoeba has now announced the release of Airfoil Speakers Touch, [...]

iPhone Hulu app is coming soon - confirmed

Blog Silicon Alley Insider is reporting that a dedicated Hulu application is indeed on its way. An iPhone app should be here in just a few months. Hulu has been busy denying the rumors that an iPhone version of Hulu was coming. SAI says the application will work over Wi-Fi and AT&T’s 3G network, meaning that [...]

Watch out for the HiPhone Nano clone

It’s been a while since we’ve heard more about the iPhone Nano, and even though it’s hasn’t shown its face yet it already has its own clone: The HiPhone Nano. From the same people who brought you the Chinese iPhone-wannabe, the HiPhone (and we all remember the high quality standards of that device), the HiPhone Nano [...]