Music Labels Not Yet On Board With Apple’s Cloud-Based iTunes Strategy

Posted on July 2, 2010 by MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Addressing yesterday's report of cloud-based iTunes streaming coming "soon", CNET's well-connected Greg Sandoval reports that things still may not be as far along as many observers would like, as music labels have reportedly yet to sign on to...

Tweetings for iPad – app review and giveaway!

Posted on by Allyson Kazmucha.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Tweetings for iPad is a relatively new Twitter client.  It comes not only for iPad, but iPhone and Mac as well (we’ll look at the iPhone version next time).  Tweetings is all around a very full featured Twitter client.  It has everything from unread tweet management, geolocation tagging, now playing, nearby tweets, and even push notifications.

Tweetings has also recently been updated to support iOS 4 and iPhone 4.  The update also fixed a couple bugs including one that really irked me — scrolling.  It only did it with certain themes but it was irritating nonetheless.  The problem seems to have disappeared since the update.

Read on for a breakdown, pics, and how you can win a free copy of Tweetings for iPad!

For the most part, Tweetings should be very familiar to you if you’ve used clients such as Twitter for iPhone (formerly Tweetie 2). Tweetings comes complete with pull down to refresh and even carries familiar UI elements to Twitter/Tweetie 2. To me, that’s part of what I really loved. The UI isn’t completely overdone. I’m a fan of simple and elegant; a streamlined UI is typically what wins me over. It’s typically the reason I’ve stuck with Twitter for iPhone, the interface and simplicity.

Don’t let Tweetings completely fool you though, it may look simple but it carries some pretty advanced features. It also has native push. I attempted to test this by keeping Boxcar active and the push for Tweetings. For the most part, it was touch and go. Sometimes Boxcar would chime in first, other times Tweetings would. I’m only going to assume this has to do with how busy both servers are at any given time. Either way, I’d call it a pretty fair fight.

From the screenshot above, you can see how Tweetings also has a feature that will allow me to combine two users timelines together. It’s very similar to a conversation type feature, but I somewhat like it better. Say I wasn’t sure what Leanna was replying to, well if she @ replied me with any tweet, and not that specific one, a conversation tool wouldn’t pick that up, where completely combining our timelines, I can easily read through and pick out what she was talking about. This to me is extremely useful and intuitive.

Direct Messages are also now grouped by user, which I prefer. No one likes scrolling through pages of direct messages searching for something. I believe this was implemented in the most recent update as well.

The iPad version also has a quickpost feature which I like quite a bit. It just brings a little box down and monitors your characters. If you’d like to attach a photo or other type of media, just go to the regular compose screen.

Clicking on a user’s display picture will also present you with a quick view of ways you can interact with that user, which I find extremely useful.

You can also click on the physical tweet to be presented with several more options including seeing that users profile, location, and of course, your combined timelines.

There’s also a lot of fun extras I found within Tweetings such as TweetCost, a spam reporter, and a block feature. You can also tweet now playing, which will probably be a fun feature for a lot of users.

Overall, I’d say Tweetings is an all-around solid choice. I experienced a few bugs here and there, but the developer seems pretty quick to fix them. He can also be found on twitter with the handle @Tweetingsapp. He’s very responsive to issues and questions. So if you’re in the market for a Twitter client or you’re bored of your current one, I’d have no issues telling you to give Tweetings a try. It’s very reasonably priced for what it is. If you decide to take it for a spin, or currently use it, let us know your thoughts in the comments!

[iTunes Link]

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Tons of basic and advanced features
  • Lots of extras
  • Great developer support and frequent updates
  • Available across 3 platforms
  • Built-in push that actually works

Cons

  • Experienced a few crashed in the iPad version
  • Sometimes conversation view doesn’t catch everything
  • Settings panel could be simplified just a bit, it could be a bit overwhelming to Twitter beginners

TiPb iPad 4-star rated

Give-away

Want a free copy of Tweetings for iPad? Just leave a comment below telling us what you want in an iPad Twitter client. What feature is most important to you?

(Reminder: Promo codes require a US App Store account — Apple’s rule, not ours! — and they expire. If you get one, use it quickly!)

[YouTube Link]

Tweetings for iPad – app review and giveaway! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Apple issues official word on iPhone 4 reception: it’s the bars, man

Posted on by Michael Rose.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Filed under: ,

If you didn't see the thorough reports from AnandTech and Richard Gaywood on the behavior of the iPhone 4 in low-signal areas, one of the conclusions they came to is that 'bars are bogus.'

The behavior of the signal indicators on the phone is wildly shifted toward the optimistic, with over half the available signal range displayed as a cheery five bars. This contributes to the death grip problem: users who are giving up some antenna sensitivity when they grab the phone may not realize that their signal was iffy to begin with.

Guess what: Apple agrees with them, at least in part. The company posted a letter/press release today (unsigned, rather than the attributed-to-Steve past Thoughts on Music and Thoughts on Flash; they could have called this one Thoughts on Bars, but that would have been a little cruel) that admits "We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising." The letter continues: "Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong."

Totally wrong? Golly.

tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/02/apple-issues-official-word-on-iphone-4-reception-its-the-bars/'; tweetmeme_source = 'tuaw';
Apple says it will be releasing a software update to recalibrate the signal display so that users will be aware of the low signal that they didn't think they had, and as a result the problem of not being able to make calls when they hold the phone 'the wrong way' will be less evident. I guess.

We're all for clarity in signal displays, but what's not clear is how a more sophisticated formula for computing the "more bars in more places" will help users who have bought bumpers, or returned phones, because their iPhone 4s could not make calls in places their 3GS phones did. As Apple notes, there are plenty of users who are not having problems, and in fact get better reception and fewer dropped calls than they did with previous generations; all that does not invalidate the issues that are causing grief for Death Grip Nation.

In their review, Anandtech acknowledged that the iPhone 4's antenna capabilities and performance in low-signal areas are much improved over the earlier generation, with the ability to hold calls in conditions where the 3GS would have dropped them. Still, their conclusion is sound and straightforward: "At the end of the day, Apple should add an insulative coating to the stainless steel band, or subsidize bumper cases. It's that simple."

Apple issues official word on iPhone 4 reception: it's the bars, man originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple issues official word on iPhone 4 reception: it's the bars, man originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple unveiling iTunes cloud services and wireless syncing soon?

Posted on by Jeremy Sikora.
Categories: Uncategorized.

BGR is reporting that one of their reliable sources is claiming to know Apple’s iTunes is going to the cloud and soon. The source states these cloud capabilities will be broken down into 3 separate groups:

  • Streaming music and movies from Apple’s servers to your computers, devices, etc.
  • Streaming music and movies from your home computers to your other computers, remote devices, etc.
  • Wireless iTunes syncing with devices

Is this the fabled iTunes.com we’ve been hearing about for a while now, and if so, when can we expect all of these exciting new iTune features? Our best guess – Apple’s yearly fall event, which as you may already know is all about the iPod and music. BGR’s tipster even added we will see Apple introduce “two new devices with camera/camcorder capabilities.”

One might be that new iOS Apple TV we’ve heard rumored before. The other…? Speculate in the comments below!

[BGR]

Apple unveiling iTunes cloud services and wireless syncing soon? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Review: 9 iPad shells and skins

Posted on by Macworld staff.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Shells and skins, which generally cover the back and sides of your iPad, but not the screen, offer moderate protection while letting you use the iPad without having to remove it from its case. In this week's roundup of iPad-case reviews, we take a look at nine shells and skins.

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New York Times: Apple Gearing Up to Take Apple TV to the Next Level


The New York Times reports that Apple is preparing to launch a significant revamp of its television-related offerings, targeting at least a software overhaul for the company's Apple TV while an entirely new hardware product remains a possibil...

Review: Incipio iPad Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Can a lightweight shell give your iPad heavyweight protection?

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Review: Incase Protective Cover for iPad

Posted on by Chris Holt.
Categories: Uncategorized.
The Incase Protective Cover is a 3.7-ounce rubber case for your iPad. The case is unique in that the back is essentially flat, making it a stable base for desktop use.

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Review: Speck CandyShell Case for iPad

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Thoughtful design plus good construction make this one of the nicer iPad shells we've seen.

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Review: Speck Fitted Case for iPad

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Like plaid? Speck's Fitted may be the iPad shell for you.

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Review: Incipio Silicrylic iPad case

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Combining soft silicone with rigid polycarbonate, the Silicrylic makes your iPad easier to hold and harder to break.

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Review: NewerTech NuGuard Clear iPad case

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
If all you need is minimalist protection for the iPad's back, this clear plastic snap-on case could help. But fuller protection is available.

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Review: Incipio iPad 1337 Gaming Case for iPad

Posted on by Chris Holt.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Incipio’s 1337 case is specifically designed for gaming on the iPad. The $35 case offers high-density silicone protection for bumps and bruises while the molded grips on the back provide extra control when gaming.

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Review: NewerTech NuGuard Leather iPad case

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
This rigid plastic shell protects iPad's back, but doesn't do anything for its screen.

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Review: Incipio DermaShot Silicone Case

Posted on by Chris Holt.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Incipio’s DermaShot silicone case is an anti-slip cover that's protectively molded to the iPad while still allowing unobtrusive use of the device.

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Review: HardCandy Cases Bubble Sleeve for iPad

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
A tough outer shell for the iPad, with good padding inside, but check the construction.

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Review: Waterfield Designs iPad Smart Case

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Nicely made sleeve with enough protection to keep your iPad safe inside another bag.

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Review: Incipio Tek-nical iPad case

Posted on by Dan Miller.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Incipio's Tek-nical is an iPad carrying case that can double as a sleeve.

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Apple iPhone 4: Where to Pre-Order, White Model May Not be Included

Posted on by Top iPhone News.
Categories: Uncategorized.
First and foremost, and probably the easiest way to do it, would be to get on your computer, head on over to Apple’s website, and get your pre-order on right then and there. You won’t have to worry about lines, crazy customers or employees, and you’re guaranteed delivery on its release date. So, again, no [...]

Apple addresses iPhone 4 reception, promises software update

Posted on by Dan Moren.
Categories: Uncategorized.
In a letter on its Website, Apple addressed complaints about reception on the iPhone 4, attributing the problem to a faulty algorithm for calculating signal strength and promising a fix in a future software update.

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