OneVoice is an impressive assistive communication app for iPad and iPhone

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

When you think of iOS and communication, you think of Skype or FaceTime, but there's a growing number of people who are using the device to communicate in unconventional ways. One such application is OneVoice from Legend, an augmentative and alternative communication app for the iPad and the iPhone.

Designed for non-verbal adults and children, the app has over 100 large, clear icons with recognizable images from your everyday environment. People can click on the icons to build sentences and then hit the speak button to speak. There's also a group of emoticons so people can communicate how they feel. It has a simple, logical UI that makes it easy for people to share their thoughts with others.

OneVoice is highly customizable so users can add or remove groups of icons, use their own photos to represent items, and select from two male and three female voices. The latest version of OneVoice also adds support for speech in 22 languages including Arabic, Czech, French, Italian and more.

OneVoice is a universal app available for US$199 from the iOS App Store. You can read more about OneVoice on the app's website.

OneVoice is an impressive assistive communication app for iPad and iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogOneVoice is an impressive assistive communication app for iPad and iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some developers undeterred by a larger iPhone screen

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Recent rumors suggest the next iPhone will rock a bigger screen, moving from its current 3.5-inches up to 4-inches. Though users may be clamoring for a larger display, this new hardware could cause problems for developers who will have to design for several screen sizes. GigaOM talked to several iOS developers about the potential for fragmentation and discovered most are cautiously optimistic about this change.

The overall consensus is that Apple will provide tools to make the transition from a smaller to a larger display as easy as possible for developers. Many point to the original iPad and the retina iPad as examples of how Apple has handled this transition in this past. If you're interested in the developer's individual responses, you can read them on GigaOM's website.

Some developers undeterred by a larger iPhone screen originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogSome developers undeterred by a larger iPhone screen originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony releases Music Unlimited for iPhone

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

After launching its Music Unlimited service for Android and PlayStation Vita owners, Sony is now bringing the streaming music service to the iPhone and iPod touch. The free music app requires a US$4 monthly subscription and lets you stream music over 3G, 4G or WiFi connections. You can listen to music from Sony's library or upload your own songs using the Music Sync service.

The Sony Music Unlimited app is available for download in the countries where the Music Unlimited service is available.

[Via Engadget]

Show full PR text
SONY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK'S MUSIC UNLIMITED APPLICATION FOR IPHONE AND IPOD TOUCH READY FOR GLOBAL RELEASE

Company Reaffirms Its Commitment to Entertainment Everywhere with the Release of Its Cloud-Based Music Service App in the App Store This Friday


FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 22, 2012 - Sony Network Entertainment International today announced the Music Unlimited service application (app) for iPhone(R) and iPod touch(R)1 will be available globally this coming Friday, May 25. With the free app, subscribers can access the service's global catalog of millions of tracks2 whenever and wherever they are.

"With the proliferation of connected devices, consumers expect complete access to their digital entertainment and demand a consistent experience regardless of the device," said Tim Schaaff, President of Sony Network Entertainment International. "Bringing the Music Unlimited service to iPhone and iPod touch is one of the many ways we are able to reach more music lovers around the world while ensuring the same level of high-quality entertainment that is associated with the overall Sony Entertainment Network experience."

The iPhone(R) and iPod touch(R) will be the newest additions to the Music Unlimited service's existing ecosystem of Sony and other connected devices including PlayStation(R)3, PlayStation(R)Vita, BRAVIA(R) TVs, and Android[TM] tablets and smartphones including Sony Xperia[TM]. The new app allows consumers to listen to their music library3, playlists and channels, easily add songs to playlists, discover related artists and tracks, and browse by genre.

"We want to let users pick up their favorite device and crank up the Music Unlimited service at any time," said Michael Aragon, Vice President and General Manager of Digital Video and Music Services, Sony Network Entertainment International. "With the addition of the new iPhone and iPod touch app, users with a Basic or Premium subscription can listen to their favorite songs across a number of the most popular connected devices - in and out of the home."

The new Music Unlimited service app for iPhone (R) and iPod touch(R) can be downloaded for free from the App Store[TM] beginning Friday, May 25, 2012.

Sony releases Music Unlimited for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogSony releases Music Unlimited for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget tries on the gTar for iPhone

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Engadget hopped over to TechCrunch Disrupt to check out gTar, a guitar accessory for the iPhone. If you've never heard of gTar, it's a learning guitar powered by the iPhone that's part Fender and part Guitar Hero. It'll help you learn the basics of finger placement and strumming using an LED-lighted fingerboard and other electronics inside the body of the guitar. The iPhone fits nicely into the guitar and lets you select songs and other effects for your music.

Engadget spent some time with the gTar and has a quick hands-on review of the product. You can get a closer look at the gTar in the video below and head over to Engadget's website for all the details. The gTar is available as a Kickstarter project that'll ship in September 2012. It costs $350 as a Kickstarter project and will retail for $450 when it launches.

Engadget tries on the gTar for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogEngadget tries on the gTar for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carriers accept high iPhone subsidies for now

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

It's widely believed that US carriers pay a lot for the iPhone. A perfect example is Sprint which signed an estimated US$15 billion deal for the iPhone and won't make money off the handset until 2015. AllThingsD presents several compelling reasons why Sprint and other US wireless carriers are willing to accept such high subsidies for the iPhone.

First, the carriers believe the iPhone will help them attract customers and keep them for the long term. Second, the carriers won't stop selling the iPhone now because they want to capitalize on the demand for the LTE iPhone which may arrive as early this year. Third and final, each carrier signed a multiyear agreement with Apple and can't change the subsidy terms until they've rode out the contract.

Carriers accept high iPhone subsidies for now originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogCarriers accept high iPhone subsidies for now originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint to offer $100 towards iPhone 4S upon trade-in

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Sprint wants customers to buy the iPhone 4S and is offering a US$100 credit for the 4S to anyone who brings in an older iPhone as a trade. Details of this trade-in offer was published by TechnoBuffalo, who received it from a trusted source. This offer is supposedly available to both new and existing customers who agree to a new two-year contract and will last until June 30.

Sprint to offer $100 towards iPhone 4S upon trade-in originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogSprint to offer $100 towards iPhone 4S upon trade-in originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable, Viacom settle dispute over TV iPad app

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Time Warner Cable and Viacom announced in a joint press release that the two companies have resolved their disagreement over video streaming to mobile devices. Details of the settlement were not announced.

The new-found friendliness means Viacom shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart will be available to Time Warner Cable subscribers who watch TV via the TWC TV app. The additional channels should be added in the next few weeks. Customers can download The TWC TV app from the iOS App Store for free. It requires a Time Warner Cable subscription.

Time Warner Cable, Viacom settle dispute over TV iPad app originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogTime Warner Cable, Viacom settle dispute over TV iPad app originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Hesse certain the iPhone will be profitable for Sprint

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Sprint's CEO Dan Hesse signed an estimated US$15.5 billion deal with Apple to carry the iPhone. After a less than stellar quarterly performance, the CEO is trying to quell shareholder discontent by publicly defending his decision, says a report in AllThingsD.

Speaking at an annual shareholders meeting, Hesse assured investors that "carrying the iPhone will be quite profitable." Customers will join Sprint to get the iPhone on an unlimited plan and will stay because most people who buy the phone are happy with their purchase. The iPhone will increase the number of long-term customers with revenue-generating data plans which is good for Sprint's bottom line. Sprint won't see these benefits until 2015, but the CEO believes the iPhone is worth the wait.

Dan Hesse certain the iPhone will be profitable for Sprint originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogDan Hesse certain the iPhone will be profitable for Sprint originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Wireless to transition grandfathered customers from unlimited data plans

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Speaking at a J.P. Morgan Conference, Verizon Wireless CFO Fran Shammo revealed that the carrier plans to transition its grandfathered customers off their unlimited data plans, says a report in Fierce Wireless. Shammo confirmed that, starting this summer, customers moving from a 3G phone with an unlimited plan to a 4G handset will be required to drop the unlimited plan and sign up for a shared family data plan.

According to the report, Verizon will only offer a shared family data plan for its 4G customers. These plans include one bucket of data which is shared among multiple devices. This change will affect customers upgrading phones, but the report did not say what would happen to current 4G customers on an unlimited plan or unlimited 3G customers who don't want to upgrade.

[Via GigaOM]

Verizon Wireless to transition grandfathered customers from unlimited data plans originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogVerizon Wireless to transition grandfathered customers from unlimited data plans originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone “buzz” gets a boost following celebrity ads

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Love them or hate them, those new Siri ads starring Zooey Deschanel and Samuel L. Jackson are apparently effective, says a YouGov BrandIndex report. As noted by Fortune's Apple 2.0 blog, the celebrity Siri ads are creating buzz among 18-34 year old questioned in the survey.

In just a few weeks, the buzz score for the iPhone went from 16 on April 19 to 51 on May 4, surpassing Android on its way up. The buzz score is based on a survey of consumers who were asked whether they've heard anything about the brand in the last two weeks, either through advertising, news or word of mouth, and whether it was it positive or negative.

[Via Fortune's Apple 2.0]

iPhone "buzz" gets a boost following celebrity ads originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogiPhone "buzz" gets a boost following celebrity ads originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC handsets delayed at US customs due to ITC injunction over Apple patent

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

HTC confirmed to The Verge that its One X phone for AT&T and EVO 4G LTE handset for Sprint are being held at the border by customs officials. The shipments are being delayed while the government agency reviews the packages in accordance with an ITC ruling that banned the import of HTC's Android smartphones.

In December 2011, the ITC ruled that HTC violated Apple patents, one of which describe a UI feature that lets you tap on an address or phone number as a link and pull down a menu of appropriate actions. HTC said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal that its products are no longer infringing, "We believe we have worked around our design and are now in compliance with the ITC ruling. We are cooperating with the U.S. Customs to speed up the review process."

Depending on how long it takes for the review, HTC could face shortages of its One X, which went on sale last month with AT&T. It may also have to delay its May 18 launch of the EVO 4G LTE with Sprint.

HTC handsets delayed at US customs due to ITC injunction over Apple patent originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogHTC handsets delayed at US customs due to ITC injunction over Apple patent originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable head unfamiliar with AirPlay

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn A. Britt admitted he is unfamiliar with AirPlay, said a report in the New York Times. During a group interview last Friday, Britt said there was no easy way to get Internet video onto a TV, overlooking AirPlay. Apple's wireless video option easily sends a media stream from your iOS device to your TV via an Apple TV. (Not to mention other options like the Boxee Box, Roku or Google TV, which in some cases offer even more web-based video options than Apple TV does.)

Britt, who claims to be an Apple user, said, "I'm not sure I know what AirPlay is." He added, erroneously, "the current Apple TV, the little thing, the hockey puck, really doesn't do anything to help enable you to get Internet material on your TV." It's a shame that the head of one of America's largest cable companies is so blissfully unaware of the technology that's driving innovation on mobile devices and the internet.

Time Warner Cable head unfamiliar with AirPlay originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogTime Warner Cable head unfamiliar with AirPlay originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM’s predictive typing on jailbroken iPhone

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Image

Who wants a Blackberry-style predictive typing setup on their iPhone? (Don't all raise your hands at once!) Developer Mario Hros gave iDownloadblog a look at the upcoming Octopus Keyboard tweak he's working on.

Octopus Keyboard looks similar to the iPhone keyboard, but you'll notice the RIM influence once you start typing. Just like RIM's upcoming mobile keyboard, Octopus will display word predictions on each key while you type. You can continue tapping letters or input a word easily with a quick upward swipe.

The alternative iPhone keyboard is in the early stages of development, and won't be available in the Cydia repository until sometime next week. The first version will be a basic keyboard, while later versions will include features like auto-capitalize, punctuation and support for longer words.

You can watch a preview of Octopus Keyboard in the video below.

RIM's predictive typing on jailbroken iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogRIM's predictive typing on jailbroken iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple ahead of Samsung in Japanese market

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Data vendor MM Research Institute tracked smartphone sales in Japan and discovered the iPhone is greatly outselling its competitors, says a report in Computerworld. According to the company's analysis, about 24.2 million smartphones were shipped in Japan and 30 percent were iPhones. This compares to Samsung which accounted for only 8.3 percent of the total smartphone shipments in the country. Most of Apple's success in the island nation is attributed to the iPhone 4S which is sold by Au and Softbank.

Apple ahead of Samsung in Japanese market originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogApple ahead of Samsung in Japanese market originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redsn0w update lets iPad 2, new iPad, iPhone 4S downgrade to older firmware

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

The iPhone Dev Team released version 0.9.11b1 of redsn0w last week that lets you restore IPSWs directly to your iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPhone 4S. This means recent iOS device owners can now downgrade their firmware using the jailbreak tool. This is good news for folks who updated to iOS 5.1.1 or iOS 5.1 and want to go back to iOS 5.0.1. You do need your SHSH blobs from the earlier firmware if you want to downgrade, but Cydia usually saves those files automatically for you. For detailed instructions, point your browser to the iPhone Dev Team's blog.

[Via JailbreakUntethered]

Redsn0w update lets iPad 2, new iPad, iPhone 4S downgrade to older firmware originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogRedsn0w update lets iPad 2, new iPad, iPhone 4S downgrade to older firmware originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 apps for Moms on Mother’s Day

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

It's Mother's Day here in the US and in a handful of other countries around the world. To celebrate this holiday, I've compiled a list of five outstanding apps that are perfect for all the iPhone-toting mothers out there. These titles will help Mom get organized, share memorable moments and have some fun. If you have any suggestions not on this list, please add them in the comments. Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms and Moms-to-be!

iAllowance ($3.99)

iAllowance is a versatile chore manager that lets you set up comprehensive chore charts for several children. Besides listing each child's responsibilities, you can assign a value to each task and let your child earn money, stars or time for each job they do. The app keeps track of each child's earnings, so you can dole out rewards when they reach a specified amount. iAllowance is chock full of features that'll make doing chores as much fun as possible for both parents and their children.

Pic Collage (Free)

Pic Collage is a free app that lets you choose the best photos of your kids and assemble them quickly and easily into a collage. You can import photos from your camera, your photo library or even Facebook. All photos are dropped onto the canvas and you can resize, rotate and move them to get the right look. Once you've arranged your photos to your liking, you can change the background, add some text and send the masterpiece off to the grandparents.

Day One ($1.99)

If want to remember those precious times with your kids, you can't go wrong with Day One, a terrific journaling app that makes it easy to jot down your daily thoughts. Day One's strongest feature is its cross-platform availability. You can use Day One on your Mac, iPhone or iPad and sync your entries across devices. Unfortunately, Day One doesn't let you import photos, so you can't add that precious photo of your baby to an entry. Photo support is on the developer's list of upcoming features, and, for me, Day One is such a good journal that I am wiling to wait. If image support is a must-have, then you should check out alternatives like MyOwnDiary HD, My Daily Journal or Dailybook for the iPad.

SpellTower ($0.99)

There are so many iOS games, but one that always seems to be at the top of my list is SpellTower. The word puzzle game challenges you to spell words using adjacent letter tiles. The game includes several modes including a Tower mode that lets you spell as many words as possible, and a Puzzle mode that adds a row of letter tiles every time you spell a word. There's also a local multiplayer mode, so you can challenge your spouse or kids.

AllRecipes Dinner Spinner Pro ($2.99)

AllRecipes Dinner Spinner is a cooking app that'll help you find the perfect meal. The DinnerSpinner lets you add an ingredient, shake your phone and retrieve a matching recipe. You can read reviews for each recipe and add the ingredients to your shopping list. If you're an AllRecipes member, the Pro version of Dinner Spinner lets you view your recipe box on your iOS device. You can also share your favorite messages with your family and friends via Facebook, Twitter or email.

5 apps for Moms on Mother's Day originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog5 apps for Moms on Mother's Day originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Radio Shack discounts iPhone 4S, 4 by $50

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Earlier this week, RadioShack announced via Twitter that the iPhone 4 and 4S will be on sale for a limited time. Following in the footsteps of Target, the electronics retailer is slashing the price on all models by $50 until June 30. This offer is only available in stores as Radio Shack does not sell the iPhone on its online website.

[Via Electronista]

Radio Shack discounts iPhone 4S, 4 by $50 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogRadio Shack discounts iPhone 4S, 4 by $50 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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99Bill produces first iPhone credit card reader in China

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

99Bill, a leading electronic financial service provider in China, is launching a new mobile payment solution that looks surprisingly familiar. The square-shaped 99Bill Card Reader plugs into the audio jack of your iPhone or Android device and lets merchants accept credit card and bank card payments on the go. The company is hoping to take advantage of the growing interest in mobile payments and smartphones, which are taking China by storm.

Show full PR text
99Bill's Smartphone Card Reader to Enable Massive Mobile Payment in China

99BILL CORPORATION CARD READER 99Bill's Smartphone Card Reader to Enable Massive Mobile Payment in China. (PRNewsFoto/99Bill Corporation) BEIJING, CHINA

BEIJING, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- 99Bill Corporation, China's leading electronic financial service provider, announced the official launch of its new mobile payment product 99Bill Card Reader. By simply plugging the tiny 99Bill Card Reader into Smartphone audio jack, merchants can accept bank card and credit card payments on the go, and make more sales quickly. The patented solution supports both iOS and Android platforms.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120508/CN02862)

Statistics shows that China has huge demands for card present transactions, but still lags behind other markets around the developed world where POS devices are extremely common. According to People's Bank of China, the nation had issued a total of nearly 3 billion bank cards by the end of 2011, an increase of 22% from the previous year. Meanwhile, there were only 3.18 million merchants using a total of 4.82 million POS devices in China.

The 99Bill Card Reader creates an entirely new card present payment solution for merchants and consumers by tuning smartphones into POS devices. According to iResearch, China's leading internet-based research firm, there were a total of 72.1 million smart phones being sold in 2011 alone, an increase of 103.1% over the previous year, and this trend is expected to continue in 2012 with an estimated 113 million being sold throughout the year. The increasing penetration of mobile devices gives 99Bill Card Reader a natural edge in this market segment.

With 99Bill's patented technology, the 99Bill card reader solution supports both pass code and signature based bank card transactions. This is especially important in the China market, where pass code enabled bank cards are the most common.

Oliver Kwan, CEO of 99Bill, said, "We always position ourselves as a comprehensive B2B and B2C payment solution provider for business customers. This Card Reader can significantly increase the number of bank card acceptance devices in China and give our business customers more choices to accept payments. We will continue to introduce more innovative payment solutions that really work, and help our customer grow their business."

The 99Bill Card Reader takes advantage of the convenience and ubiquitous nature of mobile devices to enable mobile selling for large companies and face-to-face transactions for small-to-medium size businesses. The first commercial use of such a product in mainland China, 99Bill has already signed agreements with three insurance companies to support their mobile sales forces. In China's mobile payment market, 99Bill has introduced a wide range of innovative products over times, including WAP, IVR, and InAPP based mobile payment services.

As China's leading provider of electronic financial services, 99Bill provides a comprehensive suite of electronic payment solutions that are actively used in 20 major industries, including airline, online and offline retail, insurance, education, logistics, etc. In 2011, the company obtained the six payment service licenses issued by the People's Bank of China, the most of any e-payment company in the industry.

99Bill produces first iPhone credit card reader in China originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog99Bill produces first iPhone credit card reader in China originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FreedomPop iPhone case to offer free 4G connectivity

Posted on by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Earlier this year, FreedomPop said it was working on an iPhone case with an integrated cellular radio that would provide users with free mobile broadband access on Clearwire's 4G WiMAX network. Now, the company is taking pre-orders for this 4G WiMAX sleeve.

Each sleeve will cost US$99 and will include 500 MB of free mobile data. This is a drop from the planned 1 GB of data FreedomPop hoped to offer. You can bump up that data by participating in a social service that'll earn you an unspecified amount of data for connecting with your friends. Customers can also transfer unused data to other customers who need the extra capacity. (Note that the company's pre-order page still says "up to 1 GB of free data.")

You can read more about the FreedomPop case on the company's website and watch a promotional video about the sleeve in the YouTube video below.

FreedomPop iPhone case to offer free 4G connectivity originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogFreedomPop iPhone case to offer free 4G connectivity originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple sales in China growing rapidly

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Kelly Hodgkins.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Apple said during its recent earnings conference call that sales in China are booming, and now a report from Beijing Business Today shows us just how quickly Apple is making inroads into the Asian country.

According to the report, Apple's Q2 2012 sales have tripled from the same quarter last year, and China now accounts for 20 percent of Apple's global revenue, up from 2 percent in 2009. Thus far in Fiscal Year 2012, Apple's China sales reached $12.4 billion, a figure that almost matches the $13 billion in China sales the company reported for all of 2011. It's not only the iPhone and iPad that's doing well; MacBook sales have also jumped 60 percent since the device first made its Chinese debut.

[Via M.I.C. Gadget]

Apple sales in China growing rapidly originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple WeblogApple sales in China growing rapidly originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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