ipodsets: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

iPad 3G now $30 less at Best Buy, hint at iPad 2 on the way?

Best Buy has just reduced the price of the iPad WiFi + 3G by $30. That’s for all storage capacities: 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB. The 16 GB 3G model is now $599, the 32 GB is $699, and the 64 GB is $799. Maybe this is a to clear some inventory for the new iPad 2? It’s interesting that the WiFi-only models are not discounted, and the iPad 3G is not discounted at Apple’s online store. Get them here:

Apple iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G – 16GB: $599

Apple iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G – 32GB: $699

Apple iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G – 64GB : $799

Best Buy recently showed three new iPad SKUs on their website, but it is unclear as to what they may be placeholders for. We’ve heard through the grapevine that Best Buy will soon be selling the Verizon iPad + MiFi bundle, but this may change with the impending launch of an iPad 2 with built-in CDMA functionality.

The iPad 2 is set to adopt two cameras that both shoot pictures and video. The front camera will be 0.3 megapixels with the back being an 720P HD video recording capable one megapixel sensor. The iPad 2 has been rumored to adopt a Retina Display, but evidence we found in the SDK, and a report from an analyst state that the iPad 2′s display will keep the current version’s 1024 x 768 resolution.

*thanks 9to5mac*

Our new Forum is now open here or on the top tabs marks Forums, please register and post..

For the latest limera1n, rubyra1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at
@iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 4

PayPal Snatches Apple Talent Sarah Brody for its New VP of Global Design

PayPal has hired Sarah Brody, an Apple employee of seven years, to be its new VP of Global Design, according to eMoney.

In her new position at eBay-owned PayPal, Brody will focus on improving the PayPal user experience and making sure that its payment platform is easy to use.

Brody was previously at Apple, where she worked on the first iPhone and an early version of the iPod Nano. Some of her more recent design work can be seen on the homepages for Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio and Pro.

This is seen as an excellent talent acquisition for PayPal.

*thanks iclarified*

Our new Forum is now open here or on the top tabs marks Forums, please register and post..

For the latest limera1n, rubyra1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at
@iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 4

New v1.7 Vitamin K App Released for iOS

Independent developer James Hollender has released version 1.7 of Vitamin K, his app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Vitamin K allows users to easily find out how much vitamin K there is in over 900 different food serving which is critical in helping keep the effectiveness of their blood thinning medications working properly. If you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin, then this is an app you will truly make use of on a regular basis.

New in version 1.7 is the capability to print the food serving information pages, and also the general information pages using AirPrint.

For those taking blood thinning medications like Coumadin(R) or Warfarin (also known as Jantoven, Marfarin, Lawarin, Waran and Marevan), then this is an app which will truly be used on a regular basis. Most lists providing information on the content of vitamin K in foods generally contain only a limited number of foods, and often they don't indicate the serving size. It is important to understand that the goal for those taking blood thinning medications isn't to not eat any foods with vitamin K, but rather to keep relatively constant the amount of vitamin K ingested each day so the amount of blood thinning medication prescribed can work effectively. This can be different for every person using these medications, and this is why doctors require occasional blood tests as they indicate if the dosage needs to be adjusted.

All too often it is heard that users of blood thinning medications should stay away from dark green leafy vegetables, but there are a host of other foods containing vitamin K. Even the dark green leafy vegetables contain varying amounts of vitamin K. Further, each food has its own characteristics and sometimes whether it is fresh, frozen or canned can make a difference in the vitamin K content. The important thing to understand is that too much may be inadvertently ingested because something which is thought to not contain any vitamin K when in fact it does. A good example would be carrots which contain varying amounts of vitamin K. A single baby carrot has only 0.9 mcg (very low) while a cup of canned carrot juice contains 36.6 mcg (high).

The Vitamin K app provides information about foods and how they are rated for Vitamin K content based on preparation and serving sizes. This is provided as a means to assist in deciding which foods to eat if you are using blood thinning medications such as Coumadin(R) or Warfarin. The foods are rated from EXTREMELY LOW to EXTREMELY HIGH in Vitamin K. The following colors help readily identify which is which:

* Black = Rated EXTREMELY HIGH in Vitamin K (700.0 - 1146.6 mcg)
* Dark Red = Rated VERY HIGH in Vitamin K (300.0 - 699.9 mcg)
* Red = Rated HIGH in Vitamin K (25.0 - 299.9 mcg)
* Orange = Rated MODERATELY HIGH in Vitamin K (20.0 - 24.9 mcg)
* Yellow = Rated MODERATE in Vitamin K (15.0 - 19.9 mcg)
* Light Green = Rated MODERATELY LOW in Vitamin K (10.0 - 14.9 mcg)
* Green = Rated LOW in Vitamin K (5.0 - 9.9 mcg)
* Cyan = Rated VERY LOW in Vitamin K (0.1 - 4.9 mcg)
* White = Rated EXTREMELY LOW in Vitamin K (less than 0.1 mcg)

There are eight tables listing foods:
* All Foods
* Fast Foods
* Fruits & Vegetables
* Meat, Fish & Shellfish
* Dairy & Eggs
* Grain & Pasta
* Sweets
* Snacks

Selecting a food in any of the tables will display pertinent information about the selected food serving:
* Food Title
* Weight (in grams)
* Common Measure (serving size for weight)
* Total Vitamin K Content (in micrograms)
* Vitamin K1 Content (in micrograms)
* Vitamin K1D Content (in micrograms)
* Vitamin K2 Content (in micrograms)
* Calories
* USDA Description
* USDA Food Group
* USDA Nutrient Database Number

Information is derived from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference: Vitamin K Content of Selected Foods per Common Measure. There are currently over 930 different foods included, searchable using approximately 2,500 names (some foods are known by different names or how they are prepared, e.g., "Egg, Scrambled" and "Scrambled Egg"). A few of these have as many as six searchable names.

The Info page provides additional information about Vitamin K:

* What is Vitamin K? - Describes what vitamin K is and how it affects the clotting of blood; Identifies the differences between vitamins K1, K1D and K2

* Coumadin(R) & Vitamin K - Provides information concerning the interaction between Coumadin(R) and vitamin K; Explains why Coumadin(R) might have been prescribed, how it works and what can help keep your blood INR/PT in the desired range; Illustrates potential interactions of alcoholic beverages, dietary supplements, vitamin E, herbal medications and antibiotics

* Highest Vitamin K Foods - Lists 11 different foods containing the highest amounts of vitamin K

* How to Use this App - Provides information on how to more fully understand the information presented.

* About this App - Identifies the developer and allows the user to report problems, ask questions and make suggestions.

The Vitamin K app is one of 8 nutrient apps based on the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. The others include:

* iCarbs - Carbohydrates - great for bodybuilders or diabetics
* iProteins - great for bodybuilders, vegetarians or vegans needing to make sure they get enough protein in their diet
* iCals - Calories - for anyone watching their calories
* iSugars - for those concerned with getting too much added sugar in their diet
* iFiber - for those who want to make sure they get sufficient fiber in their diet
* iCholesterol - Dietary Cholesterol - for those wanting to watch their cholesterol intake
* iSatFat - Saturated Fat - for those who have been advised by their physician to limit their intake of saturated fat

Pricing and Availability:
Vitamin K 1.0 is available in the iTunes App Store for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The current price is $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and can be found in the Medical category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website, blog or organization you represent when making your request.

Location Based Social Networking App Released For iOS

goGlyph, Inc. has announcd the availability of goGlyph 1.0 on the iTunes app store. goGlyph, a free geolocation messaging application for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, introduces location based messaging.

Users are able to create messages and "post" them to their current location. Visitors to that location are able to view messages within 1000, 100 or 10 meters of their current locations. The application allows users to share locations with their friends and save favorite locations to be viewed from any location. The application map feature allows users to display the location of messages around them. Authorized users can create announcements that are displayed when users are within 1000 meters of the announcement spot. The application creates an electronic "billboard" on user's mobile IOS devices. Posting a sign to any location is now available without the cost and ugly visual pollution.

Example Features:
* Share locations with friends
* Adjust radius of messages around current location
* Save favorite locations for later access
* Display message locations on map
* View messages for a single users regardless of location

Availability:
goGlyph 1.0 is free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Social Networking category.

Green Games Introduces Pandadog Defense 1.1

Green Games has released Pandadog Defense 1.1, their new real-time strategy and defense game for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Island of fantasy Dog island! PandaDog and his friends are trying to protect their town's food warehouse from the robot Enermy. Your mission is to protect their food with 7 mixed-blood dogs. Are you able to protect the 5 food warehouses against the robot enermy who is invading constantly? The game has two special things. Defense characters can move and Defense characters have unique skills.

The joyful tension with moving everywhere and touching it. It is a form of real-time strategy and defense game, having a limited character to move so that it can be played strategically. And also it is able to attack enemy in flight so that it gives more tension to the game.

Strongly unique characters! Each character has unique skills. These skills allow them to use range attack, healing, trap (attack/defense/assistance/heal) so that the game can be more strategic. And if they upgrade their skills, they can be more powerful.

Pricing and Availability:
Pandadog Defense 1.1 is only $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

PSP Game Favorite Now HD in Mac AppStore for OSX

realtech VR has now launched the application for Mac OS users. No Gravity, originally released as a PSP game on the Playstation network, is now available in HD for the Mac operating system. Players will love the fast action as they work their way through thirty-one dangerous missions in a spaceship, in an attempt to save their people. No Gravity has a history of being a popular favorite with PSP players and the HD version is being featured by the Mac App Store.

PSP players will recognize the name of one of the Mac App Store's newest additions. No Gravity has already been a very popular game on the Playstation Network for some time. Realtech VR has been busy, adapting this space/action game to take advantage of HD display and open the world of No Gravity to Mac users. The game pits the player against evil forces who have unleashed a mind-altering sickness across thousands of colonies. It's up to the player to try and save people, or at least prevent more damage.

Players have thirty-one mission levels to play, can choose from six different spaceships and two levels of difficulty. To help in the fight, each ship comes equipped with six weapons, everything from lasers to ion blasters. Along the way, players will enjoy the massive explosions, first or third person views and rewards for a job well done. No Gravity is a very fast-paced, action packed game that is not for the weak at heart. Good reflexes and a calm hand go a long way to helping the player succeed.

These are some of the features offered in No Gravity:
* Incredible, fast-paced, non-stop action
* This is the HD version of the PSP for Playstation favorite
* Full frame rate
* Massive explosions and damages
* Play in first or third person view
* Select from 5 characters and 5 space ships
* Each ship available in 4 different colors
* Choose from 6 different, awesome weapons
* 31 mission levels to play
* 2 difficulty modes to test a player's skills
* Reward system with achievements to unlock
* High definition, 3D engine optimized for the Mac
* HID device support for keyboards, multiple buttons mice, joysticks, etc.
* Immersive audio with OpenAL multichannel and ASA Extension support

With the popularity of this game already established on the Playstation Network, No Gravity is being featured on the Apple Mac App Store while still being a brand new launch. This should help players find yet another way to enjoy the nail-biting action offered in this all-time favorite.

Pricing and Availability
No Gravity 1.0 is only $3.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Games category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.

New Unique Multi-track Ringtone Recorder for iOS

BeWorld has launched an exciting product for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users. The brand new application offers three tracks for users to create their own completely original ringtones on, using music from their library, recorded voice and text-to-speech, which supports thirty-five languages. Users are able to use the features individually or combine all three functions to come up with unique ringtones and assign them to any or all contacts.

Ringtone Wiz is a new application that offers users a multi-track platform for creating their own custom ringtones, using music from their device library, recording a voice, text-to-speech or any combination of the three channels.

The text-to-speech feature is unique, allowing users to type in up to one hundred characters and hear it played back as speech. It then can be attached to any caller ID they want. This feature supports thirty-five different languages and can be used alone or in combination with the music and voice recording. This feature may prove helpful to those with vision impairment, as the caller's name can be recorded and assigned as a caller ID ringtone.

Users are able to record part of a song, up to forty seconds long, while listening to it. Fade in and fade out effects can be added for a more polished sound before being assigned to as many contacts as the user wants.

Voice recordings are possible with Ringtone Wiz, as well, and be used solely or as part of a combination of the other methods in producing unique ringtones.

These are some of the features found in Ringtone Wiz:
* Easy-to-use interface
* Multi-track ringtone designer with 3 tracks
* Combine or use individually - music, text-to-speech, recorded voice
* Volume control for individual channels
* Recorded caller names helps the vision impaired
* Supports 35 languages
* Uses m4a and mp3 audio files

Along with the versatility of being able to use any or all three tracks for creating custom ringtones, Ringtone Wiz also gives users full control of the volume for each track, which can be individually adjusted.

Pricing and Availability
Ringtone Wiz 1.0 is only $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.

All-in-one Fantasy Sports Manager Now on iOS

Bignoggins Productions has announced Fantasy Monster HD 3.3, the first all-inclusive fantasy sports manager for the iPad. Previously, fantasy sports apps have supported only one sport, one provider, and one season. Fantasy Monster HD provides a significantly better value by aggregating all fantasy sports and providers into one app, which you can use every season without any additional cost. Currently, Fantasy Monster HD supports all leagues from the two largest fantasy sports providers, ESPN and Yahoo. All major fantasy sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, are all supported.

Fantasy Monster originated as an iPhone app, and quickly became the number one rated fantasy sports manager on the iPhone, outranking established apps from Yahoo, ESPN, and CBS Sportsline. Users have loved Fantasy Monster's ease of use and powerful features. Fantasy Monster HD takes this a step further by taking full advantage of the iPad's large touchscreen. It's simple but powerful user interface lets users easily compare stats and evaluate players across all of their leagues.

Most mobile fantasy apps only have a subset of the features that are available through a browser. Fantasy Monster HD is the only app that gives users access to all of the stats and features available on the web. The full list of features include:

* Drag and drop to quickly edit lineups
* Automatically set daily and weekly lineups
* Quickly search for players using auto-complete
* Add and drop players
* Trade players
* Check live NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB scores
* Check weekly matchups
* Read and post to the message board
* View latest transactions
* View Team Notes such as pending transactions and trade requests
* View standings and rosters
* Check player news
* Check injury reports
* View sports headlines

Pricing and Availability:
Fantasy Monster HD 3.3 is $4.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Sports category.

iTunes Organizer and Menu Bar Player Free.

Independent developer Tibor Andre has announced Tune-Instructor 3.2 for Mac OS X, his menu bar application that provides a variety of options for organizing iTunes files, plus convenient playback controls. The menu bar controller is always present and permits navigation and playback without opening iTunes. The controller also launches an optional Track Info window, which can display song information and scrolling lyrics. The app's most important feature is that it allows custom editing of ID3 tags, which contains all the metadata of iTunes MP3 files, so that users can organize their song libraries, titles, lyrics, artwork, files, and folders however they wish.

Advanced audio players and ID3 editors are called taggers, and permit batch tagging other utility functions. Tune-Instructor offers Search & Replace functionality across all the following categories: Name, Artist, Album, Album Artist, Composer, Show, Sort Name, Sort Artist, Sort Album, Sort Album Artist, Sort Composer, Sort Show, Genre, Comment, Grouping, Lyrics, and Episode ID. Search parameters include: Tag-Text Contains, Tag-Text Starts With, Tag-Text Ends With, Tag-Text Is Equal, Word Contains, Word Starts With, Word Ends With, and Word is Equal. Additional Tag operations, applicable to any of the 17 previously mentioned categories include: Upper/Lower Case set or reset; Copy, Swap, or Overwrite; Cut Numbers or Characters; Expand or Add Numbers or Characters; and Auto-Delete Tags or Unnecessary Spaces.

Feature Highlights:
* iTunes Controller on menu bar
* Control Back/Forward, Play/Pause, Navigation Menu
* Navigation Menu accesses Last.fm functionality
* Navigation Menu accesses Lyrics Window, Organize Library, Preferences, Help, etc.
* Track Info Window shows track information in Info Mode or rating in User Mode, un/love tracks for Last.fm
* Lyrics Window scrolls lyrics automatically and remains the topmost window
* Edit ID3 Tags of iTunes songs
* Organize any iTunes Library according to customized criteria

Additional organizational features permit syncing of File Names and ID3 Tags; setting Folder Names according to ID3 Tags; searching, extracting, scaling, and syncing Album Artwork; searching for and extracting Lyrics from the ID3 Tag; and syncing the Library with the Media folder. A comprehensive Application Preferences window permits the user to set whether or not to have the app appear in the menu bar, and which windows and applications to launch automatically. Also under user control from the Preferences are the: Track Information Window, Lyrics Window, Controller Design and Visibility, Application Keyboard Shortcuts, Ratings, and Last.fm interconnectivity. Last.fm allows the user to keep a record of what they listen to, and receive recommendations based on their tastes.

"Most people who listen to music on iTunes don't realize how customizable their Library is," stated Developer Tibor Andre. "Tune-Instructor 3.2 let's you organize your music any way you like, and play music without opening the iTunes application."

Language Support:
* US English and German

Pricing and Availability:
Tune-Instructor 3.2 is free donationware and available now.

Read More

Custom Amortization Schedules Come to iOS

Mario Erceg has launched an important new product for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users, putting a powerful and professional custom amortization calculator in the palm of their hands. The app is the most professional and comprehensive annuity and interest calculator available in the AppStore, supporting linear and compound interest calculations for many different countries with various banking practices and laws, making it easier to conduct business globally.

Loan Pro Calculator is a new product launch and the most professional and comprehensive amortization calculator available in the AppStore. The app supports a myriad of important and custom annuity and interest calculations and schedules. Financial expert Goran Smolovic provided the necessary details to make this app one that financial pros will be pleased to use on a daily basis.

Users will appreciate the custom and expansive feature offerings at their disposal in Loan Pro Calculator. They are able to quickly and easily have the app work out their equal annuity, equal principal and bullet payments, as well as capitalization of interest and the incorporation of grace periods in their loans.

Though the app covers pretty much everything a user would need to work with amortization schedules worldwide, developer Mario Erceg says that he welcomes input from financial institutions.

"We offer to implement any financial institution's custom methods of calculations for free, if they think they need it for business on a mobile platform," Erceg explains. Institutions are encouraged to submit any suggestions as soon as possible, as requests are handled on a first come, first serve basis.

Some of the features in Loan Pro Calculator include:
* Fast and easy to use
* Professional amortization schedule calculator
* Supports custom calculations of annuities and interest for many countries worldwide
* Enter interest amount once in monthly or yearly, have it automatically transfer from one level to the other
* Easily calculate linear or compound annuity rates
* Supports equal annuity, principal and bullet payments
* Supports capitalization of interest
* Supports grace periods
* Send amortization schedules via email
Even without any additional suggestions from banks and other financial institutions, the application makes it easier for users to do business with companies in a variety of global locations, including countries with common law or continental law.

Users are able to select linear or compound interest, enter numbers into a monthly or yearly interest calculation once and it will automatically transfer the figures from one level to the other, determine equal annuity, equal principal and bullet payments, calculate capitalization of interest. The app also supports grace periods, something that is unique to Loan Pro Calculator.

The application offers freedom, in a sense, making it possible to use the calculator for a variety of banking practices and laws from around the world.

Pricing and Availability
Loan Pro Calculator 1.0 is only $4.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Finance category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.

Steve Wozniak Comments on White iPhone Delays, Says It's Coming Soon

On the Engadget Show yesterday, Steve Wozniak commented on why the white iPhone has been delayed.

VentureBeat notes that Woz managed to get a hold of white iPhone parts that came from Foxconn. After modding his iPhone 4, Woz noticed that the photos he took looked as though they were taken through cellophane.

Wozniak said that his white iPhone 4 parts caused issues with its proximity sensor (although I think he’s actually referring to its ambient light sensor, which could see similar light leakage issues to the camera). He then confirmed that Apple has resolved the problems with the white iPhone 4, and that we’ll be seeing them soon.

A report from Macotakara has also suggested that a new Japanese developed painting material has finally solved the production problems with the white iPhone 4.

*thanks iclarified*

Our new Forum is now open here or on the top tabs marks Forums, please register and post..

For the latest limera1n, rubyra1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at
@iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 4

Motorola Takes Another Swipe at Apple in Superbowl Ad 1984-2011

Motorola is taking another swipe at Apple in a new Superbowl Ad entitled, "Goodbye 1984".

The ad is made in reference to Apple's famous "1984" Superbowl Ad in which an unnamed heroine who represents the coming of the Macintosh saves humanity from Big Brother (ie IBM) and conformity.

2011 looks a lot like 1984. One authority. One design. One way to work.

It's time for more choices. It's time to explore. It's time to live a free life.

Learn more about Motorola XOOM: http://moto.ly/xoom

It's unclear if this will be the exact ad that will run during the Superbowl or whether it is only a teaser. You can view the ad below....

Intel Finds Design Flaw in Sandy Bridge Support Chip, Issues Recall.

Intel has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives. The chipset is utilized in PCs with Intel's latest Second Generation Intel Core processors, code-named Sandy Bridge. Intel has stopped shipment of the affected support chip from its factories. Intel has corrected the design issue, and has begun manufacturing a new version of the support chip which will resolve the issue. The Sandy Bridge microprocessor is unaffected and no other products are affected by this issue.

The company expects to begin delivering the updated version of the chipset to customers in late February and expects full volume recovery in April. Intel stands behind its products and is committed to product quality. For computer makers and other Intel customers that have bought potentially affected chipsets or systems, Intel will work with its OEM partners to accept the return of the affected chipsets, and plans to support modifications or replacements needed on motherboards or systems. The systems with the affected support chips have only been shipping since January 9th and the company believes that relatively few consumers are impacted by this issue. The only systems sold to an end customer potentially impacted are Second Generation Core i5 and Core i7 quad core based systems. Intel believes that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution. For further information consumers should contact Intel at www.intel.com on the support page or contact their OEM manufacturer.

For the first quarter of 2011, Intel expects this issue to reduce revenue by approximately $300 million as the company discontinues production of the current version of the chipset and begins manufacturing the new version. Full-year revenue is not expected to be materially affected by the issue. Total cost to repair and replace affected materials and systems in the market is estimated to be $700 million. Since this issue affected some of the chipset units shipped and produced in the fourth quarter of 2010, the company will take a charge against cost of goods sold, which is expected to reduce the fourth quarter gross margin percentage by approximately 4 percentage points from the previously reported 67.5 percent. The company will also take a charge in the first quarter of 2011 which will lower the previously communicated gross margin percentage by 2 percentage points and the full-year gross margin percentage by one percentage point.

PhotoMail Lets You Easily Attach Photos to Your Email

PhotoMail is a new Cydia tweak that lets you easily insert a photo attachment into a new mail message.

The tweak adds a "Photo" option to the Copy/Paste menu that when pressed brings up your Photo Library and lets you choose a photo which will be added to your email.

PhotoMail will be available soon in the Cydia Store for $1.

*thanks iclarified*

Our new Forum is now open here or on the top tabs marks Forums, please register and post..

For the latest limera1n, rubyra1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at
@iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 4

Netgear CEO Rails Against Steve Jobs

Netgear CEO Patrick Lo launched a scathing attack on Apple and Steve Jobs at a lunch in Sydney today, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Lo criticized Apple's closed system and said that once Steve Jobs is gone the company will have to open its platform.

"Once Steve Jobs goes away, which is probably not far away, then Apple will have to make a strategic decision on whether to open up the platform," said Lo.

"Ultimately a closed system just can't go that far ... If they continue to close it and let Android continue to creep up then it's pretty difficult as I see it."

Lo points to Betamax versus VHS, Mac versus Windows, and proprietary networking protocols versus TCP/IP as examples of where openness has triumphed.

"Right now the closed platform has been successful for Apple because they've been so far ahead as thought leaders because of Steve Jobs," said Lo.

"Eventually they've got to find a way to open up iTunes without giving too much away on their revenue generation model."

Lo says content providers are worried that if Steve Jobs controls distribution channels he will demand a random to deliver their content.

"Steve Jobs wants to suffocate the distribution so even though he doesn't own the content he could basically demand a ransom," he said.

Lo also claimed that Jobs' only reason to trash Flash is his ego.

"What's the reason for him to trash Flash? There's no reason other than ego," he said.

When asked if he had relayed any of his concerns about Apple's closed platform to Jobs, Lo said: "Steve Jobs doesn't give me a minute!"

Cover your eyes Windows Phone 7 Theme for iPhone With Live Tiles

Wyndwarrior has created a new Windows Phone 7 theme for iPhone that brings live tiles and a customizable start menu.

A simple plug-and-play theme, static tiles and application lists are both auto-created. Easily customizable start menu, including live tiles. Requires NO paid plugins. Runs independently from winterboard.

Features:
● No Iconoclasm
● No Infiniboard
● No SpringJumps
● No WinterBoard
● No Setup Required
● No Missing Icons (Auto-create)

Wyndwarrior is asking for votes on what the price should be. Hit the link below for more information...
Read more.

Active Storage Announces ActiveSAN Xserve Replacement today.

Active Storage has announced ActiveSAN, a high-performance metadata controller appliance for Xsan and StorNext networks.

ActiveSAN is a server-based appliance that incorporates 'stunning' Active Storage product design and the rock-solid performance and reliability of an Intel Nehalem server platform, in a 1U rack form factor. ActiveSAN utilizes the proven Linux operating system and the Quantum StorNext SAN file system. It features an Active Storage-designed user interface and management suite for phenomenal ease of use in deployment and management of the operating system and StorNext.

ActiveSAN will be demonstrated at the NAB 2011 convention in April, with delivery of systems in the second quarter of 2011. Pricing and configurations have not yet been set.

iPad 2 Will Be Thinner and Anti-Reflective, Not Retina Display? Rumors

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities reports that the iPad 2 will gain a thinner, anti-reflective display rather than a higher resolution one, according to AppleInsider.

"The improvement of iPad 2 display," the report notes, "focuses on thickness and anti-reflection, not resolution. iPad 2 display module is 30~35% thinner than iPad 1 and it's helpful for better form factor.

Thanks to anti-reflection, iPad 2 could have better sunlight readable experience and it's helpful for Apple to compete with Amazon's fast growing Kindle business.

The most important reason why iPad 2 won't have retinal display is yield rate of panel making. At this point, making high resolution and bright IPS/FFS panel is not easy and the production volume and cost couldn't meet Apple's requirements."

The report also notes that the iPad will get a dual core processor and SGX543 graphics.

"iPad 2 will use [ARM] Cortex-A9 dual core processor running at 1.2GHz. Increasing 1~2% single core processor clock results in a 3~5% power increase and dual core could get a better balance between computing power and power consumption. That's the reason why Apple will use dual core for iPad 2."

"iPad 2 will also have a GPU using Imagination's SGX543 dual core graphics technology which is 200~300% powerful than iPhone 4."

Finally the report confirms that the iPad 2 will get two cameras and suggests a SD Card slot may be possible.

"iPad has two cameras. Front camera is 0.3 mega-pixel [VGA, like iPhone 4] and rear one is 1 mega-pixel [like iPod touch, rather than iPhone 4]. Front camera is for Facetime and Photo Booth and 0.3 mega-pixel is enough because the resolution of iPad 2 is 1,024x768. Rear camera is for applications such as video recording and augmented reality."

The iPad 2 is said to be heading to market in late 1Q'11 or early 2Q'11 based on supply chain shipment status.

Epic Space Strategy Simulation For iOS AppStore

The Logic Factory has announced the release and immediate availability of Ascendancy 2.12, their very popular space game for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Now a Universal app, the classic game of space exploration and galactic empire building is back. Winner of the 1996 Codie Award for Best Strategy Software, Ascendancy has been remade by The Logic Factory.

Pick one of twenty-one alien species to lead to the stars. Manage your planets, research new technologies, design ships, and explore the cosmos. Once your people venture to the stars, they will encounter exotic spacefaring life forms with wildly varying personalities. Strange effects abound. Each species has its own special power, and technological advances allow you to bend the rules of the cosmos. Be a diplomat or a warlord. Win by force or by unity. Can you lead your people to Ascendancy?

Experience turn-based ship and fleet combat within star systems, with an enormous variety of new inventions and gizmos you get to discover, build, and refit onto your ships. Weapons and specialty gizmos have their own unique special effects and sounds, and can help you develop specialized strategies and subtle tactics in battle. But diplomacy is an alternative. Trade, form alliances, manipulate, befriend, and make peace with your fellow galactic denizens, if you choose.

This release of Ascendancy is true to the classic. It was made with the original game rules, artwork, music, and sound. The new touch interface allows gamers to explore the three-dimensional starmap with ease. Ascendancy is receiving rave reviews from early adopters all over the world. Has hit number 1 in multiple territories' App Store strategy charts. The first free update with performance upgrades and compatibility to older generation devices is live.

Pricing and Availability:
Ascendancy 2.12 is $7.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. For more information please contact Logic Factory online. Promo codes and other materials may be available upon request.

First Trailer for Angry Birds Rio video

Rovio has released a trailer for their upcoming game Angry Birds Rio which was produced in collaboration with Fox.

Rovio and 20th Century Fox join forces to create a new game, Angry Birds Rio! The game will launch with 45 dedicated levels based on the highly-anticipated motion picture, with regular updates lined up for the future. The game will be available for download on smart phones and tablets worldwide.

Google Brings Instant Previews to iOS

Google is rolling out its new Instant Previews feature to iOS devices, according to a FORTUNE observation.

When performing a Google search in MobileSafari a magnifying glass appears to the right of each result. Pressing the magnifying glass lets you navigate through the results visually.

You can check out how it looks in the screenhosts below...

Alfredo Delli Bovi Release iSutras 3.0 app

Alfredo Delli Bovi has announced iSutras, an unique and awesome kamasutra app for your iOS devices. It will spice up your love life with its useful and funny features. Amazing graphics and detailed positions described with 3D images and professional texts. iSutras is the perfect app for anyone interested about love.

The Kamasutra is an ancient Indian book about human love behavior. But not everybody knows that it doesn't contain only sex position. In fact it's for the most based on the concepts of love meant as art, the "kama", on social relations, on relationships between two lovers and on physical and psycological well-being.

iSutras is not only a kamasutra app, but it also contain extra features as:
SpinSutra - A so funny game! Randomness is the key for a hot success, it could be more spicy by adding some other actions or body parts, the limit is your imagination.
Position of love - The position different for each couple, let's see if that corresponds to your souls. Not enough? There is a suggestion for each day.
Fertility - Useful and simplicity, it shows you, thanks to ovulation calculator the most fertile week of your partner, so if you want a baby you could try in that week.
Sweet call - Following the steps you can add a shortcut on your home to call and send SMS to your lover, without any need of internet connection.

Supported Languages:
* US English, Italian

Pricing and Availability:
iSutras 3.0 for iPhone and iPod touch is available at the special introductory price of $1.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple's App Store in the Entertainment category.

Icon Pallet 2.0 is Now Available in the MacAppStore

Carnation Software has announced Icon Pallet 2.0, its program and document launcher for OS X just released in the Mac App Store. With Icon Pallet, quickly switch between apps, launch documents and folder items. Drag files, folders and documents to the pallet. They will aways be there for you. If your desktop is a cluttered mess and you can't find anything, Icon Pallet is the solution.

* The perfect complement to your OS X Dock, Icon Pallet keeps your icons in the same location, and at the same size, no matter how many you add (up to 600).

* Be in control of your desktop with Icon Pallet.

* Icon Pallet stores the link to your folders, apps and documents, for launch and access with a single click.

* Organize your programs, files and folders on an expandable pallet instead of cluttering your desktop with icons or squeezing them onto a crowded dock.

* You can add names and colors to your folder icons, making it easier to recognize them on your Icon Pallet without having to roll the mouse over the folder icon to see the full name.

You want easy? Just one click on an icon will...
* Launch a program
* Open a document
* Open a folder
* View and select items within a folder or drive

You can:
* Drag an icon of any file, folder or program to a blank square to install the link on Icon Pallet.

* Drag a document to one of the application icons on Icon Pallet to open the dragged document within that application.

* Hold the control key down while clicking on an icon on Icon Pallet (or right-click if you have a two-button mouse) to open a document within a folder, or to see menu options for each icon.

* Control-click (or right-click) on a blank square to select from a list of common Mac apps.

* Hover the mouse over an icon on Icon Pallet to see the file name. Hold the command key down while hovering to see the full path name showing where the original file, folder or program is located.

* Drag icons around in the window pallet to organize them.

* Breathe easier with Icon Pallet holding all your favorite Macintosh goodies right where you want them, ready to go.

With Icon Pallet, you're in control. Coming Soon! Version 2.0.1 will let you type the first letter of a file name to jump to an icon. Hit the tab key to jump to the next icon.

Pricing and Availability:
Icon Pallet 2.0 is $4.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.

CleanStatus Lets You Hide Your Status Bar Icons easily and for free

CleanStatus is a new Cydia tweak that lets you hide your iPhone's status bar icons.

CleanStatus is a controller for hiding status bar icons. You can hide up to 19 different icons.

You can download CleanStatus from the ModMyi Cydia repository for free.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

VoiceActivator Allows for Custom Voice Control Commands

VoiceActivator, a new tweak by chpwn, lets your take full control of Voice Control on your iOS device. You can customize Voice Control to launch apps, open URLs and use Activator actions all in one tweak.

VoiceActivator will be available in the Cydia Store soon. No word on pricing yet.

Pages

Monday, January 31, 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011