Infiniboard has been updated and it now fully supports iOS 5. Infiniboard is a jailbreak tweak which allows you to add as many icons as you like to a home page. You can then vertically scroll up and down with a simple flick.
The new version also includes a lot more customization settings, bug fixes and performance improvements. Infiniboard is available through the jailbreak installer Cydia and costs $0.99.
Every week a few of us from team TiPb will bring you our current favorite, most fun and useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch related, they’re fair game.
To see what we picked, and to tell us your pick, follow on after the break!
Holy wow! This is not just an app – this is the ultimate in note taking. Print, type, audio – you can even add .pdf documents.
Set up different binders, each containing different notebooks. Inside each notebook, keep handwritten notes, or even typed notes. You add what you want, how you want. Mix your media. Do you need to underscore the importance of something? Flag it! Just like you would with those great little sticky flags on paper – grab the colored flag that you want from the right, and drag it into your notebook. Position it where you want.
What’s that? You aren’t a wordsmith? You can illustrate what you want, but can’t come up with the words to write? Speak the speech, I pray thee. Click the record button right there in your notebook, and embed it in the notebook with a flag for later recall.
You can change paper, too. I like graph paper in my binder. More features…Dropbox sync – who doesn’t love Dropbox sync?! And export to pdf. And the devs say they have more coming in the next update. I can’t wait!
This week’s pick is an app that is a hidden gem. If you want to put shortcuts on your home screen for a settings toggle or specific contacts from your address book, this app can do it. Yes you read that right, to turn on Bluetooth normally you have to go to Settings, General, Bluetooth and then you can turn it on. With Icon Project, you can create an icon on your desktop which will take you directly to the Bluetooth toggle page in one click!
It doesn’t stop there either, you can create all sorts of system services shortcuts as well as individual contacts from your address book. Make an icon of your wife’s contact details and drop it on your home page, one click and you are calling or sending her a text message. Icon Project makes getting things done much quicker and is a very powerful app.
This week the folks from Shortmail have released their iOS client to the masses. if you’re not familiar with Shortmail it’s basically an email system but the unique thing about it is that it limits you to how much you can actually send and receive. That may not sound all that compelling but if you’re a person who often gets friends and family members complaining about the length of your emails then it’s great. As the developers describe it:
Shortmail lets you communicate with anyone who has an email address — one-to-one or as a group. Messages are limited to 500 characters, which keeps them concise and conversational. Shortmail supports push notifications, to keep you on top of important messages. And you can also have “public” and “open” conversations, to share your discussions with the world!
With the services, you also get a free email account — when using the app, it will be your Twitterhandle@shortmail.com. No attachments, no junk mail, no folder management. Just communication – with any email user, anywhere.
We use GTalk for IM at the office, and my entire contact list is essentially just the people at the company. It’s pretty much a dedicated chat channel for work and little else, which is fine with me, since there’s a million other ways I can communicate with people. But I still go back and forth between feeling like I need IM on my iPhone, and feeling like I don’t want anyone to bother me once I leave work.
The end of the year is usually pretty busy at NF, and this year is no different. So since I have to be more available at least in the short-term, I decided to give IM on the phone a go (again). I’d purchased Verbs a long time ago when it first came out and thought it was a great app, but didn’t really see myself using it all that much. The semi-recent (a few months is recent, right?) release of Verbs Pro as an in-app purchase made me revisit it as my needs had changed.
Ally’s already given it a spin as a pick when Pro was released so I won’t tread over the same ground. It’s a good upgrade if you like the app, because it adds push notifications and allows you to stay available for up to 7 days. I noticed this week that it really works well even when iChat is running on the desktop, and that was great, because I’ve had issues with other iOS IM clients not working properly in the past if I was logged in somewhere else. But the thing that turned me around on having IM on my phone again was my car ride yesterday.
I had somewhere to be first thing in the morning, so I was headed into the office a little late, but because Verbs kept me logged in, people were asking me questions as I drove and I was able to get them and answer them in a timely fashion. Having Siri do the heavy lifting with the voice dictation so I didn’t have to type, well, that pretty much clinched it for me right there. It’s a great looking, solid app that feels right at home on the iPhone and iPad. Short of Apple bringing iChat proper over to iOS, this is the next best thing.
[$0.99 with $4.99 in-app purchase to go Pro - App Store link]
I’ve always believed a man could fly. That we were a great people, that we wished to be, that we only lacked the light to show us our way. Part of that is because Superman was the second movie I ever saw in theaters. Superman was the second poster I ever hung up in my room. Superman — a giant sized reproduction of Action Comics #1 — was one of the first comics I ever owned.
As the bright side of The World’s Finest, counterpoint to the Batman’s darkness, Superman is half of the modern American mythos. While Batman is intent of forcibly saving the world one person at a time, Superman wants to inspire us to save ourselves. While Bruce Wayne is the mask the Batman puts on to walk among normal people, Clark Kent is the true, very human face of Superman.
Opposites in almost every way but their desire for justice, they do share one very profound thing in common — both have been put into a lot of very crappy video games.
Batman’s recent Arkham series, and a handful of other titles over the years, have helped put the Dark Knight Detective on a better path. For the Man of Steel, however, most games remain as painful as a Kryptonite splinter.
Which brings us finally to Chillingo’s Superman for iPhone and iPod touch, and Superman HD for iPad. If the name sounds familiar it’s because they were or the publishers behind a lot of famous games, including Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, and some 250+ other titles. That should help frame Superman for you — it’s a decidedly casual game, very, very different from the aforementioned Arkham series of Batman titles.
It’s also beautifully done; an old school platformer vibe rendered and powered by thoroughly new school technology. You do what you’d expect to do — what anyone who ever played a classic side scroller adventure game would expect to do — and that’s a good thing. Sure, there’s room for an amazing 3D, Paul Dini-penned epic Superman game on consoles and mobiles alike, but there’s also a place for this and more of these.
Trying to figure out train times to get myself into NYC is not something I enjoy too much, and planning the return trip is usually even worse for me. Until recently I would plan my trip there, and then just hope for the best on the way back, until I stumbled upon Ride NJT, a great free app that allowed me to easily plan my trip on the go. The application is quite simple, launch it and select where I am departing and where I want to go, and it does the rest. It gives you the various train times, allows me to view the map of the path to know where I will be going, and even gives advisories about delays on any trains. Whether you travel often or occasionally this is a must have application for you.
That’s right folks, I’m pregnant! I used BabyBump with my first pregnancy and loved keeping up with the weekly updates on Baby’s progress. Since then, BabyBump has been updated to include daily updates, tips, and recommendations. This is fabulous! Now I have a reason to launch BabyBump every day, versus just once a week.
One of my other favorite features of BabyBump is that it displays an approximate weight and size of you baby and compares its size with a common item. For example, at 5 weeks, my baby is currently about the size of an appleseed. It also shows a countdown until your due date – only 243 more days to go!
Other features include a journal, kick counter, contractions tracker, a (non-graphic) video of birth, names search, forums, and a place to store photos. BabyBump truly is a full-featured pregnancy app. I just wish it was universal for the iPad.
You’re part of the team as well, so we will be choosing one reader to make a submission each week! Just look for the announcement on twitter or our Facebook page each weekend for a chance to be picked! In the meantime, jump into the comments and let us know your pick of the week!
This weekend, we are giving away three copies of Amazing Breaker (href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazing-breaker/id421088863?mt=8">App Store link), the current top selling game in the App Store. To enter, simply comment on this article with a valid email address. Sorry folks, but US residents only due to iTunes restrictions. On Monday, we’ll randomly select three people who will win a copy of Amazing Breaker.
Official Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson has given an interview to the New York Times where he reveals what Steve Jobs was going to tackle next at Apple, including television, textbooks, and photography.
He had three things that he wanted to reinvent: the television, textbooks and photography. He really wanted to take these on. I didn’t go into details about these products in the book because it was implicitly Apple’s creations and it’s not fair to the company to reveal these details. But, he did talk about the television. He told me he’d “licked it” and once said, “There’s no reason you should have all these complicated remote controls.”
While an Apple television set has been rumored for a while now, and the iPad certainly seems part of a textbook plan, photography is interesting to see on the list. What about photography now is broken and in need of a Steve Jobs-style fix?
Interesting comparison by Minimally Minimal of Apple vs. Samsung product strategies, including their current U.S. device lines. (Spoiler: 3 vs. 134). No doubt there’s a debate to be had about when both lack of and way too much choice become frustrating.
MacWorld‘s Jason Snell has written up a quick way to force your local Windows or Mac iTunes library to upgrade all your songs to the 256kbps iTunes Match versions. If you’re still syncing your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to iTunes via USB or via the new Wi-Fi sync, it’s a quick way to get them on your device(s) as well.
While iTunes Match makes the — often higher quality — tracks available in iCloud, it keeps the local — often lower quality — track on your actual drive until you tell it otherwise. If you have thousands of tracks, that could be a long process.
Snell’s tip involves creating a Smart Playlist or two and having the courage to delete all your local versions, trusting iCloud will replace them. If that doesn’t scare you off, hit the link below and get your upgrade going fast.
Official Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson has given an interview to the New York Times where he reveals what Steve Jobs was going to tackle next at Apple, including television, text books, and photography.
He had three things that he wanted to reinvent: the television, textbooks and photography. He really wanted to take these on. I didn’t go into details about these products in the book because it was implicitly Apple’s creations and it’s not fair to the company to reveal these details. But, he did talk about the television. He told me he’d “licked it” and once said, “There’s no reason you should have all these complicated remote controls.”
While an Apple television set has been rumored for a while now, and the iPad certainly seems part of a textbook plan, photography is interesting to see on the list. What about photography now is broken and in need of a Steve Jobs-style fix?
The mighty Man of Steel, the Last Son of Krypton, the Tomorrow Man himself has finally landed in the App Store with the official release of Superman for iPhone and iPod touch by Chillingo Ltd. This isn’t a movie tie-in or flashy 3D flyer/fighter, this is a fun, casual, decidedly 2D adventure with an almost old school, retro platform feel to it. Check out the video above and the details below.
UPDATE: Superman HD for iPad is now available as well! $2.99 – App Store link
Soar across the Metropolis skyline and use all of Superman’s most iconic powers, including heat vision, super-breath, super-strength, and super-speed. When the threat is a little further from home, fly into outer space to stop meteors and falling satellites in their path.
The 18 levels of superpowered action offer a perfect playground for putting Superman’s abilities to the test. Save Metropolis from the villainous mastermind Lex Luthor and his army of thugs, mechs, choppers and even more menacing enemies.
Beat score challenges on each level to earn bronze, silver and gold achievements. Bronze is a piece of cake, but do you have the power to claim gold?
Original story and comic book panels give you the authentic Superman experience.
Note: Chillingo states that the game works on the iPad too. This is true however it is not a universal binary so you will have to run it in 2X mode which is never a great experience. Let’s hope they get an HD version into the App Store soon.
Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!
Kick the Buddy Episodes: Buddy did not waste time either and prepared a surprise. Meet a cheerful Santa Claus on your roof in the new Santa Stops Here episode. Hit the Buddy with a Christmas tree or blow him up with fireworks! And you can do a lot more in this “truly Christmassy game”. [$0.99 for iPhone - App Store link]
JabMe: Now you can jab your Game Center and Facebook friends. Send jab messages with awesome sounds to your friends. It’s the world’s first app to let you message your Game Center friends. [Free for iPhone - App Store link]
Frosty Camera: Lets you take frosty photos of your family, friends and even yourself. Apply our special photo effects and frosty frames in Real Time.Watch as Frosty Camera transforms the world around you into ICE AGE. [Free - App Store link]
Love Injections: “Love Injections” are extraordinary ways to surprise the one you love. It stirs your creativity, to think outside the box when surprising someone. With more than 200 images and text it’s full of original ideas to express your emotions. [$1.99 for iPhone - App Store link] [$3.99 for iPad - App Store link]
Shiny Treasure: Become the richest and most feared pirate of the seven seas in Shiny Treasure! Build guard towers and use the powers of the mysterious green pearl to protect your valuable treasure chest from evil pirate looters! A tower defense game. [Free for iPhone and iPad - App Store link]
Any other big app or game releases or updates today?
Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.
Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift has been updated with a new greeting card feature that lets you add Cut the Rope clip art to your photos – including Om Nom himself!
Om Nom and I are best friends.
ZeptoLab wants to thank all you Om Nom fans out there by giving you this all new Holiday Gift featuring a great new stocking feature that magically shoots the Candy round the box. You guys rock, Happy Holidays! Oh, and shake your iPhone for a special surprise!
Cut the Rope: Experiments for iPhone has also been updated with new levels and iCloud support.
Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift is available on the iPhone and iPad for free. Cut the Rope: Experiments is available on the iPhone for $0.99.
Sent is a Gmail client for iPhone that’s decidedly more native than Google’s own, still disappointing Gmail app. It also offers multiple account support. But before you get too excited it’s $4.99 and doesn’t offer push notifications (yet?). It also asks you to login to your Google account right inside the app, rather than sending you to Google’s web page for authorization. Maybe that doesn’t work for 3rd party clients, but it does work for my security paranoid brain that flinches at the thought of putting my creds into 3rd party app. The internet birthed Xauth for a reason, after all.
Whether you like the idea of a separate app for Gmail or not — and I personally don’t — it would be nice to see Google take some of their search billions — nicely fed by iOS devices, thank you! — and make the first party app a lot of people are still waiting for.
The group at href="http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/early-details-on-2012s-redesigned-ipad-iphone-macbook-pro/">iLounge cite a reliable source who has provided details on Apple’s product plans for 2012 as it relates to the iPad 3, iPhone 5 and also the upcoming MacBook Pro.
The iPad 3 will be 0.7mm thicker than the current iPad 2, this to make room for the twin light bar system needed to provide for a retina display. This new model could be announced as early as January for a March release, which has been the traditional iPad release cycle. This jives with an earlier href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/apple-considering-dual-led-light-bars-for-next-gen-ipad/2011/11/07/">report from DigiTimes which had Apple leaning towards the dual-bar BLU for the next generation iPad.
As for the next iPhone, likely the called the iPhone 5, it will not use the teardrop-shaped design that had been rumored. It will see a new larger 4-inch display and will be 8 mm longer than the current iPhone 4S. The backing will be metal, likely aluminum, which we interpret to mean it will look more like the first generation iPhone or the current iPad 2. This is reportedly on track for a summer 2012 release.
Finally, they also weigh in on the MacBook Pro refresh, saying it will get a new thin design.
This all sounds plausible. Apple saw a href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/gartner-report-iphone-sales-show-annual-increase-of-21/2011/11/15/">slight decline during Q3, while users waited for a new iPhone. Might make sense to move back to a summer cycle.
Source: href="http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/early-details-on-2012s-redesigned-ipad-iphone-macbook-pro/">iLounge via href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/11/18/march-launch-for-slightly-thicker-ipad-3-iphone-with-4-inch-screen-in-summer/">MacRumors
If you’re not already in the TiPb Forums you’re missing out on the best darn discussion in iPhone and iPad today! And good news, they’re getting even better! We’ve opened some new ones up — For movie and TV fans we now have the TV, Movies, and Videos Forum and for everyone who enjoys cooking and dining out, we’ve got the Cooking and Foodies Forum. So head on over and register now!
Not following TiPb and our staff on your favorite social networks? You’re missing out on half the fun! (Actually more than half, but we’re only allowed to say “half” here or risk blowing your minds completely!) For all the behind the scenes, backstage, after hours, on the loose brutal opinions and bare facts — and often extra prizes and give aways you can’t get anywhere else — you simply must follow:
iLounge claims their most solid of sources has given them details about the next generation iPad 3, iPhone 5 (or whatever Apple ends up calling it) and MacBooks for 2012. Highlights include:
TiPb’s been hearing about iPad 3 almost since iPad 2 was released, and nothing much has changed — Apple needs to be able to source Retina displays — 2048 x 1536 — in sufficient quantity, at low enough prices to make it work. If lighting those suckers takes additional LED elements, and that makes them thicker, well Apple will have to forgo the usual “thinnest ever” Keynote bullet point next year.
Last we heard, the next iPhone was more fall than summer but this far out things can and will change, change back, and change again. Apple is likely — as usual – testing several prototypes and things should get clearer closer to launch, be it at WWDC 2012 or the Special Fall Event 2012.
And boy would a 15-inch MacBook Air be nice… As long as we’re playing Amercia’s Next Top Rumor, feel free to chime in with your own predictions. What do you want your next iOS device to look like?
The crew at Signal Snowboards have used their Every Third Thursday show to celebrate Steve Jobs, who inspired and built products every snowboarder loves. It’s one of the first snowboards to utilize an aluminum base, with light blasting through the Signal logo, no different than your favorite MacBook. The iShred also features an integrated iPad 2, because who doesn’t want to Facetime from their snowboards.
Starbucks has a new app that utilizes the magic of augmented reality to inject some holiday spirit into your day. Here’s how it works. Download the Starbucks Cup Magic app from the App Store and visit your local Starbucks. There are assorted items that feature a character, these items include red cups, bags of Christmas Blend and others. Here’s the fun part, they come to life through augmented reality, right on your iPhone.
The app also promises holiday offers and allows for sending eGifts, in case anyone would like to send this author an early Christmas gift.
It’s free, fun and jammed with holiday spirt, but it will only work with the iPhone 3GS or later. Those with an iPhone 3G or original iPhone are stuck with plain ole’ reality and a good cup o’joe.
The mighty Man of Steel, the Last Son of Krypton, the Tomorrow Man himself has finally landed in the App Store with the official release of Superman for iPhone and iPod touch by Chillingo Ltd. This isn’t a movie tie-in or flashy 3D flyer/fighter, this is a fun, casual, decidedly 2D adventure with an almost old school, retro platform feel to it. Check out the video above and the details below.
Soar across the Metropolis skyline and use all of Superman’s most iconic powers, including heat vision, super-breath, super-strength, and super-speed. When the threat is a little further from home, fly into outer space to stop meteors and falling satellites in their path.
The 18 levels of superpowered action offer a perfect playground for putting Superman’s abilities to the test. Save Metropolis from the villainous mastermind Lex Luthor and his army of thugs, mechs, choppers and even more menacing enemies.
Beat score challenges on each level to earn bronze, silver and gold achievements. Bronze is a piece of cake, but do you have the power to claim gold?
Original story and comic book panels give you the authentic Superman experience.
Note: Chillingo states that the game works on the iPad too. This is true however it is not a universal binary so you will have to run it in 2X mode which is never a great experience. Let’s hope they get an HD version into the App Store soon.
The folks from Every Third Thursday have put together iShred, a snowboarding tribute to the late Steve Jobs.
the man who inspired and built products that almost every snowboarder we know loves and uses in their daily lives. Watch and see as our hardware needs updating a few times to get this snowboard built right!
A bug has apparently been discovered in iOS 5.0.1 that allows a way to carrier unlock the AT&T version of the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS without the need to jailbreak or alter any hardware. The unlock will of course only allow you to use your iPhone on the T-Mobile network with Edge data speeds in the US however this is still a popular avenue for many iPhone users. If you want to try it, you will need a T-Mobile MicroSIM card or cut one down to the same size as a MicroSIM and follow the steps below:-
Insert original carrier AT&T SIM cardDial 611 for AT&T customer service hotline and drop the call
Turn on Airplane Mode
Take out AT&T SIM card
Insert T-Mobile SIM card
Make sure WiFi is off ( also tap on ‘Forget this Network” to make sure it doesn’t connect automatically later)
Switch off Airplane Mode and iPhone will search for network. This is followed by the Apple splash screen appearing.
Activation Required will be displayed on the screen
EDGE network will activate automatically – notice the ‘E’ on the top left corner of the screen
Wait for about 20-30 seconds and turn off the phone
Turn on iPhone and the same Activation Required screen will be displayed
When you see one signal bar, tap on Use Cellular Connection
Eject SIM card
Activation Required screen will be displayed the second time
Insert SIM card
Unlocked!
We haven’t tested the unlock ourselves but a lot of others have and claim that it is definitely a working unlock solution for the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. Unfortunately it will not survive a reboot of your iPhone; if you do that, you will need to repeat the steps above. If you give this a try, let us know if you have any success!
The popular computer game Minecraft is now available on the iPhone and iPad. As of right now, Minecraft – Pocket Edition only includes Creative Mode, but there are plans to include Survival Mode in the future.
Imagine it, build it. Create worlds on the go with Minecraft – Pocket Edition
Minecraft – Pocket Edition allows you to build on the go. Use blocks to create masterpieces as you travel, hangout with friends, sit at the park, the possibilities are endless. Move beyond the limits of your computer and play Minecraft everywhere you go.
Minecraft – Pocket Edition is available on the iPhone and iPad for $6.99.
There is a bizarre bug in iOS 5 found by href="http://www.danielscaleb.com/">Daniel Scaleb that allows for an iPhone 4S unlock. It requires a href="http://www.amazon.com/T-Mobile-TMobile-Prepaid-Activation-Minutes/dp/B004S96CWY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1321593466&sr=8-2">T-Mobile microSIM card and associated data plan. The directions are as follows:
According to the founder of this unlock, it could take up to 20 times for this to unlock, so be patient.
Pretty crazy method, but if it works, this is would be excellent news. The author warns users that it “could mess up your cellular radio, though it’s very unlikely“. Who wants to give it a try?
Like to go to sleep listening to your iPhone’s Music app and curious how to get it to “sleep” after a set period of time? One of the most annoying things is waking up a few hours later and it is still playing. Especially true if you are listening to an Audio Book and have to scrub back through hours of audio to find where you stopped listening.
Luckily you can set your iPod to stop playing after a set amount of time. It is really easy to do and we will show you how.
Select the Timer
Set the amount of time you want the Music app to play for
Click on the When Timer Ends button
Scroll down to Sleep iPod
Click on Set
Start the Timer
Fire up the Music app, lie back, relax and enjoy
After the timer runs down, the Music app will stop
That is all there is to it, a simple but brilliant tip that I have just discovered myself!
Daily Tips range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com.
Firemint’s popular game Spy Mouse is now available on the iPad! The exclusive features are, of course, bigger and better graphics, as well as secret dossiers that will help you complete dangerous missions.
Danger. Intrigue. Stealth. Cheese! It’s SPY mouse HD for iPad! With all new exclusive content, features and HD quality graphics, help Agent Squeak feed his need for cheese as he embarks on his biggest, bite-sized mission ever!
BIGGER, BOLDER, AND BRIGHTER – Get more danger, more intrigue and, most importantly, more cheese with vivid HD quality graphics.
COLLECT SUPER SECRET DOSSIERS – Gather clandestine information and clues that will help you complete dangerous missions.
SNEAK, SCAMPER AND SNACK THROUGH 70+ LEVELS.
EVADE FELINE FOES
BE STEALTHY WITH COVERT CONTROLS
TiPb is always looking for a good reason to give stuff away, so we we’re gifting Spy Mouse HD to 5 lucky winners! For a chance to win, just leave a comment below.
One of the more interesting iPhone cases available on the market has to be the line of aluminum cases from Element. href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/members/europa.53257/">Europa, one of our forum moderators, recently purchased the Element Vapor Comp and was kind enough to share her thoughts. Read on for her complete Element Vapor Comp review to see if this is the case for you.
Design and Quality /> The Vapor Comp is a precision-crafted aluminum and polycarbonate case with Element’s signature aesthetics. It works with all models of the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S. It is CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminum, anodized, and has laser-engraved graphics rather than graphics that are just printed on. The Vapor Comp cases are made in the USA, one at a time, and are hand inspected. There are three grip details that can be seen on on the right side of the case. These are part of the shock-absorbing inner liner that protects the iPhone if it is dropped. The left side of the case has been completely redesigned and is made from a translucent high impact polycarbonate material that prevents “death grip” signal degradation, which was a problem for some iPhone 4 owners who used last year’s Vapor cases. The two pieces of the Vapor Comp are held together with four stainless steel screws.
Fit and Access /> The case is flush and fits snugly to all sides of the iPhone. However, I noticed that there is some play in the left side piece and it can be pulled back slightly. It’s possible that dust will be able to get in through this very slight gap. The volume and lock buttons are easily depressed through the polycarbonate side piece and aluminum lock button on the case. There is easy access to the mute switch and the headphone and dock connector ports and it is compatible with aftermarket cables and headphones.
The ergonomics on the Vapor Comp are improved over last year’s Element cases. This case seems to be made for a right handed user. I was pleased to find that the Vapor Comp fits more naturally in my right hand than the Vapor 4 case did.
Protection /> The Vapor Comp has a shock absorbing inner lining and the edges of the case have a slight lip that extends above the back and front glass on the iPhone. An anti-glare screen protector and black suede backplate are included and will protect against scratches on the front and back glass. A colored backplate can be purchased along with the case for an additional $10. The backplate and screen protector are optional and I chose not to install them, so I cannot comment on their quality.
Overall /> I am very happy with the Element Vapor Comp case. It has a slim profile, offers protection and enhances the sleek form factor of the iPhone 4 and 4S. It is elegant and manufactured with high quality materials, craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is available in six monochromatic colors.
I highly recommend this product to someone who is looking for moderate iPhone protection and is willing to spend extra for a sharp-looking case that was made with high quality parts and a lot of attention to detail.
The Element Vapor Comp retails for $99 and can be ordered at href="http://www.elementcase.com/Articles.asp?ID=260">Element Case.
Just Mobile has announced the Just Mobile Gum Max, an aluminum clad backup battery that offers a whopping 10,400maH capacity, meaning you could completely recharge an iPad 2 with more power to spare. The Apple certified accessory works with all iOS devices and other smartphones. The Gum Max ships with an Apple dock connector and USB to micro-USB cables. Power can be tracked using the eight LED power indicators. This little bundle of power is about the size of USB backup drive and recently wond the Good Design Award of 2011.
Apple has just released software update 4.4.3 for the Apple TV 2. The update carries a new build number (9A4051) following the last update that hit in October.
Details of the update include added support for Netflix in Mexico as well as addressing an audio problem when playing sound through the optical port when your television set is turned off. The Apple TV Software Update 4.4.3 is available now through the ‘Update Software’ option under General Settings.
(And yes, they’re still confusingly referring to iOS Software 5.x as Apple TV version 4.x — can we stop that please?)
iOS developer @Gojohnnyboi discovered some code in iOS 5.0.1 that could indicate iChat — Apple’s Mac OS X instant messenger client — functionality may be coming to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch down the road.
Although the new iMessage feature in iOS 5 doesn’t hook into the same chat services mentioned in the code, it would make a lot of sense for Apple to ultimately streamline the iChat, FaceTime, and iMessage into a single service across Apple devices.
How soon you’ll actually see this on your iPhone or iPad isn’t exactly clear, but this at least suggests Apple has been experimenting with this on iOS platform.
Navigon today announced version 2.0 (href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navigon-north-america/id321506742?mt=8">App Store link for North America version) of the very excellent mapping application for iOS. Navigon 2.0 brings a number of new features, most notable being a new Map management function and in-app purchases for quarterly map updates.
NAVIGON 2.0 is the first iPhone onboard navigation app that separates the app from the maps, allowing users to choose which map regions to download to their device. Users who, for example, own the USA version can pick the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time1. This ability prolongs internal phone storage, since users save only the maps they need on their device. Separating the app and maps also simplifies future updates, as users can update the app (about 40MB) without reinstalling the maps multiple times.
NAVIGON 2.0 is also the first iPhone navigation app to offer quarterly map updates. The FreshMaps service uses trusted, field-verified, and quality-controlled map and points of interest updates from NAVTEQ® to ensure the most accurate data possible. Users can keep their maps accurate and reliable by receiving quarterly updates for a one-time fee. FreshMaps also upgrades the USA or regional versions to the full North America map. NAVIGON’s new Latest Map Guarantee provides customers the latest NAVTEQ map available when purchasing NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone.
Navigon is available for a number of countries. US residents will want to look at href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navigon-usa/id384680007?mt=8">Navigon USA ($29.99) or href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navigon-north-america/id321506742?mt=8">Navigon North America ($39.99).
Firecore has announced that its aTV Flash (black) software for jailbroken second gen Apple TV’s has finally come out of beta and is now at version 1.0. aTV Flash adds a whole host of additional features to your Apple TV such as a media player that can handle loads of different video formats, a WebKit web browser, Last.fm radio, Weather and RSS feeds.
The new Media Player included in aTV Flash (black) empowers you to go beyond iTunes and play most popular media formats. This includes formats such as: AVI, FLAC, ISO, M2TS, MKV, MP3, MP4, MPEG, MPG, VOB, WMV and many others.
Cover art and metadata are downloaded automatically and added to your files with an end result of amazing! If you’ve already taken the time to add your own metadata you can you can use that too.
Surf the web with a native web browser that provides a rich web experience on the AppleTV. Included is support for things like HTML5 music and video streaming as well as easy to use bookmarks and history. Navigating the web is easily done with the included AppleTV remote or the free Remote app for the iPhone and iPad.
Go beyond just listening to music and start truly experiencing it by utilizing the full power of Last.fm. While streaming Last.fm radio (or playing your own music) you’ll have access to artist bios, and a seemingly endless amount of artist photos.
Get quick access to weather and RSS news feeds. Your current weather location will be detected automatically, and other locations can be easily added as well.
aTV Flash version 1.0 is now available to buy and costs $29.95. You will need to have a jailbroken second generation Apple TV to take advantage of it.
Verizon has released a new iPhone 4S commercial, once again touting the breadth of their network. This time, while several — we’re left to guess AT&T iPhone users — are left to flounder due to their lack of signal, the one Verizon iPhone user among them connects heroically and without issue.
(Might have been more powerful if all the other people were on Verizon, easily connecting, and only the one hapless guy was left adrift, watching everyone else succeed.)
Anyone here actually switch from AT&T to Verizon for the iPhone 4S? Happy with the choice?
The popular navigation app, Navigon, has gone 2.0 and brings a new UI and two new features, MyMaps and FreshMaps XL.
MyMaps allows users to download maps by region. So if you’re not planning on leaving your state soon, you can download only the maps for your state and pick up other on an as-need basis. This will not only save some storage space on your iPhone or iPad, but speeds up the update process.
NAVIGON 2.0 is the first iPhone onboard navigation app that separates the app from the maps, allowing users to choose which map regions to download to their device. Users who, for example, own the USA version can pick the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time.
FreshMaps is available as an in-app purchase and will update your iPhone or iPad each quarter with the latests maps.
Always have the latest maps with NAVIGON FreshMaps XL! Update your device each quarter with the latest map updates from the experts. Your device will be kept right up to date and will not only include changes and additions to the road network, but also a whole load of new special destinations. This increases safety, reduces stress and saves time!
Navigon is available on the iPhone and iPad and prices vary. The North American apps and in-app purchases are currently on sale for a limit time. Here’s a list of prices:
NAVIGON FreshMaps:
Other in-app purchases:
Other versions of the Navigon for other countries can be found by searching “Navigon” in the App Store.
Check out the promo video for Navigon 2.0 below!
Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.
Rene, Georgia, and Seth talk iOS 5.0.2 and iOS 5.1, iTunes Match, 4-inch iPhone rumors and whether size matters, Siri being cracked, Apple’s new board, and Gmail’s second bite at the App Store. This is iPhone Live!
Firecore has announced that its aTV Flash (black) software for jailbroken second gen Apple TV’s has finally come out of beta and is now at version 1.0. aTV Flash adds a whole host of additional features to your Apple TV such as a media player that can handle loads of different video formats, a WebKit web browser, Last.fm radio, Weather and RSS feeds.
The new Media Player included in aTV Flash (black) empowers you to go beyond iTunes and play most popular media formats. This includes formats such as: AVI, FLAC, ISO, M2TS, MKV, MP3, MP4, MPEG, MPG, VOB, WMV and many others.
Cover art and metadata are downloaded automatically and added to your files with an end result of amazing! If you’ve already taken the time to add your own metadata you can you can use that too.
Surf the web with a native web browser that provides a rich web experience on the AppleTV. Included is support for things like HTML5 music and video streaming as well as easy to use bookmarks and history. Navigating the web is easily done with the included AppleTV remote or the free Remote app for the iPhone and iPad.
Go beyond just listening to music and start truly experiencing it by utilizing the full power of Last.fm. While streaming Last.fm radio (or playing your own music) you’ll have access to artist bios, and a seemingly endless amount of artist photos.
Get quick access to weather and RSS news feeds. Your current weather location will be detected automatically, and other locations can be easily added as well.
aTV Flash version 1.0 is now available to buy and costs $29.95. You will need to have a jailbroken second generation Apple TV to take advantage of it.
Camera+, the popular photography iPhone app has been updated to include VolumeSnap, the ability to trigger the camera’s shutter with the volume buttons – again.
Last year, tap tap tap submitted a version of Camera+ that included VolumeSnap and Apple rejected it. Then tap tap tap tweeted about a hidden easter egg that would turn on the feature with the then-current version. Apple got wind of it and removed Camera+ from the App Store entirely.
Months later, Camera+ was allowed back into the App Store and Apple also also brought the functionality of VolumeSnap to iOS 5. Now, Apple has accepted the update for Camera+ that includes VolumeSnap.
VolumeSnap is back, beyotches!!
In addition to VolumeSnap, Camera+ is quite a fantastic photo editing app. One of my favorite features is the ability to expose separately from focus.
Camera+ is available on the iPhone and on sale for $0.99.
Join your hosts href="http://www.marianneschultz.com">Marianne Schultz and myself for The Show: 42 – “Hungry and Confused”. You can subscribe to our show on href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/everythingicafe-the-show/id403424132">iTunes, grab our href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/everythingicafetheshow">RSS feed, listen now or href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/everythingicafe/everythingicafe_041.mp3">download directly. We broadcast our iPad and iPhone podcast live each week. If you missed the live show, we hope you’ll join us next week for href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/live">live chat and more. Our next show will early next week, most likely Tuesday at 7pm EST. Follow @everythingicafe on Twitter for updates on timing. If you’d like to be included on a future broadcast, please call 646-820-3431 and leave your name along with your question. If you’d like to provide us with feedback, we’ve href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/threads/everythingicafe-podcast.54500/">set up a topic in our href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum">forums.
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