Monday, October 31, 2011

Learn arithmetic with Bubbling Math for iPad [Kids Corner]

Bubbling Math is an educational iPad app for children to refine their arithmetic skills. It aims to make math fun by making it a game with levels and rewards. It also breaks down the child’s results in the parents section so you can know how your child is progressing.

As a math educator, I firmly believe that the irrational fear and hatred towards mathematics begins at young age and I hope that apps such as Bubbling Math will help give children a positive attitude towards math that carries over into adulthood. I have tried many children’s math apps, but not all of them make the cut and remain on my iPad. Bubbling Math has earned permanent residency.

Your child will love to do math tasks – because this is a game – complete with levels, goals, nice graphics and music. Your child can practice all the elementary math operations, and you, as a parent, can set what task to practice.

Bubbling Math is available on the iPad for $1.99.

[App Store link]

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.

Google readying native iPhone Gmail app?

Google readying native iPhone Gmail app?

MG Siegler, blogging on his own parislemon site says multiple sources are telling him that the stars have finally aligned for a native Gmail iPhone app>

Perhaps the biggest issue with using Gmail through the iPhone’s native mail client is that Gmail is not Push-enabled. Yes, you can hack it to work through Exchange, but then you lose other functionality, such as the ability to star messages via flags. The native Gmail app will likely bring other key functionality as well: like Priority Inbox and one-click starring of messages. Other possibilities include some of the stuff Google is about to roll out for Gmail proper: like contact icons, better threading, and deep searching functionality. Maybe there will even be some Google+ integration, which Google is also hard at work on for Gmail.

While Google’s Gmail has handy features, they’ve never made it play nicely enough with regular IMAP or Exchange mail to have Stars translate to Flags, and Labels to efficiently correlate the Folders. Because of this, Android has annoyed me for years by having separate mail apps for standard email and for Gmail. A real unified inbox across multiple accounts, Gmail and non-Gmail alike is compelling. For power Gmail users, however, a native iOS Gmail app is likely even more compelling.

Let’s see how well Google can pull it off.

Source parislemon

Trio of New iPhone 4S Ads Highlight Siri, Camera and iCloud

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-Shot-2011-10-31-at-8.18.56-PM.png" class="lightbox" >src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-Shot-2011-10-31-at-8.18.56-PM.png" alt="iPhone 4S camera" title="Screen Shot 2011-10-31 at 8.18.56 PM" width="626" height="344" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24912" />/> Last night, Apple started running three new advertisements to promote the new iPhone 4S. They highlight Siri, iCloud and the all-new camera.

width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vSAje0EgYjY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/86LxStLXrf4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vSAje0EgYjY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Simple, effective. It’s what we have come to expect from Apple’s advertising.

Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone Review

There are no shortage of docks for the iPhone, a good number of which help double as speaker systems, in addition to charging your iPhone. These are great if you enjoy waking up to music from your iPod or using it as a stereo somewhere in your home. For travelers who need a simple nightstand clock and those not looking for an audio system, the selections for a simple charging dock are minimal. One such dock is the Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020267.jpg" class="lightbox" >class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24899" title="P1020267" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020267.jpg" alt="Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone Review" width="650" height="434" />

With the 30-pin dock connector at the bottom of the iPhone, a good number of docks require your iPhone sit in portrait mode. If you are trying to utilize your iPhone as a bedside clock replacement, then you probably want a proper landscape orientation. The Kensington Nightstand Charger comes with a standard 30-pin to USB cable and travel charger. On the other end is a block that plugs into the bottom of your iPhone. The angle of the Nightstand Charger allows it to act as a kickstand, meaning that you can stand your iPhone in portrait mode.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020274.jpg" class="lightbox" >class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24900" title="P1020274" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020274.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="434" />

Once you set up your iPhone, you can use one of the countless apps for time and alarm purposes. Kensington offers a free app titled href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nightstand/id314418752?mt=8">Nightstand that is available in the App Store. One big issue for me was the lack of an alarm clock. The app requires that you use the clock for time, but Apple’s clock for setting alarms. I like to keep things easy, with everything in one app. That’s why my personal favorite is href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alarm-clock-pro/id335678373?mt=8">Alarm Clock Pro, which is priced at $0.99. It allows you to wake up to music and or your choice of alarms. I find it incredibly easy to set the clock and it has a 100% track record when it comes to waking me up. It also supports gestures and can provide some basic weather information. Again, there are numerous options, so find one that is best for you.

width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jhDqnif_B_0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>/> Below are the three different clock faces available in the Kensington app.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020271.jpg" class="lightbox" >class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24901" title="P1020271" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020271.jpg" alt="Kensington Clock" width="390" height="260" />

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020272.jpg" class="lightbox" >class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24902" title="P1020272" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020272.jpg" alt="Kensington Clock App" width="390" height="260" />

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020273.jpg" class="lightbox" >class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24903" title="P1020273" src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P1020273.jpg" alt="Kensington Clock app" width="390" height="260" />

The Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock is a function over form type of iPhone accessory. When you unplug your iPhone, you are left with a not so attractive charging brick. Even when it’s plugged in, the dock looks heavy next to the iPhone. If you travel, I certainly could see this as a great option as opposed to taking a standard charger.

Pros:

Cons:

Conclusion

If you are looking for an accessory that will help transform your iPhone into a nightstand clock, the Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock is a no-frills option that will get the job done. I’d highly recommend a third-party app with built-in alarm functionality such as href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alarm-clock-pro/id335678373?mt=8">Alarm Clock Pro, rather than having to switch between two apps. With the free app and small footprint, it makes for a good option for travellers and those who value function over design.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/7of10.png" class="lightbox" >src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/7of10.png" alt="7 of 10" title="7of10" width="75" height="150" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24909" />

The href="http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K39258US-Nightstand-Charging-including/dp/B003XU5YTQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1320099947&sr=8-7">Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone or iPod touch retails for $39.99. You can find it at various online retailers for as low as $24.99.

TiPb celebrity iPhone and iPad sightings for October 31, 2011

Hello everyone and welcome to a little feature we like to call the TiPb celebrity iPhone and iPad sightings roundup! Time to take a little break from your daily routine and relax with a little gossip from the world of the rich and famous. What do all of these celebrities have in common? They all were spotted with an iPhone or iPad, of course. Check out a ton of pictures after the break, and if you spot a celebrity rocking an iPhone or iPad, drop us an email at so we can include them in the next roundup, next week!

Please note: Some pictures may from time-to-time be NSFW (Not Safe For Work) so use discretion when viewing.

Adriana Lima makes a call on her iPhone while at the gym.

Amanda Seyfried chats on her iPhone while out and about.

Courtney Love with her iPhone.

Eva Longoria checks her phone while out shopping.

Gwen Stefani attended Kate Hudson’s Halloween party this weekend, dressed as Cinderella. No princess is complete without her iPhone, and Gwen threw in some Tic Tacs for good measure.

Jennifer Love Hewitt looking.. well, frumpy. She has a red case on her iPhone, at least that looks nice.

Jessica Alba, looking beautiful as always in a casual summer dress, chats on her iPhone.

I don’t know much about Jodi Gordon, but she looks hot soaking up the sun on the beach with her iPhone.

Twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon look ready to party!

Rashida Jones dressed as a Blow Pop for Halloween. I hope she didn’t get her iPhone sticky.

Here is Rumer Willis in Beverly Hills with her white iPhone.

Andy on The Office, just as he receives word on his iPhone that the boss is coming the Halloween party!

How to buy more iCloud storage space

Backing up multiple devices or maybe you want to keep a copy of your Camera Roll and the tons of videos that come with and, and you’re wondering how to buy more iCloud storage to contain it all? Well you the good news is, Apple makes it incredibly easy.



  • Tap on Storage and Backup




  • Tap on Buy More Storage




  • A new box will now open up offering your three options.

You can now select to increase your storage to 10GB, 20GB or 50GB per year. Once you select one, you will be billed for that year; although Apple will offer refunds within 15 days or purchase. The picture above shows the costs in UK Pounds. The US equivalent will be $20, $40 and $100 a year.

A point to note, before you go for extra storage. Any music, apps, or iBooks that you bought through iTunes is stored for free in iCloud, as is your Photo Stream. So make sure you really need more before upgrading from the free option.

Beer Pong HD for iPhone and iPad

Now you can play Beer Pong – with virtual beer! Not only does Beer Pong HD follow the official rules of the World Series of Beer Pong, it uses realistic physics algorithms and also uses the camera to simulate being drunk. Oh, and you better watch out if you play against the AI, as they will trash-talk you throughout the game in an effort to throw you off your game.

Although this is a virtual game with virtual beer, no one says you can’t be drinking a real frosty beverage while you play! Drink responsibly.

Be sure to check out the promo video below!

“Beer Pong HD” is the long awaited sequel to the only officially licensed Beer Pong game on the App Store: Beer Pong. It has improved graphics, more realistic physics, it uses the OFFICIAL rules as used in the World Series of Beer Pong, and best of all it is totally FREE! Throwing balls has been made very easy; it uses a similar mechanic as seen in Angry Birds : Pull the ball back, aim and shoot. So you”ll still be able to pick this game up if even when you had a few beers yourself. You can also play the game with your friends ONLINE or offline and share your highscores through OpenFeint and Game Center. You’ve messed with the rest – now try the best! And why not, it’s FREE!

Beer Pong HD is available on the iPhone and iPad for free.

[App Store link]

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.

Daily Deal: Ventev PowerCELL for iPhone, iPad only $29.95

Daily Deal: Ventev PowerCELL for iPhone, iPad only $29.95For today only, the TiPb Store has the Ventev PowerCELL for iPhone, iPad on sale for only $29.95!. That’s an external lithium-ion battery with 1700mAh delivers hours of additional talk and playtime on your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or any USB device. Get them before they’re gone!

Shop Ventev PowerCELL for iPhone, iPad now!

iPad Live 80: Wonder Vader, dammit








It’s Halloween, so join Wonder Georgia, Seth Vader, and Rene, dammit to talk iPad vs. Kindle vs. Nook, Newsstand blues, 3D mapping, making apps with apps, Apple TV Jailbreak, and Steve Jobs’ final words. This is iPad Live!

Thanks to the TiPb iPad Accessory Store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Music Hear me Roar by iPad Live theme song contest winner, DieselJesus!

iPad Live Podcast

Halloween costume uses two iPads to make a huge hole in your stomach [video]

NASA employee Mark Rober has come up with a fantastic Halloween costume that uses two iPads to create an amazing effect. He positioned one iPad 2 under his shirt on his front and one on his back. He then cut out two holes in his shirt around the iPads and added some fake blood around the openings.

Now this is the clever part, he setup a FaceTime call between the two iPads. The iPad 2 on his front shows what the iPad 2 on his back is seeing in its camera. This then creates the illusion that you can see right through his gut and out the other side!

Take a look at the elaborate set up in action in the video below. One small problem, the FaceTime call will need an active Wi-Fi connection; if you plan on trying this when you are out tonight, don’t forget your MiFi!

Source: Gizmodo

Apple Developing Airplay Mirroring, iMessage for Mac OS X

href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/10/30/apple-looking-to-bring-airplay-mirroring-imessage-application-to-mac-os-x/">9to5mac is reporting that  sources familiar with Mac OS X say that AirPlay Mirroring and an iMessage application are currently in development for OS X Lion. AirPlay Mirroring for the Mac will allow a user to wirelessly mirror exactly what is shown on their Mac’s display to an Apple TV connected to a projector, television, or external monitor. A great idea for the classroom or conference room, this could also boost sales of the Apple TV 2.

width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Xkfp2HNIEBM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

As for iMessage, many have speculated that the app may be integrated into the OS X iChat application, and this may see the light of day as well, but sources are saying that a decision on whether or not iMessage will be released as a standalone product or as an integrated featured into iChat has not been finalized. The iMessage app will connect to iMessage for iOS, which debuted as a free messaging client for iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches running iOS 5.

Self-Checkout Coming To Apple Stores Using iOS App

MacRumors is reporting that Apple will launch an update to the Apple Store iOS app that will enable customers to self-checkout for accessories and other lower-cost items. Purchases made will be charged to the customers iTunes account. If you’ve spent any time in an Apple Store, there are no shortage of crowds, even on a regular non-launch day. The report does not provide information on how Apple will manage customers who are purchasing via the app and then leaving the store.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/apple_store_app_icon.jpg" class="lightbox" >src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/apple_store_app_icon.jpg" alt="Apple Store self-checkout" title="apple_store_app_icon" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24891" />

If it’s similar to other self-checkout systems, you can expect an Apple representative to assist those using iOS apps to checkout. One method could be to have the customer receive a bar code at the completion of the transaction, which could then be scanned by a floating Apple Store rep. While it would still require staffing on Apple’s part, it would make for a faster checkout.

Source: href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/31/apple-retail-stores-to-allow-self-checkout-via-ios-app-for-accessory-purchases/http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/31/apple-retail-stores-to-allow-self-checkout-via-ios-app-for-accessory-purchases/" class="broken_link">MacRumors

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Monday, October 31

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!

Orchestra To-Do: The to-do list that’s connected to everyone you work with. It not only helps you organize what needs doing, it also helps you communicate with others to get things done. [Free for iPhone - App Store link]

Mad Rush: Once upon a time, there lived a little rabbit. He grew up without his father, who disappeared many years ago in a galactic racing tournament. But despite the rabbit’s small size and the absence of a father, he was born with a powerful force beating within his heart! Little did he know that when they are most needed, his powers would awaken from deep inside, helping him defend his home from the evil Mr. Storm, who has his sights set on destruction! [$0.99 for iPhone and iPad - App Store link]

Howdy: Choose an e-card, snap a photo or video with your iPhone, type your message and have Howdy send it over. Easy as can be! [Free for iPhone - App Store link]

Buildo Rescue Sticker Book: Features 103 hand designed, full-color stickers themed around the Emergency & Rescue Services. There are boats, police cars, ambulances, helicopters, jet skis, scuba divers, doctors, nurses and loads more to choose between! Simply drag a sticker into one of four panoramic soundscapes and watch as an imaginary world comes to life! [$1.99 for iPhone and iPad - App Store link]

Ringtones Complete: If you’re looking for normal, elegant, and professional ringtones – without the annoying cartoon sound effects or pop songs – then you’re looking for RCP Ringtones. We design the smartest and best sounding normal tones available. [$4.99 for iPhone - App Store link]

Any other big app or game releases or updates today?

Check out the promo video for Mad Rush 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 App Store link), and we’ll take a look.

Read for iPad

Read is an iPad for reading websites and blogs without clutter. Say goodbye to ads and sidebars filled with useless information – Read strips it all away leaving you with only the content you wish to read. Read is preloaded with a wide variety of sources and the list continues to grow each day.

A beautiful and efficient way to read the web’s best blogs and news sites. Going through articles is an estimated 170% faster than regular browsing. Since all the clutter is gone, Read will only load the most important stuff: content.

Read is available on the iPad for $2.99.

[App Store link]

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.

Apple to enable self-service checkout at retail via Apple Store app?

Apple to enable self-service checkout at retail via Apple Store app?

MacRumors and Heylookitsseric are both claiming Apple will be updating their Apple Store app to allow customers self-service checkout for off-the-shelf items like iPhone and iPad cases at Apple Retail.

Apple is also updating its own Apple store app on iPhone/iPod to incorporate EasyPay that allows customers to check themselves out for accessories purchases. EasyPay is the same platform Apple employees use to complete those in-store credit card purchases. Since higher priced Apple products are all stocked up in the backroom, you’ll still have to find the help of an employee. Expect the update in a few days on November 3rd, just in time for the holidays.

Hopefully Apple and their customers are both nerdier and more competent than those at my local grocery store or turn self-serve into an ordeal far beyond any staff-driven transaction. “Beep. Put the item down.” “I did.” Beep.Put the item down.” “I DID!” “BEEP! Y U NO PUT ITEM DOWN!” “HULK SMASH PUNY MACHINE!” And, well, we all know how that ends.

IN addition to in-store pick up of online orders, which Apple has also begun experimenting with in San Francisco, they’re also reportedly looking into shipping to multiple address on Apple Online to make gift-giving easier than ever.

In this day and age, when other online retailers like Future Shop make it so onerous and restrictive you don’t even want to order from them anymore, it’s nice to see Apple trying to offer more, not less, and shift the transactional burden off the customer where it never belonged.

Let’s hope it works out for everyone because either way we’re in for an interesting Black Friday and holiday shopping season.

Source: MacRumors, Heylookitseric

Mobile Nations Monday Brief: October 31, 2011

























Mobile Nations



















Follow Ashley On: Twitter or Google+

Mobile Nations

 

AirPlay Mirroring and iMessage on their way to the Mac?

According to “sources familiar with the future of Mac OS X”, AirPlay Mirroring and iMessage are both set to make an appearance in the not too distant future. The sources, talking to 9to5Mac claim that both of these applications are in development although they could be shelved just as easily.

AirPlay Mirroring would certainly be a welcome addition to the Mac OS X platform, allowing a user to mirror the screen of their Mac without the need for an expensive projector. You could see Apple TV’s popping up in company boardrooms attached to smaller LCD panels.

iMessage may be introduced into the current iChat application after references were discovered in its code. No firm decision has been made yet and it may even end up as a standalone application. According to the source, both solutions are being developed. iMessage would allow a Mac user to message any iOS device for free.

It makes a lot of sense for Apple to offer these features on the Mac OS X platform, it now looks like it is going to happen in a future update.

Source: 9to5Mac

 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

TiPb TV 2011 Hallowe’en special

In a special Hallowe’en episode of TiPb TV, Georgia asks Siri to reveal the secret origins of Android. When Siri hesitates, Georgia gets all Themyscira on its apps. Happy Hallowe’en from TiPb and Mobile Nations!

TiPb TV 2011 Hallowe'en special

A Moving Eulogy Written By Mona Simpson

The NY Times has published a eulogy written by Steve Jobs sister, Mona Simpson. It’s a rare and moving look at Steve Jobs. You can read it href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/opinion/mona-simpsons-eulogy-for-steve-jobs.html">here.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/steve-jobs11.jpg" class="lightbox" >src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/steve-jobs11.jpg" alt="" title="steve-jobs11" width="300" height="376" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24880" />

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