Readdle’s PDF Converter Closes a File Compatibility Gap

There is one file format that is universally compatible on the majority of devices and can serve a variety of unique uses: PDF. Readdle has recognized that with its acclaimed PDF Expert iOS app and the release of its new PDF Converter app this week, which can take just about anything you throw at it and transform it into a PDF file.

From documents (with iWork, Pages, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint support) to photos, PDF Converter will gladly provide a PDF after the conversion. A web page – effectively saving internet content for offline viewing, contacts, and copied content are included in that list, though it goes impressively more extensive than that. PDF Converter is added to the list in the iOS “Open In…” function and through that, documents, remotely-stored content (such as through MobileMe iDisk or Dropbox), the developer’s ReaddleDocs, and practically everything else that presents the option can be converted into a “professional PDF document.”

It could not be easier to save an email in all its glory since a few taps will have both emails and attachments can become a PDF, where they appear in their original formatting, for single-file sharing. Speaking of sharing, AirPrint support is built into the app for wireless printing. PDF files can be emailed directly from the app. Of course, files can be saved for future use.

No more worrying about file restrictions and incompatibility across different computers, tablets, and phones with the ultimately-professionial and utilized PDF format. Readdle’s PDF Converter provides users with an effective solution to create a PDF from practically any source using apps they’re accustom to.

$6.99 for the onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad.

[onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/itunes.apple.com/us/app/pdf-converter-save-documents/id447444215?mt=8#');" target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pdf-converter-save-documents/id447444215?mt=8#">App Store link]

Daily Tip: How to tethered jailbreak iOS 5 beta 3 via Redsn0w 0.9.8b2

Since Apple recently released iOS 5 beta 3, you may be wondering whether or not you can jailbreak as you could with beta 1 and beta 2. Fortunately, beta 3 is also jailbreakable.

But again, we’ll warn you that beta software has its own qualms to begin with so if you’re not comfortable with a few more bugs, we urge you to stay away. Also keep in mind a lot of jailbreak tweaks and apps have not yet been updated to support iOS 5. If you absolutely need to get your beta jailbreak on, follow along for another walk-through.

If your device is not listed above, please do not attempt to jailbreak your device. So yes, iPad 2 owners will have to wait or jailbreak iPad via JailbreakMe on iOS 4.3.3.

Have you jailbroken iOS 5 beta 3 yet? Let us know your results and about any bugs you find. If you’re having issues, don’t be shy! Ask for help in our official TiPb Jailbreak & Unlock forums.

Tips of the day will 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 news@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

Apple introduces volume purchasing for business

Apple has sent out a notice to developers that they’re introducing volume purchasing for business. This is something I asked about recently, after Apple mentioned that Final Cut Pro X would be available in volume, and it’s good to see Apple’s not keeping it for themselves. In fact, it looks like they’re going even further.

Get ready today. Business customers will soon be able to buy your apps in volume. Click through the latest Paid Applications Agreement so that your apps will be offered for sale when the Volume Purchase Program is available to businesses.

Custom B2B Apps

Through the Volume Purchase Program, you’ll be able to sell custom B2B apps to your business customers. Custom B2B apps provide tailored solutions to address specific business needs. Get a head start on developing custom B2B apps today.

While we don’t know how this will work yet, based on previous information Apple will likely do something along the lines of providing a set of redemption codes for any purchase of 20 copies or more of a given app. It’s also possible that discounts might be on the table (though whether those will be discounts based on volume, or just educational discounts, I don’t know.)

Customization options apparently include branding, configuration, and security, but also require a minimum price tag of around $10.

Once again, it’s great to see Apple experimenting with new and better App Store models.

G-Form Extreme Portfolio iPad case available for pre-order

For the iPad, there are numerous cases and most of which provide basic protection from scratches, smudges or a light drop. However, for those of want extreme protection, there are relatively fewer options. By extreme we mean, the worst possible accidents including a fall from a multi-story building or having to endure the crushing weight of large objects. For the extreme user, a simple protection is equal to no protection because the iPad in itself is a delicate device. The iPad does not come especially hardened and you cannot get a specific configuration. The only choice you have is getting a strong enough case to protect it from the worst possible damage. Fortunately, there is now a viable solution for those seeking the best protection: the G-Form Extreme Portfolio.
 

This case will protect the iPad, iPad 2, and a variety of Android tablets, including the Motorola Xoom, HP TouchSmart, Acer Iconia and the Samsung Galaxy. Thus, it is perfect for a virtually every type of tablet PC user. Users will be able to choose from two colors: black yellow or black. In addition, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Since the casing protects a multiple devices (as long as they have a 10” screen), it can be easily interchanged and is relatively future-proof as well. Therefore, this casing is certainly going to be a long-term investment, which is not the case with most of the casings in the market right now.
 
Specifications
 
Height: 11 inches (279.4 mm)
Width: 9 inches (228.6 mm)
Depth: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
Weight: 1.25 pounds (567 g)
 
Inner Device Holder Dimensions:
 
Height: 10 inches (254 mm)
Width: 8 inches (203.2 mm)
 
The main form of protection is provided via Reactive Protection Technology, which is a combination of PORON XRD material, and G-Form technology. While this may sound complex, it is important to note that the company itself has released some very innovative protective casings for a variety of electronic devices.  The company also takes pride in its various patented features.
 
However, what matters to the actual user is the fact that this case is both lightweight and water-resistant and features an internal layer of polycarbonate. In addition, there is also an extra pocket for documents.
 
There are two basic configurations when using the case: the A-frame configuration, which can be used in either portrait or landscape mode; the reverse zip configuration, where the front cover can be reverse zipped behind the tablet to provide double layers of RPT protection.
 
The price of the G-From Extreme Portfolio is $79.95 and is currently available for pre-order. We would recommend this for users who work in hazardous environments like construction or manufacturing. However, if you mostly use your iPad in the house or at a typical office environment, then this might seem unnecessary.  If you are mellow user then a simple cover will get the job done. Of course, if you are prone to extreme accidents, then you might want to strongly consider this product.

Is Apple Adjusting International Prices? [updated]

If you’ve ever bought an Apple product outside of the USA, you know the prices can be devastatingly high — far more than warranted by the exchange rate. In fact, with a comparatively weak US dollar, buying apps and hardware internationally can be a major wallet drain.

We’re now hearing rumors that Apple may be moving to redress this imbalance by shifting the prices of both their hardware and their software.

9to5 Mac has heard that Apple retailers around the world will see a “modest-significant price drop” on models, and in some cases this is more than the equivalent of a $100 discount.

Meanwhile, MacStories thinks the current iTunes Connect downtime may be to deal with a similar problem with iTunes prices, which see some nations having to pay a more than 100% premium on content.

UPDATE: This has been confirmed by MacRumors, and here are the new prices for a $0.99 app:

UK: £0.59 -> £0.69
Australia: AU$1.19 -> AU$0.99
Japan: 115 -> 85 Yen
Mexico: $10 -> $12
Switzerland: 1.10Fr -> 1.00Fr
Norway: 6.00Kr -> 7.00Kr

How Much Does Apple Actually Make from the App Store?

Apple has been pretty open with everyone on how many applications have been downloaded from the app store. Progressively, as each major figure is reached, announcements are made. Last week, href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/app-store-reaches-15-billion-downloads">Apple announced that a total of more than 15 billion applications had been downloaded from the app store – a large milestone for a retailer such as Apple or for an company at all, to say the least. What Apple isn’t too open about, is exactly how much profit they make from the total sales. Analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray has taken Apple’s quietness as a cue and has estimated that amount.

According to Gene Munster, the average cost of an application on the app store is $1.44, of which 70% goes to developers, 1% goes towards application storage, 16% goes to credit card companies and only 13% goes to Apple. So basically, Apple only makes $0.18 on a $1.44 application while credit card companies and developers are making more./> href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/how-much-does-apple-actually-make-from-the-app-store/attachment/chart-2" rel="attachment wp-att-20309">src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/chart.jpg" alt="" title="chart" width="610" height="458" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20309" />/> Munster estimates that since the launch of the app store in 2008, the 15 billion application downloads have brought in a total profit of $292 million for Apple after other fees have been deducted ($538 million originally, $246 million deducted because of fees for storing and developing free applications). It’s not too shabby for Apple, but it’s wondrous that Apple is giving such a large cut of the sales to developers and that credit card companies are making an additional three percent on each app sale.

Apple yet has to release their actual profit figures, after expenses and all, but until then, Munster’s estimates seem to be pretty accurate. And, of course, a company as broad and important (target="_blank" href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/apple-ranks-as-21st-biggest-retailer-according-to-us-sales">21st largest retailer) could not survive on that kind of money – the app store not only brings in a portion of Apple’s total annual numbers, but also attracts the millions of iPhone, iPod Touch and onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad customers that keep Apple alive.

Apollo: Browser+Facebook chat optimized for Google Reader

VoyagerApps have updated their iPad web browser, Apollo, with optimization for Google Reader.

Before Apollo, you could only browse the single-column iPhone layout of Google Reader on the iPad. So we tweaked the Google Reader web app in Apollo and changed it to a two-pane layout, just like the Email app. You can browse folders and titles on the left pane, and when you tap on it, content shows on the right pane – perfect for iPad.

Apollo: Browser+Facebook chat is available for free. Screenshots after the break.

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 re-aligns international iTunes App Store prices

Apple seems to have taken advantage of the iTunes Connect maintenance window to altered prices in some countries due to exchange rate changes with the US dollar. The countries effected seem to be the countries listed in Apple’s scheduled maintenance email, Mexico, UK, Australia, Switzerland, Japan and Norway.

Three of the countries have seen price increases, while the other three have actually seen price cuts.

The lowest priced apps/games (US: $0.99) are now priced at

Norway: 6.00Kr 7.00Kr

Japan: 115 Yen 85 Yen

Have you been effected by any of these price adjustments? Will the price differences change your buying habits at all?

The WINGStand Makes Your iPad And Keyboard Play Nicely

There’s something to be said for simplicity, which is where the WINGStand has really impressed us. This iPhone/iPad accessory clips onto the back of your Apple Bluetooth keyboard, and supports your iOS device in either portrait or landscape orientation.

While it doesn’t charge your phone or do anything fancy, what it does offer is a rather simple and elegant way to couple these two devices for when you need to do some pretty serious text entry via iOS.

The WINGStand isn’t quite for sale yet, as it’s still in the process of funding via Kickstarter — but a $20 donation will get you one as soon as they’re ready to ship.

Amazon preparing a 9-inch iPad competitor for fall

The Wall Street Journal claims Amazon is going ahead with a 9-inch Android-based tablet to compete with the iPad.

Amazon.com Inc. plans to introduce a tablet computer before October, said people familiar with the matter, in a move that will heighten the online retailer’s rivalry with Apple Inc.

The Seattle-based company will also release two updated versions of its popular Kindle electronic reader in the third quarter of the year, the people said. One will be a touch-screen device. The other won’t have a touch screen, but will be an improved and cheaper adaptation of the current Kindle, said people who have seen the device.

On the surface, that sounds great. A lot of other competitors, including RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook and HP’s webOS TouchPad have struggled to ship feature-complete, and previous Android Honeycomb tablets had a similar beta feel about them. All in all, they seemed to be bringing specs to an experience fight.

At first blush the idea of an Amazon-filled Android tablet sounds better than a non-Amazon filled Android tablet (though Samsung and other companies are putting together better and better content offerings of their own every day.) But that’s all it really is at this point. Until we see it, it will be impossible to know for sure, but the Kindle inspires absolutely know confidence in their industrial design chops, much less their user interface skills. If the next version of Android, Ice scream sandwich is ready by then, and if Matias Duarte has been able to work his web OS wonders on it, maybe Amazon will be able to stick with stock. But that’s a big maybe. Apple has made it very, very hard to compete on software polish, and their huge bank account has made it ever harder to compete on hardware pricing.

Amazon has content though. While they’re working on it, currently neither RIM nor HP nor Google have TV, movie, music and other content deals in place to match iTunes, nor do they have the 90-country strong check out system, with hundreds of millions of credit cards ready and willing to buy. Amazon does. Sort of.

While Amazon has an incredible array of content deals in place in the US, probably the most competitive to iTunes on the market, the international story is quite different. Sure, even Apple struggles with the archaic, fragmented media licensing model that assigns different publishers different rights in different geographies, but Apple’s App Store is in the aforementioned 90 countries, iTunes music is around the globe, and they’ve slowly and surely rolled out movies and TV shows to an increasing number of countries. Canada may not have TV rentals yet, but they have HD movie rentals and TV show purchases. They have something.

Amazon said they’d be bringing Amazon MP3 to Canada in 2008. It must be having a hell of a time at the border, however, because it still hasn’t made it across. When you listen to Apple’s earning calls, more and more of their revenue is coming from the international market, a market that now has incredibly popular Apple Stores to provide a retail jab to set up the iTunes Store uppercut.

So Amazon could be bringing content to an experience fight. But it would be mostly in the US, and if they nail the other aspects.

I really want a great iPad competitor. I haven’t seen one yet. Though they’re every bit as ruthless as Apple, if not more so, I really want Amazon to be that competitor. But I haven’t seen anything to date to make me think they will be.

Slapping a tablet on the front page of Amazon.com will get them sales, but they’ll have to make a truly exceptional product to get them into the game.

Especially if Apple is readying to ship an iPad 3 or iPad 2 Pro at the same time…

[Wall Street Journal]

Is Apple Adjusting International Prices?

If you’ve ever bought an Apple product outside of the USA, you know the prices can be devastatingly high — far more than warranted by the exchange rate. In fact, with a comparatively weak US dollar, buying apps and hardware internationally can be a major wallet drain.

We’re now hearing rumors that Apple may be moving to redress this imbalance by shifting the prices of both their hardware and their software.

9to5 Mac has heard that Apple retailers around the world will see a “modest-significant price drop” on models, and in some cases this is more than the equivalent of a $100 discount.

Meanwhile, MacStories thinks the current iTunes Connect downtime may be to deal with a similar problem with iTunes prices, which see some nations having to pay a more than 100% premium on content.

AirPlay mirroring for FaceTime coming in iOS 5?

From all accounts, it appears that iOS 5 will offer include AirPlay support for FaceTime. iOS 5 beta 3 was recently released under NDA, but TiPb’s Rene Ritchie was able to trial AirPlay mirroring “at a developer friend’s place” and called the experience “magical“.

It should be noted that plenty of features introduce themselves in beta releases, but don’t make their way to the official release. Here’s hoping this one makes the final cut when iOS 5 is released this fall.

TiPb via Tuaw

PLAY By AOL Is Like Instagram For Music

AOL has just released an app to take them into the wild and woolly world of social music sharing. PLAY by AOL just hit iTunes, and this free app allows you to stream and listen to music, and share what you like with your friends. TechCrunch compared it to Instagram as a way of discovering new tunes and sending that music out into the wild for everyone you care about to learn about — either via the app or through Facebook or Twitter.

The free service plugs into your own library, and also has a large selection of streaming content in the form of  SHOUTcast radio, CD Listening Party, MP3 of the day. If a song your friend listened to isn’t available to stream, you can hear a snippet and buy it over iTunes.

iTunes Connect Is Down Today, Lion Tomorrow?

According to MacRumors,  Apple has taken down iTunes Connect for most of today, in what we assume is preparation for the assumed launch of Mac OS 10.7 Lion tomorrow. iTunes Connect is down for most of the day, Pacific Time, while Apple does some maintenance type stuff. An email was sent out to devs saying:

iTunes Connect will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT.

During this time, iTunes Connect will still be available. However, pricing changes made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PDT will cause the app to become unavailable for purchase until maintenance is complete, at which point the app will become available at the new price. To avoid interruptions to the availability of your apps, do not make price changes during this time.

Lastly, customers may not be able to purchase apps in the Mexico, U.K., Australia, Switzerland, Japan or Norway storefronts during the scheduled maintenance.

Regards,
The App Store team

So if you’re not in the USA and your iTunes purchases aren’t going through today, now you know why. Hopefully by tomorrow everything should be fixed and ready to go.

Plus, you know, Lion.

Poll: How do you feel about Netflix’s new pricing?

If you’re in the US and you subscribe to Netflix, we’d like to know how you feel about the new pricing they announced yesterday? If you’re only into streaming, not much has changed. If you want unlimited DVDs as well, however, you need to cough up an extra $6 a month.

Maybe DVDs are a relic to you, or a bag of hurt, and you haven’t watched optical media in years. Hey, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV don’t support them anyway! Maybe, however, since Hollywood still can’t get their digital release act together, they’re a beloved part of your home theater experience.

Or maybe it’s not about whether or not you watch or want DVDs, but about how Netflix is treating you as a customer that matters? No doubt shipping all those envelopes around the country is getting more and more expensive, but are you perceiving increased value for the increased costs on your end? Or do you feel like you’re being weened off the old era before the new one is really ready to replace it?

Are you peeved enough to take your streaming elsewhere? To get your DVDs from a competitor? Or are you going off DVDs altogether?

Vote up top, and let us know how you really feel — and what you think Netflix should do about it — in the comments.

Get a personalized TV guide with Peel for iPhone

Peel – Personal TV Show Guide is an iPhone app that generates a personal TV guide based on what shows you like.

As you are browsing through TV shows on Peel, pick a handful that you like or dislike and let Peel know about them. Within a couple of days, Peel will start pleasantly surprising you by suggesting TV shows that you will love. We call it magic!

I’ve been desperately wanting to watch some new shows, so I look forward to seeing what Peel recommends for me. Has Peel given you any good recommendations?

Peel is available for free on the iPhone. Screenshots after the break.

[iTunes 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.

34% Of iPhone Owners Think They Already Have 4G

Way to make us look like nincompoops! Retrovo has analyzed more than 1000 smartphone customers over the course of June looking at knowledge and assumptions about 4G — and they found that a full 1/3 of iPhone users think they already have a 4G device, despite all models of the iPhone topping out at 3G.

Look folks, iPhone 3G has 3G. iPhone 4 is just the fourth iPhone, that’s why it’s not called the iPhone 4G.

They also found there’s a hell of a lot of confusion about what 4G is, where it’s offered, how much it should cost and just about everything else. You know why that is? Because every carrier has a different qualification they consider to be 4G, but none of them actually meet the minimum speed requirements for the official definition for 4G, so they’re pretty much lying.

[via TUAW]

Foxconn persuades Apple to drop search for second iPad manufacturer?

Despite the recent rumor that Apple was looking to add a second manufacturer to its iPad supply chain, DigiTimes‘s magic 8-ball now says it won’t happen… this year at least. Foxconn has convinced Apple that it can manage the whole iPad operation on its own.

Foxconn has exerted its efforts to protect its orders and apparently has persuaded Apple to not shift some of its iPad orders to other contractors for the moment.

Pegatron Technology were the likely manufacturer that Apple had ready to step into the fray; should it be needed. It now appears that Pegatron will have to make do with its rumored order for  iPhone 5s instead. Pegatron are still looking to secure orders for future versions of the iPad as well as notebook and desktop Macs according to the same sources. Pegatron Technology currently manufactures the Verizon CDMA iPhone 4 for Apple.

[DigiTimes]

Words With Friends HD update brings shuffle

Newtoy Inc. has updated their popular word game, Words With Friends HD, with the ability to shuffle your tiles and much more.

I have been waiting so long for a couple of these features! Specifically, being informed which of the multiple words I’m trying to submit is invalid and the ability to shuffle my tiles have been my two biggest requests. It’s about time Newtoy added these features to Words With Friends.

Words with Friends HD is available for $2.99.

[iTunes 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.

iTunes Connect closed on Wednesday, July 13. May affect app availability, App Store access

Apple has sent out a note to developers advising them that iTunes Connect, the back end interface for managing App Store apps, will be down for maintenance on Wednesday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT. They also warn that some countries will lose App Store access, and price changes might cause apps to temporarily become unavailable.

During this time, iTunes Connect will still be available. However, pricing changes made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PDT will cause the app to become unavailable for purchase until maintenance is complete, at which point the app will become available at the new price. To avoid interruptions to the availability of your apps, do not make price changes during this time.

Lastly, customers may not be able to purchase apps in the Mexico, U.K., Australia, Switzerland, Japan or Norway storefronts during the scheduled maintenance.

Everything should be back to normal following the maintenance, and it’s not difficult to imagine Apple’s new OS X Lion launch for the Mac might be nicely set up soon thereafter.

China Telecom To Finally Get iPhone At End Of This Year?

According to Reuters the smallest carrier in China might finally get the iPhone at the end of this year. Apple has been making a concerted push into China for a couple of years now, a move to tap what is the most rapidly growing international market for high-end electronics, and adding another major carrier in the country could provide a significant boost to sales.

Currently China Unicom is the only carrier of Apple phones in China, but Reuters sources say China Telecom will get the devices by year’s end.

iPhone have traditionally taken a remarkably long time to launch in Asia, so I hope this means that they’ll at least get the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 or whatever it is when it does launch.

iTunes Connect down on Wednesday, July 13. May affect app availability, App Store access

Apple has sent out a not to developers advising them that iTunes Connect, the back end interface for managing App Store apps, will be down for maintenance on Wednesday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT. They also worn that some countries will lose App Store access, and price changes might causes apps to temporarily become unavailable.

During this time, iTunes Connect will still be available. However, pricing changes made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PDT will cause the app to become unavailable for purchase until maintenance is complete, at which point the app will become available at the new price. To avoid interruptions to the availability of your apps, do not make price changes during this time.

Lastly, customers may not be able to purchase apps in the Mexico, U.K., Australia, Switzerland, Japan or Norway storefronts during the scheduled maintenance.

Everything should be back to normal following the maintenance, and it’s not difficult to imagine Apple’s new OS X Lion launch for the Mac might be nicely set up soon thereafter.

PLAY by AOL Music arrives in the App Store

AOL has just released its PLAY music app and it looks very interesting. It offers free music streaming as well as a way to share what you’re listening to with your friends via Twitter and Facebook. The app comes with its own music player with access to your iTunes library and also enables you to stream SHOUTcast radio, access CD Listening Party (free streaming of complete albums) and MP3 of the day.

Key Features:

• Listen to your music in a beautiful custom music player


• Play music from an extensive collection of free songs and CD’s updated regularly


• Access to over 47,000 SHOUTcast radio stations


• Share your musical experiences with friends and followers


• Find and follow friends using the app through Facebook, Twitter, or Searching


• Add your own album art to your shares


• Share your musical experiences on Facebook and Twitter


• Listen to previews of your friends music posts and buy songs you like on iTunes


• Comment on and like your friends shares, you can tag friends in comments too! Just @username your friends and they’ll get an alert


• Get notifications when a friend follows, likes or leaves you a comment

The app is available free in the App Store and works with the iPhone and iPod touch; running iOS 4.0 and above. It will also work with the iPad but it is not a universal binary. Looks like it is a U.S. only release for now, but that may change.

[Free – iTunes link]