miCal for iPhone updated and on sale!

miCal – missing Calendar, by entwicklungsschmiede UG & Co KG, has been updated with optimized loading times and user defined repetition of appointments.

The app captures new appointments directly and is easily synchronized with existing calendars like Outlook, Google, Exchange or Facebook Events. The origin of various appointments can be traced at any time via color-coding. MiCal stores a suitable title for each event, a detailed description, a from-to-time and a possible repetition. Furthermore, an alarm may be set to alert the user through a beeper or via e-mail.

Update includes:

I really like miCal. It’s different and packed full of features. The danger with jamming an app full of features is clutter, but the developers have done a great job with miCal and the organization of the UI works and looks great.

miCal is on sale for $0.99 until Sunday. 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.

Calvetica Calendar for iPhone and iPad receives huge update

Calvetica Calendar by Mysterious Trousers has received a big update with a new interface, gestures, notifications, and tasks.

We’ve sweated the details and carefully crafted an experience that is tuned to the way people really use calendars. We’ve included all the features that really matter to you.

ALL NEW INTERFACE

POWERFUL GESTURES

NOTIFICATIONS

TASKS

I haven’t had a chance to check out Calvetica Calendar, but it comes highly recommended by many of our readers. I do like the interface for the month view on the iPad – the two panel design looks fabulous.

Calvetica Calendar is available on the iPhone and iPad for $1.99. 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.

Apple’s layered user experience approach

Apple implements an interesting layered user experience in both iOS and OS X. They’ve always done this to some degree; early on with Mac OS X, UNIX gurus could live comfortably in Terminal while those raised on the GUI of classic Mac and Windows would feel right at home in Aqua.

With iOS 4, Apple’s mobile platform added similar layers of user experience. While an expert user could double click home to open up the Fast App Switcher, or hide multiple apps into a single Folder, casual users could keep using the iPhone or iPad perfectly well without ever exposing either of those UI elements. iOS 5 adds Notification Center to the mix. Experts can click and pull and expose greater pro-level features while someone coming from a feature phone can use iPhone as little more than a phone that plays music and takes pictures. And both can be perfectly happy.

OS X Lion even adds an iOS-like upper layer with LaunchPad, so now the UNIX geek in Terminal and the GUI user in Aqua can finally give their parents, kids, and non-computer savvy family and friends an iPad-like app launcher to use, compete with auto-save, restore, and a host of other, far more humane features.

Making computers more and more mainstream is something Apple’s done from Apple II, through Mac, to iPad, and it’s something they’re continuing to invest in for Lion, and iOS 5. And their market share seems to indicate it’s paying off.

Apple Bidding on Video Service, Hulu?

Two sources with knowledge of an auction, who aren’t to be publicly revealed, have information regarding a possible bid on the online video service Hulu on behalf of Apple. The company with 76.2 billion dollars could be purchasing the service to supposedly be a bigger competitor with Hulu rival, Netflix.

Though no one was defiant on the matter, it could be true that Apple is looking into purchasing one of the largest video providing services online, Hulu. Why they would be interested in making this acquisition is beyond me, but there are a few perks included with the deal, and the analyst below seems to know:

“Part of the ecosystem of Apple’s future is to include more video. It’s something they’re focused on” says Wedbush Securities Analyst Scott Sutherland. He is in favor of Apple buying out Hulu’s stock.

Hulu’s media hosted on their website is owned by Comcast’s NBC, Walt Disney and News Corp, who are all offering the ultimate buyer a 5-year program rights extension. 2 of which include special access.

According to onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-21/apple-said-to-consider-making-an-offer-for-hulu-online-television-service.html');" target="_blank" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-21/apple-said-to-consider-making-an-offer-for-hulu-online-television-service.html">Bloomberg, multiple spokespeople from both companies refused to part with details regarding the matter. Wedbush Securities Analyst Scott Sutherland doesn’t think it’s ideal for Apple to be making such a big purchase, considering the purchase point could exceed $2 billion. The most Apple has ever spent on purchasing another company is $400 million, which was spent on Steve Job’s NeXT Software Inc, where he was when he initially left Apple.

I think it’s wonderful that Apple is looking to buy out a company such as Hulu. Though it could be an expensive offer, and finally the media service provider may not end up in their iArms, (Yahoo! is also thought to be in the auction) Hulu could prove to be a valuable investment in the future, especially with Apple gaining on the spot of the world’s most valuable company.

[Via onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-21/apple-said-to-consider-making-an-offer-for-hulu-online-television-service.html');" target="_blank" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-21/apple-said-to-consider-making-an-offer-for-hulu-online-television-service.html">Bloomberg]

Apple may be considering a bid to purchase Hulu

Two sources familiar with the auction are reporting to Bloomberg that Apple is considering a bid to purchase the Hulu service. This isn’t too hard to believe considering Apple has $76.2 billion in cash and securities.

Hulu is already a competitor to Netflix but if Apple does make an offer, this may give Netflix an even larger run for its money. Especially after Netflix’s recent pricing change, which angered a lot of its customers.

When asked, neither a Hulu or Apple representative would comment. If Apple does acquire the service, it would be interesting to see how that would affect the Netflix streaming currently offered natively for AppleTV users.

Would they simply kick Netflix out and replace it with Hulu? I can’t speak for everyone but given Netflix’s new pricing plans, I think I’d be okay with that…

Bloomberg

Apple and Google continue patent war, both bidding for InterDigital?

The Nortel Patent auction looks to have been just the first in a series of bidding wars between Apple and Google, as reports now indicate both companies may now be interested in InterDigital, a wireless patent firm. Apple was part of the winning $4.5 billion Nortel patent bid, and according to their 10-K filings, it appears their share of that bid was $2.6 billion.

Google may have lost that one — we’ll know for sure when the dust settles and the sale is finalized — but if InterDigital is any indication, they’ve only begun to fight. Apple licensed InterDigital patents back in 2007 for a 7 year period, but given the stakes, Google might just try to secure as many wireless patents as they can to protect themselves, and the Android platform, from potential lawsuits.

Wall Street Journal, Business Insider

Keep track of your kid’s allowance with iAllowance for iPhone and iPad

iAllowance, by Jump Gap Software, is an iPhone and iPad app for keeping track of allowance.

Put piggy banks and paper money behind you! iAllowance is the only thing you need to manage your child’s finances and teach him or her about saving and spending money. Whether you want to set up a weekly allowance or pay out a special reward, iAllowance handles everything for you with an eye-pleasing and easy-to-use interface.

I love this app and I don’t even have kids at an allowance-earning age! I’ve spent a little time playing around with it and it’s a must-have for parents. My favorite feature is the ability to set up parental controls so that your kids can keep track of their allowance and chores on their own device, but not have the ability to make changes. I also love that “accounts” with interest can be set up.

iAllowance is available for $3.99. 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.

Daily Tip: Create new playlists straight from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Curious how to create a playlist directly on your iPhone or iPad? We already know you can create them within iTunes, but what about when you’re on the go and want a different mix to listen to?

Creating playlists from your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad is just as easy as it is in iTunes. Follow along and we’ll tell you how!

That’s pretty much it! Next time you sync to your computer, your newly created playlists should also sync back to iTunes. I use this feature quite often on vacations and trips. I also find myself using it to add music I’ve just recently download to playlists that already exist. Do you guys use this feature?

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…)

iPhone Live 162: Sue and innovate

Rene, Seth, and Georgia discuss Apple’s 20 million iPhone quarter, Android vs. iOS activations, Steve Jobs vs. BlackBerry’s Mike Lazaridis, and Lion, and MacBooks and Thunderbolts, oh my! This is iPhone Live!

Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie)

Seth Clifford (@sethclifford)

Georgia (@GeorgiaTiPb)

Thanks to the TiPb iPhone accessory store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Our music comes from the following sources:

How to Add the Google Plus iPhone App To Your iPad

Google+ there’s and app for that… Just not for the onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad!

The current Google Plus app only works on iPhones running iOS 4.0 or later, but there is a workaround for Apple fans to add the app to their other iOS devices. The onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWNKpUHX5d0&feature=player_embedded/');" target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWNKpUHX5d0&feature=player_embedded/">iDownload Blog released an easy step-by-step YouTube video with instructions on how to download the iPhone app on your iPad. This also works for the iPod touch.

The directions are pretty simple, all you have to do is download the onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.apple.com/support/iphone/enterprise/');" target="_blank" href="http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/enterprise/">iPhone Configuration Utility on your Mac or PC, install it, and connect your iPad to your computer. Open the iPhone Configuration Utility, select iPad under “Devices” and install the iPhone Google+ app. You should see it listed on the right hand side after selecting iPad under “Devices.” Don’t forget to download the app from the iTunes app store.

Since the Google Plus app was created for the iPhone it doesn’t fit the iPad screen, so you will have to zoom in if you want to make it bigger.

iUser app for iPads

The iPad was made for personal use and Apple has thus far made sure that it is marketed that way. Unlike the PC or laptop, the iPad has a direct relationship with the iPhone and as such is designed for single person use. There is a practical and a business side to this strategy. Practically speaking, the design of the iPad (and other rivals) is based on the individual. From a business perspective, selling the iPhone as something to be used by one person is a great way to increase sales.

However, in reality the iPad is increasingly being used by groups of users as well, which is especially true in households and even small businesses. In addition, the growing variety of uses for the iPad is increasing the demand for user profiles. Unfortunately, the iOS is not designed to support user profiles. Fortunately, there is now an app to help solve that problem: the iUser.

Similar to the user log-in features of a desktop/laptop, the iUser allows multiple users to maintain profiles on the iPad in password protected settings. The app saves app data separately. This means the progress u make on a game or the work you save on some other app will be just the way you left it, even if someone else access the iPad via a different profile. Moreover, music, videos and apps themselves will be common to all users (again, similar to a normal desktop).

This app will almost certainly become a part of Apple’s future iOS updates because the iPad is becoming more powerful and more capable. As a result, they are genuinely becoming a viable replacement to traditional computers. Since many computers are shared by multiple users it only makes sense to make the iUser a part of the iOS system. This will truly give the operational feel of a traditional desktop and perhaps herald the end of traditional computing.

Source:

iPhone bike mount by Dahon

Cyclists all over will be pleased to know that Dohon, a Folding bicycle company has developed an amazing bike mount for the iPhone.
 

This is not just a mount in the traditional sense (i.e: somewhere to keep your iPhone while training or commuting). Instead, it seeks to use existing apps on the iPhone to create a versatile computer to help you monitor your progress.
 
The BioLogic Bike Mount will allow you to attach three variants of the iPhone: 3G, 3GS and iPhone 4. Or else, you could also attach an iPod touch. Once you are done, you can track your position, speed and distance via the GPS mapping function.
 
The bike mount is also designed to protect the iPhone from knocks and scratches. If you ride outdoors then you do not have to worry because the system is completely weather, sweat and mud proof. This does not necessarily mean that the iPhone will be completely sealed off because the system includes weather-sealed windows and ports for the front and rear cameras, charge cable and headphones.
 
In addition to the case, you should also opt for BioLogic’s “Reecharge” system, which plugs in your iPhone to a dynamo in order to let you charge it while riding. This is the best option for those who do a lot of long-distance riding. Given the iPhone’s relatively weak battery life, this will be a good investment. It also allows you to listen to music and make phone calls (not recommended while riding) to your heart’s content without having to rush back home to charge your iPhone.

This is simply the best accessory for cycling enthusiasts who want take their iPhone for a ride with them. The complete system costs $64.99 (not including the recharge system). This is perfect for both amateurs and serious trainers. However, when you park the bike, just make sure that you take the iPhone with you, lest it becomes a target for thieves.

Lodsys sues Angry Birds, SIMS, Atari, Square Enix, 2K Sports

Lodsys, the troll previously suing independent iOS and Android developers for infringing on a fax-machine era patent they claim covers in-app transactions such as upgrades and upsells, has now modified the suit to go after Angry Birds developer Rovio, SIMS developer Electronic Arts, Atari, Final Fantasy maker Square Enix, and 2K sports developer Take-Two Interactive. That takes the number of developers involved in the suit from 7 to 11.

FOSSPatents points out that this might mean:

Apple is still trying to intervene based on patent exhaustion, though that may or may not prove successful. Some developers, meanwhile, have removed their apps from the US App Store to avoid any potential suits.

For more, listen to our special edition iPhone Live 160: World War Patents.

[FOSS Patents]

Captain America: The First Avenger Invades the iPhone

Captain America isn’t just invading theaters this weekend, he’s also coming to the iPhone and onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" title="iPad" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad in Marvel Games’ Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty. The new side-scrolling game is only $4.99 and it pits Captain America against the Hydra organization and Red Skull during World War II.

In Sentinel of Liberty you must destroy Hydra by jumping and sliding over traps, tossing your shield to stun your enemies, and punching and kicking your way to the Red Skull to save the free world. All the action is controlled by the swipe of your fingers, including the kick-butt special moves.

The game features 24 levels, unlockable costumes, unlockable comic book covers and multiple cut-screens to keep the story moving along.

The game’s release coincides with Captain America: The First Avenger which is opening in theaters this weekend. The films stars Chris Evans (Fantastic Four) as Steve Rogers and is the last Marvel tie-in film before Joss Whedon’s Avengers hits theaters.

The E.N.D: Get Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 Free

Fans of Harry Potter, who are utterly heartbroken to see the E.N.D (informally the energy never dies) of their favorite movie star and book series, listen up: here’s your opportunity to keep the action going from your iPhone, iPod Touch or onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ipadngravy.com');" target="_blank" href="http://www.ipadngravy.com">iPad with onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/itunes.apple.com/us/app/lego-harry-potter-years-1-4/id404086528?mt=8');" target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lego-harry-potter-years-1-4/id404086528?mt=8">Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4. The nice folks over at OfferedApp have featured the wonderful port of a console legend as their daily application, which gives you the chance to get it absolutely free.

By completing a survey or some other sort of offer on onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.offeredapp.com');" target="_blank" href="http://www.offeredapp.com">OfferedApp, (everything else href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/offered-app-the-easiest-and-most-legal-way-to-get-paid-apps-free">previously covered) you can receive Warner Bros’ Harry Potter game for free today rather than pay the full $4.99 price, which is definitely a deal off of an already awesome game that I would’ve recommended before as well.

From my href="http://www.iphonealley.com/application_reviews/lego-harry-potter-years-1-4-app-review">review:

“Even if you’re not a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, there’s not a reason that you should pass on the chance of getting Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4. It’s worth buying solely based on its adventure game-like qualities, full interactive environments, and extremely fun core gameplay along with its lego themed artwork that instantly categorizes it as a classic. Everyone, if you’re reading this, go buy this wonder among wondrous ports. I have never had so much fun or been so sucked into a game, so I have to say that $4.99 is a generous price tag for such a deep game.”

So again, if you’re reading this before 12 AM EST, go check out OfferedApp.com and try to get this “wonder among wondrous ports”. You’ll thank me once you play the game.

Gameplay via The Game Trail/> width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GoMHquyze9A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Bye Bye Plastic MacBook

Yesterday, Apple said goodbye to one of their own, the white and black onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.macbookinsurance.com');" target="_blank" title="MacBook" href="http://www.macbookinsurance.com">MacBook.

If you went on the Apple Store site yesterday you would’ve noticed something different on the MacBook page.  The basic MacBook is gone and the new MacBook Air has replaced it.

So now if you want an Apple onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.worthavegroup.com/laptop-insurance');" target="_blank" title="laptop" href="http://www.worthavegroup.com/laptop-insurance">laptop, you’ll have to buy the MacBook Air starting at $999 or the MacBook Pro starting at $1199.

I’ll admit, I don’t understand all the specs on computers, but isn’t the hard drive on a MacBook Air smaller than most computers?  I understand the portability of the MacBook Air but if it can’t hold all my stuff, why would I spend a thousand bucks on it?

I was going to get either the white or black MacBook before school starts in August but now that my only choices are the Air and Pro, I’m not sure what I’m going to do.  I’d love to get the MacBook Pro but I’m a poor college student here!

What do you guys think about Apple getting rid of the regular MacBook?

Apple’s Volume Purchasing Now Open for Businesses

Through just a six step process, businesses can now start to purchasing applications from the App Store in bulk – or volume as the new program includes in its name. Announced href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/app-store-volume-purchasing-for-businesses-coming-soon">just a few days ago, the new feature offered by Apple is now in full gear.

As Apple states on its onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/enroll.vpp.itunes.apple.com/');" target="_blank" href="https://enroll.vpp.itunes.apple.com/">new sub-domain dedicated to the feature that has launched as of today:

“Whether you’re providing apps to two employees or ten thousand, the Volume Purchase Program makes it simple to find, buy, and distribute the apps your business needs.

The Volume Purchase Program also provides a way to purchase custom B2B apps built by third-party developers to meet the unique needs of your business.

The Volume Purchase Program for Business is coming soon to businesses in the United States.”

The process of setting everything up seems fairly simple. Along with the basics, Apple states you’ll need a company credit card that can be charged and a D-U-N-S Duns & Bradstreet Number. Then you can start buying applications by the bulk and start distributing them within your company using provided download codes.

[onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/enroll.vpp.itunes.apple.com/');" target="_blank" href="https://enroll.vpp.itunes.apple.com/">Via Apple]

Seems Apple is taking its first step towards become a bit more business-savvy, and I’m liking that they’re deciding to be more open towards businesses’ needs. Maybe eventually then can take a firm stand against the Blackberry’s extremely business-friendly-ness.

New Micro SIMs Point To T-Mobile iPhone?

I wouldn’t read too deeply into this, but T-Mobile’s new micro SIMs are being advertised as working with iOS devices. Billed as “Compatible with iPhones and iPads”, the SIMs are free on a two-year contract. Curiously, the ad copy even mentions that you can use it to activate an iPhone:

Already have a GSM phone or iPhone that you need to activate—or have an unlocked GSM phone you want to use on the T-Mobile network? Just get a Micro SIM card and choose a plan. Slip the ready-to-use Micro SIM Card into your phone and you’re ready to go.

To the best of my knowledge you can’t activate an iPhone on T-Mobile, and if you use an unlocked one, you’re stuck on Edge speeds anyway.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say this evidence of a T-Mobile iPhone, but it’s certainly interesting.

[via Art of the iPhone]

Syfy For iPad Is Exactly That

Syfy (née SciFi) has released a free iPad app in the form of Syfy for iPad with episode guides, news, behind the scenes looks, and a direct connection to the twitter feeds of stars and creators. While this app will tell you what’s showing and give you some snippets of content, what it won’t do is stream full episodes your way:

Syfy brings you the best of the best in this exclusive app for iPad. Watch exciting new videos, view photos and check out episode guides to catch up on the action! See what the stars and creators of Syfy shows are saying on Twitter. Check-in with GetGlue and earn exclusive Syfy stickers. Never miss an episode of your favorite show again. Ever. Use the schedule feature to save and set reminders about show times. Connect with the stars of Syfy series by using Syfy Connect. Get updates on the latest news about special events like Comic-Con, Ghost Hunters Live and Destination Truth Live. Syfy also offers personalized push notifications that alert you when special news from the channel is announced about the shows and more.

I dunno, I was hoping they’d be able to pull of more than just the usual behind the scenes stuff. In this day and age, streaming content is a requirement for any sort of media linked app, and it’s a poor show that Syfy can’t offer that.

How To Get Google+ For iPad and iPod Touch

When Google released the official Google+ app for the iPhone, it was a mysterious app that wouldn’t instal on iPads or iPod Touches. Now, most people would be content using the eminently functional mobile browser version of the service, which works perfectly well straight out of Safari. Others, however, desperately want to see that little app blown up to double size on their iPad — and this tutorial is for them, courtesy of RedmondPie.

Step 1: First, you will need to download iPhone Configuration Utility. The download links are given below for both Mac and Windows:

Step 2: Once you have downloaded it, simply install it like any other software on your PC or Mac, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Now if you haven’t already, connect your iPad or iPod touch with your PC or Mac.

Step 4: Download Google+ for iPhone directly from here on your computer.

Step 5: Launch iPhone Configuration Utility, on the left hand side, you should see your device. Click on your device name.

Step 6: On the tabs you see on the top of the screen where it is showing your device information, click on “Applications”.

Step 7: Now click on Add+ button and browse for the Google+ .ipa file which you downloaded in Step 4 above.

Step 8: In the “Applications” list, you should see the Google+ app, and right next to it should be an “Install” button, simply click the install button and in a matter of seconds the Google+ app will appear on your iPad or iPod touch. That’s it, you’re done and ready to scoop some friends inside your +Circles!

Yeah, it’s a total kludge, but if you don’t want to wait around for the real version, it’ll do in a pinch.

AT&T Activated 3.6 Million iPhones This Quarter

AT&T has just posted their quarterly financial stuff, and while most of it is pretty boring, there are some interesting iPhone related things there. Contributing to their $31.5 billion in revenue was the activation of 3.6 million iPhones — 24% of whom were new subscribers.

Okay folks, who were the people who bought iPhones in June knowing that a new one was coming in Fall? Because that’s a seriously dopey way to get stuck on a two-year contract with an old device.

Compare this to the 20.3 million iPhones Apple sold over the same period, and you see that AT&T accounts for 17.8% of Apple’s iPhone business — still an impressive number, what with the big push into China and the availability of the Verizon iPhone.

[via 9to5 Mac]

Apple Overtakes Nokia For Phones, Still Beating Android On Tablets

If you need any more evidence that Apple is doing ludicrously well on the mobile scene, we’ve seen three reports today showing just how far above the rest sales have been.

For the first time, Apple has surpassed Nokia to become the biggest smartphone vendor in the world. Sure, everyone still uses Nokia dumbphones, but Apple now officially rules the roost for the smartphone world. Last quarter saw Nokia ship 16.7 million smartphones, and Apple 20.3 million.

Apple had previously passed Nokia in revenue and profits, but this marks beating them on units, too.

Meanwhile, the iPad controls more than 60% of the tablet world — which Android is making significant inroads in to, but Apple’s OS still controls twice Android’s market share.

In the world of enterprise, the iPad is “trouncing Android” according to AllThingsD. What constitutes a trouncing? 95% of the market. Yeah, that’s a trouncing. I’m sure as Android continues to mature as a platform, that number will shrink, but it’ll be a while before Apple loses its lead.

iOS 5 “whispersync” working for podcasts between iPhone, iPad?

We haven’t been able to prove this ourselves yet, but we recently received several tips from regular podcast listeners, all on iOS 5 beta 3, who say they began listening to one of our shows using the Music (formerly iPod) app on iPhone and then went to continue listening later on their iPad, only to find it automagically began playing right where they left it.

We’re going to run a bunch of tests as soon as we can. iCloud already does this for iBooks, so if Apple is rolling it out across all media, we’ll finally be able to scratch another of our outstanding wants off the list.

(If you’ve experimented with this at all, let us know the results.)

Sid Meier’s Pirates! Heads To iPad

If you’re a gamer over a certain age, you probably remember Sid Meier’s Pirates!, an incredible game that was released on the Commodore 64, Apple II, PC booter, Apple IIGS, Macintosh, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Amiga, and the Nintendo Entertainment System between 1986 and 1991. Yeah, it was so good that it got ported to every platform on the planet, as was common in those days. 2004 saw the title remade for modern consoles and now seven years later, it’s been ported to iPad!

Available for just $3.99, you can buckle your swash across the Caribbean, seduce the Governer’s daughter, dance, fight, bury treasure, pillage ships, and generally live out all your childhood pirating fantasies.

Full app description after the jump:

All hands on Deck! Sid Meier’s Pirates! is an exciting high-seas adventure that allows buccaneers to helm one of 27 fully customizable ships as they descend upon unsuspecting ports of call to amass a motley crew of seafaring bandits. As a fearless Pirate Captain you will collect hidden treasure maps, undertake daring missions and courageous rescues, and swiftly hand out pirate-style justice to local braggarts at every port. The wild call of the ocean will lure you back to sea where they’ll encounter enemy pirates and engage in mind-blowing open sea battles unlike any other game before on the iPad.

Overflowing with intense pirate action, Sid Meier’s Pirates! features a treasure chest of gameplay riches including traditional minigames, such as Sword Fighting, Ship Combat and Dancing.

• Take the helm of 27 ships and customize them with assorted ammo, cannons and other upgrades
• The classic adventure by renowned creator Sid Meier, re-imagined for the iPad to take full advantage of touch controls
• Use the iPad’s touch contorls to parry, counter and effectively out duel your opponents into submission with lightning quick moves onboard ships, in taverns, and even in the exclusive Governor’s mansion
• Challenge and pursue the most famous pirates in history, including Blackbeard, Captain Kidd and Henry Morgan

*Features specific to iPad 2
- Piratize your own picture using the iPad 2′s camera
- Improved graphics
- Additional visual effects

[via Cult of Mac]

Add some color to your iPhone with Incipio Ultra Light Feather Case

The Incipio Ultra Light Feather Case for iPhone 4 (including Verizon iPhone) is for those who want some color and style without any extra bulk. It comes in black, bright purple, pink, forest green, metallic black, metallic white, metallic gray, coral, turquoise, yellow/green, metallic purple, and metallic orange. Phew!

ShopIncipio Ultra Light Feather Case!

Make your shopping lists simple with Buy Me a Pie! for iPhone

Buy Me a Pie!, by Skript, is a new shopping list for the iPhone. It’s beauty is the simplicity. You can also sync your lists with the cloud or share view SMS or email.

Buy me a Pie! is available for $1.99. Screenshots and video 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.

Cars 2 World Grand Prix Read and Race now available for iPad

Disney has released an interactive iPad book, Cars 2 World Grand Prix Read and Race.

Rev your engines for this thrilling Cars 2 original story—a must-read for racing fans! This action-packed app features stunning Disney/Pixar movie images, exciting tap-and-play interactivity, professional narration, music and sound effects, 3-D car customization, and two amazing racetracks.

Cars 2 World Grand Prix Read and Race is available for $6.99. 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.

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Thursday, July 21

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!

IsoSketch: Effortlessly draw on an angled isometric grid and create beautifully precise geometric artwork. [$2.99 for iPad - iTunes link]

Sheep At Stake: Take your multi-tasking abilities to the extreme by helping the sheep pass obstacles by opening switches, moving flying platforms, activating ramps and more. [Free for iPhone - iTunes link]

Business Card Reader (Sale): Import contact information from a business card directly to your iPhone address book. [On sale for $0.99 for iPhone - iTunes link]

Where To?: A simple tap is all it takes to instantly find the nearest restaurants, doctors’ offices, post offices, parks, public pools or hotels. [$2.99 for iPhone - iTunes link]

Cryptid Curling: – A relaxing colour matching bouncing puck game of angles that’s extremely hard to put down. [Free for iPhone and iPad - iTunes 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.

Apple passes Nokia to become biggest smartphone producer by volume

According to Financial Times, Apple has passed Nokia to become the biggest smartphone producer by volume on the planet. It took both Apple’s recent 20 million iPhone surge, and Nokia’s just as recent decline for the two to switch position, but that it happened only 4 years after Apple entered the market is impressive none the less.

Apple was already the biggest smartphone maker by revenue and profits, but the April-June period marked the first time it had surpassed Nokia in volume.

Nokia recently began a painful transition away from the “burning platform” of Symbian towards Microsoft’s Windows Phone, similar to the one Palm (now HP) took towards webOS and RIM is taking towards QNX.

Apple, meanwhile, is full speed ahead on iOS, with iOS 5 set for release this fall, and most likely iPhone 5 to go with it.

[Financial Times]

Deadlock: Online, a free multiplayer shooter now available in the App Store [video]

Deadlock has just been released in the US App Store and if you are into online multiplayer shooter games you really should check this one out. Deadlock is a dual-stick shooter game designed for online play with up to eight other players via Game Center.

Features:

• Gorgeous 3d Graphics


• Up to 8 player online multiplayer action.


• Over 30 weapons including assault rifles, sub machine guns, grenades and more.


• Robust loadout system including multiple weapon attachments, and armor.


• 3 Gameplay modes at launch including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture & Hold


• 30 ranks to earn with rewards for each rank you earn.


• Asynchronous Online Tournaments – automatically be entered into new tournaments running every day and every week to win unlock points which can be used to unlock new weapons and items.


• Gamecenter integration for tournaments and achievements, character stat tracking.


• Character synchronization between multiple devices (iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch)


• 5 Maps at launch with more on the way!

The game is free to play for a limited time, we don’t know how or if that will change in the future; so if you want to try it, do it now. There are also in-app purchases to unlock game features. These are optional and can be unlocked through game achievements anyway.

The game is a universal binary so compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. We have the game trailer after the break, take a look if you are still unsure what it is all about. I think it looks extremely fast but a lot of fun!

[Free – iTunes link]