PADACS PowerCase for iPhone 4 Review

PADACS enters into the iPhone 4 battery-extending game with its PowerCase contender, which looks to take on the likes of leaders like Mophie, and it does succeed in a few ways, albeit with a few caveats. Should this be your choice for extra juice when it counts? Read on to find out.

Crafted out of a black glossy plastic, the PowerCase has a nice look reminiscent of the iPhone 3G’s. To an extent, the likeness is noticeable with the case’s curved shape as well. Though slightly slippery as is to be expected from the glossy finish, it is a fairly attractive package.

Since PowerCase contains a battery, it can provide an iPhone 4 on AT&T (the case will not fit the Verizon version due to its revised button placement) with hours of additional usage. There is certainly a noticeable weight addition, but it is not overly annoying and does not make the iPhone particularly hefty. The 1600mAh variant of PowerCase should be able to supply an extra 70% of battery life, while the ever-so-thicker and heavier 2200mAh offering we were sent to review is good for double the life.

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_2.jpeg');" href="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_2.jpeg">class="alignright size-full wp-image-21193" title="PADACS PowerCase" src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_2.jpeg" alt="" width="135" height="221" />As is standard fare for a case of this type, there is a blue LED power indicator on the back that can inform a user how much juice is left in the PowerCase’s internal battery with the tap of a button. The button also acts as a switch to turn the charging capability on or off in order to save it for later. Charging is accomplished through an included micro USB cable, perfect for connecting to a computer or the Apple power adapter.

I cannot be sure that this is a consistent issue in the PowerCase’s manufacturing, but I have to note how the review unit I was sent does have a few dot-sized areas on the inside of the case where the iPhone is slid in that have protruding plastic. This could be a problem due to the tendency for the iPhone to get scratched through constantly taking it in and out of the PowerCase. Since this may not be a recurring issue, if the case otherwise appeals to you go ahead and order one to check for yourself.

For a quality glossy battery case, PADACS does have a nice offering with its PowerCase for iPhone 4. This would be more of a winner if manufacturing quality control was higher, but mine may just be a unique case (no pun intended). Again, I stress that it may likely not be a persistent problem in every case. Price point is right, and there are two options for either thin-minded or power-minded customers.

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/power1-1000x1000.jpg');" href="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/power1-1000x1000.jpg">class="alignleft size-full wp-image-21196" title="PADACS PowerCase" src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/power1-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" width="260" height="260" />/>  

target="_blank" href="http://www.padacs.com/cart/product.php?id=95">/> Buy from PADACS

PADACS Aksent Earphones Review

Even though PADACS, a self-proclaimed “iAccessories” company, may not specialize in audio they do get a lot right with the Aksent earphones – yes, down to the name. Nonetheless, it is fit for more specific styles of music and audio preference. Will these be the perfect complement to your mobile-listening experience in the sub-$50 price range? For some; let’s take a closer look.

PADACS gets points for a stylish design (and branding). The gunmetal look and tapered-cylindrical shape provides just enough flair for the earphones to look distinctive. Foam earbuds provided are comfortable and many do seem to prefer the foam over more traditional rubber. If we did have one complaint with the earbuds, it is that there could have been one or two more sizes included in between the small, medium, and large options that do come in the package however the importance to consumers boils down to individual ear size.

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_5.jpeg');" href="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_5.jpeg">class="alignright size-full wp-image-21203" title="PADACS Aksent" src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_5.jpeg" alt="" width="137" height="193" />Since this is an accessory from an Apple-centric company, it would be assumed that the volume controls would be tied to the device but that is the not the case. Instead, volume can be independently lowered on the headphones without affecting the device’s volume setting. Not a deal breaker in the slightest since a playback control is offered here. A more-than-adequate mic makes the offering a headset also.

Of course, sound is where any earphones matter most. In the $50 range, Aksent does not disappoint. Sound seemed to be most-optimized in the low-end, with a booming but still fairly precise bass. Particularly distinct instrument separation and a wide soundscape are not highlights, but still just about on-par with many of its direct competitors. Warmth is good but at the same time is again fitting in its market space.

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_3.jpeg');" href="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_3.jpeg">class="alignleft size-full wp-image-21210" title="PADACS Aksent" src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image_3.jpeg" alt="" width="153" height="149" />Where Aksent excels is in how the low-end is satisfying but does not overpower as many cheaper headphones that attempt to provide a quality low-end tend to do. Listeners mainly looking for earbuds that will playback bass-heavy music will find a quality solution with Aksent. (My music taste sways more towards rock and pop.) For an audiophile like myself, Aksent does not particularly impress until taking its price into consideration. Once it is compared to fair competitors, it is apparent that Aksent is in fact a good value and can certainly impress for $50, especially since a mic is built-in. However outside of the audiophile world, users may find this a step-up from typical offerings from trendy (but not quality) brands such as Skullcandy.

Note: Testing was accomplished on an iPhone 4 with various types of music through the (excellent) MOG music subscription onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/itunes.apple.com/us/app/mog/id372093286?mt=8');" target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mog/id372093286?mt=8">app streaming high-quality 320kbp/s MP3s.

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ear6-1000x1000.jpg');" href="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ear6-1000x1000.jpg">class="alignleft size-full wp-image-21214" title="PADACS Aksent" src="http://www.iphonealley.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ear6-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="280" />

 />  />  />  />  />  

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.padacs.com/cart/product.php?id=72');" target="_blank" href="http://www.padacs.com/cart/product.php?id=72">Buy from PADACS

5 Tips for a better iOS camera experience

Users of iOS devices do not usually go easy on the camera quality (critics are even harsher). However, the truth is that the quality of the pictures does not necessarily depend solely on the hardware but also on techniques used to take the picture. The following are some helpful tips to improve your photographic experience with iOS.
 

Not the best stand-alone option
 
If you are going to take professional pictures with an iPhone then you are going to be disappointed. However, the camera is great for general conditions. So if you want to take a few pictures while hanging out with your friends, then the camera would be just fine. In addition, make sure that you have good light when taking a picture because the iPhone camera has improved but it is still not good enough for low-light pictures. Finally, set your flash to “manual” so you can have control over the lighting.
 
Do not flinch
 
When taking pictures, even a slight jerk at the last moment can ruin it. Therefore, always get into a proper position before taking the picture. This means holding your elbows steady and having a firm grip on your iPhone. The iOS 5 update will make things easier because you will be able to snap pictures using the volume control buttons. If you have a little extra cash, then get a tripod for the iPhone, which will ensure a more stable picture.
 
Move them closer together
 
When taking pictures we usually move around to get the best focus of the subjects. However, the problem is that all that moving and bending around can result in poor quality pictures. If you want, good pictures of a group of people then do your best to get them as close together as possible. Focus on your subjects at all time and make sure they are in the centre of the picture. This reduces the need to move around or engage in a lot of post-picture editing.
 
Manual Zoom
 
Yes the zoom function maybe cool but remember that it is best to use it as a last-resort. The best way to capture a picture is move close to it as possible. You will have to use your common sense on this one because obviously you will not be allowed to move close to your subject in all possible circumstances.
 
Dig into the Apps
 
The iPhone camera app is great to get started but if you want to have some fun or a better iOS camera experience, then you need to get yourself some high-end camera apps. Some of the most popular free camera apps include ones like Synthcam and just.SelfTimer. These apps may not improve the picture quality per ce, but they will improve your experience.

Demand for iPhone 5 already at peak

Usually the demand for a product rises after it is actually launched. If this is the case, Apple’s new iPhone 5 will have a very strong surge in demand from all over the US.
 
A recent survey of 3,000 US consumers by the retail store PriceGrabber.com indicated that 35 percent of shoppers play on buying an iPhone 5. Of these respondents, around half of them said they would want to buy it as soon as it is released while another 30 percent said they would want one by the beginning of 2012.
 

When asked about their smartphone platform, 48 percent of consumers responded that they would opt for an iOS device. Meanwhile another survey by Nielsen, indicated that 31.1 percent of users would opt for an Android phone as their next smart phone while 30 percent said they would choose the iPhone. This is very interesting because currently the Android platform is the more popular based on market volume.
 
Interestingly, the surveys not only indicated that a significant share of US consumers want an iPhone but it also indicated that the motivation to buy an iPhone is dependent on the expectations of better features like a longer battery life.
 
Perhaps the survey has been influenced by the new iPhone season and the non-stop rumors regarding the iPhone 5. However, whatever the case, Apple has definitely created a powerful aura around its products because people are willing to buy the iPhone 5 even before giving it enough time to be properly reviewed. However, this advantage seems to be decreasing because the percentage of iPhone fans who want to wait and see what the iPhone will look like without rushing to buy it is increasing.

Apple is also launching a volley of legal suits at its Android rivals in hopes of elevating the Apple brand against that of its competitors. Whatever the outcome, the next iPhone is guaranteed to get a warm response thanks to the amazing features and the brilliant marketing skills of Apple.

Apple Releases Two New iPhone Ads For iTunes and App Store

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Apple has released two new “if you don’t have an iPhone ads”. The first shows off the app store, but this time how you can use it with scanners, by showing off the Delta and Starbucks apps that are currently available.

The second shows off iPod and iTunes, specifically mentioning Genius recommendations.

width="560" height="349" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0">name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Udl6rP5shs0?version=3&hl=en_US" />name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />width="560" height="349" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Udl6rP5shs0?version=3&hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" />

iPhone 5 Out For Carrier Testing?

href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2011/aug/02/iphone-october-september-more-likely">According to the Guardian, the iPhone 5 is already out to carriers for testing, hinting at a sooner rather than later launch date.

my carrier sources tell me that the boxes in which the new iPhone hardware is encased have been transported to carriers for testing. This is an important step in the release cycle for any phone…The next iPhones go for their testing inside locked and sealed boxes so that the carriers can carry out checks on their network compatibility in their labs. It’s very high security, as you could guess; my understanding is that barely anyone inside the carriers gets to open those boxes, and even when they do the hardware is encased in a dummy body which means there’s no clue to what the actual phone will do.

I think we can all imagine that Apple would have super-tight security for the next iPhone release in the wake of the iPhone 4 being accidentally ditched at a bar like it famously was. Encasing the iPhone 5s in boxes so that no-one can get to them? That sounds more or less right — wasn’t there something similar with the original iPad, where it was rumored that a couple of major publishing houses had them, but under strict lock and key?

Analysts Weigh In On iPhone 5

With the rumor mill speeding up to a pace so fast that it makes our faces bleed, the vaguely respectable world of analysts have decided to weigh in on Apple’s upcoming product.

href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/08/02/apples_fifth_gen_iphone_could_be_bigger_upgrade_than_expected.html">Shawn Wu of Sterne Agee thinks that the iPhone 5 could be a “bigger upgrade than expected,” will have a larger screen, the same processor as the iPad 2, and will have the same form factor as the iPhone 4, but with a thinner bezel.

This might match a rumored iPhone 4S rather than a completely redesigned iPhone 5.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster thinks the iPhone 5 could do as much as href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20086831-37/analyst-iphone-5-could-double-apples-market-share">double Apple’s market share, and in a survey of 216 mobile phone users he found that people wanted a new iPhone — and that 42% of surveyed Android owners wanted to switch.

As always, analysts make their living by throwing darts at a list of events, and don’t take their word on anything.

The difference between Apple iPad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet commercials

Apple’s fist iPad 2 commercial, aired back on April 2, said:

This is what we believe. Technology alone is not enough. Faster, thinner, lighter, those are all good things. But when technology gets out of your way, everything becomes more delightful, even magical. That’s when you leap forward. That’s when you end up with something… like this.

So naturally, Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab 10.1 commercials are called — wait for it — Faster, Thinner, and Lighter, and focus on just exactly those things.

No, we couldn’t make this stuff up.

[via Mashable, Android Central]

Verizon Joining in on iPhone Discounting?

Earlier I href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/radioshack-target-reducing-iphone-4-price-clearing-inventory-for-iphone-5/">posted an article on two iPhone retailers discounting their iPhones reasonably as a possible act of anticipation for the iPhone 5: Target and RadioShack had discounted all models of the iPhone by $50 and $30, respectively. I also mentioned that both AT&T and Verizon were still offering it at its normal price, meaning the aforementioned retailers were the only ones doing the promotion/act of anticipation. Now, I’ve received word from one of our readers letting me know he received an iPhone from Verizon for the discounted price.

If Verizon is now offering the iPhone for this lower price, of course, then it obviously confirms that iPhone sellers and carriers are both gearing up for the launch of the iPhone 5 – a possible October or September release, with the latter being the more favored one by this news.

If you’re by any chance going to be ordering a new iPhone anytime soon, preferably a 16GB version from Verizon, please take the time to let us know whether or not you got it at the discounted price of $169.99. Verizon Wireless currently still shows its regular $199.99 price tag, which is odd considering one of our readers specifically said he got one for the discounted price (onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceCategoryId=1');" target="_blank" href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceCategoryId=1">link to Verizon):

“I just ordered an iPhone 4 from Verizon. They were quick to give me the $169.99 price even though I wasn’t eligible for the ‘new every two’ credit. Is Big Red clearing out their 4′s as well?”

So, again, please let us know below. This is all based on one readers words and is not yet confirmed.

Skype for iPad Sneaks Into App Store, Gets Pulled, Comes Back

href="http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/mzl.hbikxjsd.480x480-75.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22859" title="mzl.hbikxjsd.480x480-75" src="http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/mzl.hbikxjsd.480x480-75.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" />

In a frankly bewildering late night display, Skype for iPad href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/08/01/skype-for-ipad-released-in-new-zealand/">showed up in the New Zealand app store, was released internationally, was then pulled down for being released “prematurely” but is now available again! Yay! That’s right folks, href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/skype-for-ipad/id442012681?mt=8">Skype for iPad is finally here! It’s a free app that brings video calling over both 3G and WiFi. It’s more or less everything you’d expect — Skype optimized for the slightly larger screen.

We were originally told that the app was coming “soon” in href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/skype-to-hit-ipad-soon/2011/06/27/">June of this year — and six weeks later it has finally arrived.

Full product description after the jump:

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Bring your Skype contacts closer with full screen video at your fingertips./> Beautiful and simple, this is Skype built especially for the iPad. Call, video call, or instant message anyone on Skype. Plus, if you add a little Skype Credit, call landlines and mobiles at really low rates.

Simple to use:/> • Join Skype on your iPad in a few moments or just sign straight in to your account./> • If you already have a Skype account, your Skype contacts will automatically be there on your iPad./> • We’ve made adding new Skype contacts really easy./> • Once they’re in your Contact list, call, video or instant message them in one touch./> • Flick through recent calls and instant messages in your Skype for iPad history./> • Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). Call Skype contacts on their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, PC, Mac and even Skype enabled TVs.

Access free Skype features:/> • Talk face-to-face or show what you’re seeing with front and back-facing cameras./> • Use Skype for iPad to call anyone else on Skype – and enjoy near CD quality (SILK) sound./> • Instant message and add emoticons to personalize your messages.

Then unlock even more features when you pay a little:/> • Make cheap calls to landlines or mobiles from your iPad./> • Get an Online Number from Skype so people can call you on your iPad.

If you want to unlock these extra features, you can pay in a way that suits you./> • Pay As You Go with Skype Credit – great for when you’re using Skype every now and again./> • Pay monthly with a subscription – best if you use Skype a lot.

System requirements:/> • Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above./> • Send and receive video using front or back camera on iPhone 4, iPad 2nd Generation, and iPod touch 4th Generation./> • Send and receive video using rear camera on iPhone 3GS./> • Receive video only on iPad 1st Generation and iPod touch 3rd Generation./> • Works with any H264 compatible devices, including TVs.

Enjoy Shark Week all year round with Ultimate Sharks iPad app

Hot on the heels of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week Live for iPhone we now have Ultimate Sharks iPad app for real Shark Lovers!

Ultimate Sharks immerses you in the predatory world of the ocean’s deadliest sharks – as only Discovery can. Designed specifically for the iPad, you’ll experience interactive 3D sharks, hours of exclusive HD video, and hundreds of stunning high-resolution photos.

• 10 DEADLIEST SHARKS: Packed with robust content about the most fearsome shark species known including the Great White, Hammerhead, Tiger Shark and others


• 3D INTERACTIVE SHARKS: Control the sharks with your fingertip. Make them swim, hunt and attack


• HIGH QUALITY VIDEOS: Over 3 hours of custom-created shark videos produced from Discovery’s legendary shark library and narrated by Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame


• AIRPLAY-ENABLED: Share your favorite shark videos with friends and family on the big screen


• ATTACK STORIES: Unbelievable tales of human encounters with sharks


• EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: Over 75 screens of content, expertly written text and narrative, interactive maps and infographics


• HI-RES PHOTOS: Over 250 breathtaking high-resolution photos from some of the world’s most celebrated wildlife photographers

If you love watching Sharks, then this app is for you. Ultimate Sharks costs $4.99 and is iPad only. 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.

Final Fantasy Tactics Gets iOS Release This Week…For A Price

style="text-align: center;">href="http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/252090_10150327688469365_167831379364_9512639_7577929_n.jpg">class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22862" title="252090_10150327688469365_167831379364_9512639_7577929_n" src="http://cdn.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/252090_10150327688469365_167831379364_9512639_7577929_n.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="293" />

style="text-align: left;">Square-Enix’s classic strategy RPG Final Fantasy Tactics will be available in the app store from this Thursday — but it’ll cost a pretty penny to play a game that’s 15 years old. They announced the information href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/square-enix-dlg/final-fantasy-tactics-the-war-of-the-lions-product-information/10150255684381301">over Facebook, saying that the app will be released August 4th, and it will go for $15.99. That’s right, $16 bucks for a very old Final Fantasy game — and that’s just the iPhone version. The iPad version is still being worked on, and is at least a month behind, possibly more, and I’m betting will have a higher cost.

style="text-align: left;">I know I’m not the only one href="http://www.1up.com/news/final-fantasy-tactics-costs-16-times-much-most-app-store-games">who thinks that a steep price, especially for an old game with multiplayer functionality (from the PSP version) stripped from it.

What do you think? Is this too much to ask for a legacy port onto iOS?

RadioShack & Target Reducing iPhone 4 Price, Clearing Inventory for iPhone 5?

Today, I bring you a short piece of news, but one definitely with importance pertaining to the iPhone 5. Two particular retailers (suspense, even though I say who in the title) have dropped the price of the iPhone 4 in supposed anticipation of a new hardware update – in other words, possibly to clear up as much stock as possible in preparation for the iPhone 5.

It was thought over the weekend that iPhone retailers Target and RadioShack would soon be dropping the price of their iPhone 4s, and that speculation was confirmed yesterday by onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/08/retailers-dropping-prices-on-iphone-in-advance-of-impending-update.ars');" target="_blank" href="http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/08/retailers-dropping-prices-on-iphone-in-advance-of-impending-update.ars">ars technica. The two sellers, Target and RadioShack, have each dropped the price of both of their iPhone models, reasonably, with a $50 sale and $30 sale, respectively.

From ars technica:/> “We verified Monday morning that Radio Shack has a current promotion running through Saturday, offering the iPhone 4 for $169.99 and $269.99 for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively.

We also spoke to contract phone sales representatives from Chicago-area Target stores, who confirmed that the iPhone 4 can be had for $149.99 or $249.99 for 16GB or 32GB models with a two-year contract. Leaks over the weekend suggested Target may have different pricing depending on whether the iPhone was activated with AT&T or Verizon, but we were told that the price applies to both carriers.”

Why would they do such a thing? Maybe just in the spirit of…um…? The iOS world thinks not. Instead, it is thought that the two retailers are prepping for the release of the iPhone 5, which the date of is currently being debated over whether it’ll be a September launch or an October launch. The latter seems very unlikely at the moment, if in fact the two retailers are gearing up for its launch so early. Though this may be the case since the iPhone 4 sells so much.

But the contradictory point, is that other iPhone retailers are still selling the iPhone at its original price-point. Both AT&T and Verizon, when checked with, are still offering the phone for its regular $199/$299 for 2 year contract price, which leads me to think that 1) more retailers will begin to drop their price soon or 2) Target and RadioShack are feeling generous.

Regardless, people that have been preying on the iPhone 4, now’s definitely your chance to bite, unless you want to wait for the iPhone 5 release price drop for Apple’s then old hardware. Your call; the rumor mill isn’t being too decisive yet, so no one can tell you exactly how long you’d have to wait for that steep discount in price. Consider two months at the latest.

[Via onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/08/retailers-dropping-prices-on-iphone-in-advance-of-impending-update.ars');" target="_blank" href="http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/08/retailers-dropping-prices-on-iphone-in-advance-of-impending-update.ars">ars technica]

iPad 2 finally shipping in 24hrs

Apple has finally gotten their iPad 2 supply in balance with demand — the online Apple Store is now shipping in 24hrs.

Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook, recently said iPad manufacturing yields improved dramatically in the last quarter, and would improve again in July, with some models already in balance and others to follow. Looks like they delivered.

Taiwanese Foxconn robot spoof video

If you’re not a fan of quasi-offensive Taiwanese 3D animated technology humour, then move right along. Otherwise, hit play after the break and enjoy some iPhone and iPad creating robot crazy.

[MNA.tv]

Found Footage: iCloud Beta Walkthrough

width="560" height="349" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0">name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FpANHa8VsSw?version=3&hl=en_US" />name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />width="560" height="349" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FpANHa8VsSw?version=3&hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" />/> We’re all very excited about thehref="http://www.everythingicafe.com/apple-provides-glimpse-of-contacts-calendar-and-mail-on-icloud/2011/08/01/"> iCloud beta that we’re not allowed access too, so we’ll have to vicariously live through other people’s experiences. Like this rather neat walkthrough by YouTube user helpfulmactips2010, which shows the gorgeous and iOS influenced design of iCloud’s web interface.

I still don’t like the faux-real design to iCal and Contacts.

Also worth seeing: href="http://www.cultofmac.com/iclouds-error-pages-arent-your-average-dreary-error-pages-gallery/107053">these insanely cute error pages that Apple has developed for iCloud. Freaking adorable.

[via href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/08/01/first-look-video-of-icloud-com-beta/">MacRumors]

Target Slashes Prices On iPhones

Over the weekend we heard a rumor that Target was set to lower the price on the iPhone, and Gizmodo has just href="http://gizmodo.com/5826749/is-target-dropping-iphone-prices-in-preparation-for-the-iphone-5">confirmed that they are — by a substantial amount. The deal only lasts until August 16th, but here’s what you can get:

• iPhone 4 16GB black or white from all carriers at $149.99, saving $50 instantly./> • iPhone 3GS 8 GB for $19.99 from AT&T, saving $30 instantly./> • If you trade any in any working iPhone 3G you will get $100 towards the purchase of any iPhone 4.

Apparently if you have a Target Red Card it lowers the prices even more, and if you add in the trade-in value of a 32GB iPhone 3GS, you can get a 16GB iPhone 4 for just $5.

You’ll still be stuck on contract for a couple of years and won’t be able to upgrade for a while, which you might end up regretting when the next iPhone launches in September/October

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Tuesday, Aug 2

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!

SteezyAR: This app is meant to help people find surf, skate and snow spots. Users can find a multitude of different action sports spots, relative to their position, through an integrated intuitive map, an easy to read list or cutting edge augmented reality. [Free for iPhone - iTunes link]

Cook Lebanese 101 Recipes: Recipes that have been selected, cooked, tasted and adjusted by the Shahiya.com team to bring to you the flagship recipes of Lebanese cuisine! [$0.99 for iPhone - iTunes link]

HiFi Vision: This digital magazine provides reviews, product tests, news, workshops and many more hifi-related topics. With lots of interactive features this magazine provides more than
just reading. You can discover the world of hifi. [Free for iPhone and iPad - iTunes link]

Opposite Test: Do you ever want to pretend that today is Opposite Day? This is the best app that lets you get in the opposite state of mind and to prove to you that you are the expert of the Opposite Test. You can tap your way to victory by just thinking the opposite of everything. It goes against all instincts of answering the question correctly. [$0.99 for iPhone - iTunes link]

Nursery Tools Peek-a-Book!: This app was not only designed for young children to have fun but to learn new English vocabulary words. [$0.99 for iPhone - 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.

Record and share audio with TinyVox

TinyVox • Infinite Tape Deck is an iPhone app that lets you quickly tape any audio and deploy it.

Typing is too slow. Your ideas won’t wait for you to scribble them down. And how will you remember the conversations you have with your friends in a year?

What you need is a tape deck to let you talk out your ideas freely so you can type them out later or email them to your team or post them on a bulletin board or Twitter…

I’ve been on the receiving end of TinyVox and it was pretty neat. After reading our recent App for That, the developer sent me a TinyVox message suggesting it as a audio solution and asking me to take a look at the app. I’m intrigued.

TinyVox is available on the iPhone for Free. Screenshots after 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.

Analyst predicts an iPad Pro will be launched this quarter

According to Ashok Kumar, an analyst for Rodman & Renshaw, Apple will be launching an iPad Pro this quarter aimed at the professional user. The updated iPad will include improvements to the screen resolution and have HD front and rear facing cameras.

A ‘professional’ iPad would have incremental improvements and possibly appeal to segments such as publishing, according to analysts. “Apple is…expected to roll out a premium version of iPad 2–a higher resolution screen, front-/rear- facing HD cameras–in the current quarter,” Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw, wrote in a research note today.

The new updated iPad will supposedly be sold alongside the current iPad 2 model and be aimed squarely at the professional market.

We don’t normally pay much attention to analyst predictions but the news of an updated iPad model being released this year is nothing new. We are hearing the same information over and over again and from different sources. This could very well be happening; the next few months are going to be very interesting!

[cNet]

 

Apple adds iCloud TV Show re-downloading to iPhone, iPad

Our writer at large, Chad Garrett, spotted TV Shows in the Cloud today on his iPhone. It seems Apple has pulled the trigger on TV Show re-downloads, much as they’ve always allowed for apps and previously announced for music. It’s limited to TV Shows (no movies), and to the US for now, but it’s nice to see Apple adding functionality to iCloud so quickly — even before the formal launch this fall.

Are you seeing TV shows under your purchased content in iTunes.app?

Update: Not all shows yet, apparently. Perhaps some networks haven’t (yet) agreed to be part of the service?

Enhance Shark Week with Shark Week Live for iPhone and Discovery Channel HD for iPad

To enhance the Shark Week experience, the Discovery Channel has released Shark Week Live for iPhone.

SHARK WEEK LIVE is a co-viewing app, designed to enhance your enjoyment of the Shark Week TV shows on the Discovery Channel. Just activate the app while you’re watching Shark Week (July 31st – August 5th on the Discovery Channel), and you will be treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes content synchronized to the TV broadcast. You can also compete in real-time against other viewers, by playing the Shark Week LIVE trivia game.

Discovery Channel HD has also been updated with the same content, and more:

This may come as a surprise, but this loser has never watched Shark Week. However, my two week vacation starts tomorrow and includes access to the Discovery Channel, so I just might pick up these apps and join in on the Shark Week craze.

Shark Week Live and Discovery Channel HD are available for free.

[Shark Week - iTunes link] [Discovery Channel HD - 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.

iCloud.com goes live

iCloud.com is now live… if you have an Apple ID that works with iCloud. Here’s the thing — it’s meant for developers right now, and Apple IDs are still fragmented to the extent that for some people, iCloud might not be too useful yet.

For example, you may try to login with your MobileMe ID and be told it hasn’t been migrated to iCloud yet. You might try to login with your iTunes ID and then, once you’re in, be told you need a MobileMe address to access Mail. You can set up a new, free iCloud ID, but then all of the content you have connected to your existing Apple ID(s) won’t be there.

So, yeah, meant for developers. Still, it’s nice to see it up and running, and get a preview of the design (which we’re guessing is a fairly straight front-end port of the SproutCore web app code from Me.com, now running on the all new iCloud backend.)

Current web apps available include Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Find my iPhone, and the new Documents, which currently offers Apple’s iWork formats for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. (The last three of which require the new iWork for iOS beta apps, downloadable via Apple’s developer site.)

Gone are iDisk and Gallery. iCloud is no doubt an attempt to abstract away the file system-like behavior for the former, but will a web front end for PhotoStream be made available to replace the latter?

Meanwhile, on iPhone you just get a placeholder card, nicely rendered, and the ability to get more information and a link to the developer beta.

Gallery of screenshots after the break.

iCloud extra storage prices revealed

Apple has enabled iCloud‘s Buy More Storage option in the iOS 5 beta beta and here are the prices:

So pretty much $10 a year for ever additional 5GB.

By contrast, 50GB on DropBox will run you $9.99/month (just under $120/year), though it provides a different, less abstracted online storage and sync environment than iCloud does. (It also has 100GB and 350GB+ options.)

You can cancel within 15 days of upgrade or 45 days after a yearly payment. Again, this is in the beta so it’s possible pricing and tiers could change by final release time this fall.

Meanwhile, let us know what you think of the prices.