Leander Kahney's Blog, page 1485

November 17, 2011

Verizon's New iPhone Ad Mocks Competitors' Coverage

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBk_iHJU4tM

Verizon has launched a new ad featuring Apple's popular iPhone which mocks the network coverage offered by rivals AT&T and Sprint.

In the 30-second clip, a group abandons a sinking ship, escaping with just their lives and their iPhones. Only one of the party gets enough signal to make a call, and that's the one who's on Verizon — a carrier which claims to offer "the best wireless service in the world for your iPhone."

While AT&T was the exclusive carrier for the iPhone when the device launched back in 2007, the company lost that privilege in February of this year when Apple launched a CDMA iPhone 4 for Verizon. With the release of the iPhone 4S, Sprint also joined the party to offer Americans three carrier choices for the device for the first time ever.

[via 9to5Mac]

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Published on November 17, 2011 03:35

November 16, 2011

The Tenba Messenger Large Photo/Laptop Transforms Instantly From Messenger to Photo Assistant [Review]

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Review by Jordan Trimas

Let's face it, with the smörgåsbord of gadgets that most of us use these days, having a few different bags to accommodate and protect our cherished portables is paramount. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Tenba Messenger Large Photo/Laptop Bag ($110), may be good enough to replace a couple of your bags, backpacks or cases — especially if you're a photography professional/enthusiast or techie with a DSLR and a laptop.

The Good:

The Messenger is a lightweight, easy-to-use, and aesthetically pleasing bag with plenty of storage options constructed with high quality durable materials.

Its most useful feature is a zipper in the top flap that allows access to your goods anywhere in the bag without having to put it down and unclip. It also allows you to keep the contents of your bag discreet, since you don't have to open the bag's main compartment to access the smaller stuff, which is key if you're carrying thousands of dollars in camera gear (and a of course, an MBP).

While its compact design sheds a little more padding than I'd like in some places, its generously padded and grippy shoulder strap and its back padding were ample made the Messenger very comfortable to carry. The main flap isn't bulky so it was easy to access the many pockets variously sized pockets and the main compartment even when moderately crowded with cameras, lenses, a laptop, several accessories, and even an extra shirt. This bag definitely scores an A for versatility and comfort.

There's also a convenient padded insert which allowed me to switch from work mode to non-work mode by easily pulling out my camera, lenses, speedlights, etc. in one fell swoop, so it could be used in both camera bag and classic messenger bag mode. Although the insert for the large-size Messenger we tested could be a little bigger to fill up some extra space.

The Bad:

Unfortunately, the Messenger is not without flaws. Even though it would make it more bulky, the flap could definitely benefit from some padding to protect my camera from a blow or bump to the topside. If anything falls on top of my bag, I have no protection other than a single layer of canvas and maybe a girlish yelp if I see it happen.

The stitching also seems inconsistent. There's overstitching in a few rather unimportant areas; and the fact that there was less stitching around the handle on the top of the bag made me wonder if it'd come apart after a few years of carrying it while packed with my nerd gear.

Verdict:

If you like messenger bags for their ease of use and utility, this will make any photographer's day a little easier. It's well designed, looks good, and is made with durable materials. If you're looking for something more tank-like to combat gadget injury, this might not be the right bag for you.

Rating: ★★★½☆

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Published on November 16, 2011 22:00

Final Cut Pro X Updated To Version 10.0.2

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Apple's newest editing software, Final Cut Pro X, has received an update in the Mac App Store. Verizon 10.0.2 brings several bug and compatibility fixes.

What's new in version 10.0.2:

- Fixes an issue in which a title may revert to the default font after restarting Final Cut Pro X
- Resolves an issue that could cause files recorded with certain third-party mobile devices to play back incorrectly
- Addresses a stability issue caused by changing the start time on a Compound Clip
This update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Pro X. For more information, visit www.apple.com/finalcutpro.

Apple released Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011 and effectively killed Final Cut Pro 7. After intense criticism from industry professionals, Final Cut Studio was resurrected by Apple for a limited time.

Final Cut Pro X 10.0.2 is available for $299.99 in the Mac App Store. Apple also offers a free, 30-day trial on its website.

(via MacRumors)

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Published on November 16, 2011 21:34

Camera+ Lets You Take Pictures With The iPhone's Volume Button Again

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We all remember the infamous Camera+ fiasco. The popular photography app was updated with the ability to let users take pictures with the iPhone's physical volume button, but Apple hadn't approved that kind of hardware integration in the App Store at that time.

Mimicking the iPhone's virtual shutter button, Camera+ let users type a URL scheme into Mobile Safari that enabled the hidden feature. Apple didn't like Camera+ after the hack was made available, and the app was promptly pulled from the App Store last year.

After receiving Apple's message loud and clear, Camera+ 2.0 was re-submitted to the App Store and made available with a host of new features. After the release of iOS 5 and the ability to natively take pictures with the iPhone's volume button, Camera+ has re-added the feature to its app, too.

In version 2.4, VolumeSnap is brought back to Camera+ in all of its glory. You can snap a picture with the iPhone's volume button or use the regular shutter button in iOS 5.

From the release notes:

VolumeSnap is back, beyotches!!

Camera+ is available for $0.99 in the App Store.

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Published on November 16, 2011 21:04

Fanhattan, The Ultimate Guide for Watching TV or Movies on The iPad, is Now on The iPhone

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Fanhattan is absolutely the required guide for TV/Movie junkies who frequently view titles on the iPhone. Just like on the iPad version, the app acts as a gateway to entertainment — it gathers a heap of information about shows or movies that can be watched on the iPhone, then serves up that information in a super-cool, easy-to-navigate interface (that looks absolutely stunning on the iPhone 4).

For instance, a little while ago I suddenly had a hankering to watch the Blink episode of Doctor Who; a quick search on Fanhattan showed me that it's available through Netflix or iTunes. Since I'm a Netflix junkie and have the app installed on my iPhone, I tapped on the "Watch Now" window; I'm anticipating the TARDIS being commandeered by the Angels any moment now. Quick and easy.

The service taps into practically every streaming service available to the iPhone: iTunes, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Crackle, ABC, HBO Go, Amazon Prime and a bunch more. There's also a ton of depth built into the app, like a wealth of social media options and reviews and news about what's coming up for our favorite series. Best of all, it's free.

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Published on November 16, 2011 19:05

Massively Successful Ticket to Ride Hops Onto The iPhone

Ticket to Ride began as a hugely successful, massively award-winning board game, then jumped to the iPad and rocked the gaming world all over again as a shining example of what a board game should be on the iPad. Today, it's set to take the mobile gaming world by storm again as it emerges on the iPhone — and it's going to go through the roof.

If you haven't played Ticket to Ride yet, it's a very simple, yet very addictive, strategy game played with cards, a board and tokens, for 2-5 players; there's also a solo option — but like any great game, the real fun is playing against human adversaries.

Like its bigger iPad-dwelling brother, the iPhone version is very well designed and produced; incredibly, developer Days of Wonder (who also designed the original board game) managed to cram an entire board game into an iPhone — complete with atmosphere and easy playability. And the kicker? It's only a buck.

The only reason for a frowny-face is the lack of online play, a feature that helps make the iPad version as awesome as it is. On the other hand, the iPhone version (and just-released iPad update) supports both wifi and Bluetooth connections for playing friends within range.

Days of Wonder is clearly dreaming pretty big: Check out the slick movie theater ad above they made for the iPad version.

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Published on November 16, 2011 18:07

Create Artsy Self-Portraits With Poly For iPad

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Developer Jean-Christophe Naour has released an app for the iPad called Poly. Inspired by mathematician Boris Delaunay, Poly lets users create intriguing, colorful self-portraits with the iPad 2′s front-facing camera.

Poly creates geometric images that are complied by averaging color data within triangular fields that you trace with your hand. The artistically inclined will undoubtedly find Poly mesmerizing, while the rest of us should be content to just sit there and create shapes out of our faces on the iPad's screen.

A background in 3D modeling isn't required to use Poly, but it would probably help. You can render your images in different styles, including: flat, wireframe, point, and color blending. Whether you have a fascination with shapes or not, this creative iPad app is sure to hold your attention for at least a couple of minutes.

Poly for iPad is available in the App Store for $0.99.

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Published on November 16, 2011 15:25

Evernote's New "Clearly" Chrome Extension Gives You A Clean Reading Experience

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Evernote has announced "Clearly," a new browser extension that mimics other enhanced reading services, like Instapaper and Readability. Clearly is available for Google Chrome now, with support coming for other browser in the near future.

While Evernote already lets you save webpages, take notes, archive memories and more, Clearly has one simple, clear (pardon the pun) focus: distraction-free reading.

From the Evernote blog:

I like getting comfortable when I read. I grab a cup of tea, sink into my favorite chair, put my feet up, and then crack open the book. Getting cozy and tuning out distractions helps me focus. Unfortunately, online reading doesn't let you do that. Before you even finish the first paragraph, you're clicking on links. Five minutes later, you're buying a new tent and wondering how you ever got there.

There's a better way. Introducing our new browser extension, Evernote Clearly. Available now for Google Chrome (other browsers are coming soon).

Clicking on the Clearly extension while surfing the web will take any open article and bring it into a minimal layout with customizable fonts and colors.

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Clearly will even take multi-page articles and present them in one, long, beautiful page for your reading pleasure. Articles can be sent to your Evernote account or sent to your Mac's printer.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgVPobaTyr0

The idea of Clearly isn't new if you currently use a service like Instapaper, Readability, or Read It Later. But for Evernote addicts, Clearly is the perfect addition to your Mac's browser.

Evernote Clearly can be downloaded for free in the Google Chrome Web Store.

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Published on November 16, 2011 14:28

AIM Gets A Totally New Look, Redesigned Apps Now Available For Mac And iPhone

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AOL has completely redesigned its popular messaging service, AIM, from the ground up with a beautiful, new look for the iPhone, Mac, Windows, Android, and web.

The new apps look absolutely stunning, and several compelling features have been added. AIM's free apps integrate with popular social networks, like Facebook and Instagram. There is support for Facebook Chat and Google Talk. Users can video chat and group chat. Conversations are synced across apps, and messages sent offline are saved for sending when connectivity is restored.

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AIM has evolved. We've redesigned our app from the ground up to give you the best way to keep in touch with people and groups. Start or join a group chat, share images and your location, and continue conversations with your desktop and web clients seamlessly.

Features:
- Chat with a friend or group of friends with the new "Start a Chat" button
- Customize your groups with features like add/kick members, edit group icon and mute
- Favorite your friends and group chats for instant access
- Share photos and your location without leaving the conversation
- Copy and paste messages
- Tap on location previews in your conversation to get directions
- Tap on icons to quickly view user details or group chat settings
- See your social notifications for activity on your AIM, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Turn on "Do Not Disturb" to turn off sounds and push notifications
- Set quiet hours to mute sounds and push notifications for when you don't want to be disturbed
- Change your incoming message sound in sound settings
- Connect to Facebook Chat and Google Talk in your chat networks settings

The new AIM stores and syncs your messages across its apps seamlessly, so you can pick up where you left off on any device. Conversations can still be taken "off the record" if you so desire, but you'll never have to worry about lost messages again.

Group chats and regular conversations allow for inline media and location sharing, and video calling makes AIM a real competitor for services like Skype and Google. The main drawback of AIM's video calling feature is that it doesn't support group video chat.

AIM's new social network integration is particularly interesting. The new Mac app looks a whole lot like Sparrow and Twitter for Mac, and panes can be added in the left sidebar for Twitter and Instagram updates, Facebook notifications, etc. Users can login to AIM with their own AIM account, or MobileMe (We're presuming that this will be updated soon to say iCloud?), and Facebook.

The iPhone app boasts most of the features that are available on the desktop, and all of AIM's new apps take a refreshing approach to instant messaging. On both the iPhone and Mac, several elements in-app seem to be ported web views, and refreshing can be a pain.

AOL is extending AIM's purpose by integrating some of its other properties into the app experience. On the Mac app, most of AOL's web properties can be viewed in the "News" pane.

There's no ETA on an official iPad app yet, but one is surely in the works. For now, you can visit the AIM Preview website to download the free Mac and iPhone app. There's also a $2.99 paid version of AIM for iPhone that removes the ads and adds additional sounds.

A few more screenshots:

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Published on November 16, 2011 13:45

Get The Most Out Of The Notification Center's Weather Widget [iOS Tips]

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The Notification Center that ships with iOS 5 is nice. By default, it displays a stock ticker, weather, mail, and calendar entries. It all looks great, but behind the eye candy are some useful secrets. Today, we'll take a look at the weather widget.

The weather widget displays your current location's weather information with a graphic representing the weather, the high and low temperatures and the current temperature.

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If you swipe either left or right on the current weather you'll show a hidden seven-day weather forecast.

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Swipe again and you'll return to the current location weather information.