Apple releases iTunes 9.1 with iPad Support

Apple today released iTunes version 9.1 just days before the April 3rd iPad launch. As expected this iTunes release includes full support for the iPad syncing, iBooks and also has some other feature enhancements.

Users will be able to organize and sync books downloaded from iBooks on iPad or added to your iTunes library and also sync your computer's music, movies and other media with your tablet device.

In the updated iTunes, users will have more control over Genius Mixes, including the ability to rename mixes and rearrange them by dragging. Users will also be able to delete Genius Mixes by right clicking on them. Genius Mixes will also reportedly be available as sources for the iTunes DJ shuffle feature.

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Met Office Weather App Review

Price at time of writing FREE

Oh this app makes me so annoyed!

Why?

Because it's a bit like the old school reports - Metty is a good app but he could do better!

As I write this the Met Office weather application has 7500 star ratings on iTunes. If you divide down the middle those who have rated 1-3 stars and those that have given 3-5 stars it's a pretty even split and I can quite see why that split arises.

Start up this UK weather app and you are greeted by the main screen which displays the current weather conditions for your main chosen loaction (set up in favourites section of this app together with any other locations you may wish to access easily)

This first screen is actually the most impressive - the background and displayed image relate to current conditions. The images are always nice high resolution pictures and you can also see your current weather graphic, temperature, windspeed and sunrise/sunset time. If appropriate a weather warning symbol also displays which will take you to that warning if pressed.

Now if the rest of the app was this good it would be 10/10.

However, whilst it is a free app, the Met Office really could do with paying some attention to the rest of the functions.

Top right of the menu is an (i) symbol. This is where you set your preferred wind speed measurement and chose between celcius and fahrenheit displays.OK but it just feels out of place here as if they didn't know where to stick it. A preferences tag at the bottom would have been better.

There are already 5 tags at the botton these are:

1.Home (back to the main screen)
2. Weather - click and you'll get the summary forecast for the next 5 days for your chosen location. Click on the summary and you'll get a more detailed forecast for that 24 hour period. This section is actually ok but obviously depends on the reliability of the forecast.
3. Maps - At lightning speed (although you can pause) watch a slideshow of weather maps for a 5 day period. Why the slide speed is set at about 2 frames per second is anybody's guess. I challenge anybody to be satisfied with a half second glance at a weather map.
There is also a "text icon" top right on this screen. Only the met office will have a clue why they put it here but this is your main written forecast (couldn't this be on the front screen where that (i) icon is?)
4. Data - an underwhelming infra red cloud cover satellite demonstration for the past few hours. Often these images are corrupted and surely we want future weather cloud cover forecasts? We know what has just gone!
5 Search - chose your defaut location and set up your favourites. This is basically ok but come on if I search for Tunbridge Wells it returns nothing - not even a weather station near to that and I bet this is not the only locality.

Where is international weather?

Historic data may be interesting and weather facts too.

As it stands the app is good for the at a glance weather and for your quick forecast for the next few days.

But it needs work on everything else and as it has been out some while that should be sooner rather than later.

I'll gladly come back and increase this rating if it is improved or enhanced. As it stands it is a fast weather app which is good but has the potential to be great.

8/10 and at least it's free here

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Invisible Deck App Review

Price at time of writing £1.70 (approx $3)

Forget the reviews on iTunes. There are far too many people who have given this 3 stars or less. There can only be two reasons for that. They are that they haven't put enough thought into practicing the presentation or have not understood the instruction properly.

For the serious magician the app has numerous uses but the simplest way is to demonstrate to your victim that you have turned over, in your virtual card deck, ANY card they were thinking of.

With several different card sets and backs to choose from the presentation quality is ace (pun intented) each time.

The working method is totally invisible once you have followed the very clear instructions. A lot of thought has gone into this effect and it is well worth the money I paid above. This can't be said for the majority of magic apps nearly all of which are marketed at this price because developers claim "you are paying for the secret" regardless of the quality of the app . Even a practice session has been built in - that is an excellent addition which you should use. All magic should be practiced and, believe me, if you can read and use the practice session many times there will be no reason to critisize this superb effect.

Some reviews on this have said Rising Card is much better - utter rubbish - Rising Card (which I have reviewed already) is very good. But the working method is not invisible and the presentation is not as slick.

Once an experienced magician gets used to the method this ability to reverse any card can have so many uses in a routine.

Yes, even though the instructions are clear, it does need practice. I find it also requires a little concentration before you start to ensure you are doing it right. The solution to that is just to build it into your routine. e.g. "I am using pure will power to reverse the card - it takes a little while due to the extreme concentration required"

I will agree with something a few people have said. That the developer has implied the victim can be the only one to touch your iPhone or iPod touch when the effect is shown. This is actually incorrect but with thought over presentation that won't matter and they can handle it all they like later even thumbing through the whole deck. After you have performed the trick on them tell them to do it on you and watch how hopeless they are.
There's, of course, a 1 in 52 chance they might just get it right but then that looks even more amazing. You can claim transference of mystical powers!

As with all magic effects I won't go into further detail as good magic is hard to find and this effect should be enjoyed by as many people as you can show it to.

Just read carefully and practice and you will be able to really impress people with this marvellous magic app.

10/10 Download this super app

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Reformatted my iPod Touch

I tried reformatting my Ipod Touch and it was very easy to do. I was attempting to roll back the firmware update so I could try to use this TV output wire. Unfortunately, it just removes your data and applications, but it keeps the most up to date o/s so the firmware prevents the fake apple part from working.

This really is a bit annoying. I understand why they do it. They are simply greedy. I like to use usb drives and other attachments on my laptop and netbook, and other companies allow these peripherals to work even though they are not made by the same manufacturer. This apple strategy is a big turn off.

I was looking forward to the Apple Ipad at one point, but after seeing what they have decided to do, I must say there are better alternatives out there.

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New 'Gift This App' feature on the App Store

Apple today introduced a new feature "Gift This App" on its App Store that enables users to send an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad application to another person as a gift when purchased from iTunes. As shown in the picture, there is a new "Gift This App" option when the "Buy App" dropdown menu is clicked. Read more...

On selection of this feature the user is presented with a new screen where he can type in the recipient's name, e-mail address and add a personal message of up to 500 characters. Users are also able to gift an app to multiple recipients at once by adding multiple recipient email addresses.

Also on this screen there is option for choosing between sending the gift via email or for printing it for physical delivery. Please note the App's requirement carefully because Apple says "your recipient(s) may not be able to redeem or use your gift if their hardware or iPhone OS is incompatible."

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iPod Touch Car GPS Navigation and Battery Charger Cradle from Dual Electronics

Dual Electronics has announced its first iPod Touch GPS Navigation & Battery Charger car cradle solution. The Dual GPS Cradle allows you to use GPS navigation in and out of the car without any Wi-Fi connection and with no subscription fee. It also doubles up as an iPod Touch Charger as well. It sells for for $199.99 on the Apple store. Read more...

With the purchase of this iPod Touch car kit you also get the NavAtlas U.S. & Canada Navigation app that works with the GPS Cradle. The latest US and Canada maps from Navteq are built-in, so there is no need to have your iPod touch Wi-Fi connection ON. You get turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions, navigation directly to an address stored in Contacts on the iPod, and more. A high-sensitivity GPS receiver is built directly into the Cradle (not the windshield mount), giving you GPS capabilities wherever you go.

A built-in amplified speaker loudly delivers navigation voice prompts. When in a car, you can also easily connect the Cradle to your car stereo using the 3.5 mm audio out on the car windshield mount and play your music and navigation voice prompts through your car speakers.

Another very good feature with the cradle is that it allows you to play music on your iPod while in navigation mode. The music is automatically muted when directions are being spoken, and the music resumes afterwards.

The cradle also features built-in rechargeable battery that can power the GPS unit for 10 hours. You can also use the battery to recharge the iPod touch. The Cradle's battery itself can be charged via your car's cigarette lighter or the USB port on your computer.

iPod Touch Car GPS Nav and Charger Cradle Features

• NavAtlas U.S. & Canada navigation app provides the latest U.S. and Canada maps from Navteq
• Navigate directly to an address stored in the Contacts list on your iPod touch
• Turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions and text-to-speech technology for spoken street names
• Play music on your iPod when navigating; music automatically mutes when directions are spoken, then resumes
• Portrait and landscape modes
• Built-in rechargeable battery to power the GPS for approximately 10 hours of continual operation
• Play music on your iPod while in navigation mode; music is automatically muted when directions are being spoken
• Built-in amplified speaker to loudly deliver navigation voice prompts
• Easy charging and syncing via a mini USB port (mini USB to USB cable included)

What's in the box?

• Dual Electronics iPod Touch GPS Cradle
• Car windshield mount with 3.5 mm audio out and DC power jack
• Mini USB to USB cable
• 12V cigarette lighter adapter cable
• Free NavAtlas US & Canada navigation app (Download from App Store in iTunes)

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iFish Pond app review

Price at time of writing 59p (approx $1)

Let's get one thing straight with this app. It eats the power of your device for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do not play this simulation if you have something more important to do later because you may find yourself literally powerless.

Battery drainage is the price you pay for a beautiful pond simulation though. The developer reckons he currently has the best water simulation in this type of app and he's probably right.

The fish, the pond, the pond backgrounds - they are all beautiful. The fish animation is lovely and realistic.

You can fish in your pond too. Cast with a simple flick of the device and tap the scren to add a little food in the area of your float. Then wait..................................... the good thing here is that unlike some fishing simulations you really will have to wait. Like in real fishing the fish don't literally throw themselves at you and they may refuse your juicy bait for quite a while.

When you do get a bite the "reeling in" is really well done and yes they can "get away". The number of catches are recorded together with your record weight., Catch enough fish and there's some surprises to unlock. Several "pond bottoms" are available at the outset all beautifully presented.

It's early days for this app at the time of writing and there is little room for improvement. I would like to see integrated on line high scores (Open Feint perhaps?) and perhaps a "brag to your friends option"? If anything could be done about the battery drainage it would be nice but I think the quality of the presentation would be compromised somewhere. Therefore it is perhaps an app best played either when you are attached to a charging source or saved for a time when running the battery flat doesn't matter.

Downloading this was a very pleasant surprise - iFish Pond looks gorgeous and I'd be surprised if it doesn't hit iTunes hot list in a very short time.

9/10 Download from

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Arcade Solitaire Tri Towers App Review

Price at time of writing £1.19 (approx $2)

If you love solitaire the ITunes store leaves you spoilt for choice and it's hard to knwo where to start looking.

Arcade Solitaire Tri Towers is a good app, in fact the wife loves it.

I do have to say, however, that the price tag mentioned above seems to be a little steep for what is essentially a single solitaire game.Yes there are 3 different 'modes' you can play: Arcade Mode - normal mode with extra lives, Survival - no lives and Chill mode no time limit and extra lives but for me this isn't enough for a 10/10 rating when looking at the current price tag.

It's colourful, it has different 'skins' and card backs available, the sounds are great and it is an addictive little game for a solitaire addict but there is better available for less cash.

I feel the developer would do better with this being marketed at the lowest price tag in the app store.

And there is one final annoying thing that bugs my wife no end. You can earn all the extra lives you like but they are only valid if you already don't have a couple of lives in storage. That is not a true extra life

To its credit the game is Open Feint enabled allowing for a nice string of achievements to aim for together with high score leaderboards.

A good app? Yes. But with a lot of competition in the solitaire app market I could see Arcade Solitaire Tri Towers being substituted for something with a bit more content in the event that somebody's iPhone or iPod Touch becomes a little app-bloated.

8/10 Available here

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MicroShield Plus For IPod Classic Tech Review

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Despite the fact that the cost of most, if not all consumer electronic devices have fallen dramatically over the past two decades, at prices ranging from £90 - £250 (depending on model), an iPod still represents a substantial investment. It therefore makes a great deal of sense to protect that investment with a MicroShield Plus for iPod Classic.

The fact is that the iPod's delicate controls are easily damaged by dirt and other contaminants; the screen is also prone to scratching if not handled properly.

The MicroShield Plus for iPod Classic is a virtual "suit of armour" for your device - a clear, form-fitting case designed to provide protection from scoring and dust whilst allowing the user to easily access all functions as well as switches and jacks.

The MicroShield Plus for iPod Classic functions not only as a protector but as a handy storage device that easily attaches to one's belt, as well as a "kickstand" that allows one to place the iPod in an upright position for viewing films and other video media.

This protective case for the iPod is made from a highly durable polycarbonate material that is both unbreakable and scratch resistant. Polycarbonate is a form of plastic that is also used in bullet-resistant automotive glass; it offers exceptional strength and impact resistance, yet is crystal clear (and in fact is employed in the manufacture of many types of eyewear lenses). In fact, this type of polycarbonate offers greater transparency than glass.

The MicroShield Plus for iPod Classic comes with not one, but two interchangeable rear panels, allowing it to accept either the iPod Classic or the more advanced 160 GB version.

At around £10 - £15, the MicroShield Plus for iPod Classic is a sensible and cost-effective way to protect your valuable device. Those who own other iPod models will find many different MicroShield protectors as well, all of which are priced in the same easy-to-afford range, some of which include a separate wheel cover for those iPod models that have such a control.

In addition to the MicroShield Plus, one might consider a stylish leather sleeve for the iPod, as well as many other iPod accessories that can greatly add to the functionality of this versatile device. There is a wide variety of such accessories that provide not only protection for the iPod, but allows one to interface it with other devices such as a personal computer, a digital television and even a home stereo system!

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Discover How To Zap Fantastic Sound From Your Ipod!

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Ipod's and more! Our parents enjoyed portable music by listening to battery operated radios. Then Walkmans replaced those. Then CD players (Diskmans) replaced those. Today, owning an Ipod is the way to enjoy your choice of great music that you've downloaded from your computer. They are small, lightweight, highly portable, easy to use, and an affordable purchase.

But imagine this: imagine that you're in the desert and you're really thirsty. You find a wonderfully clean well full of delicious looking water. But the tap and hose you'll use to fill your canteen is full of mud. The water going into the hose may be clean but the water coming out of the hose is undrinkable.

The point being...are you disappointed with the quality of music coming out of your MP3 player? Like the desert scenario above, it may not be the source, but the method of transferring (your headphones).

Like the water source in the illustration, your sound player may provide great sound going into the headphones but like the muddy hose, if your headphones are not of very good quality then you could end up not enjoying the music you're listening to. It could even go so far as to cause permanent hearing damage because you turn up the headphones so you can hear the music over the background noise only to damage your ear drums.

Good quality head phones should be purchased based on these 4 factors: comfort level, affordability, durability, and ability to accurately transmit the sound. The ability to accurately transmit the sound to your ear is going to be critical to your enjoyment.

Some people wonder why is the quality of the music is so important to hear. Obviously, most of these people have never experienced true, high quality sound the way it could (and should) be. Your earphones are devices that use advanced technology to get the sound from the listening device to your ears.

Once at your ears, their job has only just started! If you prefer a less expensive brand, you could be sacrificing sound quality. Or if you go for the popular style of earbud or supra-aural earphones (which simply sit on your ear and usually go over your head with a headband), you will find a wide range of quality. These are good headphones but unfortunately they often compete with background noise, reducing the quality of the sound you hear and increasing the volume you have to listen to the music.

Canalbuds are some of the best types of earphone devices to get. They are a little more expensive but far more effective at providing true sound while eliminating background sound (the two factors in giving you the very best listening experience.

But don't worry if your budget doesn't allow for the higher priced earphones. You'll find a good set of mid-range Ipod headphones to suit your budget while still giving you good sound quality. All you need to do is just shop around.

Makers of high quality Ipod headphones include Shure, Sennheiser, Ultimate Ears, Skullcandy and others.

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The Simplest Way to Watch Cable TV Through Your Computer

Image : http://www.flickr.com

When people hear the words, "going to watch some TV", they automatically think of sitting on the couch in front of a giant screen television. For years upon years, this was true and the only way to watch your favorite shows. Well, now with computer technology growing and internet streaming becoming faster, watch your favorite episodes of "The Office" is now readily available from your computer.

Actually, watching TV through computers is increasingly popular as a de facto cable-TV system, and especially among households and individuals who would rather not spend extra for a subscription to cable or satellite. Plus, it has never been easier to do than it is today. All that is required is the right software, an internet connection and a computer. Here is a quick breakdown of how you can watch unlimited cable TV channels on your computer at no charge.

The first thing you want to do is make sure the computer you plan on using meets all of the minimum requirements to run cable TV without any interruptions of the signal. Typically, your computer will use a DSL Internet connection, Windows XP or Vista and the most recent Internet Explorer or Firefox version.



Go to a reputable computer shop and buy a good TV tuner card to install into your PC. These can also be found for purchase online. Any similar type of adapter program will also work for your needs. You are going to have a difficult time watching anything in real time without the correct software. You can, however, still watch pre-recorded shows or downloadable programs.



As you're shopping around for a TV tuner card, you'll have two options, either and internal one or an external. An internal tuner card is hooked up directly to your motherboard. An external card is plugged into the computer via a USB port. They both work the same, but you may have a more difficult time installing an internal card. Also, if you own a laptop, an internal card is not a good choice even if the external cards are much more expensive.



It is a good idea to find out from your cable company if any subscription or software programs are needed before you can access the system's programming. It is normally completed through special access codes given by the cable company. Another way is through installing software directly from a CD.



Now that you're all set up with the installation of the TV tuner card and the correct cable subscription, you'll need to download a quality media player to your computer in to watch these TV programs. These work much better than the players provided by the website itself. They are much more effective, and providing a more even streaming of video.

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How to Burn DVD's on Your iPod for Windows Users

Image : flickr

You might think that those Mac users get all the good luck with the iPod and being able to burn or copy DVD's to the iPod to watch. However, us Windows users (mac'rs quit laughing!) can now do the same thing!

There are a few steps to accomplish ripping and burning a DVD to an iPod for a Windows user, so I am not going to go into detail about each program you need, but point you in the right direction.

Disclaimer: It is unlawful to copy or burn DVD's that you don't own to your iPod.

Get a good Ripper

You will need to get a good DVD ripping program to use. Visit Doom9.net and scroll down to the Descrambling / Ripping tools section. You can download and use the DVDFab Decrypter or DVD Decrypter.

Both of these should be fairly self explanatory or check the help files with them.

Convert to AVI

Next, you'll want to convert your video to the AVI format using a decoding tool. Also on the Doom9.net site, look for the Decoders section. There are three decoders to use. I personally like the DVDx 2.2, but you can try them out and see what you like.

Convert your AVI to mpeg-4

Now is the final step in burning your DVD to your ipod for Windows users.

You need to visit the Videora site and download the Videora iPod Converter software. This will allow you to convert your AVI file created from the last step and put it into the mpeg-4 format that your iPod needs to play correctly.

That's it!

It is relatively simple to accomplish, just a few steps and a little time to convert your DVD over to an iPod friendly download. Hope you enjoy!

You can find the Doom9.net site here: Doom9.net

You can find the Videora iPod Converter here: Videora iPod Converter

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GSI Waterproof Armband Bag for the iPod Touch, iPod Classic, MP3/MP4 Players, Camera Designed for Swimming/Surfing/Water Activities, Includes Custom Waterproof Quality Earphones

GSI Waterproof Armband Bag for the iPod Touch, iPod Classic, MP3/MP4 Players, Camera Designed for Swimming/Surfing/Water Activities, Includes Custom Waterproof Quality Earphones Review

GSI Waterproof Armband Bag for the iPod Touch, iPod Classic, MP3/MP4 Players, Camera Designed for Swimming/Surfing/Water Activities, Includes Custom Waterproof Quality Earphones Feature

• Armband case type, Completely Waterproof up to 20M (40 feet) underwater
• Materials: PVC & ABS, Transparent design, Naturally floats on water
• Easily secured on upper arm, Adjustable Velcro fits adults and children.
• IPx7 grade waterproof earphone bundled, ear buds sets for different ear sizes
• Jack IN/OUT on the pouch, Ideal for swimming and Water Sports

GSI Waterproof Armband Bag for the iPod Touch, iPod Classic, MP3/MP4 Players, Camera Designed for Swimming/Surfing/Water Activities, Includes Custom Waterproof Quality Earphones Overview

Take your Music into the water, with the New Armband Bag from GSI, designed to protect your iPod or Mp3 Player from water damage. Secure your device on your arm, Connect the waterproof Earbuds; and enjoy the crystal clear sound of Music while doing laps. Extremely user friendly affordable.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 11, 2010 01:40:38

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Griffin 8303-ITEPMK Elan Passport Metal for iPod touch 2G, 3G (Black)

Griffin 8303-ITEPMK Elan Passport Metal for iPod touch 2G, 3G (Black) Review

This is pretty much what I was looking for. I knew that I would almost always keep my iPod Touch in my purse, and that I would not be using it as much as others do. So I wanted to keep anything in my purse from scratching it up. This Griffin case comes with a very nice transparency sheet to stick onto the glass, as well as a polishing cloth, which cleans up finger oil smudges pretty well on its own.

The only downside is that it slips out once in a while. However, this is never truly a problem, as it simply slides into the fold--no harm in just pushing it back in a few millimeters so that it lines back up. It would never be at risk of sliding completely out of the case. Also, sometimes I feel like I have to hit the Home button a little harder than I want, which is probably due to the iPod sliding out and "misaligning" so to speak.

Overall, though, it is a very slim and somewhat fashionable fit for my 2G iPod Touch. I would recommend it to people in situations similar to mine. For on-the-go, frequent use, definitely go with one of the other typical cases that wrap around the back and edges.

Griffin 8303-ITEPMK Elan Passport Metal for iPod touch 2G, 3G (Black) Feature

• Slim, one-piece folio design
• Opens like a book, flips closed to protect
• Genuine leather with chromed metal accents
• Soft gray patterned microsuede interior

Griffin 8303-ITEPMK Elan Passport Metal for iPod touch 2G, 3G (Black) Overview

No matter where you and your iPod touch are headed, travel in style with Elan Passport Metal. This genuine leather folio, lined with microsuede, flips open to reveal your Multi-Touch display, then closes like a book for privacy and protection. Polished chromed metal accents add a (discreet) hint of flash.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 11, 2010 01:26:21

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Black Durable Sport Armband Cover Case for Apple Ipod Touch Itouch 8Gb 16GB 32Gb 2G 2nd Generation

Black Durable Sport Armband Cover Case for Apple Ipod Touch Itouch 8Gb 16GB 32Gb 2G 2nd Generation Review

Black Durable Sport Armband Cover Case for Apple Ipod Touch Itouch 8Gb 16GB 32Gb 2G 2nd Generation Feature

• Exercise your right to a great soundtrack with this ultimate workout duo: an iPod Touch SportBand with Case.
• You can run, ride, lift and more without missing a second of your favorite tunes.
• Color: Black
• Size: Perfect Fit.
• Accessory ONLY. MP3 player not included.

Black Durable Sport Armband Cover Case for Apple Ipod Touch Itouch 8Gb 16GB 32Gb 2G 2nd Generation Overview

Compatible With Apple: iPod Touch 1st Gen. 16GB / 32GB / 8GB / iPod Touch 2nd Gen. 16GB / 32GB / 8GB / iPod Touch 3rd Gen. 32GB / 64GB

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 11, 2010 01:09:51

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Jamaican Flag Design Apple iPod touch 2G (2nd Gen) / 3G (3rd Gen) Protector Skin Decal Sticker

Jamaican Flag Design Apple iPod touch 2G (2nd Gen) / 3G (3rd Gen) Protector Skin Decal Sticker Review

Jamaican Flag Design Apple iPod touch 2G (2nd Gen) / 3G (3rd Gen) Protector Skin Decal Sticker Feature

• Cover the front and back of your Apple iPod touch 2G (2nd Generation)
• Personalize your Apple iPod touch 2G with this printed design vinyl decal
• Non permanent adhesive backing that allows you to simply peel off the skins with no sticky residue
• Scratch resistant protective shields made out of high-quality vinyl
• Comes with a code to download the matching wallpaper (as shown).

Jamaican Flag Design Apple iPod touch 2G (2nd Gen) / 3G (3rd Gen) Protector Skin Decal Sticker Overview

Scratch Resistant Skin Sticker protect and personalize your Apple iPod touch 2nd and 3rd Generation. Self-adhesive plastic-coated skins cover the front and back of the Apple iPod touch 2 Gen and 3 Gen, and they are paper-thin so they do not add any bulk. Skins are easy to apply (no bubbles), durable and easily removable without any residue. When applying the skin, you've got to make sure that the surface is totally clean of any oil or sweat!
* This item will not work for iPod Touch 1st Generation.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 11, 2010 00:51:54

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Game of Life app review

Price at time of writing £1.79 (approx $3)

Distributed by Electronic Arts, Game Of Life faithfully recreates the board game of the same name

Single Player or up to 4 player multiplayer  is also available (pass the unit play - not wi-fi or Bluetooth which is a bit of a shame given the price) .

Let's be honest though Game of Life is a game you would sit down and play with the kids or the kids would play by themselves.

And that is exactly how you should treat this app. Kids will probably love the spinning of the wheel, the bright colourful graphics and watching their chosen "token" venturing round the board.

On iTunes you will notice that the star ratings are all over the place - a relatively even spread between 1 and 5. In this case that's probably a fair verdict. It's great if you want a faithful recreation of a board game that you enjoy or if you want to shut the kids up for a while.

If, as an adult, you'd prefer something to test more than a single brain cell buy something else.

Based on the fact it's great for kids 8/10

Available here

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Rising Card app review

Magic on the iPhone and iPod Touch has rapidly become a very big thing.

Mainly because with each unit's fabulous portability, quick operation and superb graphics demonstrations can be very impressive.

In fact if more effort is put into development of quality magic trick apps you could almost put on a professional magic show with just your Apple gadget to hand.

As it is there are magic tricks galore available from iTunes but currently few of those have the professional touch.

As nothing scoring less than 8/10 will appear on this site it will take some real magic to appear here.

Rising Card makes the grade - just.

It's a really good final effect. The magician is able to make any card (even including the joker) rise from a pack. Obviously there are several lead ups to this trick a magician could use including the simplest "Just think of a card"

It looks brilliant but it could be so much better and I am hoping that the developers may take note of these comments and take apption to make this truly professional.

Its a great magic effect but because of the way it works performing it more than once on the same person (or even somebody who is concentrating hard) the method could easily be spotted.
Obviously I can't say much here but users of iForce will know what I mean when I say the lead in to that effect is much more professional and far less obvious than this one is. This one helps the magician far too much and opens the trick to suspicion when with a little effort the method could be completely invisible.
Theory 11 (the makers) need to remove the obvious stuff because I am sure even the most amateur magician can handle the workings of this without such help.
It also needs to learn lessons from Invisible Deck - it needs to have multiple backgrounds and decks to choose from.
The effect also always has the Ace of Spades on the bottom of the deck facing the audience member. This is a pathetic oversight - a clearly random facing card would not have been asking too much and allows for the app to be used again later in a show.
With a little reprogramming by the developer the user could get to see the virtual deck first with a random card on the bottom..... they then get to shake the unit to "shuffle" the cards. A shuffle sound occurs whilst shaking and when happy they can check the facing card has changed and they can then press a button on the screen to exit the app (so the magician can't play with the cards). The magician is then handed the unit back and puts it face down whilst the performer thinks of a card. When the card is named the magician just turns the unit over, navigates normally to the rising card app and performs the trick.
The silly thing is most of the hard work has already gone into this trick. But it does need improving. This is currently the same price as other professional tricks but for me until it is made just that little bit more professional it is only worth the 99p price tag.
I am hoping the developers are treating this app as a work in progress as it does have so much more potential. 

I will revisit this review should Theory 11 update it in due course. I hope they do improve it as it could become a magic classic.

Don't get me wrong, considering some of the rubbish magic trick apps on iTunes, this is one of the better magic apps and should be part of a magician's collection.

It's just not up there with the greatest effects...... yet.

8/10 Magic available here

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iPad Available in US on April 3

Pre-Order on March 12

CUPERTINO, California—March 5, 2010—Apple® today announced that its magical and revolutionary iPad will be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Beginning a week from today, on March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store (www.apple.com) or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up on Saturday, April 3, at an Apple retail store.

“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

Starting at just $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers battery life of up to 10 hours.*

iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ interface makes surfing the web an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. You can read and send email on iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft” keyboard or import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad’s elegant slideshows. iPad makes it easy to watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD, or flip through the pages of an ebook you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.

The App Store on iPad lets you wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps from the world's largest app store. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the more than 150,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Developers are already creating exciting new apps designed for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch interface, large screen and high-quality graphics.

The new iBooks app for iPad includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBookstore will feature books from the New York Times Best Seller list from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

The iTunes® Store gives iPad users access to the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 12 million songs, over 55,000 TV episodes and over 8,500 films including over 2,500 in stunning high definition. All the apps and content you download on iPad from the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.

Pricing & Availability
iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

iPad will be available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models in late April in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. International pricing will be announced in April. iPad will ship in additional countries later this year.

The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

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Open Feint application review

Price at time of writing FREE

By now most seasoned game players on the iPhone or iPod touch will have come across Open Feint.

It is the popular utility for the sharing of high scores, chatting about apps, looking at your game achievements  and editing your profile.

So why create an app specifically for Open Feint when you can access it from within any Open Feint enabled game?

Well a free game every day that has Open Feint functionality is a good reason.Each game is only available for the 24 hour period.

Early on following the release of this app users were complaining that the Free App was a "lite" version rather than a full game. To be fair Open Feint did state this would be the case from the outset.

However, recently, the balance has changed with a lot of full apps being given away free. Granted the vast majority may only keep you entertained a few hours, rather than weeks but they are FREE.

Max Injury was one such app which had a FREE DAY recently. Granted it is no longer on my IPod Touch (and it doesn't make my 8/10 criteria as it's far too short). But it did remain on my gadget for a couple of days and I quite enjoyed flinging my "dummy" over, across, and at various obstacles trying to do the most damage.

This app isn't an "earth mover" by way of functionality by any means but it does make the grade purely because giving things away these days for free is always handy !

8/10 Get the free app here

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Texas Hold Em App Review

Price at time of writing £2.99 (approx $5)

I am no poker expert but do know how to play the game and what a great game this is too in fact with it's great graphics I would descibe it more as a poker simulation.

Multiplayer is available from the main menu but single player against the various AI opponents is just as entertaining.

If you play holding your iPhone or iPod Touch in landscape mode you can play a faster game as you just have the overhead table top view.

If you want to view the excellent photorealistic animation in gameplay and are happy with a slower, but more true to life game, simply turn your gadget to portrait mode at any point.

Despite a few moans and groans thst I have read in the iTunes review the vast majority of users agree that this is a superb simulation.

For the price I mention above I think the game is excellent value.

Like Texas Hold Em in real life making money is not easy, easy to learn, but not easy to win big.

You start off your career playing in the Garage but your ability to play in the Cruise Liner, Aquarium, Vegas and other amazing venues you will have to perform well in each successive venue. This success is hard to earn and that gives it superb replay value. Believe me I've spent so much time in the garage I feel at home there now - I have progressed out briefly to higher venues briefly only to be outplayed by the AI players.

I love the beautiful animation in portrait mode of both the dealer and players. The facial expressions are great. If I have any critisism at all it's that I wish a few more animations had been taken of the players as they are somewhat limited.

Controls have been well though out and are simple to exectute. Everything from folding by throwing your cards in to "checking" by a double tap on the poker table is so easy.

Texas Hold Em is a superb application by Apple Inc. at a very fair price. I will be exploring other poker apps in due course but this will be hard to equal let alone beat.

10/10 and downloadable from here

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