iPad Alarm Clock!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Yeah, when it comes to docks, Apple devices are certainly king of the hill, what with a ton of iPod touch, iPhone and even now, iPad docks arriving to flood the market and help you part with your hard earned money. The iPad Alarm Clock is one of the later models to arrive, where this docking station will turn your iPad into a versatile bedside alarm clock. 

A pre-loaded app will allow you to wake up to the song of your choice, and with a snooze interval that can be set anywhere from 1 to 29 minutes, hardcore snoozers will definitely find this $199.95 purchase to be a good deal! All audio will be played through the dock’s built-in speakers, and the iPad’s display is used to show weather reports, personal reminders, and overnight updates from Facebook and Twitter. 

Talk about waking up connected to the rest of your social network! There is also a failover alarm in the dock just in case the app isn’t running as it should, making sure you will not miss that important meeting or flight.

Skype’s updated app one-ups Apple with mobile video chat!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Skype has launched a video chat feature for their iPhone app which adds 3G capability, as well as being able to chat with iPhone 3GS users in a limited one way video basis.

Users who have the iPhone 4 or 4th generation iPod Touch can initiate video calls with friends who use the iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch, while 3rd Gen Apple device users can only receive the video chat and while talking audio only. Mac Desktop users can also jump into the fray using the Skype client.

But what’s really challenging to Apple’s Facetime dominance is that Skype can video chat over 3G, not just WiFi only. And according to Red Ferret, the data usage isn’t too bad, chiming in at about 1.3MB per minute.

Frankly, I’m amazed that Apple approved this update, but it may be that they’ll be announcing a “one more thing” update next month that will do the same.

The Skype App update is free can is available right now at the App Store.

iPad case goes bling!!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

The Joy Factory – ah, that name itself should evoke a smile on your face, after all, who would want to turn down some bling? Well, the company knows that you treasure your iPad a whole lot (although that affection will most probably be transferred over to the iPad 2 when that arrives later this spring), and has just unveiled a Swarovski Crystal-studded, special edition Arc-PurpleRomance iPad case and stand. 

This is part of a product suite of lifestyle-driven digital companion accessories that will target smartphone and tablet users, where the versatile Arc boasts of a deep violet hue and will most certainly complement the lifestyle of the stylish, sassy woman.

EyeFi Mobile getting cooler and cooler with apps and direct transfer!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

First came wifi capable SD cards. Then they added GPS. Now, Eye-Fi is turning it up to 11 once again with a cool bevy of iPhone & iPad apps, and a direct transfer capability for easy backup.

With the idea of making it easier and easier to share photos people take, EyeFi has created Direct Mode transfer so that your camera can transmit photos directly to a mobile device, beit smartphone or tablet. This makes it far easier to upload to photo sites like Facebook and Flickr. The Apps will also allow for simple one touch integrated sync with online storage sites.

Genius. I know that when I want to share something on Facebook, I tend to go for a my lower res iPhone, rather than shoot with my camera and have to jump through a few hoops to transfer to my PC and upload. This new direct mode transfer will enable me to easily shoot a shot and have it up on Facebook within seconds.

Look for it to appear later this year, with Direct Mode being an upgrade for all Eye-Fi X2 cards.

Apple iPad 2 coming in three versions!!!

blogged by GmyDotCom

The iPad 2 rumors have been started around since it's great Galaxy Tab rival has took the lime-light of a 7-incher tablet computer. This makes a theory that Apple is prepping for a 7-incher iPad dubbed as the iPad 2. 

Accordingly, Digitimes claimed Apple is working on three versions of the iPad 2 from unnamed source.

Altec Lansing makes iPad ownership more enjoyable !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Altec Lansing knows that there is an ever expanding market of iPad owners, judging by the device’s popularity worldwide not to mention its sex appeal across a range of people. 

What better way to leverage a fast-growing user base than to roll out a peripheral which is capable of enhancing its use? That’s exactly what Altec Lansing has done, introducing the Octiv Stage docking speaker system for the iPad, iPhone and iPod. 

Before you dismiss this as yet another marketing ploy to have you part with your hard earned money, why not read on and find out what the Octiv Stage is all about? It was specifically designed to significantly enhance center channel voicing for dialogue alongside stereo audio while playing media from the docked device, delivering a charge at the same time to make sure you don’t end up with a net battery loss once you’re done with your docking session. Of course, do bear in mind that non-Apple devices can still be hooked up to the Octiv Stage via the 3.5mm aux jack, but don’t expect those to be juiced when connected.

Speck has new folio-style cases for the iPad and Kindle 3 !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Speck recently introduced two more folio-style cases just in time for the upcoming holiday season, and it will be for the iPad as well as Kindle 3. 

Originally, it actually became popular in the previous iteration of the Kindle, turning Speck’s DustJacket design into the industry standard where folio cases are concerned. Basically, with either folio-style cases, you are able to travel just about anywhere reading your favorite e-books and surf your favorite websites without having to worry about dropping or scratching your device.

iPad Lock is a long time in waiting !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

It is interesting to note that while there are so many notebooks and netbooks out there in the market, how many of said owners actually purchase a special kind of lock to make sure that nothing untoward happens to their precious devices whenever they are not around? 

I mean, take a look around you at Starbucks and all of those other coffee places, how many people actually leave their notebooks to chance whenever they go to the loo? Perhaps it is partly due to ego, where they don’t want to be seen as paranoid by the rest of the people there, but in either case, we’re sure the iPad isn’t going to be treated with such non-chalance, never mind that it is cheaper than some notebooks and hold a whole lot less sensitive data.

Cocoon jumps aboard the iPad accessory bandwagon !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

We know that the Apple iPad was announced just a couple of days ago, but third party accessory manufacturers have already started churning out iPad compatible items in the form of protective cases and sleeves, with Belkin being just one of them to be out of the stable doors first. 

Today, we shall take a closer look at what Cocoon Innovations can offer in the form of The Gramercy. The Gramercy is a sleek, messenger sling which is capable of offering the perfect solution for organizing and securing your very own Apple iPad when you get hold of the Wi-Fi only version a couple of months from now. 

Thid messenger sling will come with its own windowed media pocket that allows you to stash away other gizmos (preferably Apple branded ones to show the whole world what a fan of Cupertino you are), including smartphones and MP3 players. What’s more, it will come with the acclaimed GRID-IT system which ought to come in handy for the storage and organization of all your daily essentials. 

What is GRID-IT, you ask? That’s a patent-pending organization system that comprises of a special weave of rubberized elastic bands which double up as an object retention system, helping to ensure all your devices, personal items and accessories will remain in place during travel.

ZAGG offers invisibleSHIELD for iPad !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

So you are pretty happy with your slightly more than a week old iPad, caressing it lovingly at every turn and opportunity? Why not give it the protection it deserves in the form of the invisibleSHIELD from ZAGG – after all, this company is famous for its range of protective cases and skins for a variety of devices, and their invisibleSHIELD line is nothing short of impressive. 

Being extremely popular, it has now arrived for the Apple iPad to make sure that nasty fingerprints as well as pesky scratches that result from careless transportation of your iPad would never happen once the invisiblesHIELD is in place good and proper. Let us read more about it right after the jump.

Security Case for iPad !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

While we have looked at other solutions that make sure your iPad remains in pristine condition when traveling and carrying it around, how about a case for the iPad that makes sure no one is able to access its contents? 

Enter the Security Case for iPad, where this form fitting case will literally lock your iPad to prevent access by anyone else. Coming in a sleek and stylish black leather case, it features a three digit combination lock to make sure you (or anyone else who knows the combination) will be the only one able to use the device. 

At least all the relevant ports are still available when locked, so you can juice it up in that way when required. The Security Case for iPad is going for $44.95 each. 

Clickfree Transformer for iPod/iPhone !! Good Gadget !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Transferring files, especially music ones, from your iPod or iPhone to a different computer isn’t exactly rocket science, but it isn’t elementary math either. Not to mention that if you ever want to make a backup of important files, the steps involved can get complicated for the newbie. 

Good thing devices such as the Clickfree Transformer for iPod/iPhone are here to help even the least tech savvy person transfer files from a computer to the iPod or iPhone’s excess storage space in a jiffy, taking the tried and true plug-and-play method. 

There isn’t any software to install or further setup to do, and to make things even more idiot proof, the Clickfree will never overwrite your iPod’s existing content since it will deal only with unused storage space. Expect to pay £39.99 for some peace of mind.

Magellan GPS unveils ToughCase !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Magellan GPS has just rolled out its latest rugged protective case known as the ToughCase, where it will offer both the iPhone as well as iPod touch full waterproof capabilities – just make sure you have a decent pair of waterproof headphones to go along with it! 

Targeting outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor professionals, this new ToughCase will not be limited in its release to selected regions only, and what makes it all the more special would be the integration of GPS navigation capability, further enhancing the accuracy of location-based and GPS applications for both the iPhone 3G and iPod touch, all the while offering protection as well as providing unmatched accessibility to all iPhone and iPod touch features.

Apple Releases new line of small and powerful iPods !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Steve Jobs announced smaller and thinner iPods today at Apple’s Fall Music Event. With smaller, new designs for the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and a thinner, more powerful iPod Touch, Apple is poised to hit the entertainment market in music, movies and gaming like never before. 

And just in time for the Holidays.

Griffin Technology and Iceberg Kids team up and make a Woogie !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

So what is a Woogie, you ask? It has nothing to do with Chewbacca. While we are on the subject of seventies science fiction, the Woogie is not some alien that attaches to your face. 

The Woogie is designed to face a problem that many Apple mobile users are facing. For some reason, young children love to play with iPhones and iPods, and these mobile devices often come back to the parents either busted or covered in a membrane of sticky goo. 

The Woogie is a place to put the iPhone/iPod in a huggable shell, so it will reduce the damage by a young child. It is also serves as a speaker. It takes two AAA batteries that are stored in the stuffed animal’s stuffing, and increase the volume tremendously when it is plugged into the headphone jack.

Wallee iPad Case !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

The iPad has certainly taken off in a big way, and there are so far a thousand and one ways to make use of it, with many more ways yet undiscovered. Well, why not add another one to the list with the Wallee iPad Case? Available in black and clear versions, this £39.99 purchase will be able to turn the elegant iPad into a wall mounted solution, letting you use it as some sort of glorified digital photo frame. 

All you need to do is click your iPad into this glossy hard shell case, screw the backplate which comes with it while interlock the X-mount to the wall, and voila! You’re good to go, with the iPad clicked and locked properly in either portrait or landscape position. Of course, if you don’t want to mount your iPad with the Wallee iPad Case, you can always use it as a regular case on your travels to make sure it offers adequate protection against everyday knocks and bumps. 

Universal IR Remote Control Power Plug for iPhone - iPad !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

Apple wasn’t kidding when they said “there’s an app for that”

Heart Monitor? Yes there’s an app for that.

Oscilloscope? Yup, that too.

Laser Pointer? No problem.

HMB-TEC of Germany has created an  eclectic and eccentric collection of hardware gadgetsplug into the 3.5mm headphone jack of an iPhone, and couple with their apps. 

Among the devices they make are a heart monitor, microphone, thermometer, stethoscope, pocket fan, oscilloscope, laser pointer, flashlight, breath controller, all sorts of remote control devices, and much more. German ingenuity and engineering leads the way again. I can’t imagine anyone coming up with this sort of stuff here in the U.S. The accessories cost from between $20 to $90 US, excluding shipping. The accompanying apps cost between $1 to $5.

Apple Quietly Removed the Stealthy Jailbreak Detection in iOS 4.2.1 !!

blogged by GmyDotCom

According to certain device management vendors, Apple, without an explanation of any kind, has dropped its own jailbreak detection API from iOS no less than six months after releasing it. The reasons behind this decision are a mystery, as Apple has declined to comment on the decision to abandon the API in the release of iOS 4.2.1.

Apple’s API let MDM (Master Data Management) applications access core information about the version of iOS running on any given device. Basically, the jailbreak detection API allowed certain applications to ask an iOS system if it had been compromised. Surprisingly, in the newly released iOS 4.2.1, that API is nowhere to be seen…

When you jailbreak, you change a number of base operating system files. You also exploit a number of hidden, base OS features to bypass the limitations of only installing content from the App Store.

This specific jailbreak detection API seemed to only be applicable in an enterprise environment. There are concerns that a jailbroken device could spread malware by granting permission to unauthorized apps with access to the system’s file structure.

The MDM vendors that Apple originally gave this jailbreak detection API function mainly in the workplace for corporate infrastructure. A jailbroken iPhone has been something that the enterprise world has been nervous about from the beginning.

 Why Apple discontinued this jailbreak query API remains a mystery. Apple is definitely still sticking to the policy that jailbreaking your iPhone voids your warranty.

Perhaps Apple’s decision to remove their jailbreak detection API coincides with recent triumphs in the jailbreak community; such as, the Dev Team’s iOS 4 unlock. Apple could be admitting defeat to the jailbreak community by no longer supporting a way of detecting if an iOS device is jailbroken or not.

Either way, the jailbreak developer community didn’t even bother with trying to fool this jailbreak detection API when it was in use. MuscleNerd, from the Dev Team, tweeted that, “Apple removed their “jailbreak detection API” in 4.2…we didn’t even attempt to fool it (honestly!)”

What do you think? Why would Apple have abandoned their jailbreak detection API?

Is Jailbreaking Legal?

blogged by GmyDotCom

UPDATE: Jailbreaking is now officially legal in the US

Now you’re probably wondering if it’s legal. Um… yes and no! The fact of the matter is that Apple has verbally announced that they believed jailbreaking to be illegal and an infringement on their copyrights by way of complaint to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, or EFF last January.

But, the EFF sided with the consumer and stated that the “reverse engineering is a fair use when done for purposes of fostering interoperability with independently created software,” saying that yes, even though jailbreakers are using Apple’s copyrighted code, they are doing so in a way that allows them functionality that Apple doesn’t provide access to on their own.

On top of that, Apple’s legal team is probably too busy dealing with Nokia, Fujitsu, and Psystar to chase after people who are trying to customize their home screens.

To be honest with you I’m sure Steve Jobs and company have sat down and gone over the risk/threat of jailbreakers and have discovered how much it really fuels iPhone/iPod touch sales. Don’t believe me? Run a 24 hour poll on your blog and ask if users would still purchase iPhones if they couldn’t be jailbroken in any way.

What Are the Risks of Jailbreaking?

blogged by GmyDotCom

Now, although jailbreaking has become increasingly easier, there are still very complicated risks that go with it. If you have a newer iPod Touch or iPhone 3GS, or if you plan on unlocking your new device, remember what I am about to tell you…

An underground group of programmers known as the Dev Team, for the most part, spearheads all this jailbreak technology more or less without Apple’s permission. Think of the Dev Team as the LA SWAT team with huge awesome guns trying to get into a barricaded building, which is the jailbroken iPhone software.

Every time they find a way in, Apple comes along and puts another barricade up with a software update that closes the entrance they had. Then they have to find another way in. They are currently working on jailbreaks for 3GS and iPod Touch software version 3.1.3, so if you upgrade to the newest version of the firmware, you will lose the ability to jailbreak at this time.

So it’s just a best practice to check the latest firmware version jailbroken (see the Dev Team blog) versus your own (go to Settings > General > Status). Aside from the above mentioned risks, there’s always the chance of your iPhone “bricking” or getting stuck in a non working state.

Several times during jailbreaks, mine would be stuck in phone purgatory for hours. Take just a few moments to browse any iPhone forum with jailbreaking topics and you’re sure to find several comments along the lines of “help! I tried to jailbreak my iPhone and now it’s been stuck on the Apple logo for hours, help!” or “Please help me, after jailbreaking my iPhone my GPS won’t work.”

So things definitely can go wrong, but generally it’s user error. Usually plugging in your iPhone to your computer, starting iTunes, and holding power for 5 seconds, power and menu button for 10 seconds, and then just menu for 20 seconds, tells iTunes your phones fried and it will do a fresh install of your most recent iPhone software. For more information on getting your iPhone out of the constant reboot cycle, read this article.