Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"Too busy to read our liveblog coverage of Apple's September iPod Event? Everything you need to know about Apple's new products is below the fold, including details about the new iPod Shuffle, Nano, iPod Touch, AppleTV, iTunes and iOS update."

Pretty good summary of yesterday's Apple event, in case you weren't following along on any number of the live blogs or the live streaming by Apple. As you may have guessed, I was pretty excited about the Apple TV portion and I think they are on the right track with it. The price point is low enough, I think, that this will become more than just a "hobby" for Apple, and topping it off with the Netflix integration is icing on the cake. Definitely a big step in the right direction. The other high point for me was the update to iTunes with Ping. Seems like a logical way to keep track of your favorite artists and find out information on their next concert. The social aspect of it wasn't that big of a deal for me, but I can see how it might be for others. And of course the fixing of the proximity sensor was a big deal, especially since reports had it that it would not be fixed with this update. How about you? What were your highlights from yesterday's event?

"On Thursday, Sonic Solutions and Widevine announced they're joining forces to help bring streaming movies to iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android smartphones."

This looks like it might be an interesting streaming option. If it works as expected, you'll be able to watch movies on your home media center devices like a Blu-ray player, and finish watching them on your iPad or iPhone after you walk out the door. Both Sonic Solutions and Widevine have a history of providing quality streaming services, so I'm sure this will be an app to watch.

"Patently Apple does a great job explaining Apple's latest interesting patents and today the "Smart Bike" and Mall app have come upon us. The Smart Bike seems like the most interesting bicycle ever, a techie-bicyclist's dream. It will use the various sensors in the bike and iPhone to measure things like altitude, speed, power, heart rate, path distances, and several more."

Apple has applied for a patent for a concept that they're calling Smart Bike (or Smart Bicycle). Using a variety of sensors, links, software, communication, and of course an iPod or iPhone, Smart Bike can display not only information on the bike itself, but information on the rider. In addition, groups of riders can share all the reported information, so imagine a Tour De France team all linked with this gear: "Steve, your heart rate is down, pick it up!" or "Team, there is a 20km per hour headwind, and your heart rate needs to increase to climb the next hills." The underlying story states that this technology is expensive, and probably not for the casual or even semi-serious cyclist, but could be applied to other modes of transportation. As we've seen, costs drop as technology is adopted, so we can probably expect to see this offered on all bicycles sometime in the near future.

"iLounge and Slacker are giving away twelve (12) subscriptions to one year of free Slacker Radio Plus (retail value $47.88)."

Contest is open to Canadian and US residents, and ends August 31, 2010. Slacker Radio Plus allows you to choose from 120 pre-programmed stations, or you can create your own. This version also allows you to cache your favorite stations and listen to the music even when "disconnected."

"When congress calls, Apple answers. According to CNet, Apple general counsel and senior vice president of legal and government affairs, Bruce Sewell, has sent two congressmen a 13-page letter detailing the whys and wherefores of Apple's policies and procedures for collecting location-based data."

iPhone users have expressed privacy concerns over Apple's practice of collecting location-based data for use in applications and advertising. Congress was listening, and asked Apple to explain their policies and procedures. Apple's 13-page response described in detail how everything works, including their privacy policies, and how latitide and longitude information is converted to a ZIP code for use by iAds and Apps. In iOS 3.2 and later, information is stored in Apple's own proprietary format using information that they've collected from cell towers and WiFi access points - they no longer use Google or Skyhook Wireless databases. They stressed that personally-identifyable data is -not- stored anywhere. Congress seemed to be satisfied with Apple's responses - for now.

"Good news for those of you who love to listen to an audiobook before bed: Audible, the Internet's number one digital audiobook provider, has just released a free iPhone application that works like a charm."

I never really got into audiobooks because, while I can see the appeal, listening to various podcasts was something I liked better. But if you do like the audiobook method for "reading," you can now get Audible.com on your iPhone/iPod Touch. The app is free, but there is a monthly subscription for the service. Right now they are offering a discounted price of $7.95 USD per month for the first three months on their Gold Plan [link], and then $14.95 USD per month after that. I see they also offer podcasts and magazines so I may investigate further. Do you use Audible, and if so, how do you like it?

"PlayOn, a program that takes content from streaming video sites like Hulu and displays them on game consoles such as the Xbox 360 or PS3, is coming to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad."

A somewhat convoluted way of getting streaming videos onto your mobile iDevice, PlayOn runs on an iDevice, and its software talks to "host" software running on a Windows PC or Windows on a Mac with BootCamp or Parallels (no mention of VMWare Fusion or VirtualBox). PlayOn acts as a remote control device back to Windows, and the PC software manages content formatting for the mobile device. WiFi is necessary for the content transfer. Current limitations:

• A Windows PC or virtual instance is required, with PlayOn software running. No plans for a native OS X (or Linux) version.

• Devices must all be on the same WiFi network.

• Cost. A free "lite" version can play back only local media on the Windows system and network, plus Pandora streaming radio content. PlayOn Premium costs $39.99 for the first year, and $19.99 for subsequent years. To contrast, HuluPlus costs $120 per year.

PlayOn has a growing list of third-party plugins ( link ), so if you're interested in viewing streaming video (today) on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, PlayOn may be worth trying.

"The iTunes Connect Mobile (iTC Mobile) app for iPhone allows you to review your sales and related trends, and make informed business decisions while you're on the go."

And now you can get it from iTunes, free of charge [link].

"Travel much? Then you are no doubt familiar with the many flight tracker Apps available on iOS devices. However, despite their relatively simple function, there's a bunch of questions that need to be asked in order to find the right one for you."

A pretty good selection of apps that they go over in this article and it's sure to help you make up your mind on exactly which app you need to fill your needs.

"The iTunes App Store offers downloads of iHandy Level for iPhone / iPod touch for free."

Free is a very good price, and it just so happens that iHandy's Level [iTunes link] fits that bill. The app is one of 5 in the iHandy Carpenter app [affiliate link], and no word on how long this will last. Looking at the iHandySoft website [link], I can see how they get their name as the apps do look like they would come in "handy."

"If you are picking up a Bimmer in 2011, you'll notice a new level of iPhone and iPod integration."

I would have thought this would have been in place long before now. At least now I'll know how far to go back to if/when I start looking at used BMWs in a few years.

"KONNET Technology announces the release of the PowerEZ Plus, a 1000mAh external charging solution for the iPhone and iPod family of devices, including the new iPhone 4. Affordably priced at $29.99 (US) or $34.99 (CDN), the PowerEZ Plus is the ultimate double-tasking battery pack: it also serves as a sturdy, retractable prop for iPod/iPhone movie watching in widescreen format."

This seems like a pretty handy charger to have since, besides being affordable, it works across the line of iPods and iPhones, even the iPhone 4. I also like the fact that you can tell how much life is left in it from the number of blue lights displayed and that it shuts down when it has charged your device. One thing I don't particularly like is having something sticking out of the end of my iPhone, but I can see using it to supply power while watching a video. They even have a contest going on their facebook page [link] in case you want to try your luck!

"The free Hulu Plus app just hit the iTunes App store, kids, with the promise of 720p streaming over WiFi or 3G to iOS devices including the iPad, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and 3rd generation iPod touch."

Can't wait to give this a try, especially since it is free [link] and provides limited free viewing. Soon they will be setting the monthly subscription for around $10.00 USD and it's only available now in the U.S.

"ComiXology has done it again. First the Marvel Comics app was released, powered by the company's familiar engine, and then one recently for BOOM! Studios. Now DC Comics has finally released its own app, running on ComiXology's familiar interface."

Nicely done app, although they don't have a lot of choices, at least so far. This is a free app [link], and works on iPad or iPhone/iPod Touch. 

"As has been rumored for a while now, Microsoft has released Windows Live Messenger for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad in the US, Canada, UK, and France. The app is available for download from the iTunes App Store."

Available now for free in the iTunes App Store [link].

"Today is iPhone (and iPod touch) software update day, as Apple should introduce iOS 4.0 later on today. The company often pushes out its iPhone patches at 10am PDT. While you wait for the update to emerge, I thought you might be interested in this ten-minute video (via TiPB) which is a great little guide to the new features of the OS."

10 minute run through of iOS 4, since today is the release day. This update will only work on the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 and 2nd and 3rd generation iPod Touch (the ones with the volume control on the side). But not all features will work on the iPod Touch and 3G iPhones, such as multitasking, custom wallpaper and Bluetooth keyboard support. Before downloading make sure you have upgraded to iTunes to 9.2, and if the past is any indication, be ready for some delays.

"Here's something that will either warm your heart or make you gag, depending how you feel about Apple's penchant for self-congratulatory schmaltz."

Makes you want to go get that developer's kit doesn't it? They even work in a not so subtle jab at Android by saying it's nice to be working on a platform that is mature and not something "invented two years ago."

"As rumored, Apple has released an official retail store app. Simply called "App Store," the new app lets users shop the full line of products available at The Apple Store. But it's more than shopping."

It's actually called "Apple Store" so make sure if you search you use the correct title or it won't come up right away. You can read reviews, locate retail stores and check in on the in-store events, all from this new free app from Apple. You can also schedule appointments at the Genius Bar or One on One sessions. You can download it now for free.

This weekend only, to promote the USA versus England World Cup kickoff, they are offering the game in the iTunes store [affiliate link] for only $0.99 USD, which is down $4.00 USD from the normal price. If you like soccer, this is the game for you. And no, you aren't limited to just the two teams, you get over 100 teams to choose from to set up your own World Cup matches. 

"One of the most interesting things I saw from Case-Mate at CES in January was the I Make My Case Web app, which allows you to create your own iPhone case using design elements from popular designers and graphic artists that you can arrange on your case yourself."

I tried going to the Make My Case page, but it still only lists the 3G/3GS version of the iPhone, so in the near future I'm sure it will be up and running. Regardless, the page is pretty cool and it allows you to pick from a variety of artists to customize a case for your iPhone, Blackberry Bold or Curve and iPod Touch. You can pick designs already done by the artist or customize one for yourself, based on the artists style.