iPod Zombies Causing Road Accidents And MyTown Available On UK iPhone

On the day that Apple opens its largest store yet in London, the AA has warned that iPod zombies are becoming a major cause of accidents on UK roads. You can barely open a new Internet page without being inundated by Apple news so it’s hardly surprising to learn that the iPod is causing such a stir and to many drivers it definitely won’t come as a shock that it’s actually the pedestrians that are getting the bad press for once. Maybe the next problem for UK road users will be pedestrians that are too busy checking out local properties for the iPhone game MyTown.

Apparently, pedestrians are too busy checking emails and listening to music on their iPhone to notice that they are crossing a road and should be watching for traffic. The AA has said that accidents caused by pedestrian inattention have risen 5% and they have listed the iPod as one possible cause for this increase.

The location based game MyTown is already a massive hit in the US and developers BooYah have announced that it will also be released in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Boasting 2.8 million users already it is one of the most popular games on the iPhone and it combines elements of the classic board game Monopoly with location based gaming.

Users can purchase real life properties using game cash. They can then upgrade their properties and enhance their property empire. As in the board game version, users can also charge other gamers rent when they stay in their property. As a gamer collects more cash and purchases more property they also earn experience points which can be used to give themselves a competitive edge by upgrading their own abilities.

Have you downloaded MyTown yet?

Are you an iPod zombie?

iPad launch tomorrow

iPod Touch prototype snapped

A pre-release version of an iPod Touch has been showcased by a Vietnamese site, sporting the interesting addition of a two megapixel camera.

The images that were turned up by the Tinhte site clearly show that the iPod Touch in question is not a finalised version and given that it looks nothing like the iPhone 4G, but rather like the current generation iPod and iPhone, could indicate that Apple has some serious changes planned.

Keen observers have pointed out that the serial number displayed on the prototype marks it out as originating from the end of 2009. It is entirely possible that this is simply a design that was canned by Apple before it went into mass production.

Judging from the pictures, the two megapixel camera is accompanied by a small microphone, with the intention of allowing video capture. Inside is 64GB of storage space, which is not achieved using a single chip, but rather two Samsung 32GB chips.

The prototype iPod Touch has a slightly strange proprietary user interface, which lacks all of the traditional Apple polish, but apparently has apps, including the Nike+ exercise software.

All eyes will be on Apple when June 7th rolls around, as this is believed to be the date on which the new iPhone will be unveiled on the world. If it is planning to update the iPod Touch at the same time, then it would be sensible to assume that it will announce both at a single press event.

UK iPad launch date confirmed

Apple has finally committed to an official release date for the iPad for international customers, meaning that UK fans will be able to get their hands on a localised device in just a few weeks.

The iPad will be landing in the UK and many other international destinations on May 28th. It is possible to head to Apple’s online store and pre-order the two versions of the iPad from today (May 10th), so keen fans can get their name on the waiting list of what is sure to be one of the most in-demand gadgets of 2010.

Sales of the iPad in the US have vastly exceeded the predictions of many observers, with over a million sold. The booming app market is also getting another boost and there are well over a thousand apps that have been crafted exclusively for the iPad.

The international release date of May 28th will not see the iPad arriving everywhere, as folks in places such as the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and New Zealand will have to wait until an unspecified point in July before they get Apple’s slate computer.

What makes the iPad special is its Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity, depending on the model, coupled with its intuitive interface, vast software library and ability to operate as an eBook reader. Detractors have criticised it for its lack of Flash player support and its shunning of USB peripheral connectivity, which makes it a little less versatile than netbooks in this respect.

One million iPads sold in month one

Apple has proved sceptics wrong and has managed to create yet another best selling gadget in the iPad, with one million of the devices flying from the shelves in its first month on sale.

The iPad was seen by many as a fairly odd device, offering what looked to be a much larger alternative to the iPhone, but consumers have clearly fallen for Apple’s uniquely beautiful aesthetic touches and user-friendly interface once again.

The iPad could well be the device that finally brings the concept of eBooks to a mainstream audience, as Apple claims that 1.5 million eBooks have already been downloaded by iPad users.

Unsurprisingly the application craze that started on the iPhone has shown no signs of slowing on the iPad, with 12 million apps downloading in the last 30 days alone.

When the iPhone launched in 2007 it took over two months for it to sell a million units, but the iPad has hit this magic number in less than half that time. The result is that Apple cannot supply enough iPads to meet demand.

The iPad has caused something of a renaissance in the tablet computer market. Every tech firm in the world seems to be planning a slim, slate-like PC and there are plenty of knock-off copies of the iPad doing the rounds if you know where to look.

Google’s Android is the operating system of choice for those who are looking to take on Apple at their own game and with native Flash support and far lower price tags, these tablet alternatives could entice some away from the iPad.

Pharaoh-themed iPod dock / coffee table launched

The coffee table that integrates some kind of media compatibility is not a new idea, but the Horus is one that takes iPod compatibility to a whole new and rather obscure level.

The table itself gets its ancient Egyptian look because it is held aloft by a large concrete pyramid, with the tip appearing to protrude through the glass surface to house the iPod Touch or iPhone of your choice.

The concrete is apparently some kind of high performance material and the speakers are integrated into it below the surface. There is a blue illumination that emits from the mid section where the glass seems to slice through the concrete pyramid, giving off a glow that is in keeping with the whole Apple aesthetic.

The concept for the Horus gestated in the mind of furniture stylist Stephanie Thivend and it is undoubtedly one of the most unique iPod docks ever to have been conceived. It looks paradoxically modern and retro at the same time and will probably never fit in with the standard decor of the average household, making it the kind of item only the wealthy and slightly batty will ever consider for their own homes.

There are many well known iPod dock / speaker sets which look rather odd but still attract positive attention. For example, the famous B&W Zeppelin iPod speaker system is notable not just for its wacky design, but also for its high price and impressive audio quality.

iHat Review

We were opening the post last week and where happily surprised when we found a great new product to review. The iHat is a warm beanie hat with small speakers built in so you can listen to your music in comfort without the need for normal headphones.

Design

The iHat looks like your usual stylish hat and it is designed to keep your head warm just like a normal hat. The gadgety bit comes inside the hat where they have installed two small speakers that fit snugly over each ear. The cable for the two speakers is sewn neatly so it comes from the back of the hat and can drop down into your bag or pocket where your mp3 player is located. This solves the age old problem of tangled wires.

Who is it for?

The iHat is a very versatile product who would benefit a lot of different people. It worked really well when running and would be suitable for most sports (obviously not swimming). It also worked really well on the tube and would be ideal for commuters or students on the way to school.

Sounds interesting but how is this different from wearing normal headphones?

The problem with normal headphones when combined with the standard hat is twofold. The first problem that many people encounter is the headphones don’t sit in the ear properly and become dislodged by the hat. This can be both uncomfortable and annoying, the last thing you need is to be fiddling around with your hat when you are going for a run or commuting to work looking like you have something in your hat that shouldn’t be there – you will probably get some strange looks.

The second problem is that headphone wires can easily become entangled around your ears or in the hat.
The iHat combats all of these problems and still remains very versatile, practical and stylish.

The iHat is available from the mobile fun website for the small price of £13.47.

Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Case Review

Apple has won the hearts and minds of the world with its beautifully crafted nuggets of gadgety goodness, from the original iPod, the snazzy iMacs and the latest offering of the iPhone it seems they can’t put a foot wrong. The iPod Nano, now in its fourth generation, has been stomping all over the competition in the miniature media device market for some time, offering 8GB or 16GB of internal storage space, nine different colours to suit all tastes and a slim, narrow design that makes it the dinkiest iPod Nano yet. All of this of course means that the Nano is going to be a must have gadget and certainly high on many peoples’ gift lists, which also means that keeping it safe and secure whilst you’re out and about is essential. This is where the Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Case comes in. But what is this confusingly named product, and what on earth have otters got to do with iPods?

Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Case Functions
Some people may already have bought Otterbox products in the past, and they are basically the go to company if you want to protect your mobile phone or portable media player as we put a lot of money into these things and don’t want them to get damaged. What they’ve done with the iPod Nano Armour Case is to recreate all of the benefits of their previous Nano protectors but add even more power to the small and secure design. The Armour Case is basically an all in one protection system for your iPod Nano. Firstly there’s the rubber which swaddles the Nano from all sides, ideal for absorbing any impact from a drop and keeping your iPod Nano in fine working order throughout the spills of everyday life. Then there’s the fact that the box is completely sealed once you’ve got the iPod Nano inside, which means that unlike previous generations of the Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Case it is completely waterproof. This means that wind, rain, dust, sleet and mud will all be kept out of the Armour case, providing all round performance and protection for your iPod Nano.

Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Case Design
The first thing you’ll notice about the iPod Nano Armour Case is that it is constructed of completely clear plastic. This means that the stylish look of your iPod Nano won’t be compromised by any intervening screen and will be on show as much as you like. The white clips which secure the case closed and the white belt clip keep the whole design clean and attractive, and hark back to earlier iPods when the only colour available was white. It’s also intelligently designed with a thin membrane covering the menu wheel, meaning that you can access all of the controls of the iPod Nano whilst simultaneously keeping it entirely safe from damage and water tight. The membrane system is also patented, which means that no other third party case for an iPod Nano will provide you with the same level of functionality and protection, and the membrane itself is also pleasant on the fingers.

Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Extras
The guys at Otterbox have thought of everything when it comes to this case. On top of the protection it provides there’s the option to add a neck lanyard to keep your iPod Nano where you can see it at all times. If you prefer a different method of attachment there’s also a belt clip for added convenience. This also makes the Otterbox ideal for outdoors types because it will resist all weather conditions and can be strung around your neck whilst you’re hill walking to keep your spirits up and your Nano safe and dry. It’s also compatible with any headphone set using the standard 3.5mm stereo jack so you’re sure of third party support. The one thing that Otterbox themselves do not recommend using their iPod Nano Armour for is scuba diving as it’s not made to withstand high pressures. However, this seems like a way of pointing out that their product will withstand all but the most extreme conditions, and what are the chances that scuba divers will see fit to use an iPod underwater? Somehow I think they’re slim.

Otterbox iPod Nano Armour Conclusion
So who would this case appeal to? If you’re a rambler or a sporting enthusiast who has to keep their tunes with them at all times then this is the ideal protection solution. Additionally if you’re an accident prone commuter who regularly braves wind, rain and storms to make it to work with your iPod Nano in tow then this is also a great solution. If you’re looking for total protection then look no further than the Otterbox iPod Nano Armour case.

Apple Ipod Shuffle Review

Apple are known globally for their computing and electronic products which put design and usability at the top of the list of priorities, and most people will know them for their iPod products which have gone through various evolutions over the past few years. Whilst the current generation of iPods have large touch sensitive screens and massive on board storage, there is still a strong market for the ultra-portable iPod shuffle, and with the third generation having been released in 2009 things have taken an interesting turn.

Apple iPod Shuffle Technical Specs
Whilst the first generation of iPod Shuffle was available with just 512 MB or 1GB of on board storage space, the latest version has a massive 4GB which is enough for thousands of your favourite tracks. It is available in either black or silver with a cool polished metal effect finish that is similar to the larger iPods as opposed to the brushed metal look of older iPod Shuffles, and it uses flash memory to minimise the size of the unit and improve battery life.

Like previous shuffles there is no screen which improves battery life and keeps costs down. However, this is the first version of the Shuffle to use VoiceOver, Apple’s own text-to-speech technology that will allow you to hear the song name, artist and album name read to you in one of 14 different languages whilst it’s playing so you’ll always know what you’re listening too.

The next change to the iPod Shuffle is that none of the controls for volume, track skipping or anything else are located on the unit itself. Instead the headphones which are supplied with the unit have all of these controls built in to the left ear bud. This means that when you want to change track, find out who wrote the track you’re listening to or turn your iPod Shuffle up you’ll need to press a button in your ear, making you look a bit like a secret service agent listening to instructions. Whilst this is great in practice at the moment there’s no third party headphones that support these functions. Whilst you can still use your old headphones in the new Shuffle, playback of tracks will be automatic and uncontrollable and you won’t be able to adjust the volume. This means that you’ll have to make sure that you don’t loose the headphones that are included with the iPod Shuffle if you want to keep control over it. However, the idea is that you’ll find it a lot easier to control the Shuffle when you’re on the go, whether you’re jogging or walking, as your ear will always be easy to reach. However, some have complained that the buttons themselves are too small to operate easily, though this is more a matter of personal taste. Controlling the playback works on clicking the buttons multiple times for different effects, and this can sometimes be frustrating to use as over-clicking is easy to do.

iPod Shuffle Software Updates
The first improvement over previous iPod Shuffles offered by the latest version is support for more than one playlist. This means that whilst you’re not going to be able to see which track is playing and select it manually you’ll be able to put multiple playlists from iTunes on your Shuffle and define your own listening experience.

iPod Shuffle Design and Looks
Being an Apple product the iPod Shuffle is of course a beautifully designed piece of equipment, with the aforementioned colour options and the reflective belt clip bearing the Apple logo very easy on the eye. It is also a truly tiny little device which may put some off as loosing it or having it stolen are always going to be made riskier by this. To put its size into context, it is smaller than a standard AA battery. Grab the nearest remote and have a look for yourself to get an idea. This size is achieved by outsourcing the controls to the headphones, and for some people the size is just a bit too small.

Conclusion
Whilst the new iPod Shuffle is an interesting experiment in what is possible in the music player market, it really is a matter of personal opinion as to whether it’s ideal for you. The problems are its small size, fiddly controls and lack of 3rd party headphone support, but it does exactly what previous generations of the Shuffle did but better. If you’re looking for an ultra-portable music player and you’ve owned Apple products in the past then the iPod Shuffle is probably for you.

Otter Box Iphone 3G Case Review

One of the most appealing aspects of the iPhone, along with its range of features and iTunes compatibility, is its attractive form and ‘trend setting’ design (inspiring a range of inferior clones after launch). The downside of this is that you’ll want to keep the device looking as it did when you bought it, and the more shiny and attractive the product, the more easily damaged it can get. Therefore, a whole range of iPhone covers have come onto the market – some as attractive as the phone itself, some not – and these come in a range of forms, from simple slip covers (meaning you have to take the phone out for each use), to those with a keyring or chain to attach to your clothes.

The Otter Box falls somewhere between these types, and has clearly been designed to offer a safe, durable cover for the iPhone, whilst having form in mind. The ‘Otter Box’ name comes from the texture of the case, which is a rubbery, high grip type surface, that gives the unit a sleek appearance, whilst offering maximum protection. The design of the item is in separate parts.

There is a front solid plastic piece, which protects the sides of the unit, and has a plastic cover for the touch screen, and also a back piece which clips onto this, protecting the rear of the iPhone. On top of this, the rubberised cover slips over, unifying the case. Some other covers have a smooth or polished surface, similar to the iPhone itself, which somewhat diminishes the point of having a cover, as these can quickly become worn and scruffy looking. Although the Otter Box is not designed to be waterproof, its wrap around design will certainly make an iPhone less vulnerable to damage from a few splashes of water than the bare phone would be, and also prevents dust intrusion – especially at the socket points, which can all be covered up individually. One of the benefits of the Otter Box over other designs is the fact that it includes a cover for the screen, meaning the main face of your iPhone isn’t exposed either. The plastic cover does make the touch screen slightly less responsive initially, but is by no means restrictive. Pressing the physical buttons, such as the home button and volume buttons, through the case is likewise not a problem.

Additionally, many other iPhone covers are designed quite poorly for the device they’re supposed to be specialised to, but the Otter Box doesn’t suffer this problem, partly due to the mix of the hard inner case and the soft outer layer. The earpiece is lined up perfectly with a gap in the casing, so calls sound the same as on the ‘bare’ phone. Likewise, the camera lens has a gap in just the right place, causing no ‘smudging’ of shots, as with some other designs. As well as this, the headphone connector on the top and the charger socket on the bottom of the phone are accessible without removing the cover, but are still protected by a rubberised ‘flap’ that tucks securely into place when you don’t need access. One of the nicest touches on the design of the Otter Box is the fact that there is a gap allowed in the rear of the unit where the ‘Apple’ logo is. Third party manufacturers are normally prohibited from displaying the Apple logo on their products, and most covers will hide the Apple logo, often having their own prominently shown instead, meaning it could really be any similar phone under the cover. With the Otter Box, it’s easy to tell that the phone under there is the best smart phone on the market, and it even makes the logo more prominent than when the phone is bare.

The other part of the Otter Box is a final outer layer which can be used when carrying your iPhone around. The phone, bound up in the hard plastic parts and rubberised ‘skin’ slides neatly into this. Putting the phone inside this provides an extra degree of protection, yet still is accessible for the headphone connector on top, and it clicks easily and securely into place. Added to that, there is a sturdy spring clip on the back of the case, making it an easy way of connecting to clothes when outside, and allowing you to make full and easy use of hands free calling, and of course the phone’s music player – which is probably one of the main reasons you chose an iPhone. Overall, the Otter Box is a very high quality solution to a very real problem for iPhone owners, and is one of the most ergonomically sound designs on the market.

Get it from: Otter box | Mobile Fun  

<Next Page » 1 2 Next Page »