iNews Review

Photoshop Touch for iPad, Surface Faltering, End of The Daily, the Pope Tweets, and More

This Week's iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2012.12.10

News, Reviews, & Opinion

The Competition

Apps & Services

Accessories

Presentation & Protection

iPod Deals

These price trackers are updated every month.

Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review. Older Macs are covered in Vintage Mac News. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Purchases made through links to Amazon.com and Apple's iTunes/iBook/App/Mac App Store support Low End Mac.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Inventor of Text Messaging Mystified by Its Popularity

20 years ago, British engineer Neil Papworth sent the world's first text message, "Merry Christmas", from a computer to his boss' cellphone, never imagining that text messaging would become part of mainstream daily interactions.

A CTV News report notes that a recent World Bank study estimates that about three-quarters of the world's population now has access to a cellphone and trillions of text messages are sent around the globe every day, especially dominating the way young adults and teenagers communicate, with a recent Pew Internet study finding found that about 63% of teens text on a daily basis.

As for Papworth, the report says the ubiquity of texting is still somewhat baffling to him, wondering where people find the time to send 100 or more messages a day. Time being a finite commodity, all that texting (not to mention tweeting and Facebooking) - usually over trivial and inconsequential subject matter - has to be displacing more productive and edifying pursuits. Papworth says he sends maybe 10 or 15 texts a week.

IDC Raises Tablet Forecast as iOS Picks Up Steam, Android Gains Traction, and Windows Enters the Market

PR: With a strong competitive landscape, including surging Android tablet shipments and robust demand for Apple's new iPad mini, International Data Corporation (IDC) has increased its 2012 forecast for the worldwide tablet market to 122.3 million, up from its previous forecast of 117.1 million units.

In the latest forecast update of the Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, IDC also raised its 2013 forecast number to 172.4 million units, up from 165.9 million units. And by 2016 worldwide shipments should reach 282.7 million units, up from a previous forecast of 261.4 million units.

"Tablets continue to captivate consumers, and as the market shifts toward smaller, more mobile screen sizes and lower prices points, we expect demand to accelerate in the fourth quarter and beyond," system Mainelli, research director, Tablets at IDC. "Android tablets are gaining traction in the market thanks to solid products from Google, Amazon, Samsung, and others. And Apple's November iPad mini launch, along with its surprise refresh of the full-sized iPad, positions the company well for a strong holiday season."

In addition to increasing the unit totals for 2013, IDC also updated its operating system splits for the year to reflect Android's growing strength in the tablet market. IDC now expects Android's worldwide tablet share to increase from 39.8% in 2011 to 42.7% for the full year of 2012. During that same time Apple's share will slip from 56.3% in 2011 to 53.8% in 2012. Long term, IDC predicts Windows-based tablets (including Windows 8 and Windows RT) will grab share from both iOS and Android, growing from 1% of the market in 2011 to 2.9% in 2012, on its way to 10.3% in 2016.

Worldwide Tablet Market Forecast

"The breadth and depth of Android has taken full effect on the tablet market as it has for the smartphone space," says Ryan Reith, program manager for IDC's Mobile Device Trackers. "Android tablet shipments will certainly act as the catalyst for growth in the low-cost segment in emerging markets given the platform's low barrier to entry on manufacturing. At the same time, top-tier companies like Samsung, Lenovo, and ASUS are all launching Android tablets with comparable specs, but offered at much lower price points."

Once again, IDC's increase in tablet shipments comes at the expense of e-readers. IDC lowered its forecast for e-readers for 2012 and beyond. While the front-lit e-reader offerings from Amazon and Barnes & Noble have captured the interest of a subset of consumers who prefer a dedicated e-reader, most buyers are gravitating toward multi-use tablet products and finding a 'good enough' reading experience on these traditional backlit tablets. IDC now expects 2012 e-reader shipments to top out at 19.9 million units, down from the 27.7 million units that shipped in 2011.

Table Notes:

  • Windows shipments include Windows RT, Windows 8, and Windows 7 tablets.
  • Shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users. OEM sales are counted under the vendor/brand under which they are sold.

News Corp. Kills The Daily iPad Newspaper

A News Corp. press release says, in part:

"News Corporation [has] announced that effective immediately, Jesse Angelo, the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Daily and longtime Executive Editor of The New York Post, will assume the role of Publisher of The New York Post. As part of a digital restructuring initiative, the company will cease standalone publication of The Daily iPad app on December 15, 2012, though the brand will live on in other channels. Technology and other assets from The Daily, including some staff, will be folded into The Post.

"Mr. [Rupert] Murdoch said: 'From its launch, The Daily was a bold experiment in digital publishing and an amazing vehicle for innovation. Unfortunately, our experience was that we could not find a large enough audience quickly enough to convince us the business model was sustainable in the long-term. Therefore we will take the very best of what we have learned at The Daily and apply it to all our properties. Under the editorial leadership of Editor-in-Chief Col Allan and the business and digital leadership of Jesse, I know The New York Post will continue to grow and become stronger on the web, on mobile, and not least, the paper itself. I want to thank all of the journalists, digital and business professionals for the hard work they put into The Daily.'

"Paul Carlucci, who has served as Publisher of The New York Post since 2005 will focus exclusively on his role as Chairman of News America Marketing where he continues to generate important profits.

"Greg Clayman, Publisher of The Daily, will oversee the Company's global digital strategy, new digital investments and distribution partnerships, working with CTO Paul Cheesbrough."

The Register's Andrew Orlowski notes that News Corp. had worked closely with Apple to develop the title, which went on sale in February 2011, some nine months after the iPad itself made its debut, with an original circulation target of 500,000 paid-for subscriptions, but observing that even with digital subscriptions included, only two US newspapers have digital subscriber bases over 200,000 - the Wall Street Journal with 794,594 and the New York Times with 896,532

Pope Benedict XVI on Twitter: A Voice of Unity and Leadership for the Church

PR: A press conference was held Monday in the Holy See Press Office to explain the presence of the Pope on Twitter and to provide additional information on the use of the new media in the Vatican.

The conference was presented by Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary of the same dicastery, Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, Vatican Radio and the Vatican Television Centre, Professor Gian Maria Vian, editor of 'L'Osservatore Romano' and Greg Burke, media advisor to the Secretariat of State. Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Twitter's director of Social Innovation, was also present.

Given below are extracts from the English-language Note explaining the presence of the Holy Father on Twitter:

"The Pope's presence on Twitter is a concrete expression of his conviction that the Church must be present in the digital arena. ... The Pope's presence on Twitter can be seen as the 'tip of the iceberg' that is the Church's presence in the world of new media.

The Church is already richly present in this environment there exist a whole range of initiatives from the official websites of various institutions and communities to the personal sites, blogs and micro-blogs of public church figures and of individual believers. The Pope's presence on Twitter is ultimately an endorsement of the efforts of these 'early adapters' to ensure that the Good News of Jesus Christ and the teaching of his Church is permeating the forum of exchange and dialogue that is being created by social media. His presence is intended to be an encouragement to all Church institutions and people of faith to be attentive to develop an appropriate profile for themselves and their convictions in the 'digital continent'.

The Pope's tweets will be available to believers and nonbelievers to share, discuss and to encourage dialogue. It is hoped that the Pope's short messages, and the fuller messages that they seek to encapsulate, will give rise to questions for people from different countries, languages and cultures".

"Part of the challenge for the Church in the area of new media is to establish a networked or capillary presence that can effectively engage the debates, discussions and dialogues that are facilitated by social media and that invite direct, personal and timely responses of a type that are not so easily achieved by centralized institutions. Moreover, such a networked or capillary structure reflects the truth of the Church as a community of communities which is alive both universally and locally. The Pope's presence on Twitter will represent his voice as a voice of unity and leadership for the Church but it will also be a powerful invitation to all believers to express their 'voices', to engage their 'followers' and 'friends' and to share with them the hope of the Gospel that speaks of God's unconditional love for all men and women".

"In addition to the direct engagement with the questions, debates and discussions of people that is facilitated by new media, the Church recognizes the importance of new media as an environment that allows to teach the truth that the Lord has passed to His Church, to listen to others, to learn about their cares and concerns, to understand who they are and for what they are searching. ... It is for this reason that it has been decided to launch the Pope's Twitter channel with a formal question and answer format. This launch is also an indication of the importance that the Church gives to listening and is a warranty of its ongoing attentiveness to the conversations, commentaries and trends that express so spontaneously and insistently the preoccupations and hopes of people".

The first tweets from the Pope's handle on Twitter will be given on 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Initially tweets will be published with the Wednesday general audiences, although they may subsequently become more frequent. The first tweets, on 12 December, will respond to questions put to the Pope on matters of faith. The public can send questions between now and 12 December in the languages listed below. The official Papal handle is @pontifex.

In addition to English, tweets will also be published in the following languages:

  • Spanish @pontifex_es
  • Italian @pontifex_it
  • Portuguese @pontifex_pt
  • German @pontifex_de
  • Polish @pontifex_pl
  • Arabic @pontifex_ar
  • French @pontifex_fr

Other languages may be added in the future.

Twitter Blog Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI

Twitter's Manager of Social Innovation Claire Diaz Ortiz notes that the Vatican announced that on December 12, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Benedict XVI (@pontifex) will be the first Pope to join Twitter. Beginning now, people everywhere will have a chance to Tweet questions relating to faith and belief using the hashtag #AskPontifex. Questions will be curated by the Vatican staff for the Pope to respond to via his new Twitter account on December 12th in a live tweeting event at the end of his weekly audience.

The Competition

5 Ways the iPad Beats the Surface RT

The Surface RT is a well-engineered tablet, but there are still a number of reasons to choose the Apple iPad.

PC World's Tony Bradley has posted five features and benefits that give the iPad an advantage over the Surface with Windows RT:

  1. Heft - something intangible that makes the iPad feel thinner and lighter when you're holding it.
  2. 4G/LTE - Apple iPad is available with 4G/LTE wireless capabilities.
  3. VPN - limitations of the VPN connectivity on the Surface RT break the deal if you need a tablet for business.
  4. Camera -The iPad sports a 5 megapixel (MP) camera capable of recording 1080p video, while the Surface RT has a 1 MP camera that records 720p video
  5. Apps - It will be a long time, if ever, before Microsoft can catch up to Apple in terms of the sheer volume of apps available. Quality is more important than quantity, but right now Microsoft is a little low on both.

Is Microsoft's Surface Pro Really Overpriced? MacBook Air vs. Surface Pro

BGR's Zach Epstein says he saw potential in the Surface tablet with Windows RT when he reviewed it in October, but when he revisited the slate after a month of usage, he noted that more than anything else, the Surface with Windows RT got him excited for the upcoming Windows 8 version of Microsoft's tablet.

However, he's much less excited about the Surface Pro now that he knows how much it's going to cost. But is the Surface Pro really that expensive? Epstein notes that we're not talking about some light-duty media tablet here, but a full-featured, cutting-edge notebook computer that happens to also be a tablet. Surface Pro runs a full desktop operating system, is powered by a third-generation Intel Core processor, and its one of the thinnest and lightest devices in its class.

So Epstein compares the Surface Pro to a true competitor - a device with a full desktop operating system, a premium metal enclosure and similar specs to see how the Surface Pro's pricing really shapes up against the competition, in this context Apple's MacBook Air.

He notes that in this context, pricing for the Surface Pro is absolutely within the realm of reality, and even when including a $120 Touch Cover, it's only $20 more expensive than comparable 11" MacBook Airs - a premium tablet/notebook hybrid device that is thinner and lighter than a MacBook Air despite including high-definition display with multitouch support, dual cameras, a microSDXC memory card support, and more.

Microsoft-Intel Push to Challenge Apple in Tablet Space Faltering

Bloomberg's Ian King and Dina Bass reports that Microsoft and Intel's joint campaign to challenge Apple's iPad dominance in the $63.2 billion tablet market is off to a slow start, with early demand for Microsoft's first computer, the Surface tablet, disappointing so far, according to FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger.

Developers Shun Microsoft Surface

TapScape notes that mobile computing is all about the apps and, despite more than $1.5 billion in marketing, Microsoft's Surface fails badly on that count. Little wonder that Microsoft Surface sales are modest, with nothing about Microsoft's grand desktop-tablet-smartphone Windows 8 operating system grand unification strategy going well at all.

So is there still hope, or is a Microsoft Surface fail all but certain?

Why Windows 8 Tablets Will Beat Apple & Android

TMCnet's Tom Keating says after using and testing the $1,200 Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro 700t x86 tablet for a few weeks, he's come to the conclusion that Windows 8 tablets will without a doubt beat Apple iPad tablets and Android tablets.

Keating argues that the reason is simple and can be summed up in just two words: "No compromise". With Apple tablets, and even Android tablets, there is always some compromise.

He says Apple's biggest compromise is the lack of Flash support, and that and if he hears one more person tell him Flash is dead and HTML5 is the way to go, he's going to smack them, noting that he's lost count of how many times he's visited a website that uses Flash video on his iPad and is unable to play it.

Keating continues with a lengthy inventory of iOS and Android compromises with which Windows 8 tablets are not afflicted, and summarizes that he has no doubt that Windows 8 tablets will take over Apple's tablet dominance.

He makes a strongly reasoned case, but look at the real world sales performance of Microsoft's Surface and other Windows 8 tablets so far....

Editor's note: I have to agree regarding Flash. I encounter video content that I'm locked out of several times a day every day on the iPad. As Keating says, very frustrating. Flash is anything but dead - and not likely to be any time in the foreseeable future. Time for Apple to climb down from its peevish dismissal of Flash and make it work with the iOS. cm

Apps & Services

Adobe Photoshop Touch for iPad

Photoshop TouchPR: Photoshop Touch is Adobe's iOS image editor, supporting layers, selection tools, filters, adjustments, support for images up to 12 megapixels, Retina display support, and layer fill using the iPad camera.

Adobe Photoshop Touch features:

  • Use popular Photoshop features designed for the tablet such as layers, selection tools, adjustments, and filters to create images.
  • Use your iPad camera to fill an area on a layer with the unique camera fill feature.
  • Select part of an image to extract by scribbling with the Scribble Selection tool. With Refine Edge, use your fingertip to capture even hard-to-select image elements, like hair, with ease.
  • Work on high-resolution images while maintaining the highest image quality. Supports images up to 12 megapixels.
  • Follow step-by-step tutorials to easily learn techniques the pros use for great-looking results.
  • Search and acquire images with the integrated Google Image Search.
  • Browse an inspirational gallery for the styles and results you'd like to achieve.
  • Use AirPrint for wireless printing of Photoshop Touch projects.
  • Automatically sync projects to Adobe Creative Cloud* and open layered files from Adobe Photoshop Touch in Photoshop CS6 or Photoshop CS5.1.
  • Free membership to Creative Cloud gives you 2 GB of cloud storage plus the ability to sync between tablet and desktop, access files from the web, and easily share with others.

* Internet connection and complimentary level of membership to Adobe Creative Cloud is required for use of this feature. Creative Cloud membership is only available to users 13 and older and requires agreement to additional terms and Adobe's online privacy policy. Creative Cloud may not available in all countries or languages and may be subject to change or discontinuation without notice.

New in Version 1.4:

  • Optimized user interface for iPad Mini
  • Smoother brush strokes
  • Pressure-sensitive stylus support for Pogo Connect (requires iPad 3 or later with Bluetooth 4.0 support), Jot Touch, and JaJa devices
  • Two new Effects: Lens Flare (under & menu) and Stamp Pattern
  • Improved grid layout for projects, tutorials, and images
  • New support for sharing to Facebook, Twitter, and other registered apps
  • Quick access to last 5 colors with new shortcut (drag down on Color)
  • Various bug fixes

Photoshop TouchSystem requirements:

  • Requires iPad 2 or later and iOS 5. Not available for 1st generation iPad.
  • Compatible with iPad 2 WiFi, iPad 2 WiFi + 3G, iPad (3rd generation), iPad WiFi + 4G, iPad (4th generation), iPad WiFi + Cellular (4th generation), iPad mini and iPad mini WiFi + Cellular
  • Requires iOS 5.0 or later.

$9.99

ActivePrint Adds Cloud Printing Support for iPad mini

PR: Texas-based Pocket Watch, LLC have announced the release of ActivePrint 9.3.1, which adds full Cloud Printing Support to the new iPad mini and the iPad 4. With this new technology, users can print content from their iOS devices to their printer from anywhere in the world whether the printer is connected via WiFi or USB. With the free ActivePrint System app installed on their PC, users can turn any printer into a Cloud Printer.

"There have been countless times when I've been away from my office working on my iPad and I've wanted my work to print out at the office. That's the idea that went into ActivePrint Cloud Printing." says Charles Teel, the developer behind ActivePrint and founder of Pocket Watch, LLC. "What about those times you're on vacation taking pictures with your iPhone? You don't need a printed copy while you're on vacation, but you may want one waiting for you when you get home. That's the great thing about Cloud Printing. You no longer have to wait for the print job. Instead the print job is waiting for you at home or at your office."

With ActivePrint users can easily and securely send their documents on their iPad or iPhone to be printed no matter where they are. Whether the user is at the office, at home, or out of town they will always be able to print from their iPad or iPhone to their printer. And with the free ActivePrint System app installed on their PC, users can turn any printer into a Cloud Printer.

Additional Features:

  • Print documents from Dropbox, Box.net, and Microsoft SkyDrive, and the iWork Suite
  • Print Photos from your photo album or your device's camera
  • Print to any Windows or Mac OS X compatible printer
  • Print an unlimited number of documents and photos
  • Includes a free PC App to make any printer an ActivePrint Cloud Printer (Windows and Mac OS X versions available)

Language Support: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5, iPod touch (3rd/4th/5th generation), and iPad
  • Requires iOS 6.0 or later
  • Universal app optimized for display on all iOS devices
  • 3.2 MB

ActivePrint Pro 9.3.1 is $3.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category. A free Lite version, which can be upgraded to include all the Pro features through an In App Purchase of $3.99, is also available.

Accessories

HoverBar Makes iPad a Wingman for Your Mac

PR: TwelveSouth's HoverBar hangs your iPad beside your Mac, letting you use iPad as a secondary, touchscreen computer. The flexible HoverBar arm positions the iPad in a place where you can keep tabs on Twitter, stocks or partake in a FaceTime chat. As a bonus, you can use HoverBar separately to float iPad as a micro workstation, a handy kitchen mount or as a tool that elevates the iPad, creating a whole new way to interact with apps.

HoverBar connects the iPad to your Mac, creating a dynamic duo - a desktop workstation with a beautiful Apple display and a killer touchscreen computer hanging by its side. HoverBar presents more ways to use iPad more often. Collaborate on a project with FaceTime, monitor the weather and interact with your favorite apps. HoverBar rescues iPad from the computer bag.

One Strong Arm. Or Two

HoverBar floats an iPad next to any iMac or Apple display with an L-shaped stand. The black, flexible arm on HoverBar connects to the Mac using a sturdy, silicone-lined clamp that leaves no trace. HoverBar has enough muscle and reach to position iPad above or beside any size Mac. Flex the bar and tilt the iPad in any direction to find your favorite viewing position. What could be better than one iPad hovering above your Mac? Having a second floating beside it.

Floats Like a Butterfly in the Kitchen

HoverBar is a sweet accessory in the kitchen. It connects to a cabinet quickly and easily with a simple clamp. No drilling holes or putting screws into your expensive Cherry cabinets. Pop open your favorite recipe or cooking app, or stream a how-to video while your iPad floats safely above the counter, away from splatters, spills and floury concoctions.

Stand Out, Stand Alone Performer

Attach HoverBar to a table to create a mini, minimalistic workstation in a dorm or other small space. The sturdy, two-way clamp positions HoverBar upright so you can use it standing.

Elevates Your Mac to a Multi-Computer

HoverbarUse HoverBar to bring iOS apps to your Mac. With HoverBar floating iPad next to your Mac, you can stream Pandora from their super cool iPad app, while you tackle an iMovie project on 27", widescreen iMac. While your Mac is running a Keynote show, your iPad can be powering your go-to smaller screen apps.

Features

  • Use iPad clipped into HoverBar as a secondary, touchscreen computer with Mac
  • Sturdy, padded clamp attaches to most iMac and Apple displays
  • Mount onto any surface as a stand-alone iPad stand

Compatibility:

  • Fits all iPad 2 and 3rd/4th generation models
  • Attaches to all iMacs and Apple Displays with an L-shaped desk stand
  • Two-way clamp attached to surface or edge up to one-inch thick

$79.99

Free US Shipping. New Intl. Flat Rates

Brydge Keyboard Case Turns iPad into MacBook Air Surrogate

PR: Brydge has been upgraded with a hinge twice as thin as the original design and fits the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations.

The hinge is now made out of anodized aluminum to perfectly match the iPad, still rotates nearly 180 degrees, and has been redesigned to be as future proof as possible. This means that in addition to fitting the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations, when a new iPad comes out, you will most likely not need to buy a new keyboard to support it.

Brydge is an elegant solution to the lack of quality iPad keyboards and accessories currently on the market, and features a full-sized aerospace-grade aluminum keyboard with optional stereo speakers, Brydge connects to your iPad using a patent-pending hinge. This click-in hinge allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad secure.

Brydge Keyboard Case for iPadBrydge's aluminum body is machined and anodized so that it matches the look and feel of the iPad precisely. When paired together, Brydge and your iPad appear to be two parts of the same device, blending style and functionality seamlessly.

The Hinge

Brydge's patent-pending hinge holds the iPad secure and allows you to position the device at nearly any angle, or to close it up entirely for easy transportation. Once closed, both iPad and Brydge go to sleep automatically.

The Clamp

Brydge's aluminum clamps hold on to your iPad securely and fit the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations. There is no need to enclose your iPad in any sort of case, instead, your iPad snaps in and is ready to go.

Integrated Speakers

Brydge can have speakers. The iPad speaker is average at best so there is a model of Brydge that offers stereo sound and improved volume by including a fully integrated speaker system.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Brydge connects with your iPad via Bluetooth, so there is no need to deal with any wires or plugs. Additionally, the keyboard has been designed specifically for an iPad, with iPad functions built in.

Brydge allows you to use your iPad as you never could before, giving it the functionality and protection of a MacBook Air, while still allowing you to appreciate the style and portability of your iPad.

Brydge is made from aerospace-grade aluminum that is machined and anodized to perfectly match the look and feel of an Apple iPad. The precision processes used to machine Brydge are the same processes used as the Apple family of products.

Brydge's patent-pending hinge is also made from aluminum, and uses use friction to strongly fasten to the iPad. Once attached, the hinge provides for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning. To remove the iPad, simply hold the Brydge down and pull the iPad up firmly.

Brydge weighs 1.28 pounds by itself and 2.59 pounds when connected to an iPad 2. For comparison, the 11 inch MacBook Air weighs 2.38 pounds.

Brydge has a lithium ion battery for long battery life and is easily charged via micro USB. A subtle indicator light off to the side indicates power levels. Battery life varies significantly based on speaker use. Without speaker use, Brydge's battery should last several months.

Brydge has a full QWERTY keyboard. The beveled edge was designed thin to provide the largest keyboard possible. Additionally, Brydge has hotkeys built in dedicated specifically for iPad functions.

Brydge+ Keyboard Case for iPadBrydge+ and Brydge will officially be launching December 1, 2012. Units are now shipping out of Asia and the company is starting to fulfill preorders in the order in which they were placed. If you order right now they are guaranteeing delivery in time for Christmas, but believe it will reach customers much sooner. You can save $10 on any model for the official launch with the Coupon Code: BRYDGELAUNCHYNG

Brydge+ (speakerless)

$170 holiday special

Brydge+ without speakers features the same aluminum body, keyboard and hinge design as the Brydge+, but does not include the built-in Bluetooth speakers. Compatible with the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations.

Brydge+

$210 holiday special

Brydge+ is a full-sized anodized aluminum keyboard with built-in Bluetooth speakers. An ultra-elite keyboard, Brydge+ truly appears to turn your iPad into a laptop. Compatible with the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations.

Brydge

$150 holiday special

Brydge offers the same functionality as the Brydge+ with built-in Bluetooth speakers, a full-sized keyboard and the same hinge design which opens to nearly 180 degrees. However, this model is made out of a sturdy polycarbonate composite. Compatible with the iPad 2, 3rd and 4th Generations.

New Canon PIXMA Printers Support AirPrint Wireless Printing from iPad, iPhone & iPod touch

PR: Canon USA Inc. has announced that its PIXMA MG6320 ($199.99) and MG5420 ($149.99) Wireless1 Photo All-In-One and the PIXMA iP7220 Wireless Photo printer ($99.99) will support AirPrint2 wireless printing from iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch mobile devices. AirPrint allows users to wirelessly print photos, email, web pages, and documents without installing device drivers. AirPrint works with iPhone (3GS and later), iPad, and iPod touch devices (3rd generation and later) and requires iOS 4.2 (or later).

For more information on the models that support AirPrint and other details, visit http://www.usa.canon.com

  1. Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless 802.11b/g or 802.11n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
  2. AirPrint functionality requires an iPad, iPad Mini, iPad 2, the new iPad, iPhone 3GS or later, or iPod touch 3rd generation or later device running iOS 4.2 or later, and an AirPrint-enabled printer connected to the same network as your iOS device. A printer connected to the USB port of your Mac, PC, AirPort Base Station, or Time Capsule is not supported.

Gizmon iCA Black Case for iPhone 4/4S Turns Your iPhone into a Classic Camera

Gizmon iCA case for iPhone 4PR: You've never seen an iPhone case like Gizmon iCA that is made up of 32 pieces of Polycarbonate parts that make your iPhone into a classic camera You can still use all iPhone functions with the Gizmon iCA on your iPhone.

More fun with Gizmon lenses. Many accessories for Gizmon iCA are coming.

There are many camera apps that compliment Gizmon iCA as a real camera. Shoot by pressing shutter button on top.

Package Contents: iPhone case/Thin Mock-lens/Multi-use tripod stand/2 rings for strap/a pouch

Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 4.8 x 11 inches, 1.8 ounces

Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

Amazon price: $55

This item ships for free with Super Saver Shipping

Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter Release for iOS Device Cameras

PR: Gizmon's iCA Remote Shutter is a small handy remote shutter styled to look like a 35mm film cartridge. You can use it with all iOS devices that have a camera function, such as the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to help take photos without handshake even in dark places. For successful shooting, use a tripod and/or apps such as Slow Shutter Cam.

Gizmon iCA Remote ShutterSupported Devices: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 2, new iPad, iPod touch (4th generation and higher)

Most Bluetooth remote shutters cannot be used with the major camera apps, but the Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter can be used with major camera apps. Connect the Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter to the headphone jack of your iPhone with the cable. You don't need a battery or any additional setup. Just connect it and start using it. Take your iPhone with you and shoot anytime with Gizmon Remote Shutter.

The Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter comes with a retractable cord, and using the keychain, it becomes a film can-style key holder available in Red, Yellow and Green.

Take Control Books Starts Live Online Video Series About Working with an iPad

PR: You know all those iPads that you and 100 million other people have bought? Lots of people want to use an iPad to go beyond browsing Web pages, watching videos, and reading books, to replace a laptop and get real work done. Take Control Books have been helping people do just that for years, with several editions of Joe Kissell's "Take Control of Working with Your iPad." But the field is exploding, and a new ebook would be out-of-date the week it was released.

So Take Control Books is embarking on a grand experiment to give iPad users the same meticulously researched, real-world information that Joe always provides, but in a different way. Instead of publishing hundreds of pages of text accompanied by static screenshots, they're going to give them Joe himself,

live and in person. Or rather, he'll be live and in their Web browsers, doing show-and-tell with his trusty iPad over the next four months.

That is the premise behind "Take Control Live: Working with Your iPad." In each of four live online video presentations, Joe will convey the same details he would have put in a book, but he'll supplement them with live

demos, answers to audience questions, and updates on previously covered topics. Adam Engst will manage the video side, chatting with the audience and feeding

questions to Joe. You can read more about what they'll be covering at the page linked below, plus see Joe's trailer video http://tid.bl.it/tcl-working-with-your-ipad-pr

Those who buy the season pass can watch upcoming presentations live and ask questions, or tune in any time afterward. There's no need for anyone to take notes, since we'll update the season pass PDF after each show with concise notes and links to everything that Joe covers. So everyone will end up with not only four hours of video, but also the distilled essence of a Take Control ebook.

Adam Engst says they're approaching this experiment with some trepidation, since Joe, Tonya, and he have been learning new skills en route to what is essentially a public performance. They're accustomed to putting their effort in up front and publishing a polished product, but with Take Control Live, they're stepping out on a high wire. Almost literally, given how out-of-our-control some of this live video technology is.

Engst hastens to emphasize that they're not switching away from publishing books by any means, but have been wanting to try something new, and dealing with the incredibly rapid pace of iPad development through a series of live video events was a great excuse.

If you'd like to join them for the first of the presentations on Thursday, December 6th, just let them know and they'll send along a season pass with all the necessary links.

"Take Control Live: Working with Your iPad" by Joe Kissell - 4 hours of live video over the next 4 months

Price: $49.99, with a $24.99 introductory offer through December 5th

Link: Take Control Live: Working with Your iPad

Presentation & Protection

Bamboo Case for iPhone 5

PR: Features:

  • Made of Real Bamboo
  • Light and good hand feel
  • Unique ergonomic design
  • Protected from bumps and scratches
  • Perfect fit
  • Easy access to all ports buttons and sockets

Bamboo Made Case for iPhone 5This accessory is suitable for iPhone 5

$24.99

iFrogz Glaze Case for iPhone 5

PR: iFrogz, a ZAGG Inc. brand specializing in value-priced mobile accessories, has introduced the Glaze case for the Apple iPhone 5.

The iFrogz Glaze is a protective case for iPhone that combines stylish color and design with a handy mirror, while leaving the camera and ports open and accessible. Similar to a compact, this new case is ideal for a quick hair or makeup check. The mirror of the Glaze is located on a slim, hinged door that locks to the case, for a streamlined look when not in use.

"The Glaze case is a creative product solution that we believe will appeal to the female demographic in both design and function," says Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing for ZAGG, which manufactures and markets iFrogz products. "As just a protective case, the Glaze is eye-catching and cool, but it really differentiates itself from other cases with its innovative hidden mirror."

The Glaze is available in two metallic colors: black and silver, and retails for $34.99 at iFrogz.com and Radio Shack stores nationwide.

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