As the launch of the iPhone 5 looms, the number of idiotic fakes is increasing exponentially. Every fanboy with Photoshop is trying to be the center of attention by posting blurry images made with their cute little sausage fingers. More »
Mockups based on leaked case designs might be a fair guess at the shape of the iPhone 5. (Image: MacRumors/CiccareseDesign)
Leaked case designs have been a surprisingly good barometer for predicting the shapes of previous iPhones and iPods, and even the iPad 2. The thinking goes that iPhone cases are big business, and case-makers are willing to pay big bucks to get their hands on the details so they can have cases in stores on launch day.
Couple this with the fact that Apple is surely already building zillions of iPhone 5s to avoid any shortages at the expected September launch, and there must be some underpaid worker, somewhere, willing to sell the secrets.
So it is that MacRumors commissioned Italian designers Ciccarese to make a CG mock-up of the iPhone 5 based on already leaked case designs. Could this be the shape of the iPhone 5?
Ciccarese’s design looks like a cross between an iPod Touch and an iPad. It is incredibly thin, has a huge screen that stretches almost to the edges of the body, and adds a weird, lozenge-shaped home button. It is also gorgeous. I’m planning on buying my first-ever iPhone this year, and I would certainly be happy with this one.
Some features make sense here. The iPhone’s screen is looking small by today’s standards, and Apple could easily let the resolution drop slightly in exchange for an extra half-inch of space. Thinner is almost always guaranteed with Apple, and the slightly tapered wedge shape would provide space for cameras up top while slimming things down everywhere else.
The only thing that seems really off is that wide home button. But then, what do I know? I was sure the leaked iPad designs were fake because of the ugly great speaker grille on the back. Then again, I still can’t quite believe it’s real.
This Could Be What Apple’s iPhone 5 Looks Like [MacRumors]
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Amazon releases web-based Kindle Cloud Reader app, optimized for iPads originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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After being forced to pay off the door man to get into Apple’s electronics recycling party for years now, PCs are finally getting in for free — VIP style. Apple has revised its Reuse and Recycling Program and opened the gates to sheep from another shepherd’s flock. The new rules are quite a departure from past protocol, which charged PC users 30 bones to recycle non-Apple computers and displays — unless of course they agreed to purchase a Mac, in which case Apple would kindly do it for free. As part of the restructured program, ripe old iPads and iPhones are now eligible for Apple’s exchange program as well, where you’ll get a gift card if your device is actually worth anything. The company still recycles old iPods and mobile phones (regardless of manufacturer) for free, and offers 10% off a new iPod if you hand over an old one. With the revised plan it’s safe to say the folks at Apple ditched the program’s old theme song, “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” and are instead spinning a new track. Sparkly silver jacket not included.
Continue reading Apple puts PCs on free recycling party list, opens doors to iPads, iPhones
Apple puts PCs on free recycling party list, opens doors to iPads, iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
With a variety of portable power accessories, most Scosche products are designed to keep gadgets up and running, not to get our own blood flowing. The company’s new Bluetooth myTrek pulse monitor pairs with an iPhone or iPod touch to motivate you to keep going and going, however, pumping “inspiring” audio alerts through your headphones during a workout, while also tracking pulse, distance, speed, pace, and calories burned. The arm-strap uses a pair of LEDs, along with a photo sensor and accelerometer to capture vitals as it rests strapped to your forearm, providing five hours of continuous feedback before needing its own boost using the included USB cable. You’ll need to have your iOS device within 33 feet of the device to record your workout, so the myTrek may be better suited for trips to the gym than, say, a run through the park in the rain. It’s also rather pricey, at $130, but if you’re already dropping a grand or two for your gym membership each year, a gadget that lets you elegantly track your progress may be within reach.
Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Forget about that Klimt print and your torn John Belushi Animal House poster, if you’ve got a few of those Jony Ive-crafted iSlabs lying around, you should flaunt’em — according to the designers at Bluelounge. Available for iOS owners in the US, UK and EU, the company’s MiniDock makes use of your existing Apple USB power adapter for a cordless, outlet-mounted charging and display station. The design studio created the dock with a clutter-free existence in mind, but its focus on “customers who are passionate about their iPhones” is a much more telling inspiration. You can go ahead and snag one of these for $20 now, just keep it tucked away from any Android-toting houseguests.
Continue reading Bluelounge MiniDock for iOS cuts the cord, declutters your life
Bluelounge MiniDock for iOS cuts the cord, declutters your life originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Update: As pointed out by Mark Levin in comments, it turns out the Beluga team did indeed have a hand in the development of the app.
Facebook introduces separate Messenger app for iPhone and Android originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The MyTrek pulse monitor tracks your exercise with an iPhone app
Whenever I see anyone running with a heart-rate monitor, I can’t help but think of bondage . Sweaty and bare chested, these people run with a strap around their glistening torsos and look like nothing more than extras in a fetish movie. I guess there is a bigger number of people who exercise with their shirt mercifully covering their shame, but the kinky-looking ones are the ones I remember.
There will be no suggestions of S&M with Scosche’s MyTrek pulse monitor. The strap fits around your forearm and speaks wirelessly to your iPhone or iPod Touch via Bluetooth. It comes equipped with an accelerometer to help distinguish between your hammering pulse and your lolloping gait, and the rechargeable battery keeps it going for 5.5 hours — longer than you’ll ever need. The measuring is done by LEDs and photo sensors which track blood pressure fluctuations to determine your heart rate.
A companion app offers a live readout, and will also track your progress over time, with graphs, a workout calendar and even calories expended. Now you can run for just long enough to burn off that extra donut, and not a meter further.
Finally, the armband has buttons to control your music.
The MyTrek is available now, for $130. I’d say that’s a small price to pay for running shirtless and not looking like a pervert.
MyTrek product page [Scosche. Thanks, Mark!]
MyTrek app [iTunes]
Cablevision took a major step into the future back in April when it opened up its full channel lineup for viewing on the tablet with Optimum for iPad, and now it’s bringing that experience to other iOS devices. The new app, simply called Optimum, runs alongside the original and works on iPhones or iPod Touches, bringing the same controversial ability to stream live TV or play back video on-demand — provided the viewer is still at home. That tether to your service address takes most of the shine off of viewing on mobile devices, but we won’t argue too much about adding extra screens for no additional charge. The iPhone app launches at versino 2.0, sharing features with the newly updated iPad app including the ability to work as a remote control for the cable box and schedule DVR recordings remotely. Hit the source link below to grab either app from iTunes or check out the press release after the break.
Continue reading Cablevision’s Optimum app hits 2.0, brings cable TV streaming to iPhone, iPod Touch
Cablevision’s Optimum app hits 2.0, brings cable TV streaming to iPhone, iPod Touch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Optimum for iPhone / iPod Touch, Optimum for iPad | Email this | Comments
Bluelounge’s MiniDock is a tiny L-shaped adapter that turns your existing iPhone or iPad charger into a plug-mounted iPhone stand. It lets you charge your iPhone or iPod in any socket you like, without having to leave it laying vulnerable on the floor.
The MiniDock plugs straight onto the USB port of the Apple adapter you already have, and offers up a 30-pin dock connector and a nice, laid-back cradle for the iDevice. It also comes with three spacers of different thicknesses so that back of the device has something to lean against, whether it’s a skinny iPod touch, a thick iPhone 4 in a case or a teeny little Nano.
The $20 adapter comes in three versions, fitting the various iPod chargers of the U.S, the EU and the UK. This is somewhat confusing, as the U.S version will work with iPad adapters from all countries. The best thing to do is take a look at the photos before you order.
And remember, you can always make a free version with an old shampoo bottle.
MiniDock product page [Bluelounge via Oh Gizmo!]
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