There are only a few stands available in the market for the ever famous iPad. Apple’s version is designed to charge the iPad once docked, but it is somewhat difficult to undock. The BookArc stand, designed by Twelve South, is nicely crafted and easy to use. Combine it with a Bluetooth wireless keyboard from Apple, and you have a great typing platform. The stand sells for about $40 directly from Twelve South or at most Apple retail stores.
Stream from iTunes to your home audio system
BridgeCo is working to make AirPlay enabled devices by this holiday season. AirPlay allows users to stream music throughout compatible audio equipment in a wired or wireless network. Equipment like audio receivers, speakers, and others will have this built-in functionality. Users will be able to select from iTunes and AirPlay compatible devices where they wish to stream the music to. Audio equipment manufacturers like JBL, Denon, Marantz, B&W, and iHome have already signed up. For example, you will be able to stream the same song to an iHome device in the bedroom, a Denon receiver in the family room, and a JBL speaker system in the terrace. Denon might be one of the first to make the technology available on their AVR-4311CI home theater receiver. Furthermore, audio control is possible using the iPhone and iPod touch Remote application available on the Apple app store.
Redesigned AppleTV announced
Apple recently announced a new redesigned AppleTV. It is the first major redesign of the multimedia network appliance since its introduction in 2006. Different from its predecessor, it does not have sizable internal storage and it is much smaller in size. It also appears to use Apple’s iOS, which also powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Also new, Netflix subscribers will be able to stream videos from their instant queue. They will also be able to rent and buy movies as before. A Windows or MacOS computer running iTunes is required to stream content. This includes movies, music, podcasts, and photos. The new AppleTV has a USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and optical ports. It also supports resolutions up to 720p.
Reinventing the pen
For ages the pen has been the premiere writing instrument. It has been somewhat forgotten with the broad use of the computer keyboard and electronic communications. Most people just use the traditional pen to sign documents. Several years ago, a company called Livescribe reinvented the tool with the introduction of the SmartPen. They just released their newest product addition, the Echo. The system uses a combination of a custom notebook and “smart” pen. The pen records anything that it writes, hears, and draws. It then allows for playback at a later time. The files can be archived, searched, and distributed to other people if necessary. It is great for meetings and specially for college lectures. The pen is compatible with Mac and Windows and sells for about $170 (4 GB model).
Stream Netflix on the iPhone and iPad
The popular video rental website Neflix recently announced the availability of their application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The application was previously available for only the iPad. In the case of the iPad and iPhone, streaming is available through 3G as well as Wi-Fi. Netflix subscribers can now stream any title directly from their instant queue. It is also possible to add new titles to your movie queue. The application also keeps track of the titles watched and remembers where you left off. In other words, you could start watching an episode of 24, stop halfway, and continue watching it where you left off in your home TV or computer.
The application is the latest addition to the multiple ways to watch Neflix. Streaming is available from a Sony PS3, a Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft’s XBox 360. It is also available from Roku’s video player as well as from many of the latest TVs which use widgets. A Netflix subscription starts at $8.99 per month.
Additional security for financial accounts
Financial companies with web portals are constantly looking for ways to further secure access to financial information. Verisign has developed a mobile application that adds an enhanced level of security difficult to break. You will be prompted to enter a random code, in addition to your username and password, on a participating financial website. Presently, several hundred companies participate in the program. The application is compatible with an iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Mobile smart phones. For the iPhone, the application can be obtained at the iTunes App Store. It can be also be obtained for other smart phones at the Verisign application page.
Streaming music to your home system
Some years ago I discovered a Squeezebox music player and used it to stream free Internet radio stations to my home music system. The device was originally made by a company called Slim Devices. They were later purchased by Logitech. The Squeezebox has been greatly improved and now several models are available. Currently services like Pandora Radio, Rhapsody, Last.fm, Sirius Radio, and many others are available in the Squeeze Network. Controlling the Squeezebox was sometimes cumbersome since it only came with a small remote control and you had to be in close to the device to follow the onscreen menus. Later, Logitech introduced the Squeezebox Duet that came with a color handheld remote. This seemed in direct competition with the Sonos music player. In any case, with the advent of the iPhone and app store, a clever team of developers from Penguin Loves Music came up with a clever application called iPeng. Continue reading “Streaming music to your home system”
Apple’s secret material
A short time ago it was revealed that Apple Computer secured the rights to use the innovative metal technology of Liquidmetal Technologies. This will allow them to mold metal pieces on a patented “injection molding” process similar to the way plastic is molded. Parts molded using this process will prove less expensive and easier to manufacture. The metal alloy is corrosion resistant and of high strength. Furthermore, it can be cast into a variety of forms. Presently, there is only one prototype machine that can mold these parts and it is in use in Korea. We will probably start seeing much more Apple hardware use this technology.
A true MacOS tablet
Apple’s recent iPad has been truly revolutionary, but the Canadian company Axiotron has been making a MacBook based tablet for some time now. They basically transform an existing MacBook into a true tablet computer using additional Wacom parts. The system is geared for creative and design professionals. Unlike the iPad, the Modbook is a full computer system with a fast processor, hard drive, memory, WIFI, Bluetooth, and every other feature a MacBook and MacOS offers. Reviews and videos of the Modbook in actiion can be found in Axiotron’s website.