Expert Blogs
The built in microphone for the iPad leaves a lot to be desired. It's not for professional audio recording, and unfortunately, most professional microphones are designed for desktop use only. So it was refreshing to learn about the products from MXL Microphones. They make high quality microphones that connect via USB. so how does that help ipad owners?
You can always count on OtterBox for heavy duty protective cases but also for rapid development of cases following the unveiling of a new Apple device. Sure enough, my iPad mini was just a few days old when I was able to wrap it in a protective Defender case from OtterBox.
Forget Find my iPhone, and Find my Friends... With the WalletTrackr, Phone Halo's SelfStarter (an open source competitor to Kickstarter) project, you can use your iPhone, or iPad, or iPod touch to find just about anything! Attach a fob to your keychain or insert a slim card in your wallet or purse and use their iOS app to find the object using a slick interface. The app will remember where the fob was when you were last in contact with it, and play a song when you become separated, and help you find it, much like Apple's Find my iPhone.
I love technology and am quick to upgrade to the latest gadget. I tell myself that it's a business requirement, both as a writer for iPhone Life Magazine and as a developer of apps. But the truth is, even if I had a different job, I'd be upgrading when each new iPhone came out.
Usually, when a new iOS gadget is introduced, I preorder it, receive it on the first day of shipments, and promptly write about it for iPhone Life. With the iPad mini, I did all of the above except I took a few days to write this article. Why? Because I'm using the mini too much for other purposes! Or my kids have grabbed it from me! So, it's 4am Monday and I've finally got a chance to reflect on this marvel of engineering.
Magellan has offered quality GPS tools for years, so I shouldn't be surprised that their GPS Car Kit for the iPhone and iPod touch is a quality product. Apple's maps app may not be world class, currently, so Magellan offers their own proven Roadmate app.
I must admit I was skeptical of the new Flit Shopping app, as it is targeted at women, but I've found it useful for men, too.
The premise is that you can browse and search for items like purses, shoes, etc. Next, you identify items you like by touching 'Cute' (okay, that's where they could use a 'Cool' option for guys) and share your findings with friends using your social network.
I've been playing with Legends of Loot, from Majesco, and it's been fun! Imagine you are PacMan but you have to fight your way through the maze and collect treasures. Instead of ghosts, you fight mummies and instead of 'dots' you collect gold coins, plus keys to unlock doors, etc.
Fighting mummies is a lot like Fruit Ninja, where you 'slice' your sword using your finger. As the game notes, don't worry... They're already undead!
I've written about Nomad's artistic brushes before but their newest line, the Flex series, adds a nice twist. As with all of their styluses, they use capacitive hairlike synthetic threads as a paintbrush would, but thanks to their conductivity, you can use painting apps, like ArtRage, with greater control. With the Flex line, you can add a second tip and flip the stylus around and have a thicker or thinner brush tip, depending on your needs.
I attended the CES Preview in New York City this summer and got to see a cool merging of app and board games, thanks to iPieces from Pressman Toy Corp. They offer a wide variety of physical game pieces that interact with their free iPad apps.
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