The iPad: Good enough to displace assorted single-purpose gadgets
By Todd Bernhard, February 4, 2010
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I never liked being called "Jack of all trades" because the assumption that follows is "Master of none." In reality, I consider myself to be a Renaissance man, capable of performing well in multiple fields, such as programming, marketing, design, teaching, and writing. This has served me well as an entrepreneur. The iPad is in a similar position. The iPad may not be the best eBook reader because it doesn't use e-Ink which aids screen legibility and battery life, but it's pretty darn good. The iPad may not accept DVDs or SD cards, which my current portable video player does, but it's pretty darn good. The iPad might not be the best video game platform because it lacks physical buttons, but it's pretty darn good.
iVideochat: The missing link for the iPad & iPhone
By Todd Bernhard, January 29, 2010
While I will definitely be buying an iPad on Day 1, I am on record as being disappointed there is no built-in camera, let alone two. Cameras are included in just about every cellphone and even the lowly iPod nano and Nintendo DSi. Imagine the gaming, Augmented Reality, and videoconferencing capabilities this feature would have enabled. Instead of the mixed reaction the iPad has garnered, the appeal of the iPad would have been a no-brainer, just by including a camera. I have to believe a future iPad will have at least one camera. But for now, I Photoshopped the following creation in the hopes it might inspire a vendor to create such a hardware and software combination.
iPad disappointments... and why I will buy one on Day 1!
By Todd Bernhard, January 27, 2010
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The shine is off the Apple, so to speak. Now that the rumors have been put to rest, we can examine the iPad in detail.
There are some significant advances and as Apple would put it, elements of magic, in this new device. And make no mistake, I will definitely be buying one, if for no other reason than product research and to test my current apps and develop new ones for this unique device.
However, I must say I am disappointed in a few areas.
The Tablet: Predicting the Unpredictable
By Todd Bernhard, January 20, 2010
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Speculation is running rampant. What will Apple present next?
I propose that Apple doesn't even know what they are about to unleash.
Consider the iPhone. Originally, it had a handful of Apple-provided apps, with no third party options (aside from Google Maps, YouTube, etc.) Users told Apple where to go, and they actually listened. And that was the best decision they could have made.
I maintain that Apple is providing a new platform that will take us places even Steve Jobs can't predict.
CES: Dexim P-Flip... SOLAR Power to the People!
By Todd Bernhard, January 13, 2010
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Shakespeare's Richard III cried "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" At CES, the commodity most in demand was power, followed closely by Wi-Fi, 3G, and SD cards! Journalists and attendees "jacked in" like The Matrix, wherever possible, and many people came up to the iPhone Life booth asking if they could charge their iPhones!
NOTE TO EDITOR: Bring extra chargers to MacWorld and let visitors charge their phones at our booth!
We love the iPhone, but the lack of a removable battery means you need something external that doesn't add too much bulk.
CES: Not all gadgets use batteries
By Todd Bernhard, January 13, 2010
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Some of the most interesting items at CES don't use electricity. We found several accessories that enhance the electronic lifestyle, while made entirely out of non-technical materials.
CES: PocketCPR: Get an app, save a life!
By Todd Bernhard, January 13, 2010
The App Store is like the weather. Everybody complains about it but nobody does anything about it. The store is still full of junk apps and people still buy them. But every once in a while you come across an app that is worthwhile and in this case, could actually save lives.
PocketCPR is such an app. While labeled for "TRAINING USE ONLY" and I'm sure some lawyers would have something to say about it, the idea is to guide you through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in an emergency. The app leverages the accelerometer to determine how well you are performing and give you audible and visual advice if you need to go faster or slower.
CES: AR.Drone = Augmented Reality meets Predator Drone!
By Todd Bernhard, January 8, 2010
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I have used a Parrot Bluetooth Car Kit for a number of years, so I was a little surprised to see their latest product.
Their AR.Drone is a departure from Bluetooth accessories they are known for, but it is indeed an accessory for the iPhone.
The best way to describe this item is a combination of those helicopters you see in shopping mall kiosks and an unmanned predator drone!
The unit can be controlled by an iPhone or iPod touch, just by tilting.
CES: iPhone Trend - Wireless Charging
By Todd Bernhard, January 8, 2010
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For several years, various vendors have used CES to demonstrate wireless charging prototypes. This past year, however, was the year these technologies started to become commercially available. BestBuy even has several examples for sale, for phones and video game controllers. Palm has been promoting the Pre's induction charging as a competitive advantage.
With wireless charging, you just place your gadget on a pad and it starts charging! It's a great concept but in practice, there have been drawbacks. For starters, you have a limited set of devices and compatible cases to choose from.
CES: iPhone Trend - iPhone as a Universal Remote Control
By Todd Bernhard, January 8, 2010
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The iPhone has many advanced features, but it is missing one item that was prevalent on PDA's in the past, and that is an Infrared interface. Older devices like an iPaq had this standard and it allowed you to use the device as a remote control.
Several firms have stepped up to fill in this gap, with a combination IR transmitter that plugs into the iPhone or iPod touch dock connector, and a corresponding app to control the transmitter.
