New iPad Owner? My 10 Favorite iPad Apps March 12, 2011
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Whether you got a discounted iPad 1, or a brand new iPad 2, there are people all over the country who are new iPad owners starting today! I’ve had my iPad since October, and though I’ve gone back and forth on my opinion of it and its usefulness, I do have some apps that I suggest all iPad owners have. Check them out below in no particular order!
Angry Birds HD ($4.99) – I’ve had Angry Birds on my iPhone for quite a while now, but once I got it for my iPad I never looked back. It’s the exact same game as the iPhone edition, but much much easier to use and see. It’s really a whole different experience and feels a lot more natural on the iPad than the iPhone. I’m annoyed that I had to pay for it twice to get it on my iPad, but it was definitely worth it.
Words With Friends HD (Free) – I play Words With Friends every 4 days pretty often and since this app was free, it was a no brainer to get it. Much like Angry Birds, Words With Friends looks and feels SO much better on an iPad compared to an iPhone. It crashes EACH and every time I launch it, but with a second launch it seems to stay working. If you already have games going on your iPhone, your iPad will sync them!
Hulu Plus (Free app download, $7.99 subscription) – I don’t really watch much television on the actual TV anymore. Mainly because I still don’t understand how to work our remote which has approximately 89 million buttons. So, I pay $7.99 a month to have a majority of Hulu.com, plus a lot of full seasons of shows both past and present. My usage varies by how busy I am, but it’s so nice to have The Office, Glee, Modern Family, and the Colbert Report ready for me the day after they air, to watch whenever I choose. If you’re in to TV definitely check this out.
Dropbox (Free) – This may be the best app ever made. Dropbox is a place where you can store and sync files across your iPod, iPhone, iPad, Desktop and web space. You can also share folders with friends and it syncs instantly for them as well. It’s AMAZINGLY convenient when you take pics or video on your devices and want them on your other devices or desktop. I HIGHLY suggest this for every iPad owner.
The Daily (Free app, 99 cents per week OR $39.99 per year) – The Daily is basically a daily newspaper that is delivered to your iPad every day. It was free for the first few weeks that it was released and I LOVED it. It was a great way to interact with global news. It’s more of an interactive magazine than anything else. However, I have way too many subscriptions as it is, so I didn’t end up keeping up with it. However, if you are willing to pay for it, it’s a fantastic app to keep on your dock for morning coffees or lunch breaks.
iTeleport ($24.99) – Yes, I paid $25 for an app, but let me tell you why. iTeleport is an app that will allow you to control your desktop remotely. It’s pretty much the best app to do this. It has been so helpful when I am out and about and need to send a file for work, sign in to my work payroll (which is Flash), or just turn on my FaceTime camera to spy on whoever may be around my computer at that time! If you want to have 24/7 access to your desktop computer (or work computer) with your iPad, definitely try this out. This download also purchases the iPhone version so you don’t have to pay for it twice, and yes, it works over 3G.
Adobe Ideas (Free) – My friend Kate, who is a fantastic graphic designer, told me about this app. It’s basically a doodle app. You can save your artwork to your Photos app. Very basic and easy to use. Definitely check it out!
MTV Music Meter (Free) – My fellow MTV TJ friend Ryan Lytle tweeted about this app and I checked it out and REALLY like it a lot. The app conjures up which musicians are being talked about across news, blogs, social media and the likes, and creates a Top 100. It’s mainly indie bands and artists. You can click each ranking/artist and read about them, listen to their music, and see what they’re saying on Twitter. Great app to discover new music.
iBanner HD (Free) – This app creates the look and feel of those LED scrolling displays! My favorite thing to do is type “Honk if you nasty” on it and hold it out the passenger side window as cars drive by. Turns out a lot of people think they’re nasty.
In The Kitchen ($1.99) – This is an official recipe app from the Food Network. I am trying to learn how to cook and this app definitely has made it a lot simpler. It even comes with a timer and an ingredient list check off. It’s really great for anyone looking to organize and try recipes.
iPhone 5 To Have Aluminum Casing? [Pics] March 7, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, iPhone, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, iPhone 4, iPhone 5
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My blog is turning in to an Apple rumors site! But, they rumors are ramping up ahead of the expected summer iPhone announcement.
The latest rumore, from a somewhat reputable rumor mill Macotakara.jp, is that the iPhone will backtrack to version 1 and have an aluminum casing, and an entire antenna redesign. It will almost certainly have the new A5 chip that the iPad 2 will start shipping with this week.
I LOVE the artist renderings that Macotakara posted (above). I really hope Apple goes through with this!
Bullet Points: Apple iPad 2 Event March 2, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Bullet Points, Geek Talk, iPhone, Movies/Film, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.add a comment
Bullet points that you should know about what was announced at today’s iPad 2 event!
- Steve Jobs introduces iPad 2 in black and white (bezels). Completely redesigned, and a third thinner than iPad 1
- Available March 11th
- 3G models that work on both AT&T and Verizon
- Same price points as current iPad models.
- Multicolored magnetic covers that can only be explained by checking them out here
- Comes with gyroscope and new dual core processor called A5.
- Comes with both front and rear facing cameras.
- Supports FaceTime and PhotoBooth
- Supports HDMI out at 1080p
- iOS 4.3 announced – available March 11th
- Creates personal hotspot for iPhone 4 only
- iTunes Home Sharing – stream your Mac’s iTunes library to your iOS device over WiFi
- iMovie and GarageBand for iPad available for $4.99 each in the App Store on March 11
- No mention of MobileMe
- No mention of white iPhone 4
Is This What iPad 2 Looks Like?? March 2, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, iPhone, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, iPad 2
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Some more images were leaked this morning, just a few hours before the big iPad event, of what the next generation may look like. Though some sources are saying there won’t be a design change (only a spec bump), others are saying this overhaul will be design and spec changes.
Either way, it’s exciting for Apple nerds such as myself.
There are also rumors that MobileMe will go free today. Considering they took it completely out of their system, we have to expect some mention of it today, regardless of if that rumor is true or not.
Also in the rumor pipeline is that Apple will debut a social location app called “Places” today and maybe give a sneak peak at iOs 5. We’ll find out very soon!
Why You Should Wait To Buy iPad 2 February 3, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, iPhone, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, iPad, iPad 2
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For those who know me, you know I have a love/hate relationship with the iPad I spent the better half of 6 months whining about wanting. It’s a fantastic device on many levels, but also drives me insane on several more. I think it’s because I want it to do so many of the things that my iPhone or even my Mac can do…and it feels like it’s on the cusp of that, but never quite lives up to those standards.
But, if rumors come true by April, there’s a great chance the the next generation iPad (dubbed ‘iPad 2′) will live up to at least some of my expectations on what a tablet should be doing. Here are some thoughts on why if you’re in the market for the iPad, you should wait for the next release.
- First, the current iPad is not really a tablet in my opinion. A tablet is something more than a media consumption device. It’s a device that you can work from, rely on, and create content with. And though I do all of those things on my iPad, I often find myself saying, “This would be so much easier on my Mac. Or even my iPhone.” Such things as typing simple blogs or email, clocking in and out of my online system for work, and of course the Flash debacle, are made so much more difficult through the iPad UI. Though there aren’t any strong rumors about enhancements in these areas, you can bet that a faster processor and a more reactive user interface (some tweaks here and there could really make a difference) will come with iPad 2.
- Second, the no camera thing really anchors the current iPad to your home. There’s no need or function for the iPad to be on the go with you the way your phone might. I bought my iPad as a cheaper alternative to a new MacBook, and boy was I wrong. Though I can (and do) take my iPad everywhere, it really isn’t made for mobility. No camera, no GPS, and no stand out apps for mobility make the current generation a fun little toy to play with when you’re laying around your house and bored. I think the iPad could be SO MUCH more than that. If rumors are true (and it sounds like they are) the iPad 2 will not only have a back side camera, but a front facing camera as well! And it’s rumored to include PhotoBooth as well as the expected FaceTime app. This will open up a whole new world of connecting to the outside world with your iPad…something that the current generation
- Thirdly, you’re going to get more bang for your buck if you wait for iPad 2. Apple has a history of releasing new products at the same price point as their previous generations (except for the MacBook Airs!). This means you could buy current generation iPad today, and iPad 2 will hit the shelves tomorrow with a significant upgrade…at the same price. Assuming that the iPads stay at the entry level price point of $499, that’s something to take in to consideration when you make a big purchase.
- Fourthly, the current generation iPad display is good. But, it could be great. I had the iPhone 4 with a retina display for about 6 months before I got my iPad and my iPad screen looks so old and even cheap compared to my iPhone screen. In fact, when I first got my iPhone 4 I would just turn it on to look at how amazing the screen looked. Though I don’t think the iPad 2 will have 4 times the resolution the way the iPhone 4 evolved, I think an upgraded display is a safe bet.
- Surprises! Apple is really good at hiding little features in new products that end up standing out a great deal. So there’s a chance that iPad 2 will have some great new features that aren’t even mentioned that will make the current generation iPad seem lackluster and outdated. To me, that’s the brilliance of Apple and why so many people need to have the newest products.
In essence, with the demand of the iPad at an all time high, at this point it would make more financial and functional sense to wait it out for a few months and get the newest most advanced iPad that Apple can make.
iPad 2 and iPhone 5 to Lose Home Button? January 13, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, iPhone, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, iPad 2, iPhone 5, Steve Jobs
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There is a very high liklihood that the next iPad and iPhone will ship without a home button!
Will these mockups of home button free iPads and iPhones be the next models from Apple?
Steve Jobs has mentioned in the past that he didn’t want any buttons on the iPhone when it was first announced back in 2007. Now, with the video below surfacing of iOS 4.3 for iPad featuring home screen and multitasking gesture support, it looks like the home buttonless iPads and iPhones may be a reality in 2011.
I personally don’t think I would like to use gestures only to navigate my way through these devices…in particular the iPhone where 5 fingers barely even fit. Do you think it would be awkward? Watch the video below to see how you may be using an iPad in the future…
The MTV TJ is Time’s No.8 Twitter Moment of 2010! December 9, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Geek Talk, iPhone, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Gabi Gregg, John Thrasher, MTV, MTV TJ, Time
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Wow! Big congrats and celebration to my former competitor and now friend Gabi Gregg for landing in at No.8 in Time Magazine’s Top 10 Twitter Moments of 2010.
I didn’t know that they even did a Top 10 Twitter moments, but obviously this one would make the cut! I’m honored and excited to have been a part of this competition with Gabi! She’s a great person with a lot of personality!
Check out the article here.
Last Minute Predictions for Today’s “Back To The Mac” Event October 20, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, iPhone, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, John Thrasher, Mac, Steve Jobs
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I’m usually so anxious for the Apple events that it seems like they take forever to get here, but this one kind of snuck up on me like a lion. Get it?
Anyway I’ve read the blogs and watched the news even more so over the last week since this invitation was sent out. Here are some things I think you can expect from today’s “Back to the Mac” event, which starts at 10am Pacific time:
- New MacBook Airs – I doubt that we’ll see the discontinuation of the 13″ model, but a new 11″ model is heavily rumored. Apparently these new MacBook Airs won’t have hard drives (don’t freak out!), but they WILL have SD card like slots for flash memory. This probably doesn’t make sense to most people, but what it does is add extra battery life, cut down the cost of the computer itself and gives you the chance to customize your hard drive to your liking. I would expect the long-awaited black bezel and an even sleeker, thinner design.
- New MacBooks – I don’t think we’ll see a design update, but upgraded specs is almost inevitable with the introduction of new MacBook Airs.
- iLife ’11 – Earlier this morning discussion topics on Apple’s official website for Garageband ’11, iPhoto ’11, and iMovie ’11 were noticed by popular Apple blogs, and then immediately taken down. This pretty much confirms we’ll be seeing this all today. Notably missing from that discussion board? iDVD. Apparently there were 2 other placeholder titles for the discussion board: “Reserved 10 20″ and “MBA (Needs official name).” MBA, presumably means MacBook Air, but no one is certain why it “needs official name.” People are assuming the “Reserved 10 20″ is for the “iLife ’11″ topic.
- Mac OS X 10.7 Lion – This one is pretty much a given after seeing the invitation (above). We’re probably getting a sneak peak of Lion today (a la the invitation). Not much has been said about new features at this point. The only things rumored to be coming are iOS-like scrollbars (here’s a pic if you’re confused), likely FaceTime integration, and a new “Dropbox-killer” – a feature that would allow Mac users to easily share files across computers! I would be very happy about that last feature, that’s for sure.
- iPhone 4 Coming to Verizon – The rumors are stronger than ever, though I don’t see this happening today, especially if there are new products to talk about. An iPhone announcement like that would be surprising because of the product cycle (typically iPhone info is announced in May/June), and because it would definitely be all over the news outshadowing any other product announcement today.
I doubt that we are going to see anything beyond this. Steve is going to spend his time talking about the new MacBooks and a glimmer in to 10.7 and making developers drool. The Mac events are usually very focused and specific to Macs only.
Do you think we’ll see anything besides this?
Apple Holding “Media Event” on October 20, OSX Lion Teased October 13, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, iPhone, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.add a comment
The total geek in me freaked out a little bit this morning with the image that Apple used for the media event that has been announced for October 20th. The image, seen above, shows a lion behind a revolving Apple logo.
So, it looks like the new title is OS 10.7 Lion!
Something tells me we’re in for quite a treat. The last update was Snow Leopard a little over a year ago, which was only a small upgrade to Leopard which came out in 2007. Since then, Apple’s released a whole new mobile operating system and has taken the mobile devices market by storm. I expect A LOT of iOS and Mac OS integration.
October 20th can’t get here soon enough!
UPDATE: Some Apple blogs are saying that the preview is actually going to be Mac OS 11 and not OSX 10.7. This may line up with 2011, and the fact that OS X came out 10 years ago, and it may be time to move away from that marketing. Innnnnteresting.
