Adobe Photoshop Express
iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch running iOS 4.2 or later
Version 1.5
FREE
Web site
iTunes Store link
Adobe Photoshop has been the de facto photography/image editing program for many years. However, for many people, Photoshop is either too expensive, too great of a learning curve, too overwhelming, or any combination of the above. Sometimes, all a photo needs to go from good to great is a little tweaking. Adobe heard the cries, and has developed Adobe Photoshop Express, an app that lets users edit and share images quickly and easily.
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I love my iPad and I use it for many tasks that I would normally do on my computer. However, there is still one task I always have to go to the computer for. I can’t upload a file from my iPad to a website.
For example, I am typing this post on my iPad right now. If I want to upload an image to the article I can’t unless I go to my iMac. There are many times I need to upload something to a website and can’t do it because I am on my iPad. This might be for an article I am writing or another project I am working on.
Wouldn’t it be nice for those browse buttons on webpages could work and access the file system on the iPad? Or Dropbox?
I can’t think of many new features for the next version of iOS, but this is definitely on my wish list.
What features do you want in the iOS?
Yesterday Apple announced that anyone with an iPad, iPhone 4, or iPod touch (4th generation) that is running iOS 4.2 can sign up for the Find My iPhone service for free without having to have a MobileMe subscription. You can register for the service through the Find My iPhone app available in the app store.
People with a MobileMe account already have this functionality as part of what they are paying for.Those who don’t can sign into the Find My iPhone app using your Apple ID (the same account you log into your iTunes account with) and get set up. Once you’ve done that, you can either log into the MobileMe web site using your Apple ID, or use the Find My iPhone app to find any of your iOS devices wherever they might be.
Unfortunately, getting set up initially requires an iPad, iPhone 4, or 4th generation iPod touch. People with an iPhone 3gs and no iPad, for example, will be out of luck. People who do have a qualifying device can register, and then once registered, find any of their iOS devices, regardless of revision, using the service.
Since my iPhone 3gs is the most recent iOS device I own, I wasn’t able to set myself up to use the free Find My iPhone service. However, I’m still excited about it, and it’s because of the fact that they have made a MobileMe service available to non-MobileMe subscribers using the Apple ID as a login.
I’m hoping this is an indication of things to come. It would be great if we could eventually log into MobileMe without having to register a MobileMe account, just using our Apple ID, and use other services like cloud storage, streaming iTunes music, and data synchronization between devices, just to name a few.
It’s possible that Apple’s new data center is just going to be used to keep iTunes running under ever increasing load, or to provide space for the current and future MobileMe subscribers under the same for pay model that exists today. But it’s also possible that Apple is going to start making these services available to any Apple customer with an Apple ID, which means anyone who has ever logged into the iTunes store to buy music or iOS device apps.
Wouldn’t that be nice?
Reveal
Motif Gloss/Reveal
Company: Griffin Technology
Price: $24.99, $19.99
When looking for iPod cases and accessories you can always count on Griffin to be at the front of the pack with products. When the 4th generation iPod Touch was released Griffin was one of the first companies to offer cases. I had the opportunity to try out two of these cases. I tested the Motif Gloss (also available in Diamond pattern) and the Reveal.
Both cases easily protect the iPod from minor falls and items in your purse, bag, or pocket. The cases cover the back and sides of the iPod with openings for the dock connector, speaker, microphone, and camera.
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Learn by Video
Presented by Kelly McCathran, Scott Citron, and Ted LoCascio
Produced by video2brain
Peachpit Press
ISBN: 9780321719805
$59.99 US, $71.99 CN
Like many Photoshop users I upgrade to the current version when the need for the newest features becomes too tempting to ignore. The latest version of Adobe Photoshop is CS5. A bevy of extraordinary new improvements such as Content-Aware Fill, Camera Raw 6, Brushes, Puppet Warp, Refine Edge Dialog, amongst others, make this application a creative and more efficient way to process workflow.
iSkin Cases – The Touch Duo and The Vibe
Company: iSkin
Price: $34.99 USD Touch Duo, $29.99 USD Vibe
Website Links – Vibe – Touch Duo
If you are like me and can’t afford the latest iPod Touch, or there is nothing wrong with your 2nd/3rd generation iPod Touch, you can help make that iPod last longer with a great case from iSkin. Today we’ll be looking at the iSkin Vibe and the Touch Duo cases.
These cases offer remarkable everyday protection for your iPod Touch, a level of protection you usually don’t find in other products.
The iSkin Vibe:
PlainText
Company: Hog Bay Software
Price: Free
Devices: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, requires iOS 3.0+
Product page
iTunes link
The iOS devices come with a Notes app, which is good for quickly jotting down items, like a shopping list or a gift idea. But what if you want a little more? Maybe you need to take notes at a meeting, or you have an idea for the next great American novel. PlainText might be just what you’re looking for.
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MOG is a life changing experience for serious and casual music lovers who want to hear precise tracks, albums, and artists — when and where and how they desire to hear them. MOG’s web site and iApp are works in progress, that requires a modest paid monthly subscription for an astonishing quantity of top quality audio selections.
It is tempting to distinguish MOG by comparing it to other established Internet music services, and by concentrating on what MOG is not, instead of what it is. The company rep says that “MOG is not a radio service. MOG is an on-demand service and offers radio, but to compare it to only a radio service such as Pandora which ONLY provides streaming radio is not accurate.”
This MyMac first look and listen will introduce readers to some of MOG’s best features. Subsequent articles and podcasts will go deeper, with additional praise and criticism.
By guest reviewer Devon Gilbert and John “Nemo” Nemerovski
Devon and Nemo spent hours listening, evaluating, and comparing these three innovative, affordable headphones with microphones, or headsets, if you prefer the term. We will first describe them one at a time before we rate or rank them.
Crossfade LP
Company: v-moda
Price: $200
Web site
Coby Vitruvian Speaker System
Company: Coby
Price: $59.99 US
Product Page
Most people listen to music on their iPods with earbuds or headphones. But sometimes it’s nice to dock the iPod into a set of speakers. Could the Coby Vitruvian Speaker System be your next purchase?
The Coby Vitruvian is made for iPod and iPhone, as well as other MP3 players. It’s compatible with iPods that go back as far as the 3rd generation, so it’s a safe bet that your iPod will work with the Vitruvian. I tested my iPhone 3GS, first generation iPod Touch, and 60GB iPod Video (now known as iPod Classic).
Soulra Solar Powered iPod Speaker
Company: Eton
Price: $180 to $200 online
Superpipe Battery Powered iPod Speaker
Company: Skullcandy
Price: $70 to $100 online
Eton’s Soulra is the most innovative portable iPod speaker/dock and audio player we have evaluated at MyMac. Charge its Li-Ion battery with the included AC power unit and play Soulra anywhere and everywhere for four hours. Flip open the built-in solar panel charger and continue trickle charging while enjoying your music. When inclement weather dampens your picnic, or when you are at the beach, fold closed the hinged solar panel and listen to the weatherproof sealed unit.
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Arctic Sound P311 Bluetooth Headphones
Company: Arctic Cooling
http://www.arctic-cooling.com
Price: $37.95 US
Our listening and evaluation team for these headphones included Devon (age 22), Mike (age 51), and Jackie (age 70+). Each panel member tested Arctic’s new behind-head Bluetooth headphones using a different model of smartphone, plus an iPad. We agreed that wireless P311 provides exceptional value for most music and phone situations.
These folding headphones are packaged with a rugged, stylish zippered carrying case and a USB charging cable. Experienced Bluetooth users will have no problem with the brief instructions. If you are confused by the diagrams on this two page manual, ask a tech-savvy young friend or family member to help you understand it.
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Since the introduction of Apple’s new iPod lineup on September 1st, there has been a lot of commentary on the internet about the new iPod nano. While most people seem to view it as a worthy update that creates a very nice, focused music player, some people are upset with Apple for removing features that were in the previous generation of nano. I think they are wrong to perceive the changes negatively. Apple’s decision to go against conventional wisdom and remove features from the new nano makes sense, in my opinion.
I’ve read articles and heard podcasts where people talk about iOS becoming or replacing OSX on the desktop Macs. I’ve also read the rumors about a touchscreen iMac. I have always thought this concept was ridiculous, until earlier tonight.
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Listen to the show here! *link fixed! Thanks, Nemo!
Gaz orders and then cancels a new iPod Touch because he loves animals more than technology. Guy runs Ethernet cable which messes up the house (and doesn’t please his wife) and we have a Listener Invite this week with Roman Woznik of the MacCoreTV Podcast. We have a bit of a gab about if Apple should actually reign IN some of the less well thought out apps in iTunes for iOS as it passes over 250 thousand available. Also some talk if Apple is holding the iPod Touch back to make the iPhone look even better. There’s a couple of birthdays and believe it or not, Guy accepts cash (or if you can’t swing that, call the Skype number 703-436-9501 and wish him a happy birthday!)
v-JAYS over-ear lightweight clear-bass folding headphones
Company: JAYS (of Sweden)
Price: $98 US (not available until approximately November, 2010)http://www.jays.se/products/headphones/v-jays.html
Martin Taylor enjoys listening to music. But he doesn’t like headphones, any of them, because “they always color the sound in a way that is unnatural.” I asked him to help test the new v-JAYS from Sweden. He was impressed. (He is a MyMac reviewer, The Other Martin Taylor, not the famous jazz guitarist although our Martin does play a Taylor guitar. He also owns a Martin.)
“Bass is very strong and clear, Nemo,” he said. “Much more than I’ve heard before. These must be expensive headphones.” Not especially, I told him. They are priced under $100.
What about design, construction, and fit? “Really lightweight and comfortable,” said Martin. “I could sit and listen with them all day, both for pleasure and at work. The folding earpieces aren’t essential, but they’ll help with packing and travel. Is there a case provided?” No, I told him.
AmpTune — Dual Dock Stereo Speakers + Charger for iPhone/iPod/iPod touch
Company: Macally
Price: $70 MSRP ($51.22 U.S. from Amazon.com—good value!)
http://www.macally.com/
Audiophiles: stop reading now. This product is not for you.
Normal music listeners: pay attention. You may overlook this unusual speaker system, which would be a mistake.
AmpTune, just released from Macally, is a small, compact, versatile, affordable, portable or powered way to hear music and view iPhone/iTouch videos with style and innovation. A handy remote control unit allows users to switch tracks and adjust volume, plus a couple of other tricks, from across the room. Audio quality is concentrated on the midrange spectrum, but by setting your player’s equalizer to Bass Booster the audio response is fine for typical listening situations.
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For the past two weeks we have been living on the first floor of my house because our upper level air conditioning unit has been broken. Besides eating and hanging out here, we also have been sleeping on air mattresses. Yes, it is taking over two weeks for a repair (actually it has now become a replacement but that is a long story). We only go upstairs if we really need something and to shower or bathe our two year old.
You see, for those not on the east coast of the United States, the air conditioner decided to break during the hottest two weeks of the summer. It has reached over ninety degrees on our upper floor.
So what’s the problem been? Well, as I said we have been sleeping down here. My son goes to sleep at 8:00 so that means we are done for the night at 8:00 also. No television because the first floor is basically one big open space. My wife and I have been stuck with iPods, her laptop, or my iPad. My iMac is upstairs and it is too hot to go use it.
Thanks to the iPad I have been able to keep busy every night. I have played games, checked email, read websites, rented movies from iTunes, and just browsed the App Store. We’ve also streamed video using the AirVideo app. Without my iPad I would have been stuck to the iPod Touch, which wouldn’t be awful, but the iPad is much better.
I’ve even done some writing on the iPad in Pages. This article was written in the Pages app.
The iPad gets criticized for what it is missing. For me it was perfect.. Flash? I think I went to one site in two weeks that required Flash. No big deal.
I have to say I love my iPad and after these two weeks I am really glad I placed that pre order back in March.
Photoshop.com Mobile
Company: Adobe Systems, Inc.
Price: Free.
http://mobile.photoshop.com/iphone/
IS IT PHOTOSHOP FOR THE IPHONE? NOT REALLY, BUT IT IS FREE!
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IDR350m Increased Dynamic Range Earphones with mic and tapLine™ control
Company: Scosche
Price: $54.99
http://www.scosche.com/
There are a lot of choices when it comes to earphones for your iPhone, iPod, or iPod Touch, so a company needs to do something just a little bit differently to get noticed, and the $49.95 IDR350m earphones from Scosche are worth a look.
I do not ask much from a set of earphones. They need to have good sound quality, play music fairly well, eliminate some outside noise, and be comfortable. Some might say they even need to look good. But that is about it. But these went a little further
So lets have a look at each of these requirements one at a time:
Comments. Be heard!
MyMac Podcast #403
Review
Review
Review