Chip Chick » iphone

FunMail iPhone App Transforms Tweets and Text Messages into Images

Chip Chick — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:25 +0000

FunMail is a new free app that has just been released in the Apple AppStore. The app lets users type in a message, which the app then transforms in to a fun image. Users can go ahead and send that image as an MMS, or they can use it to make a Tweet with, or even leave it on a Facebook wall. But Funmail doesn’t just transform text into just any image, its “Media Brain” automatically presents, cute, comical or irreverent images that relate to the message. Media Brain uses the advanced text analysis system that is driven by the Semantic Media Project which collects content in real time from Flickr and Creative Commons sources, and they also encourage people to contribute their own FunMail images so that the FunMail image library is always growing.

Official Darth Vader and Stormtrooper Hard Cases for the iPhone Prevent Scratches from Lightsabers

Ali — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:09:33 +0000

Even Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers need to protect their iPhones when fighting the Jedi Knights, and with these hard-shell cases it could be pretty tough for a lightsaber to penetrate it. Both cases feature the portrait of Darth Vader or the a Stormtrooper and will fit either your iPhone 3G or 3GS. The Darth Vader Hard Case for iPhone and Stormtrooper Case for iPhone retail for $29.95 and expect to ship around December 8th.

Cheapest iPhone Speaker Ever is just $10

Chip Chick — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:46:31 +0000

The Desktop Speaker from the Container Store is one of the cheapest iPhone Speakers we have ever come across. $9.99 gets you a compact speaker system that also works a stand to hold your iPhone or iPod touch while watching a video. Alternatively, you can connect the Desktop Speaker to just about any MP3 player with a 3.5mm jack. Available in black or red, this will make a great affordable stocking stuffer next month.

Wallace & Gromit Comics Make Their Way with Hilarity to the iPhone

Ali — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:08:25 +0000

Soon paper will be as extinct and go the way of the Betamax, as more and more books, magazines, and now even comics, make their way to our devices digitally. Wallace and Gromet are amongst the first to make their digital debut on the iPhone with their very own comic book app. The first batch of comics includes strips written by Dan Abnett (Legion, Nova, The Authority) and Simon Furman (Transformers, Terminator 2 comic), with more to be released in the following weeks! Wallace & Gromit comics are available from Apple’s App store and there are four comic stories to download including: ‘The W-Files’, ‘Parts & Labour’, ‘Big in Japan’ and ‘Where there’s Muck there’s Brass’ all for just £0.59 ($0.99) each!

ABC News Says iPhone Apps are Addictive – Must be a Slow News Day

Chip Chick — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:51:52 +0000

I guess when broadcast news starts reporting that iPhone Apps are addictive – you know that it must be a slow news day. I caught this in a cab on Taxi TV while heading downtown and it was probably one of the dumbest things I have watching in a long time. This 2 minute news blurb on how iPhone Apps are addictive. I honestly couldn’t believe how staged this ‘news’ piece looked and how they could get some quack specialist to actually comment on such a topic. Then the media wants to know why they are slowly becoming irrelevant. Check out the video to see what I mean.

Pong iPhone Case Reduces Cell Phone Radiation

Chip Chick — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:18 +0000

Whether you know it or not, the iPhone has one of the highest SAR values on the market. That means that it everytime you use your iPhone you’re immersing your head in radiation. That is where the new Pong case comes in. The case looks and feels like an ordinary iPhone case but it does double duty by reducing cell phone radiation by 60%. It can also reduce ‘hotspot’ radiation by 85%. The way Pong works is that it deflects the strong microwave radiation coming from your antennae away from your head. Pong is the only case tested by FCC-certified laboratories to reduce cell phone radiation while maintaining full signal strength. The Pong case retails for $59.95 and is available in green or black. A Blackberry Curve version is also on the way, which is good news since the Curve is also guilty of high SAR values.

iTwinge is the World’s First iPhone Keyboard

Chip Chick — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:56:31 +0000

We may have just come across something that may convert dedicated BlackBerry users to finally using the iPhone.The iPhone is getting a KEYBOARD called iTwinge, a real feel and tactile keyboard for those who thought their big thumbs would never allow them to use the touchscreen version. Launching tomorrow for $29.99, you can type as fast as you would on a standard QWERTY keypad. Watch the SMS mistakes and typos disappear – maybe. So how does it work? The iTwinge slips on to the bottom of the iPhone and voila your iPhone has a full fledged QWERTY physical keyboard. It will support the iPhone 3G and 3G S, however it doesn’t look that comfortable in the pictures but I guess its better than nothing.

Ralph Lauren Launches the iPhone Rugby App

Ali — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:11:19 +0000

Whether you know it or not, Ralph Lauren has been ahead of the fashion meets technology tide for 10 years now. They launched their website 10 years ago at COMDEX. Then they were the first fashion company to have a Facebook page – which today boasts close to 500,000 friends. And last year they were the first to launch a Fashion App that showcased the Ralph Lauren runway collection. So it was no surprise that this year Ralph Lauren has once again stepped outside the box by creating an innovative iPhone App. I was lucky enough to get a hands on demo tonight and all of you will be able to check it out for yourselves tomorrow morning when it officially launches at the App Store.

Ralph Lauren’s new Rugby App lets you make your own Rugby shirts all on your iPhone. This is an App squarely focused on their Rugby line of clothes, which focuses on a demographic that uses facebook and has a desire to be creative and share it with the world. You can install the free App on your iPhone and from there you can create your own Rugby from scratch by selecting its style and additional patches to adorn it. Once you are done you can purchase your creation or share it with your friends via Facebook or through email. Those who use the App will be able to see it and buy your creation via the “Make Your Own Rugby Gallery” or modify it to your tastes. If you don’t care to make your own Rugby, you can shop the Rugby store all within the App. You can even take a picture of yourself and integrate it with the polo to see if it looks good on you. You can also switch the hair and color of your skin – a-la Sims style.

Another awesome announcement tonight from Ralph Lauren was the interactive window display currently up at the Rugby Store in NYC and San Francisco. A large size iPhone adorns the store front window where customers can make a Rugby from scratch from the street and then purchase it from there as well. Basically, this display enables visitors to shop 24 hours a day. Overall, this has to be one of the more interesting iPhone Apps I have seen launched and I bet the rest of the design world will be kicking themselves that they didn’t think of it first.

Go check out the Rugby interactive lifesize iPhone App at Rugby by Ralph Lauren in San Francisco at 2071 Union Street. Or if you are in New York, head to 99 University Place.

iPhone Cards Are Ideal for a Game of 52 Pickup

Ali — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:17:05 +0000

In the mood for a game of cards? How about playing with a card deck that is designed to look like the iPhone. These deck of cards have been stylized to look like an iPhone and the images on the faces are those of a full deck of cards: kings, queens, two of spades, and so on. The back of the cards resemble the iPhone as well and the Apple symbol is replaced with a smaller Spade, Heart, Diamond, and Club. This is the ultimate set of cards for any Apple lover. The Cards from Meninos retails for $25.

Scosche IDR350M iPod Headphones Ship with Six Interchangeable Color Caps

Chip Chick — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:25:26 +0000

Scosche has released the IDR350M headphones that are compatible with all of the features of the latest iPods and the iPhone 3G s. These in-ear style headphones come with six different interchangeable color caps so that they’ll easily match your iPod or your outfit. The headphones also feature Scosche’s integrated tapLINE control technology that allows users to play/pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists, record voice memos, activate the voice control feature, and answer/end calls without having to take their iPod or iPhone out of their pocket or bag. This technology is especially needed for the 3rd gen Shuffle users out there, since the Shuffle has no dedicated controls. The headphones also are compatible with Apple’s new Voice Control Technology on the iPhone 3GS. You can pick up the IDR350M now in white for just $49.99. The IDR350MD black versions will be available in August at the Apple Stores.

Mophie Juice Pack Air Review

Chip Chick — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:18:24 +0000

If you are like us, you love your iPhone. But as with any electronic gadget, the biggest annoyance is the battery life. With average use you probably don’t get more than a day out of your iPhone, and generally that can be fine, since your day is over and you can let charge while you sleep.

But what about those days when you are surfing the net for hours, playing your favorite app or watching movies on the plane? You never seem to have enough battery. Then you have to worry about finding a place to charge your iPhone… what a hassle! I can’t count how many times I’ve found myself scrambling for an AC outlet so that I could recharge my iPhone. Wouldn’t it be great if your battery could last longer? That is where Mophie comes to the rescue!

There are a number of rechargeable batteries available, but none as sleek as the new Mophie Juice Pack Air.

Here are the specs that it promises for the iPhone 3G S

Standby Time: Up to 270 hours
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours on 3G | Up to 10 hours on 2G
Internet Use: Up to 4.5 hours on 3G | Up to 8 hours on Wi-Fi
Audio Playback: Up to 27 hours
Video Playback: Up to 9 hours
Standby Time: Up to 270 hours
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours on 3G | Up to 9 hours on 2G
Internet Use: Up to 4.5 hours on 3G | Up to 5.4 hours on Wi-Fi
Audio Playback: Up to 20 hours
Video Playback: Up to 6 hours

We used the “Mophie Juice Pack Air” with a new iPhone 3G S. Out of the box it looks and feels good, a good complement to the sleekness of the iPhone itself. Like other “shell” cases, it was a tight fit getting it in (or out), but the case is sturdy. And even though it adds some thickness, it still feels good in your hand.

A nice feature is the 4 LEDs on the back that give you an indication of remaining battery life. No guessing how much has been used so far. And also the ability to “turn off” the battery in order save it for later use. As you would expect you can sync while charging without having to remove the iPhone from the case and BOTH the “Mophie” and the iPhone charge simultaneously.

We did have a problem with the charging/syncing at first. When we opened a case with “Mophie” about the problem, they promptly sent out a new cable. Problem solved! Everything then worked as expected. 5 Stars for Mophie Support.

So it’s pretty, but how is the battery life? Here’s what we got out of it:

10 AM taken off charge and only working off of iPhone battery. Wi-Fi was inactive the entire time
- 45 minutes of GPS use
- 1.5 hours of voice
- 1 hours of video
- 30 minutes of music
- 30 minutes of internet access
- 30 minutes of email
- 7 hours of Bluetooth connection (1.5 hours of the voice used above)

3G was always enabled (though not always active)

Died at 8:25 pm – “Mophie” started charging iPhone
At 8:29 pm the phone comes back online with the 10% battery warning
Battery continues to charge (currently not in use)
By 10:30 pm the iPhone is no longer charging and iPhone shows half a battery bar, while the “Mophie” shows two LEDs on the indicator
11:10 pm switched to airplane mode and enabled alarm

The Next Day:

7:45 am switch off airplane mode and enabled Bluetooth
- Battery seems to be at the same point as it was last night, back of “Mophie” shows two
  lights.
- Minimum of email and internet usage for the rest of the day, at this
  point the iPhone is running off its own battery
At the end of the day both units are charged up.

Did we get “twice” the amount of battery life? Not quite. It seems that it was at least 150% of normal battery life. There are many variables such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the 3G transmissions which vary greatly. And it may be that in some situations you could get closer to 200% of normal battery life. Overall though, we were very satisfied.

In conclusion we would definitely use the juice pack when watching movies on a plane and for traveling. But we’re not sure that we’d want the extra bulk (minimal as it is) for everyday use. However, if you are in need of more life out of your iPhone each day, the “Mophie Juice Pack Air” is the ONLY choice as far as we’re concerned. The Mophie Juice Pack Air retails for $80 at Mophie.com and Amazon.

The good: Good look and feel, best option for a rechargeable battery yet!
The bad: Price is a bit steep

Withings Connected Body Scale Transfers Fitness Info to iPhone via Wifi

Chip Chick — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:28:09 +0000

Back in the day, a high tech body scale would be one that read your weight out loud. And we hated them for it! Now flash forward several years ahead and there is the Withings Connected Body Scale. This scale gives your weight and an analysis of your fat mass. Plus, using its Wifi connection, the scale records all your measures and sends it to your iphone. Then you can download the Withings iPhone app and you’ll be able to take a look at all that info, including the lean mass and fat mass curves, even when you’re not near the actual scale. Alternatively, you could monitor all the recorded information and charts by logging in to the Withings web control panel from any browser. The purpose of all of this is of course not to make you feel paranoid and fat, but to help understand your fitness, and the effects of a diet and sporting activity. The Withing Connected Scale retails for 129,00€ (about $183 USD).

Update 07/30/09: The scale will be available to US Customers in September at a retail price $159 USD at www.withings.com

FlexiSPY Comes to iPhone 3G and 3GS

Ali — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:13:49 +0000

Sadly, gadgets got a bad wrap this week when good equipment was used for bad deeds with that whole Erin Andrews incident. However that won’t stop companies from coming out with more products aimed at tracking and invading people’s privacy, which could be used in the wrong way. Now FlexiSPY has released their already controversial software for the iPhone 3G/3G S. Remotely read SMS, see call logs, listen in on phone calls, and track the location of a person with their built in GPS tracker software. You can even log emails and remotely control the targeted phone with SMS commands. The person you have targeted will never know a thing. There are four plans available from basic all the way to pro. Each plan comes with yearly costs and the more you pay for, the more features you get. Consider this a public service announcement the next time you go and use your iPhone.

iLuv Releases iMM9400 Vertical 4CD/MP3 Hi-Fi Audio System with iPhone dock

Chip Chick — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:11:17 +0000

iLuv has announced the iMM9400 Vertical 4CD/MP3 Hi-Fi Audio System. So we know what you’re thinking – who actually uses CDs anymore? Turns out that plenty of audiophiles still listen to CDs. But this system has plenty of tech to keep even digital music file fans happy. Aside from being a 4 CD system, it also has an iPhone dock that is compatible with the 3G S and most iPods, plus it also has an SD card slot and USB port for playing back additional MP3 and WMA files. On top of that it features 2 channel speakers, comes with an iPhone/iPod user friendly remote, and a wall mounting kit so that you can show off this system properly in your pad.

iMM9400 Vertical 4CD/MP3 Hi-Fi Audio System

Features

· Works with iPhone3GS and iPod -Plays and charges via universal dock for iPod*

· Synchronize time from your iPhone and iPod

· 4-MP3/CD Audio playback system

· 2 channel speakers deliver the rich and powerful sound

· Plays MP3, WMA files on SD/MMC cards and USB flash memory stick

· Listen to slotMusic through SD card slot or USB port

· Time function (auto on/off) with snooze capability

· Supports subwoofer output jack

· Includes iPhone/iPod user friendly remote control, dock adapters and wall mounting kit

4-CD Player

· Supports Random, Repeat, Intro, and Program functions

· Programmable memory for 40 audio tracks

· Sliding motorized CD door mechanism

Radio

· Enjoy AM / FM radio with PLL digital tuning technology to generate stable frequencies

· Programmable presets for 40 radio stations (10 for AM / 30 for FM)

· Audio output: 10W_RMS + 10W_RMS: 20W_RMS / 40W_PEAK

* Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone3G, iPhone, iPod nano 1^st – 4th generation, iPod touch, iPod touch 2^nd generation, iPod classic, iPod 4th generation, iPod with video and iPod mini

NAVIGON Introduces First Serious GPS Navigation App for iPhone for North America

Ali — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:43:26 +0000

Another awesome gift for iPhone 3G and 3G S users is the launch of the NAVIGON iPhone GPS Navigation App called MobileNavigator iPhone for North America. With the release of this software – your iPhone has truly been converted to a full fledged GPS navigation system. Tom Tom and MIO must be shaking in their boots right about now. There are no subscription fees but it will cost you $99.99 for this App – probably one of the more pricier ones out there, but understandably so. However until August 15th it will be available for a promotional price of $69.99. iPhone users will be able to zoom in and out, navigate saved contacts,switch between portrait and landscape mode, and alot more.

Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary on Your iPhone

Chip Chick — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:48:02 +0000

What better way to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary then with an iPhone /iPod Touch App. Recently released are three new apps for all the Hello Kitty fans to love. The first App is the Hello Kitty Anniversary App which will countdown to when she turns 35 on November 1st 2009, profiles her friends, updates you on the latest Hello Kitty News, and offers a commemorative movie ‘Hello Kitty Colors”. The best part – this App is free! If you want to shell out $2.99 then there is the iHello Kitty Tokyo App and Hello Kitty Camera. The iHello App will let you dress Hello Kitty up in what’s hip in Japanese culture. Does Gothic or Harajuku Hello Kitty sound like fun? The ability is all there and if you want to make Hello Kitty move, just move your iPhone/iPod Touch and she will jump or stumble. Lastly there is the Hello Kitty Camera App which will let you immerse yourself into the Hello Kitty world by customizing your images with Hello Kitty herself, accessories, logos and more. If you didn’t put your iPhone or iPod Touch down already – you certainly won’t now.

Boost Your iPhone Signal with the zBoost-ONE UMTS

Chip Chick — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:20:30 +0000

Do you live or work in an area with bad reception? The new zBoost-ONE UMTS has been designed specifically to increase the range of 3G zones. That makes it perfect for smartphone users who have a Blackberry, iPhone or Pre running on UMTS/HSPA (2100MHz) in an area where 3G is week. The device is also the first one piece 3G signal booster – there are no unsightly external aerials required. The zBoost-ONE UMTS is designed to be placed in a window and it will be able to extend a data area for up to 13 square meters.

Designed for consumers and network operators, the zBoost-ONETM UMTS 3G signal booster consists of one base unit with no external aerials and extends 3G Voice and Data Zones™ for single or multiple users in homes or offices using UMTS/HSPA (2100MHz). Internationally, the high data speeds of UMTS are now most often utilized for Internet access making the zBoost an ideal product for people with smart phones like iPhone™, Blackberry™ and Palm™.

Ed Hardy’s Black Label Covers Your Phone in 24 Karat Gold Swarovski Accents

Chip Chick — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:54:51 +0000

A while back we covered Ed Hardy’s line of crystal-studded Icing iPhone cases. Now Ed Hardy has a new line of iPhone cases in their Black Label collection, and this collection is aimed at the highend. These cases are also covered in Swarovski crystals, but each design is hand made. Alternatively, you can send in your device and their designers will attach the crystals directly on to your phone (any type of phone), instead of as a case. You get to choose a pattern you like and a designer will then contact you and send you a digital proof for a truly custom piece. The Black Label collection costs $800, and if you want to go all the way – for an extra $250 you can also have them use 24 karat gold dipped Swarovski accents.

ColorWare Colorizes the iPhone 3G S

Ali — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:43:55 +0000

ColorWare seems to be colorizing the lastest Apple wares at lighting speed. Only last week did we report about the ColorWare version of the latest MacBook Pro . Now if you were lucky enough to get the iPhone 3G S last week, ColorWare will colorize that for you too! It’s not enough that your friends are already jealous of you as it is, but now you can enhance its sexy iPhone 3G S good looks with a dash of paint. ColorWare will not only colorize your iPhone 3G S but the ear buds as well. However unlike some of the other items from ColorWare you will have to send your iPhone 3G S in, along with the earbuds. Didn’t think you were going to get one direct this time did you? It will cost $150 to ColorWare your iPhone 3G S

Notebooks, iPhone 3G, and USB Flash Drives Covered in Real Animal Skin – Someone Call PETA

Ali — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:53:38 +0000

I have seen many crystals, cases and laser engravings that adorn notebooks, USB Flash Drives, and cellphones – some exquisite, simple or just plain stupid. But I have to say these take the cake. In fact they shouldn’t even be made. MJ a Russian based company – offers a line of extremely luxurious USB Flash Drives, Laptops, iPhone 3G’s, and other accessories covered with the finest gold, silver, and ANIMAL SKIN! I honestly thought this was some kind of a joke when I saw this but no joke. You can pick from the most exotic python covered USB Flash Drive to one shaped as an Ostrich Claw. There is also a crocodile skin covered laptop, or snake skin covered iPhone 3G. Maybe you would like a Tiger Fang or Crocodile Tail USB Flash Drive. If that is too much for you there is always the standard solid gold USB Flash Drive and the tried and true diamond or crystal embellished ones. There is no pricing available on the site – you’ll just have to call or email to find out – probably because the skins they are using are illegal!. But honestly, these type of designs may have finally crossed the line of ‘decorative’.