Patently Apple may have uncovered a first look of a possible next-generation core feature of a future version of OS X. Apple’s patent filing details “virtual input devices” that could relate to the future of iOS gaming and Mac OS multi-touch screens with 3D interaction.
Not Your Ordinary $100 iPhone Stand
What’s $100 to a loyal Apple supporter like yourself? Instead of keeping that Benjamin tucked away in your wallet, why not use it as an iPhone or iPod Touch stand?
In this dated YouTube video from December 2007, photographer Enrique Pardo uses his origami skills to fold a $100 bill into a stand for an iPhone or iPod touch. Those of you on a budget, go for a Lincoln or even a Washington, but make sure it’s nice and crisp. [via TUAW] Read more
Apple Help Wanted: HTML5 Job
Apple is looking for a Creative Technology Manager to help out in their “creative technology team” on the Apple.com website. The focus will be HTML-5 based content ready for iOS devices like iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches.
This individual will be responsible for driving web-standard (HTML5) innovation that enhances and redefines the marketing of Apple’s products and services to millions of consumers. Work will also include exploring opportunities with apple.com, email and mobile/multi-touch experiences on the iPhone and iPad.
Apple already has some HTML5 features to its website. There’s the new movie showtimes section, part of the Movie Trailers page that works on a desktop or iOS device. In August, “Compare Macs” was added to the Apple.com store. Read more
Alternatives to Mail.App on OS X→
Alternatives to Mail.App on OS X
There’s a good amount of Mail.app alternatives for Mac OS X, and many of them are quite nice. Choosing the right one depends on what options you’re looking for in a mail client. There was a lot of hype about Letters.app in early 2010 that was headed by John Gruber. It was supposed to be the Mail.app killer for OS X but is now dissolved. The twitter account that Gruber supposedly took over still has almost 4000 followers but hasn’t tweeted since February. Either way, the linked article is a good read for anyone looking to switch or just wanting to know what else is out there.
The iPhone Popular, Who Knew?
Infographics - you either love them or hate them. They’re all over the internet these days but I for one enjoy them, especially when they’re bragging about Apple. BillShrink.com has posted an infographic about the iPhone on their blog. I know, BillShrink? Clearly they’re not owned by AT&T - ba dum tis.
Despite strong sales, is the iPhone the leading smartphone or the leading mobile device in the world? As the smartphone war continues to heat up with the introduction of new Android-powered devices, the smartphone market share can look different from quarter to quarter. What will an iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android owner buy next for their new mobile device? Some of the answers to these questions might just surprise you..
iPad’s Newest Accessory - iArm
Is having only 2 arms not good enough for you iPad users? What if I said that you can add a third arm for only $8? That’s right, I said $8! “Wow, Chris, that is such an amazing deal, I would pay upwards of $100 for that” said Federico Viticci. Okay, enough of the pitchman talk. It’s a good thing it’s only a prank pack product (or we’d all buy one); you can order this but it’s only a gift box, no actual iArm ships. Prank Pack’s slogan is “Genuine Fake Gift Boxes.” Sample images after the break. Read more
iPod Nano $43.73? Wow, That’s a Low Price!
iSuppli.com has estimated that the new 8GB iPod nano has a bill of materials at $43.73. This is the second-lowest BOM of all members of the iPod line. Only the 4G generation product had a less expensive BOM, at $40.80.
Instead of piling on features, as so many brands do with their latest products, Apple with the sixth-generation iPod has maintained or even removed some attributes in order to fit the form factor and function desired,” said Andrew Rassweiler, director and principal analyst and teardown services manager, for iSuppli. “This has enabled Apple to offer the smallest iPod including a touch screen, while keeping component costs to a strict budget.
Official Google Voice App in Store Soon?
According to a report at TechCrunch, the official Google Voice app has been approved and could arrive in the Store sometime soon. It comes no surprise, last week GV Mobile + and GV Connect were both approved, which are 3rd party Google Voice applications.
In July 2009, Apple blocked the application from the App Store so Google created a web app version of Google Voice, like they have done with many of their other browser-based services. On September 9, 2010, Apple posted guidelines telling developers which applications wouldn’t be allowed into the App Store, and there was no mention of Google Voice. Soon after, the aforementioned apps were approved. Read more
iPhone 4, Telescope and the Moon
Astronomy geeks, this one’s for you. Grab your iPhone, and a Celestron NexStar (or comparable telescope) and you can capture the moon like photographer Douglas Sonders did. “I was playing with my uncle’s new telescope this weekend and managed to get the above image of the moon using my iPhone 4 and holding it to the eyepiece of the scope. I couldn’t believe it came out! I tweaked the sharpness, contrast, and added a border using the … Photoshop application on my iPhone.” And you thought the iPhone 4’s camera was only for shooting other heavenly bodies. Read more