Apple doesn’t want Flash on its devices, and I believe them when they say that it kills performances on mobile devices. And as much as Adobe likes to complain, they didn’t ship an official mobile version of Flash until a few weeks ago, when Android devices got their first version of Adobe’s platform. Still, some developers are working on a port of the Android version for the iPad.
Flash Is Coming to the iPad - As “Frash”, Jailbreak Only
iPhone 4 Vs. Canon 7D
We saw iPhone 4 camera comparisons before, and we know that the camera holds up pretty good to other devices in the market. This time, we’re seeing the iPhone 4 used as a filmmaking tool over at Take Zer0.
DeskAgent 1.1 Giveaway!
No doubt you’ve read our overview of DeskAgent for the iPad on MacStories before. We think it’s a pretty classy clock designed for the most minimal of desks, and as of the newest 1.1 update, it now supports localized weather debriefing before you head out on that big office meeting. So don’t just sit there and watch the weather pass you by – we’ve got six copies of DeskAgent to giveaway.
Solace - Composed on iPad, Shot on iPhone 4
Rana Sobhany has been experimenting with custom iPad DJ setups for quite a while now. But with the iPhone 4, she decided to take this a step further, and composed a song on the iPad using AKAI’s Synthstation and SoundTrend’s Looptastic. The music video was shot on an iPhone 4, the same day it came out.
The result is quite impressive in my opinion, and I look forward to the next video.
Music Labels Holding Apple Back from Cloud-Tunes
People are really looking forward to what Apple has in store for cloud based music playing after the Lala acquisition, but it’s the music labels who’re holding Apple back from pursuing such killer features. Apple hasn’t been able to get the top four labels to sign on the dotted line, and CNET’s Greg Sandoval has this to say about the whole ordeal:
While it’s hard to say what Boy Genius’ source meant by “soon” it’s worth noting that Apple has yet to obtain necessary licenses from the top four recording companies, according to multiple music industry insiders. They added that Apple has indeed engaged in discussions with the music labels but the record execs haven’t even seen all of the details yet.
So, unless Apple is ready to go to war over this, don’t expect an iTunes cloud service–at least one offering music–anytime soon. Music insiders say that while that the whole sector would welcome an iTunes cloud service, negotiating the licenses will likely take months.
Though hopefully this won’t prevent Apple from rolling out their other various syncing features in the meantime, I imagine Apple would want to roll out all of their cloud features at the same time.
AdMob Sticks Around in iPhone Apps Despite Developer Agreement
AdMob wasn’t supposed to stick around for long after Apple updated their Developer Agreement, but they’re still pretty fervent in the iTunes App Store. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is still approving applications sporting AdMob. CNET reports,
… two developers told the Journal that their AdMob-equipped ads were recently approved by Apple, meaning the company either forgot to enforce the restriction (unlikely) or has decided to back off that clause as federal regulators take a closer look at Apple’s mobile-applications business.
AdMob and Apple declined to comment, but trust me when I say you’ll know when Apple has pulled the trigger against their advertising adversaries.
[Wall Street Journal via CNET]
Movies Now HD: Beautiful, Useful - I Wish It Worked In Italy
I’m no cinema expert, but I enjoy watching a good movie every once in a while. You know, when you have those 2 hours you don’t what to do with. I also find myself interested in knowing what’s the next big movie coming out, maybe because I’m a sucker for news. I followed the whole Toy Story 3 thing with so much interest I can’t wait for the movie to come out here.
Should someone make an app for that? Box office movies, new trailers - perhaps with the possibility to buy tickets from inside the app? It turns out someone made Movies Now HD.
Verdict: New Retina Display is Awesome
If you haven’t noticed, the new retina display is pretty cool. Despite all the packed pixel goodness, tests were to be done, and the results have been published. Out of all the major competitors in the market, who has the best display? PC Mag wanted to find out, so they ran a bunch of smartphones through their laser chambers until they were satisifed with the results. The iPhone wins, but isn’t the best in every category.
Two Days With iPhone 4: My First Impressions
I bought a French iPhone 4 on eBay, 16GB model. I paid a lot for it, but I’m not complaining - I needed one. Waiting for Italian providers to comfortably announce their plans wasn’t a viable option. I’ve received the device on Wednesday and had some problems cutting my SIM to fit the new Mini-SIM tray; my first day with the iPhone 4 felt pretty much like using a Retina iPod Touch. Yesterday I managed to buy another SIM, make it mini and finally start using the iPhone 4 - well - as an iPhone.