Thursday company started shipping cases for the iPhone 3G/3GS and iPod Touch featuring a solar charging battery.
The Surge for Apple's iPhone 3G/3GS features a 1320 mAh lithium polymer battery. Novothink notes that is just over the standard capacity of the iPhone battery. The built-in solar-panel will charge the on-board battery at a rate of 5.5 volts at 100 mAh. Novathink says in full direct sun, users could expect the battery to charge in about two hours, which should provide 30-60 minutes of talk time. Their store's Website lists black, white, green, blue, silver, and gold colors. Currently only black and white are available.
For the iPod Touch, the case carries a more ample 1500 mAh battery, or about 120% of the iPod's built-in battery. The solar panel delivers the same power, and while charge times aren't listed, it would seem to take slightly longer with the larger battery. Their website just lists a black case.
Both devices are equipped with 3 LED battery status lights and a built-in 30-pin dock connector. The devices also Apple certification.
The iPhone 3G/3GS case retails for $79.95 and the iPod Touch case retails for 69.95.
We had the day, and it appears we have a time for the iPad launch.
TUAW got a scoop on the iPad launch time. The website reports an Apple PR rep told them to expect the iPad pre-order and in-store reservation to go live 5:30 AM Pacific, or 8:30 EST Friday.
The iPad launches on April 3rd. Customers will be able to pre-order directly from the online Apple store, or set up a reservation to pick one up in an Apple retail store. We're curious to see whether Apple will offer Saturday delivery, or if pre-orders will arrive on Monday. While a reservation doesn't appear to guarantee an iPad, reservations help Apple predict store inventory and buyers should likely find one waiting for them provided they pick it up on the 4/3.
Mad props to TUAW. Now Apple-heads can get a good night's sleep.
If an iPhone, or even potential iPhone, user were asked for a wish list of items in the next major revision of the iPhone OS, multitasking would certainly appear if not be tops. That is, multitasking beyond what's currently permitted by select apps such as the iPod, Phone, Mail among others.
AppleInsider is reporting today that it feels multitasking will finally appear in iPhone OS 4.0. No word on when the update will be released, although it will likely will accompany the expected new iPhone this summer. AppleInsider didn't provide much more information other than reportedly informed loose lips.
It's worth noting that multitasking was also rumored basically since OS 2.0 was released which allowed third-party apps. Last year Apple rolled out push services, which allow network-based notifications. The notifications addressed some of the needs for multitasking where instead of having an app running in the background, an external notification could alert you of something so that you knew to launch the corresponding app. While hopes have been crushed before, this time around, Apple has been feeling some heat from competition and customers for the feature. So much so at least a more robust solution is probably a good bet.
If fully implemented, multitasking would essentially allow users to run programs in the background. So, say for example keep Skype running to receive calls over VoIP, or perhaps Twitter, instant messaging apps or even music streaming apps while performing other or no tasks on the iPhone. While convenient, this poses a number of hurdles. First is the interface in how the iPhone OS could manage two or more applications running at once. Also running apps in the background, particularly when the phone is not in use will likely significantly reduce battery life, and when other apps are running, will likely hurt performance. It could be possible the new iPhone will address this with improved performance and battery life, but 4.0 will available for older 3G and 3GS phones, according to AppleInsider. Instead, Apple may need to provide some assistance in managing resources, otherwise users will be spending ugly troubleshooting time on performance and battery life. Lastly are security issues, particularly for spyware/malware, or just bad coded apps slowly sucking resources over time. Apple, could simply depend on its app review process to keep troublesome apps off of iPhones, but a better approach may be to sandbox apps to prevent them from misbehaving to the point of problem
As with all rumors, only time will tell, but if Apple could check off multitasking it would at minimum appease customers and remove a large target for critics.
The Chargepod from Callpod is a multi-device charger to simultaneously charge up to six devices at once. Starts out at MSRP $39.99. The related Car Adapter powers the Chargepod from a standard car power adapter. MSRP $19.95.
This is a giveaway, ends March 20th. See the video for details.
Capcom's fighting title dropped on the iTunes Store Wednesday.
A couple years ago Capcom gave new life to the retro fighter game with Street Fighter IV in arcades. The game brings back previous warriors to do battle. The game hit the Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows last year, and today has landed on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The iPhone version features eight characters doing combat in seven different environment. The game features multiple moves using the iPhone/iPod multi-touch interface, including "super moves." Gamers can compete against the computer or against each other over Bluetooth.
The game is currently selling for $9.99 in the iTunes Store. The Street Fighter IV requires an iPhone or iPod Touch running iPhone OS 3.0 or later.
High-end gaming mouse maker Razer Wednesday announced improved Mac support for current and future devices.
Going all the way back to the original Boomslang 2000 days, IGM has been a fan of Razer gaming accessories. So, it's great news to hear the company plans to give some more love to the fairer platform in the way of new drivers for existing and future products.
“I’m very proud to say that at Razer, we are committed to supporting both Mac and PC gamers,” said Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president, Razer USA. “We are constantly working to increase driver support for Mac with our existing Razer products and have plans to release all of our new products with dedicated Mac and PC drivers. This is a really exciting opportunity to expand the gaming industry and make it more inclusive for Mac users by providing the same level of support that we give to our PC users.”
The company will issue drivers for existing Orochi, Mamba, and Imperator devices with more updates coming out later this year.On future products, the company specifically said it will include Mac drivers for the upcoming Razer StarCraft II line of devices. The devices were announced last fall and will feature mouse, keyboard, and headset designed to enhance StarCraft II gameplay. StarCraft II is in development for Windows and Mac. Blizzard currently has no release date for the game.
The company's devices work just fine for basic functionality via OS X USB drivers, however, the dedicated Razer drivers will allow greater customization of additional buttons. While generally excellent for gaming, Razer mice and mousing surfaces make for spiffy accessories for any application requiring precision.
Mac Office 2008 for Mac 12.2.4 addresses a number of stability, security, and performance issues. The update addresses an issue where an attacker could overwrite the contents of a computer's memory with a pile of malicious code. For stability, the update fixes issues with Excel if corrupted fonts were present. Also fixed for Excel and issue where if inserted a row or value into a calculated column or dragged the scroll bar while displaying trendlines caused a crash. Performance issues involve problems with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and some printer drivers.
The update is recommended by Microsoft and affects the Office 2008, Entourage 2008, and Office 2008 Special Media Edition.
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.5.8 update only lists the overwrite vulnerability fix that was addressed in the 2008 update. The updates can be obtained via the Office Updater utility or the support links below. The update covers all editions of Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac and individual Entourage 2004 Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, and Word 2004 installs.
The updated EyeTV Hybrid get a refreshed enclosure, and support for Windows 7.
Elgato announced Tuesday a tweak to its TV tuner, video encoder EyeTV Hybrid. For Mac users, the only change is on the looks, as it comes in a new smaller enclosure, which resembles a USB thumb drive. For PC users, the product now includes Windows 7 compatibility. Other than that, it's essentially the same product at the same price.
EyeTV Hybrid is equipped with a TV tuner to bring in analog and digital SD/HD programming. The channels can be pipped in via over-the-air broadcast or unencrypted cable channels. The device also features an analog component or composite input via breakout cable for virtual any video input. The product ships with EyeTV 3 software which allows Mac users to record, watch, pause, and rewind live TV. Once content is recording to the Mac, it can then be exported to iTunes for iPhone or an iPod. The product includes one year of TV guide programming data, with additional years costing $19.95 per year. For Windows 7 users, the product includes drivers for Windows 7 Media Center.
EyeTV Hybrid is available for U.S.A and Canada for $149.95.
FimeMaker, a subsidiary of Apple, updated its long-running database suite for Mac and Windows. FileMaker Pro 11 features a number of new advances with the biggest involving chart generation. In addition to FileMaker Pro, FileMaker also announced updates to related FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced, FileMaker Server 11, and FileMaker Server 11 Advanced products.
"FileMaker Pro 11 is designed for solving real-world business problems, such as the need for interpreting business data," said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, FileMaker, Inc. "With easy-to-use integrated charting, we bring dynamic visual reporting to FileMaker Pro 11 users. We also provide new tools to boost all users’ productivity, helping novice and expert users alike build, share and publish better databases."
The new charting feature offers dynamic chart creation of pie, bar, area, and line graphs. The charts are created on the fly using data inside of the specific database. Once generated, the charts can be published to the Web using FileMaker Pro Instant Web Publishing. The chart functions seem reminiscent to Excel's ability to quickly chart data in a spread sheet.
FileMaker Pro 11 also offers users additional collaboration tools, such as sending a Snapshot Link to other FileMaker users via email, and the ability to import from Excel, CVS, and TAB files. More features include a Quick Find ability, similar to the searching engine in iTunes, Mail, and Spotlight in OS X. Other new features include an inspector to help control the layout of objects. Two other new features should help users get up and running quicker with a new Quick Start Screen, and also a Starter Solution using more than 30 built-in solutions for working with invoices.
New to FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced includes a suite of development and customization tools. FileMaker said it will aid users in cut and paste functions without re-keying information. Advanced also included an improved Script Debugger and Custom Menus.
New to FileMaker Pro 11 Server included Enhanced Statistics View for details on troubleshooting potential issues. Also new is a Backup File Clone which allows database administrators to save an empty database with just the schema intact for troubleshooting.
FileMaker Pro 11 retails for $299, or $179 upgrade, Advanced sells for $499 with a $299 upgrade, Server is $999 and a $599 upgrade, and Server 11 Advanced is $2999 with a $1799 upgrade option. A 30-day demo is available to download for FileMaker Pro 11. All versions are available now for Mac and Windows.
Incase announced Tuesday an update to its Neoprene Sleeve Plus for Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro. As one may suspect the sleeve case is primarily made of Neoprene material.
The updated product features new material and upgraded safeguards, according to the company. The inside of the case utilizes a new protective interior that runs the length of the seams. Incase says this add increased protection to the laptop. Also, a "faux-fur" material provides an extra layer of protection to the outward facing laptop surface.
On the material side, the new Neoprene fabric offers a lighter weight and more durable product, says Incase. The case also saw refinements to the zipper pull for better ascetics.
The Neoprene Sleeve Plus retails for $39.95 and is available for the 13-inch MacBook, 13-inch MacBook Pro, 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 17-inch MacBook Pro.
The Surge for Apple's iPhone 3G/3GS features a 1320 mAh lithium polymer battery. Novothink notes that is just over the standard capacity of the iPhone battery. The built-in solar-panel will charge the on-board battery at a rate of 5.5 volts at 100 mAh. Novathink says in full direct sun, users could expect the battery to charge in about two hours, which should provide 30-60 minutes of talk time. Their store's Website lists black, white, green, blue, silver, and gold colors. Currently only black and white are available. 
AppleInsider is reporting today that it feels multitasking will finally appear in iPhone OS 4.0. No word on when the update will be released, although it will likely will accompany the expected new iPhone this summer. AppleInsider didn't provide much more information other than reportedly informed loose lips. 
A couple years ago Capcom gave new life to the retro fighter game with Street Fighter IV in arcades. The game brings back previous warriors to do battle. The game hit the Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows last year, and today has landed on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
“I’m very proud to say that at Razer, we are committed to supporting both Mac and PC gamers,” said Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president, Razer USA. “We are constantly working to increase driver support for Mac with our existing Razer products and have plans to release all of our new products with dedicated Mac and PC drivers. This is a really exciting opportunity to expand the gaming industry and make it more inclusive for Mac users by providing the same level of support that we give to our PC users.”
Mac Office 2008 for Mac 12.2.4 addresses a number of stability, security, and performance issues. The update addresses an issue where an attacker could overwrite the contents of a computer's memory with a pile of malicious code. For stability, the update fixes issues with Excel if corrupted fonts were present. Also fixed for Excel and issue where if inserted a row or value into a calculated column or dragged the scroll bar while displaying trendlines caused a crash. Performance issues involve problems with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and some printer drivers.
Elgato announced Tuesday a tweak to its TV tuner, video encoder EyeTV Hybrid. For Mac users, the only change is on the looks, as it comes in a new smaller enclosure, which resembles a USB thumb drive. For PC users, the product now includes Windows 7 compatibility. Other than that, it's essentially the same product at the same price.
"FileMaker Pro 11 is designed for solving real-world business problems, such as the need for interpreting business data," said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, FileMaker, Inc. "With easy-to-use integrated charting, we bring dynamic visual reporting to FileMaker Pro 11 users. We also provide new tools to boost all users’ productivity, helping novice and expert users alike build, share and publish better databases."
Incase announced Tuesday an update to its Neoprene Sleeve Plus for Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro. As one may suspect the sleeve case is primarily made of Neoprene material.