iPad Latest News

Case Scenario Releases Space Invaders Line of Cases (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)

Space Invaders may be one of the most successful and recognizable games of all time. Emerging for the first time in the 1980′s, many of us remember playing it as children, though the retro charm isn’t lost on the young and old alike. In tribute to the classic game, Case Scenario has released a variety of cases designed to fit your iPod Touch, iPhone 4 or iPad 2.

A few versions are available, though each features the pixilated little characters from the game.

The cases are all made from a durable hard-shell construction that snaps easily onto your devices while still offering complete access to all of your ports, buttons and cameras. The other bit of good news is that you don’t have to give up your Smart Cover in order to use one.

Convenient and awesome to look at, I don’t think it will be long before I’ve ordered one for my iPad!

These entire line of Space Invaders Cases, available in “White & Colors,” “Black & Colors,” “Mirror,” and “Daimer” can be purchased from the Case Scenario website with prices beginning at $ 29.99 €.

Case Scenario is a Monaco-based company creating stylish and creative accessories for your mobile devices.

» Related posts:

• Pantone iPad & iPhone Cases from Case Scenario
• AViiQ Unveils Smart Case for iPad 2
• EA Releases Dead Space for iPad and iPhone

padgadget.com

Case Scenario Releases Space Invaders Line of Cases (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)

Space Invaders may be one of the most successful and recognizable games of all time. Emerging for the first time in the 1980′s, many of us remember playing it as children, though the retro charm isn’t lost on the young and old alike. In tribute to the classic game, Case Scenario has released a variety of cases designed to fit your iPod Touch, iPhone 4 or iPad 2.

A few versions are available, though each features the pixilated little characters from the game.

The cases are all made from a durable hard-shell construction that snaps easily onto your devices while still offering complete access to all of your ports, buttons and cameras. The other bit of good news is that you don’t have to give up your Smart Cover in order to use one.

Convenient and awesome to look at, I don’t think it will be long before I’ve ordered one for my iPad!

These entire line of Space Invaders Cases, available in “White & Colors,” “Black & Colors,” “Mirror,” and “Daimer” can be purchased from the Case Scenario website with prices beginning at $ 29.99 €.

Case Scenario is a Monaco-based company creating stylish and creative accessories for your mobile devices.

» Related posts:

• Pantone iPad & iPhone Cases from Case Scenario
• AViiQ Unveils Smart Case for iPad 2
• EA Releases Dead Space for iPad and iPhone

padgadget.com

Party and Pretend with Miss Rosie Red – What Will I Be? – iPad App Review

Meet Miss Rosie Red, a pre-schooler with a cat named Cooper, a baby sibling we know as Baby, and a Mum who is identified only by the cherry red high heels she sports around the house.

Rosie is the star of Miss Rosie Red – What Will I Be? This winsome story begins when Rosie receives a colorful piece of mail which reveals she has been invited to attend a birthday party for her friend Darcy. Rosie wonders aloud to Cooper, “Will Gracie be at the party? Will Penny be there? Will there be enough ice cream?” Before it dawns on her that she needs just the right outfit for her afternoon with her friends.

After Rosie asks, “Let me see, what will I be?” she does not, as many little girls might, go right for her fanciest, fussiest dress. Instead she decides she wants to be … an astronaut! Then she cautions, “but we can’t eat twirly-whirly crisps with our helmets on!”

After Rosie goes through every costume she can imagine – the caveman get up is particularly fetching – she runs out of time and decides she is going to attend the party as herself. She just tosses a blue frock made of Dotted Swiss over her owl T-shirt and peppermint striped tights and says, “ta da!”

Miss Rosie Red – What Will I Be? is available for download from the App store for $ 2.99.

What I liked: The illustrations were top-notch and the story held up well to repeated readings. The sounds effects still work in read-to-self mode, which is nice for older children.

What I didn’t like: It was a good idea to have a three-year-old girl read the part of Rosie, and she did a great job. Because of her youth and her Irish accent, however, she was still hard to understand at times, and may be especially difficult for other children to understand her.

To buy or not to buy: Miss Rosie Red – What Will I Be? is an imaginative story that blends the just-can’t-wait excitement which builds before a birthday party with the charm of a little girl’s dreamy plans to be an astronaut or a dinosaur. While the story isn’t laced with interactive elements, it is a pleasure to read, and is a must for families with young children or anyone who appreciates expressive children’s app illustrations.

• App Name: Miss Rosie Red – What Will I Be?
• Version Reviewed: 1.0
• Category: Books
• Developer: Dog Ears Ltd.
• Price: $ 2.99
• Score:

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• Miss Spider’s Bedtime Story for iPad – App Review
• Play Mix and Match the Animals in Safari Party – iPad Game Review

padgadget.com

Tear Up the Medieval Battlefield with Castle Clout HD – iPad Promo Code Contest

Looking for a way to hone your medieval trebuchet skills and pass some time in the process?  The newly released Castle Clout HD might be just the iPad app for you.  Today we have teamed with MPS Multimedia to provide our PadGadget readers with a chance to win an iPad promo code.

Castle Clout HD takes you back in time to a medieval battlefield to “topple your enemies and destroy their strongholds.”  You’ll make your way through 150 levels of crashing and bombing to restore order to the lawless land and expand your kingdom.

Game features include:

• Physics-based play
• Build and share your own level designs
• OpenFeint integration
• Easy-to-use controls
• Twelve special missiles, five enemy characters and six detailed backgrounds

Castle Clout HD is available for the introductory price of $ 1.99 in the App Store or you can enter our iPad app giveaway for a chance to win a free promo code.  We have 5 promo codes to give away and entering our contest is easy!  Just follow the directions below and maybe you’ll be a winner.

Enter via Twitter in two easy steps

1. Follow us on Twitter. You must follow us on Twitter so we can send you a Direct Message if you win. If you aren’t following us, we have no way to contact you directly with your winning code.
2. Click on the “Click to Tweet” button below and have our contest message automatically added to your Twitter status box. Then simply click to tweet!

Note:  Contest winners can redeem a code on their iPad by following the steps below:

1. Go to the App Store.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select the Redeem button.
   
3. Enter your promo code into the pop-up window.
   
4. Tap Redeem in the top right corner of the window.
   
5. Enter your iTunes password when prompted and your app will begin to download.

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padgadget.com

Belkin Keyboard Folio Now Available for iPad 2

Now that the iPad 2 has been out for several months, case developers have had time to refine their designs and create an array of cases that are both stylish and functional. Lately, we’ve seen an influx of great cases, and Belkin’s new Keyboard Folio is no exception.

The Belkin Keyboard Folio is an all-in-one keyboard and protective case solution, designed for the iPad 2. With its TruType keys, it promises to deliver a smooth, computer-like typing experience and has adjustable modes for both viewing and typing.

TruType keys are constructed to feel comfortable when typing, but also to improve typing speed and errors when using a mobile keyboard. Typing on the Keyboard Folio feels just like typing on a regular laptop keyboard, with plastic keys and a larger size.

When you’re not using the keyboard, the Keyboard Folio tucks away thanks to a tri-fold design that also protects the iPad when it’s not in use. There are several Bluetooth keyboard cases available, but Belkin is promising that the Keyboard Folio is ultra-thin, lightweight, and designed for maximum usability.

The Belkin Keyboard Folio is currently available for $99.99 at select retailers, such as Amazon.com.

» Related posts:

• Belkin Flip Folio Stand Case for iPad 2 – Accessory Review
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• Belkin Unveils New iPad 2 Case Lineup

Why Developers Build Apps for iOS

Developers have limitless options when choosing where to spend their talents and time. So when the world is your oyster, how do you choose? Coding for mobile devices is the obvious frontrunner for those looking to be truly innovative and relevant these days, but which platform? For many of us, the decision to focus on iOS was easy.

There are obvious differences from a technical perspective. For instance, Android development is done using Java while iOS takes advantage of Objective-C, a subset language that runs on top of C. Because the argument for which is better is as fruitless as a Coke vs. Pepsi or The Original Series vs. Next Gen debate, I will refrain from comment other than to say both languages are powerful and capable. The preference for one over the other is often due to what the developer has already learned and is most comfortable with.

At a high level, the first consideration has to be what you want to accomplish and not which platform to write for. Is it all about the Benjamins? Who is your target audience? The market for your brilliant idea may actually be found with BlackBerry users or require the features of Windows 7.

Being honest, there are lots of comparisons that can be made that will drive many of you to accuse me of drinking the kool-aid or being bias. And it’s true. I’m happy with iOS. In my development world, the hardware is consistent, marketshare is high and overwhelmingly the people carrying around iPhones and iPads are happy and comfortable giving their credit card over to Apple to make purchases when they feel there is value in doing so.

But that’s today. My hope is that Apple continues to be innovative and that we don’t see the kind of controversy like with Amazon not paying Android developers as expected.

This isn’t to say that everything is sweetness and light when developing for iOS. The App Store is a closed system over which you have no influence or control and approval times for your app submission can be lengthy and are subject to strict rules put in place by Apple. Not only this, you’re paying an annual fee for your patience. The iOS Developer Program is $99 a year and is required if you want your apps to see the light of day. (and before you say it, who needs Flash when there is HTML 5?)

But with a little perspective, even these negatives can translate into something positive for developers. Restraints on the system offer a certain quality control that has made the public trust what they find in the App Store, and developers who have paid to participate tend to be a more invested and serious lot which contributes to a very active and helpful development community.

That doesn’t mean I don’t often find myself with the urge to write something for Android, and in time I probably will. But something had to be first.

And in that fantasy world where there is infinite time and no other commitments, I’m sure we would all like to write for multiple platforms and not have to choose. In my experience, the really gifted developers have a voracious appetite for learning and an open mind.

» Related posts:

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Embrace Your Love of Bubbles with Drifts HD for iPad

The deep and profound love of bubbles begins when we are children, and if we are being truthful with ourselves, never goes away. This is what I believe. Drifts HD brings you back to this happy place, delivering a delightfully simple game with enough complexity that you can’t stand to put it down.

The instructions for the game are very simple. You take control of an orange bubble on the screen, sliding it around, tapping it against as many green bubbles as you can find, attracting them to you like magnets.

Maneuver your green bubbles to safety by locating the blue bubbles and collecting your points –as long as you have at least 3 green bubbles at the moment of impact. But you have to be careful, being sure to avoid any purple bubbles, which is easy when you are a single bubble but becomes much more difficult when you are a large blob of bubbles.

The game offers several modes, depending on how long you have to dedicate. If you choose not to play the classic game, “Purple Rain” challenges you to hold out against the enemy bubbles without the need for collecting green bubbles, while the “60 Second Segment” option gives you 1 minute rounds that are perfect for the times when you only have a moment to play.

What I liked: What I like most about this game is that I haven’t seen anything quite like it before. It’s blissfully simple and very reminiscent of arcade style games.

What I didn’t like: The only complaint I really have is that the game offers tips and tricks, but only once your round is over. It would be nice if they showed as you begin a round. I suppose if I had to pick a hole in something else, the fonts for displaying your high score, the tips and other details all blend together making it a bit of a pain to skim. But really when you see me complaining about things this trivial you know the game is truly excellent.

To buy or not to buy: This game is blissfully simple and very reminiscent of arcade style games. A good download when you need to relax. If you’re not sure about this game, you can always try the free (lite) version.

• App Name: Drifts HD
• Version Reviewed: 2.2
• Category: Games
• Developer: bobblebrook
• Price: $1.99 (you can also try the free version)
• Score:

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Apple Stock Worth Even More, According To Needham – Buy, Buy!

This morning, Barrons reported that Needham & Co.’s Charlie Wolf has valuated Apple’s stock (APPL) to rise to $540, up from his earlier prediction of $450, over the next 12 months. He attributes the increase to the iPad’s overwhelming hold over the tablet market.

Wolf’s February prediction did not take into account the iPad’s value and now says Apple’s tablet is set to capture a significantly larger share of the market than previously predicted.

The increase in the iPad’s popularity is likely due to the lack of decent competition in the tablet market. Wolf states, “The reason for the increase stemmed from the failure of tablets introduced this year to gain any traction in the market place.”

Wolf points out that the iPad is winning the race because of apps. Apple’s iOS is sporting over 100,000 apps specifically for the iPad, while other operating systems like Android and QNX only offer a few hundred, at best. Additionally, potential competitors for the iPad’s affection, like Xoom and Playbook, were rushed to market missing crucial features that made them pale in comparison.

In Wolf’s prediction, the iPad makes up 12% of Apple’s value at $65.62 per share. That is more than the Mac desktop is worth, at $63.92 per share. The App Store and iTunes are worth $27.52 per share, or 5%, while the iPod has lost its footing, amounting to only $3.50 per share, or 0.6%. The darling of the Apple family, the iPhone still maintains nearly half of the per-share value at $265.86.

Apple shares opened today at $380.44 per share.

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Fake Apple Stores Facing Genuine Apple Lawsuit

Two weeks ago, an American blogger in China discovered an “Apple Store” that turned out to be fake. Further investigation revealed several other copycat Apple Stores were found in Kunming, China, and the blog post inspired several other individuals to report on false Apple Stores throughout the world. While Chinese officials shut down two of the stores, three others were allowed to remain operational.

On Thursday afternoon, Apple Insider discovered that Apple had decided to step in and take action against the fake stores, filing a lawsuit against several defendants operating counterfeit Apple Store locations.

Exact details of the lawsuit are unknown, because it sealed and only available to the court and the legal counsel of the parties involved, but a few of the defendants are known.

One defendant is “Apple Story Inc.,” which was revealed during the same fake store hunt mentioned before. The retail outlet is located in Flushing in Queens, New York. Unlike the retailers in China, a photo of the Apple Story store reveals that it doesn’t quite resemble a true Apple Store, but it does display Apple products in cases designed to look like the iPhone and the iPad.

Another defendant in the case is listed as generic “XYZ Businesses,” with no total number given. A third defendant is someone named Jimmy Kwok, listed with no attorney. Finally, the lawsuit names 50 John Does, and more information is currently unknown. It is not clear whether the complaint includes the individuals who run the fake stores overseas, but they may be among the 50 John Does, with Apple working to gather more information about their identities.

[via Apple Insider]

» Related posts:

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Create Your Own .ttf Font with Handfont Personal Handwriting for iPad

Technology keeps offering its acolytes more ways to personalize their lives. From highly specialized cases to photos for wallpaper fine-tuned by a host of apps, many iPad users are accustomed to having it their way. Handfont Personal Handwriting offers a new and creative opportunity to customize a users digital experience.

This application comes from the creators of Thankster, a similarly-themed web-based program that aims to automate the process of handwritten notes. Handfont was easy to use, though it was a little time consuming. Since the goal was to create a customized font made from my handwriting, however, it was worth the effort.

To create your own font, simply fill in the forms included with the app. There are pages for upper and lower case letters, numbers, symbols, and a signature.

Handfont is easy to use, but here are a few tips that I learned:

1. Write small. Try to stay inside the hash marks, as the app describes in its help section.
2. Use a stylus. The app suggests that a user could create a font with his finger. I tried writing with my finger and I do not think it would be possible to generate a satisfactory result.
3. Practice. It took me at least three tries on each page to get a sample that I was happy with. There were certain characters, the %, for example, that I rewrote many more times before I was satisfied with the final product.
4. Write slowly. I had the best results when I wrote with a slow, fluid motion.

The font creation process was a snap. The app does all of the work, then the final product can be sent via email. I found uploading the font on the PC was a bit tricky, but directions were readily available on Google.

Handfont allows the user to change the color and thickness of the font during its creation. I understand why one would change the thickness of the writing, but changing the color seemed unnecessary since I planned to upload it to use in word processing programs where I could make the font practically any color, so I stuck with black.

Handfont Personal Handwriting is available for download from the Appstore for $3.99.

The above image shows my finished .ttf font after reading it into my PC. I tested it against my own handwriting and I learned that I should have written the letters on paper first to see how I actually form each letter. I would have gotten that looked even more like my actual writing.

What I liked: Handfont is a great idea. I was pleased with the way my font turned out.

What I didn’t like: Since there is no where to rest your hand when writing, it was difficult to fill in the form without accidentally putting stray marks in. I wound up erasing entire characters because of a random dot or two. If there were an eraser function that worked with the stylus instead of one that erased the entire box, this

To buy or not to buy: If you have ever wished to see your handwriting digitally recreated, Handfont is for you. Be prepared to invest the time needed to make your font look great, and you will be pleased with the result.

• App Name: Handfont Personal Handwriting
• Version Reviewed: 1.0
• Category: Productivity
• Developer: Blue Link Ventures
• Price: $3.99
• Score:

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