Posts Tagged ‘mobile software’

Thanks To Apple’s Patent Wars, White Box Vendors May Drop Android

According to a report from DigiTimes, the recent ruling by the United States International Trade Comission (ITC) in favor of Apple’s complaint, which states that HTC has infringed on the copyright of two of their iPhone-related patents, is causing a stir in the independent smartphone business.

The China-based 21st Century Business Herald has revealed concerns from small business and ‘white-box’ vendors who make smartphones using Google’s Android. Although neither Google nor Android were named in the suit, the ruling allows Apple to seek damages from “The Defendants, their officers, agents, employees and those in active in concert or participation with any of them” (Apple Vs. High Tech Computer Corporation Official Complaint, Via: TechCrunch). The implication as discussed by the mobile software community being that Apple is going after Google and the Android operating system.

According to DigiTimes, small vendors worry about being mixed up in the battle and are seeking alternative operating systems to incorporate into their new models. Good news for Microsoft. It appears that the newest Windows mobile system is the top contender for many looking to jump ship. Vendors such as ZTE and Huawei Device have already announced plans to adopt Microsoft’s upcoming Window’s Phone 7.5, dubbed “Mango.”It looks like Android’s loss is, potentially, Window’s gain.

» Related posts:

• International Trade Commission Rules in Favor of Apple in HTC Patent Case
• Apple Now Largest US Smartphone Company
• Apple Rejects Android Magazine App From App Store

HP in Talks to License WebOS

Bloomberg reports that Hewlett-Packard’s Chief Executive Officer, Leo Apotheker, HP is currently in talks to license the WebOS mobile software.

“We are talking to a number of companies,” Apotheker said in an interview. “I can share with you that a number of companies have expressed interest. We are continuing our conversations.”

WebOS is a solid platform with some great features, and it would potentially give hardware makers a competitive choice over Android, Windows software, and iOS. Is WebOS good enough to cut into Apple and Android’s smartphone and tablet market share? At this junction, it seems highly unlikely, simply because of a lack of apps available for WebOS.

It seems even more unlikely given that iOS 5 is coming out in September, with many of the features, such as notification enhancements, that make WebOS an appealing platform. However, opening the platform up to other companies could entice developers to focus on the WebOS operating system.

Hewlett-Packard is in a position where they would greatly benefit from licensing the OS, as PC sales have begun to slump in recent years. Last month, HP cut its sales forecast by $1 billion.

Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a pickle for HP, because they make and sell phones and tablet computers running WebOS, and by licensing it, they may set themselves up for a situation where their own OS begins to compete with their products.

Regardless, Hewlett-Packard is all for licensing WebOS to companies who may help improve the platform. “Hewlett-Packard is open to licensing its operating system if third-parties offer design and development improvements,” said WebOS developer Jon Rubinstein.

WebOS may not be a strong Android/iOS competitor right now, but if several companies, or even just one large company, such as Samsung, licenses the technology, it could help WebOS morph into a platform that could ultimately be on par with other mobile operating systems.

» Related posts:

• HP Executive Says WebOS Tablet Coming in 2011
• IDC says iPad Continues to Dominate Media Tablet Shipments
• Apple iOS Outreaches Android by 59%

5 iPad Accessories Perfect for Grads

If you know someone who is graduating from high school or college this year, you may be struggling to find that perfect congratulatory gift. If your giftee has an iPad or an iPad 2, we’ve got a few ideas that would make great gifts for any graduate.

We’ve scoured the Internet for some of the coolest and most useful iPad accessories, from speakers and storage to headphones and musical equipment. Check out our top picks after the break.

1. Seagate GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage 
   This 500GB hard drive is equipped with Wi-Fi access and will wirelessly extend the storage capacity of any iPad. Your favorite grad will absolutely love having access to all of their movies, videos, and other media wherever they are. Music and video can be easily and quickly streamed from the drive to your iPad via a local network using the free app that comes with it. This is a great storage option that’s completely portable – no cables required except when charging. Available soon from Seagate for $199.99.

 

2. JamBox Wireless Speaker
   This speaker from Jambone would be great with the GoFlex Satellite storage, or on their own. This ultra portable speaker can go anywhere and will allow your grad to share music from their iPad with friends and family any time, any place. Combined with an iPad, it’s a portable party in a box. The Jambox offers hi-fi audio with an output capacity of 85 decibels, loud enough for even the biggest rooms. Jambox is powered by sophisticated acoustic drivers with extreme high and low frequencies for rich sound that can normally only be achieved with larger speaker systems. Available from Amazon.com for $199.99.

 

3. AmpliTube iRig
   Maybe your favorite grad is in a band, plays a guitar, or wants to learn. If so, this great instrument interface adapter and guitar/bass tone mobile software combination from IK Multimedia would be a well-appreciated gift. With the iRig, you can plug your guitar into your iPad and jam anywhere with world class guitar and bass tone right in the palm of your hand. The sound and control of up to 4 recombinable simultaneous stompbox effects, amplifier, cabinet, and microphone will be at your fingertips, just like a traditional guitar or bass stage rig. Available at Amazon.com for $34.19. There are 2 versions of the accompanying app in the App Store, a free version and a complete version for $19.99.

 

4. Urbanears Plattan Headphones
   These headphones from Urbanears are ultra stylish and available in thirteen different colors that will complement any iPad setup. The value of a great pair of headphones can’t be underestimated, and any grad is sure to love these. The Plattan is the perfect set of full size classic headphones, with innovative functions and performance allowing for rich, secluded sound. They can be folded down into the size of a fist for portability, and they also come with a “zound plug” on the earcap that will allow a friend to plug in and listen to music too. Available from the Urbanears website for $60.00.

 

5. Wacom Bamboo Stylus
   If your grad is artistically inclined or likes to use the iPad for note taking, you won’t go wrong with this stylus from Wacom, which has been receiving some rave reviews. Simple and elegant, the Bamboo Stylus is 25% narrower than many other popular styli available, allowing for greater control and accuracy. The stylus is made perfectly weighted metal with a stylish black and silver design that’s easy to hold on to and comfortable to use for long periods of time. Available from Amazon.com for $29.99.

» Related posts:

• Perfect iPad Gifts for New Grads
• Top 5 iPad Accessories for Mother’s Day
• Logitech Wireless Speaker Z515 – A Great Companion for your iPad

AmpliTube iRig – plug your guitar into your iPhone and rock out!

APP NOW AVAILABLE IN THE APP STORE! www.amplitube.com AmpliTube iRig is a combination of an easy-to-use instrument interface adapter and guitar and bass tone mobile software. With AmpliTube iRig, you can plug your guitar into your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad and jam anywhere with world class guitar and bass tone right in the palm of your hand – from the leader in studio-class guitar and bass software. Simply plug the iRig interface into your mobile device, plug your instrument into the appropriate input jack, plug in your headphones, amp or powered speakers, download AmpliTube for iPhone Free and start rocking! Youll have at your fingertips the sound and control of 3 recombinable simultaneous stompbox effects + amplifier + cabinet + microphone just like a traditional guitar or bass stage rig! Add amps and effects as you need them — you can expand your rig with up to 10 stomps, 5 amps, 5 cabinets and 2 microphones in the AmpliTube iRig app custom shop.

Apple Now Welcomes iOS Third-Party Development Tools

Apple announced today that its ban on third-party development tools for its iOS-based line of devices was lifted. According to Apple’s statement, apps built using these tools will be approved as long as they do not need to download any external code once installed on the device, and as long as they meet the other requirements currently in place for any iOS app.

The updated iOS Developer Program License includes significant changes to the sections specifically related to third party tools, and some of the restrictions that were put in place earlier this year when the Adobe vs. Apple feud was at its peak have been completely removed.

The complete statement is available below:

The App Store has revolutionized the way mobile applications are developed and distributed. With over 250,000 apps and 6.5 billion downloads, the App Store has become the world’s largest mobile application platform and App Store developers have earned over one billion dollars from the sales of their apps.

We are continually trying to make the App Store even better. We have listened to our developers and taken much of their feedback to heart. Based on their input, today we are making some important changes to our iOS Developer Program license in sections 3.3.1, 3.3.2 and 3.3.9 to relax some restrictions we put in place earlier this year.

In particular, we are relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need.

In addition, for the first time we are publishing the App Store Review Guidelines to help developers understand how we review submitted apps. We hope it will make us more transparent and help our developers create even more successful apps for the App Store.

The App Store is perhaps the most important milestone in the history of mobile software. Working together with our developers, we will continue to surprise and delight our users with innovative mobile apps.

This decision should please the developers who used to rely on third party tools to help them build their apps. As for Adobe, one of the main targets of these restrictions, it is still unclear whether Apple will allow the conversion of Flash applications to iOS. However, with the new guidelines in place, there seems to be no valid reason for Apple to reject these apps any longer.