Category Archives: Gadgets & Electronics

Apple unveils its magazine and newspaper Newsstand.

Posted on by

iOS 5 is the next version of Apple’s operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches. At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference on the 6th June 2011 they announced new features and functions that would become available in this forthcoming release.
Apple explained there are over 200 new features, they then went on to highlight and demonstrate some of the most important, including:

The notification center – changing intrusive push messages and SMS notifications into a subtle alert that doesn’t interrupt your workflow.
iMessage – Apple’s answer to BlackBerry Messenger, an iOS to iOS instant messenger application that lets you continue conversations as you move from device to device.
Reminders – A ‘to-do’ or tasks application, allowing you to set tasks and reminders. Most impressively, the app allows you to anchor them to certain GPS positions, (for example, a reminder to “buy milk” when you walk into your local supermarket).
Some of the other features included native Twitter integration, immediate camera access from the lock screen, a vastly improved Safari browser… but most importantly, the Apple Newsstand.

In the keynote presentation, they explained how magazine readers would be able to locate and purchase their newspaper and magazines from a central newsstand, see new issues from outside the app and have them save offline when they become available.

What they didn’t explain was how publishers can make this possible and how this new functionality can be enabled.

Shortly after the Keynote, they released the Beta version of iOS 5 to developers (at around 23:30 GMT) the staff at Stonewash DD&AG were immediately on the case to learn more about the newsstand to understand how our clients and other publishers might be able to take advantage of the new features made available by Apple.

WHAT IS THE NEWSSTAND?

The newsstand is a central place, where iOS users can access their magazines and newspapers. Unlike iBooks, where book publishers supply “.epub” or similar documents, Newsstand publishers will have to create an iOS application (or adapt their existing app). Think of it like a cross between the shelf seen in the iBooks application and applications folders on the home screen.

To make use of the new features, publishers must invoke the newly added “Newsstand Kit framework”. From what we have been able to understand, some simple settings will help an iPhone or iPad recognise that the app as a magazine or newspaper that belongs in the Newsstand. At this point, instead of placing an icon on the home screen (as other applications currently do) the application will be installed in the Newsstand, the cover of the latest edition will be used as the large-format icon, instead of the small, square icons we currently see in use.

“The outcome is that users will be able to access the latest copy of the magazine at their convenience and in most cases the issue will appear on your reader’s device, saved offline, without them having to action anything manually.”

Making your magazine function efficiently on the Newsstand will require your application and your web servers to interact with one another. When a new edition is available your server will need to send a push message to your reader’s device. This message lets their device know that there is a new issue available and instructs the application to begin downloading the files immediately, these new issue alerts are limited to one per day.

The outcome is that users will be able to access the latest copy of the magazine at their convenience and in most cases the issue will appear on your reader’s device, saved offline, without them having to action anything manually.

The latest cover will already be visible from the device’s home screen and the Newsstand “shelf”. A counter and update message will help notify the user that there is a new issue ready.

HOW CAN THIS HELP YOUR MAGAZINE?

There are a number of potential benefits for publishers who may or may not already be publishing their titles to the iOS platform.

Effects of the news from the WWDC conference (immediate) and the imminent release of iOS 5 this autumn include:

Peaked interest in iOS devices and the app store. Along side every Apple release we have seen a peak in application downloads. The ‘buzz’ and amount of media coverage that surrounds any new Apple product reminds current users all over the world to explore the app store, as well as generates a spike in users that are new to the iOS platform.
Peaked interest in newspapers and magazines on the iPad. The story of “Apple versus publishers” has been well covered and in a number of cases, totally misunderstood. This move by Apple will undoubtedly receive coverage from mainstream media, prompting users to search the App Store and the newly formed newsstand for “Magazines & Newspapers”.
Effects of the Newsstand once available on iOS devices include:

Although it has always been possible (and very simple) to notify users of new editions using Apple’s push messaging system, the newsstand allows users to see the latest cover directly from their home screen.
If a new issue is available to a user (for example, if their subscription is active or (we assume) if the issue is free) it is now possible to download this edition onto the user’s device without them having to action or agree to the download. When the user wants to read the new issue, it will already be saved to their device and won’t be subject to the 200-700mb download (and associated waiting time) that we are seeing in some magazines currently being released.
The “Newsstand Store” is dedicated to magazines and newspapers; publishers won’t be fighting for screen real estate against games, utilities and other applications. The increased visibility should increase the number of downloads.
IS THIS GOOD NEWS FOR PUBLISHERS?

We believe so. The fact that there are new functions and features in iOS 5 that are specifically designed to help make magazines and newspapers more functional, more attractive and easier to use show us that Apple have a genuine interest in making the iOS a useful platform for publishers.

Any apps previously released will continue to function in the same way as before, as far as we can see there are no negative changes or restrictions being put in place, just a suite of new features that benefit your applications.

HOW SOON SHOULD WE LOOK TO MAKE USE OF THESE NEW FEATURES?

As soon as possible, and for two main reasons.

Technology moves quickly, if you spent months and months deciding on whether you would like to make use of these new features, they may become outdated. Apple will undoubtedly continue to develop and improve their operating system and to avoid being behind the times you will need to move quickly.

Apple receives an unprecedented level of media exposure around product launches. iOS 5 – and the new iPhone that will almost certainly follow – will be no exception. A spike in traffic interest and activity in iOS applications has the ability to benefit your brand and its application.

We have worked with clients to help them launch applications and projects alongside the iPad, iPhone 4 and the iPad 2 and in all cases there was a noticeable spike in activity, downloads and revenue.

INTERESTING FACTS FROM THE KEYNOTE

There were some fascinating figures released by Apple in yesterday’s keynote speech. We have summarised them below:

Apple sold 25 million iPads in the first 14 months
Over 130 million books have been downloaded from the iBookstore
There are currently over 425,000 apps on the App Store
Over 90,000 of those apps have been specifically designed for the iPad
There have been over 14 billion app downloads from the App Store since it launched
Apple have paid over $2.5 billion dollars to app developers and publishers
Apple have over 225 million iTunes accounts, all with credit card information and 1-click purchasing enabled

Article from; www.stonewash.co
www.ddag.co.uk

Money Shot: The Beginning Of The End For Cash?

Posted on by

According to the comics of the last 50 years, the future would be one long time of leisure. By now, we’d have moonbases, flying cars and robots to attend to our every need.

Instead, the moon is a forgotten, lifeless dusty shell, cars clog up our roads and if you can find a robot capable of more than a few token gestures before it falls flat on its face, you’re doing pretty well. But as we face up to our brave same old, same old world, there is one prediction that is, if not knocking on the door, is at least approaching from the bus stop down the street.

The cashless society.

Umpteen pulp stories, or sci-fi novels boast about how money has long been discarded by the gentle, enlightened society. But, cynic that I am, I was still less then impressed by the mailshot I received from Barclays today.

The bank has joined forces with Orange to launch the Samsung Tocco Quick Tap Phone.

In short, according to the blurb: “It lets you pay for things £15 and under – like coffee, sandwiches and magazines – quickly and easily. So no more fumbling for change at the till. Just tap to pay, and go.”

Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t tend to get frustrated at having to dip into my pocket for a handful of change. And I’m willing to bet it scores fairly low on anyone’s scale of irritants, certainly behind screaming children in restaurants, queue-jumpers in pubs and, oh, pretty much everyone on reality TV.

Considering mobile phone theft is now scaling new heights, what an added bonus it may be to pinch someone’s phone that also carries a little spending power.  In fairness, Barclays and Orange have anticipated this and the user has the option to set up the phone with a PIN number, while Barclays also insist the phone will carry the same fraud protection as a card.

However, how the snappily-named Tocco Quick Tap compares to the iPhone in terms of other functions remains to be seen, but somehow I can’t quite see Apple shaking in their boots. It may just be the phone really is as safe as houses because it’ll be considered too uncool to steal.

It’s difficult to say if we’re standing on the edge of a brand new world. Personally, in this format, I can’t see it catching on in any big way, but I’m sure someone said that about the internet. Or it may be that someone else will pick up the ball and run with it using bigger, better technology. If that’s the case, pick up your Tocco Quick Tap soon, before it goes the way of Betamax and the Sinclair C5.

www.orange.co.uk/newmovement

Picture courtesy of Petr Kratochvil – http://www.publicdomainpictures.net

 

 

 

 

The iPad 2 {Technology Review/Preview}

Posted on by

Despite his illness troubles Apple fans were relieved to see Steve Jobs take to the stage to introduce the new iPad, the iPad2. The product is an improved version rather than a radical new design but in any case consumers are set to benefit as the iPad2 starts at the same price as its predecessor $499 for the base 16GB model with new improved features.

• Tapered design and 33% thinner
• Faster chip (dual-core A5 CPU, claimed to be twice as fast as its predecessor)
• Dual Web Cams (Rear facing 720p HD resolution)
• Integrated gyroscope for games
• 3G Units available
• The same 10 hour battery life as its predecessor
• Available in black and white
• App store with 350,000 Apps

As the tablet market continues to expand the iPad2 is set to help Apple stay one step ahead of its rivals for the time being.

Prices $499-$829

The iPad2 is released on March 11 in the US and internationally on March 25

JCB LAUNCH ULTIMATE BIG BOYS TOY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS .

Posted on by

JCB has spent over £20m on the design and development of its new range of diggers and has created the ultimate boys toy for Christmas.

With snow having covered parts of the country and forecasters predicting the coldest winter Britain has seen in the last 100 years, design chiefs and engineers working on the new range at JCB have come up with a novel idea – the world’s first digger with an in-cab hot water dispenser to make the perfect brew!

The new backhoe loader, JCB’s flagship 3CX Eco model, which costs from around £47,500 is also equipped with a cool box, heated front windscreen and power brakes as well as a new EcoDig hydraulic system and promises to be the ultimate gift for the man who has everything.

In addition to multi million pound investments, JCB employed innovative design to offer a 16 per cent increase in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Offering a massive 440 nM of Torque, a bucket volume of 1.3 cubic metres and a lift capacity of 4638 kg the new 4CX Eco delivers incredible performance, power and productivity.

“Driver comfort is paramount and we are always looking at new, innovative ways to improve things,” explains Tim Burnhope, JCB’s group managing director for product development and commercial operations. “We have a proud tradition of product innovation and being first to introduce the latest technology and this is just another example. In fact, we believe it’s a world first!”

He continues: “We continually challenge our engineers to raise the bar when it comes to improving the operators’ working environment and our team has excelled itself this time. Digger drivers often spend a considerable amount of time in their cabs and the fact that they will now be able to enjoy more cups of tea and coffee is bound to be a real winner!”

The idea for the digger with the in-cab hot water dispenser came about after JCB conducted research with customers and operators across the UK and found having the ability to make hot drinks easily on freezing cold days was very important.

Tim added: “We all know that a happy operator is a more productive operator and so we felt everyone wins with our new innovation.”

All JCB 3CX and 4CX Eco backhoe loader models are now available with an optional hot water dispenser, capable of producing tea, coffee or soup, which locks securely into an area at the side of the cab. The machine uses the 12V supply directly from the machine and has been designed to fit into the existing cab layout.

However, in addition to the hot water dispenser, the new backhoe range also features a whole host of environmental and performance-enhancing benefits.

The new JCB EcoDig hydraulic system, which utilises three hydraulic pumps, can help cut fuel costs by up to 16 per cent, saving customers up to £3,536 over three years, and also boasts enhanced performance to further boost productivity. The models also come with JCB EcoRoad options of Smooth Ride System (SRS) and TorqueLock which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent whilst increasing speed by up to ten per cent. Power brakes provide proportional braking, resulting in reduced effort, and the redesigned pedal box, with improved ergonomics, helps operators maintain roading speeds, contributing to a further one per cent saving in fuel consumption.

Tim concludes: “The new JCB backhoe loader range is our most efficient. It has been designed with the environment and productivity in mind and ultimately the machines work harder, yet require less fuel and driver effort.”

Street Magic with Dynamo and Panasonic TA1

Posted on by

London’s new media and tech savvy were out in force and in the real world last week to witness Street Magician Dynamo (aka Steven Frayne) perform magic tricks in Chelsea’s JuJu bar. Bloggers and Journalists were joined by names such as Karen Millen as they looked on in disbelief, amazement and cynicism.

Dynamo’s been taking the Panasonic TA1 handheld camera on his recent journeys filming with the likes of Tinchy Stryder, the Sugababes and Keith Lemon. Billed as the new, slightly cheerier David Blaine, Dynamo first learnt magic from his grandfather

Take a look at Dynamo’s TV channel on YouTube

Blackberry PlayBook vs iPad on Web Fidelity {Gadgets}

Posted on by

Back in September, RIM announced it was venturing into the tablet market with BlackBerry PlayBook. Matthew from RIM has made a short video demonstrating Blackberry Playbook vs the iPad when it comes to browsing the web.

On the video, Matthew quickly runs through a series of comparison tests with a PlayBook and iPad (running iOS 3.2.2), which demonstrate three things: the speed of the PlayBook Browser, its support for rich Flash content, and the performance of open web standards like HTML 5 on the PlayBook.

Appy Halloween. {Software}

Posted on by

GetJar’s top five scariest apps to keep the horror alive this Halloween

Halloween has been celebrated for centuries by families all over the world, with traditions such as trick or treat and duck apple still being played to this day. But this year, mobile apps are playing a big part in Halloween celebrations.

GetJar, the world’s second largest mobile apps store after Apple, has over 75,000 mobile applications available to download for virtually every mobile handset. There are hundreds of spooky apps available to download for free – perfect for scaring even those with the most hardened of nerves, or simply for a bit of ghostly fun.

From noises of the eerie supernatural that holler when darkness hits and the full moon appears, GetJar has plenty of apps that can turn mobiles into the ultimate scare machine. Trick or treaters will be guaranteed to send shivers down the spines of friends, and might even result in an abundance of sweets and tasty pumpkin pie.

To get people in the frighteningly festive spirit, here are GetJar’s top five must-have Halloween apps:

Halloween Soundboard Scary Sound Effects – Be it brothers, sisters, mums or dads, this app is guaranteed to scare anyone close enough to hear the terrifying sounds of ghosts and ghouls.

Horror Attack – The most awaited prank has made its way to mobiles. Scaring friends has never been so much fun and really separates the men from the mice.

Dectectoplasm – Ever suspected that spirits may too be living in the house? This app helps detect kinetic activity or to put it simply, will tell if a ghost is also sleeping in the bed.

Soundbox Horror – Not for the faint-hearted, this app takes scary sound effects to the next level. Choose from spine-chilling screams, the sound of limbs being ripped off, deadly groans and more.

Oscar Wilde: The Canterville Ghost – Ghost stories and Halloween go hand in hand. Read the famous horror story from Oscar Wilde with friends and let imaginations run wild.

To find these ghoulish apps and more, visit www.getjar.com.

Wet Circuits Waterproof Extension Cable {Gadgets}

Posted on by

Taiwan-based technology company Shohero has introduced a power strip that protects more than just electronics. Wet Circuits resists water so that even if you get caught in a short-term flood, your appliances stay on and no one gets electrocuted. The design boasts child safety measures,as well as overheating protection, spark prevention and a lifespan four times longer than standard competitors.

Perfect for electronics in the kitchen, outdoors or anywhere else they might get splashed, the power strips sell for $70 from the Wet Circuits site.