Are There Cobwebs In Your iTunes?

Have you played any music recently on your mp3 player or computer and felt a little behind the times? Might there be some cobwebs in your music collection? Well, I have some good news. For a limited time, you can find $.69 songs in iTunes. Yes, a sale!

So navigate to iTunes on your iPhone, iPad, or computer and liven up your library with some one hit wonders, classics, or even songs that you forgot you wanted. And even if you don't own an iPod of some kind, iTunes is an awesome music management program and works with most mp3 players.

Once you take a look, leave a comment about any songs you grabbed and why.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Party's In Full Swing, Windows Phone 7 Is At The Door

For all you Windows Mobile Phone users (you know - Blackjacks, Moguls, etc...) the new Windows Phone 7 is here. Yesterday, Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, was in NYC telling the world about the new mobile phone operating system and the type of hardware on which it will run.

I almost forgot Microsoft was releasing the newest challenger in the mobile phone market. I mean, all we hear about is “iPhone this” and “Android that”, all while BlackBerry attempts to jump up like the little kid who isn't getting enough attention, yelling "Look at me! Look at me!" So, now that this mobile phone party is in full swing, can Microsoft come in and sway everyone's attention? Can they gain market share in a saturated market that has us all looking in the direction of apples and robots?



Old School
PPC-6700 from Sprint

 Microsoft helped pave the way in PDA phone development - all the way back to Windows CE and Windows Mobile 5. We were multi-tasking in our pockets on these early phones. Remember the PPC-6700, one of the first fully functional touchscreen smartphones that was like carrying a mini-computer in your pocket? This phone was a pioneer in what you could do with a mobile device. But somewhere along the way, Microsoft lost focus. Yes, there was Windows Mobile 6, and Windows Mobile 6.5......but these were just operating systems that added or expanded Windows Mobile 5. Where was the innovation? Where was something new? Where was the 'one more thing'?

Microsoft may be late to the party, but I'll tell you that the new Windows Phone 7 (WP7) operating system is trying to make the mobile device party even bigger and better.

With an entirely new interface, a well thought out user experience and integration with Marketplace, Microsoft is coming out with a strong platform and looking to directly compete with BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android. So how will they do it? Microsoft is going to market these phones like commercials on Super Bowl Sunday. Prepare to be blitzed with advertising.
According to USA Today, Microsoft plans to release three WP7 phones on AT&T; using hardware from LG, HTC, and Samsung. T-Mobile will also get some WP7 phones, by HTC and Dell.  The first devices will debut in the United States on November 8th on AT&T.


New School: HTC HD7
Photo courtesy of i.telegraph.co.uk



Now, you may be wondering, "TechBender, you've blah blah blah'd about Windows Phone 7, but how does it work?" I told you Microsoft was coming out strong. So strong in fact, they've put up a Facebook app that allows you to play with the interface. So, click on over and check out the new interface for yourself so you can see what features might interest you.   The interface is designed to work with your life, and includes native integration with Facebook and Twitter.  WP7 also includes instant on photos even when the phone is asleep.  Simply hold the photo button and the camera quickly turns on to capture those fleeting moments.  Also, you don't download apps to this phone. Rather, you use the native applications that are based on your lifestyle, such as social networking, gaming (especially X-Box users) and business. The best part is, there will be 5 pieces of hardware to choose from in the US. So, users who like keyboards will like that they can find a phone with a keyboard, while those who like touchscreen will be happy with the 1Ghz standard processor required on all WP7 phones, which means a quick and responsive onscreen keyboard across all devices.


Who should be interested in Windows Phone 7?  If you've ever owned a Windows Mobile Phone in the past, like using Outlook Mobile and Mobile Office on your handheld device and you don't need a lot of apps, then in November you might want to drop into an AT&T or T-Mobile store and play with a phone to see if you like it. And don't hesitate to refer back to the WinnyTechBender post about iPhones, Sex, and Choosing the Right Smart Phone to help you choose the right phone for you.  I'll be sure to post an update to this blog when I can get my hands on a WM7 phone.  I mean, your TechBender is good, but I don't have enough status to get a demo phone....yet.....

Ok Microsoft. You came to the party late but it looks like you brought some great party favors. We'll see if anyone's interested in what you cooked up. Talking about all this partying is making me hungry. Someone pass the chips.

iPod Touch vs. iPad: Screen Size, Price, and Nose Hair

One of my oldest friends on Earth asked me to write a post about the differences between iPod Touch and iPad. I like responding to your requests because this blog is for you. I'm a gadget geek so you don't have to be. I read the articles and follow the trends so you know what to buy for yourself and what to put into Christmas stockings. At first glance, the iPad and iPod Touch seem like similar devices, with the only difference being screen size. They even run many of the same apps. Like I mentioned in a previous post about choosing the right PDA phone, there are several things I think you should ponder before investing in one of these iDevices.

First, think about what you want to do with the device. Are you going to do heavy web surfing or just look up information quickly? Will you download music, movies, podcasts? If so, when will you listen or watch your media? While you run? While you lift weights? While you fold laundry? Will you use your device for personal e-mail? What about work data? Do you need that data on the go or just while sitting on the couch? Do you read a lot of books? Whew! There are a lot of questions! Let's slow down so I can explain why I shot all these questions like a Gatling gun.

The best description your WinnyTechBender has overheard about the iPad is that it is a "satellite computer". The iPad is an efficient companion to your main computer. Simply push a button and swipe to unlock, you're ready to use the device. The iPad is a device whose strength is accessing content for you to readily consume. From books to music and movies, the iPad is great when sitting on a couch, lying in bed and while sitting on a plane, train, or automobile. I've read many articles that slam the iPads weight at 1.5 lbs. Most eReaders come in well under a pound; however, the eReaders can't do all the things the iPad can do.

The iPad, with its a full Internet browser for your touchscreen pleasure, is great to use watching web video and accessing most sites without issue. Like all iDevices, the iPad (and iPod Touch) cannot access Flash based websites. For the majority of users, the lack of Flash is not a problem, as more websites are migrating to a video standard with which iDevices are compatible.

So, you might be wondering - what are some specific things you can do with an iPad, other than books, movies, and music? The answer is a big fat PLENTY! The iPad has some great applications available for download through the iTunes App store, either using your main computer or directly from your device. For example, there's the ABC Player, which is a video app that allows you to watch first run ABC shows. It's a free app, and as long as you don't mind commercials, you can catch shows the day after they air live. The commercial breaks are actually shorter than when watching regular TV. This has become my preferred method of watching Gray's Anatomy, The Practice, No Ordinary Family, and Modern Family. There are a plethora of news apps available for iPad, as well as productivity apps that you can access faster than booting up your main computer. Also, through apps like Dropbox (free), Box.net (free) and MobileMe ($99/yr), you can share the data on your computer with the iPad and any device or computer that has an internet connection. If you have a file in Dropbox on the iPad, that same file is on the web and on your computer.

If you need to be connected all the time, the iPad comes in 3G models that can connect to AT&T's network without a contract. When you sign up for 3G service, right from the iPad, you are buying one month worth of internet access. This is a great option if you need access while on vacation with limited access to wi-fi, but don't want to be stuck in a long term contract.

"But, WinnyTechBender, the iPad doesn't have a camera!! What ever will I do without a camera on a device that has a 9.7" screen?" When the next generation iPad comes out with a camera, your buddy, the TechBender, still hasn't quite figured out how people are going to enjoy video chatting when the user on the other end is looking up WinnyTechBender's nose. Also, the chances of using the iPad to take pictures is remote, in my opinion. I mean, who's going to whip out a big screen satellite computer when just about every phone out there has a camera attached? Umm, no one I know. So I think the inclusion of a camera in a tablet is not a deal breaker. But that's me. You have to decide if it's important to you.

Now, I've been touting the attributes of the iPad. I haven't forgetten the iPod Touch. If the iPad is a satellite computer, the iPod Touch is the satellite computer with a small screen that fits in your pocket. The newest generation iPod Touch comes with a similar display as the iPhone 4 Retina Display. The iPod Touch can do almost everything the iPad can do, just in a much smaller format. Why is this important? If you're playing a game on the iPad, you have a huge screen. If you play the same game on the iPod Touch, you have a small screen. If I'm going for a run, I haven't come up with the solution to lug the iPad with me; however, the iPod Touch is a great walking/running device, especially with the inclusion of the Nike+ app which can track your runs and even post your run distance to Facebook and Twitter.

The iPod Touch has a mobile version of Apple's Safari web browser. Just like the iPad, you can sync the bookmarks/favorites from your main computer to your iPod Touch for access to your most frequently used websites. For instance, in my house, I have the same Fantasy Football link on my computer, my iPhone, my iPad, and my iPod Touch.

The newest feature included with iPod Touch is Apple's two-way video call technology, FaceTime. With FaceTime, an iPod Touch user can conduct video calls with other iPod Touch and iPhone 4 users. According to Apple, FaceTime technology will be released to 3rd parties later this year, so you may see this technology show up on computers and other devices very soon. The first generation iPad will most likely not get this feature, since it doesn't have a camera, which is why I predict that next year the 2nd generation iPad will include a camera. (I guess I'm going to have to trim those nose hairs after all.)

So which device is right for you? Remember my litany of questions above? When I think iPad, I think - sitting on the couch, at a desk, with plenty of screen real estate to easily consume content and also create content in a pinch. (When you think content creation, think 'editing', unless you pair a bluetooth keyboard or shell out cash for the keyboard dock from Apple.) I also think - relaxing, reading the news or reviewing a PowerPoint presentation. When I think iPod Touch, I think 'in my pocket, on the go'. I think gaming or listening to music while folding laundry. I think - I don't have a PDA phone, so this is my mini computer while I'm out and about, with access to Wi-Fi. When I think about e-mail, I think the devices are similar except for screen size. When I think movies, I think iPad. When I think Skype, I think iPod Touch. I sure am doing a lot of thinking. It's about time you take over, so let's talk price.

The base model iPod Touch with 8GB of storage is $229. The base model iPad with 16GB of storage is $499. 16GB of storage gives you about 4 movies, 20 music videos and about 1000 songs at any given time.

As with any device, the iPad vs. iPod debate is a personal choice. Which one should you buy Well, first answer, 'how will I use it?' and you'll be on your way to buying the device that will fit your circle. Now, your TechBender has some grooming to do...

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! -- CBS News for iPad (App Review)

It's here. The CBS News for iPad App has landed. With a unique interface built to work on a touchscreen device, developers have created something special with this app.

The app contains all the features you'd expect from a news organization, including top stories and news in the major categories. It also has the ability to post articles to Facebook and Twitter as well as contains daily pictures and video stories. But there are some special features that make this app really unique.

First, the interface is amazing. The app is presented in two main pages, one for news and the other for news shows. Yes, CBS News clips and stories are available to stream. In portrait view the top half of the screen contains top news that the reader navigates by swiping the stories, much like the featured apps in the App Store on iPad. The bottom half of the screen contains news stories by category with a mix of text and video news articles which are accessed by touching the thumbnail photos. Made specifically for touchscreen, the navigation is smooth and easy to use. This app is a total departure from traditional computer navigation and is customized for ease of use and efficiency on a touchscreen device.

When the app is moved to landscape orientation, the view changes to news articles sorted into columns.

With an in-app browser and the ability to mail articles, it seems that CBS has really put a lot of effort into making this app a full news experience for iPad users. They've even included the ability to save articles for offline reading, so users don't need Instapaper. CBS also includes AccuWeather which uses Location Services built into the iPad. Market information is also found on the main screen, with the ability to add customized ticker symbols. Both of these features create a one stop shop for quick access to up to date information.

As with any new app, I did notice a long load time when the app is launched. Also, there's a slight delay during page transitions. Usually these issues disappear after a developer update or two. Unlike the USA Today app, the CBS News app was fully functional at launch.

This is a great app with plenty of content. I think there is a slight learning curve getting used to navigating the app by thumbnails. This is only an issue when in portrait mode. Landscape view has a more traditional menu of articles via linked text. The fact that there is a choice is a good thing and should meet the needs of users. Great job CBS!

This app is: Winny Recommended


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Heat From The Torch: The Newest BlackBerry

Are you posting about a BlackBerry Winny? Yes everyone, this is a post about technology NOT created by Apple. Even though I am an admitted Apple iDevice addict, I appreciate, play with, support and write about any interesting gadget. So stop your giggling so you can click on the great post by engadget that reviews the new BlackBerry Torch released this week. The Torch is BlackBerry's first touchscreen offering since the Storm 2.

Sporting a 3.2" capacitive touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera with flash, slide out keyboard and 4GB of flash memory, the Torch is an upgrade from the BlackBerry Bold and Tour. Other great features include 512MB of RAM, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), a microSD slot, GPS and Bluetooth 2.1.

I've yet to hold the Torch in my hand, but I'm very interested in what BlackBerry has done with the new BlackBerry 6 operating system that includes a new browser. In the past I've found BlackBerry web browsers to be a test of my patience, so I truly hope it's intuitive and snappy.

The Torch will run on the AT&T network, which means you can talk on the phone and use apps over 3G simultaneously. Look for the BlackBerry Torch at AT&T stores, Best Buy and AT&T online. For a closer look online, click here.

With a new innovative design, new OS, and a plethora of features packed into a small form factor, BlackBerry is working hard to regain market share lost to Apple and Android. Let's see how it sells.

Has anyone made the leap to check out the Torch? Please leave a comment and tell us how do you like it so far.

UPDATE: I touched a Torch. I dropped into an AT&T store and spent some time with a Torch. It's a snappy little device. I was pleasantly surprised by the browser's ease of use and responsiveness. The touch screen/keyboard combination is a nice touch; however, the keyboard is on the small side. Current BlackBerry owners will notice that this is not the keyboard they're used to seeing from BlackBerry. Even with the small keyboard, I think the BlackBerry Torch is a nice device. I'm interested to see what users think about the device and the voice quality.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Take A Bite Of The Apple...Mmmmm Yummy! (Part 1 of 2)

I'm quite aware that everyone's waiting for my feedback about last week's "Steve Jobs' Show".  I just know your lives aren't complete unless you know everything that's going on inside the world of Apple, Google, and BlackBerry.  Of course I'm kidding!  I'm fully aware I'm the one who's obsessed with following all the happenings in the gadget world.  But my addiction is your gain!  Today I give you my thoughts on Apple's September 1st product announcement including some advice as to how these gems might fit in your technology circle.  Because, you know.....I keep up to date so you don't have to. 

Since Apple announced so many new products and services, I've decided to break this review into a two part series focused on software and hardware announcements. 

September 1, 2010 marked a competitive line drawn in the sand.  Apple announced the release date of products and services that puts pressure on other companies to bring to market strong technology that is easy to use, cutting edge, and affordable.  So, what did Steve and company announce to the public last week?  Let's just jump right in!

iTunes 10

With a new logo, look, and feel iTunes 10 has landed.  iTunes is Apple's media management software and also the portal to the 'all in one' media store with access to books, music, movies, video's, podcasts and even college courses.  If the record labels don't block it, music previews will be one minute long, which is an increase from the current 30 seconds available for buyers to preview a song.  When looking at your music and other media, Apple changed the default list view, adding an album artwork column.  If there are at least five songs from a single album, then the artwork will appear right next to the songs.

Also included with iTunes 10 is Ping, the new social networking application which can also be accessed from iPhone and iPod Touch.  (Look for a Ping review in the coming weeks!)  Ping allows you to follow artists and/or your friends and their favorite music.  Ping includes three levels of privacy controls to manage who can follow you and what they can see about your concert interests and musical tastes.  Ping is not directly connected to Facebook and Twitter (yet). 

In the iTunes store, you can now rent TV episodes for $.99.  This is great if you missed an episode of your favorite show and want a quick solution to catch it at your leisure.  This brings up the question: How do you watch the episode on your big screen TV?  Well, iTunes 10 working with the AirPlay feature will help solve that problem.

AirPlay

AirPlay will eventually allow the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and your iTunes library to stream over wi-fi to any AirPlay ready device on the same network, such as TVs and stereo systems.  Companies such as JBL, Denon, and iHome are already working on AirPlay devices.  (Do you think I'm excited to send Santa my list?  You bet I am!)  By the way, Apple did announce a new Apple TV, which is now available and is AirPlay ready, but let's stick to software. 

4.1 will be available Sept 8th.

Which brings us to  iOS 4.1.   The new OS is the first major upgrade to the mobile operating system Apple released in June 2010 with iPhone 4.  For you iPhone 3G owners, this update should fix many of the issues you've had with slow loading of apps and the overall sluggish behavior of your device if you upgraded to iOS 4.  The upgrade to 4.1 brings Ping to your i-Devices in iTunes as well as TV Show rentals.  Gamers will be interested in the next feature of 4.1, which is the addition of Game Center to iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation, and eventually iPad.  Game Center is Apple's first step into the social gaming platform.  Imagine the ability to invite friends to play with Push Notification and even start multi-person games.  The Game Center App icon can be found on the home screen of compatible iPhones and iPod Touches.  (I'm sorry iPhone 3G owners. If you're wondering why iPhone 3G isn't compatible, TUAW reported its probably because the processor in your device just isn't fast enough for Game Center. The processor in iPod Touch 2nd generation is 532MHz which is faster than iPhone 3G's 412MHz.)

Also included in iOS 4.1 is the ability to upload high definition pictures and video to the medium of your choice, such as Facebook and YouTube.  Why this functionality wasn't included in iOS 4.0 is beyond me, but at least Apple responded to the multiple complaints.  Those high definition photos will look really great with Apple's new HDR photography setting, included in iOS 4.1.  The HDR (high dynamic range) setting in the native Camera App takes three rapid pictures, with one press of the shutter button, then those pictures are overlapped into one photo to capture the low, mid and high dynamic light range.  The idea is to create more crisp pictures and not lose a portion of the shot due to lighting issues such as too many shadows. 

Finally, the coolest new software feature of iOS 4.1, in my humble opinion, is the addition of FaceTime to Apple's revolutionary two way video conferencing on mobile devices.  Apple has released FaceTime to the new iPod Touch.  But, the iPod Touch is hardware, so please check out Part 2 of this review to read how Apple is integrating FaceTime into the new iPod Touch. iOS 4.1 is available for download Wednesday September 8th for all iOS devices except 1st generation iPhone and iPod Touch.

Winny's Summary:
Steve and the gang did a solid job with their software offerings.  I'm not sure how Ping will stack up, considering you have to manage ANOTHER social networking solution.  But I do think AirPlay will be strong once 3rd party companies integrate the technology into their devices. Imagine the ability to stream music to external speakers without docking your iPod or iPhone. Think about streaming a movie, music, or video from your iPad to your home entertainment center or directly to your television without wires. Let's hope the manufacturers are on the ball and coming up with some great, yet affordable, products for the holiday season.  HDR photography is a feature I'm excited to try, but I'm not sure how often I'll use it.  The jury is still out on this feature.  The ability to upload HD without plugging into iTunes is a nice addition, but I'm still a little upset that it wasn't included with the original software release. Finally, Game Center is a great idea to continue to market the iPod Touch and iPhone as the top gaming device in the world. With Game Center, Apple is letting buyers know that iOS devices can do the same things as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.  At least, that's what Apple wants everyone to believe. 

I give Steve and the gang a 'B' for some good ideas within these software offerings.  In my opinion, there were no huge surprises.  As usual, these products will work extremely well and help iOS devices connect with each other and within consumers' circle of technology seamlessly, which is always a good thing.  AirPlay is the one cool thing announced that could potentially be a huge win for Apple and help them increase their customer base even further.  Wireless inter-connectivity between home entertainment centers and iOS devices, with no set up required, is something that will influence me when I'm deciding on my next big home entertainment purchase. 

What do you think?  Should Apple have done more?  Were these offerings innovative?  Please leave a comment with your thoughts.

UPDATE:  iOS 4.1 is now available for download for iPhone and iPod Touch. Simply sync your device with iTunes.  If a notice does not pop up, click on the name of your device in the left menu.  On the 'Summary' tab on the main screen click on 'Check for Update'.  Then, follow the onscreen instructions. 

I highly recommend iOS 4.1 for all iPhone users because it's a major update that not only gives you access to the benefits described in this article.  The update also fixes some bugs in the OS, such as the proximity sensor issues reported by some iPhone 4 owners.  This update is a MUST DOWNLOAD for any iPhone 3G owner who is currently running iOS 4.0, 4.01, or 4.02.  To check which version of the operating system you're running on your device, from the device home screen, chooser Settings>General>About, then scroll down to 'Version'. 

Apple To Stream For The First Time 9/1

Will the iPod Classic survive to fight another year?

According to Tuaw, Apple will stream tomorrow's annual iPod press event starting at 10am PST. This is the first time Apple will share a live feed of one their events. Usually in order to follow an event live, Apple fans have to follow weblogs or watch a low quality stream from attendees on handheld devices. Most Apple followers just wait until the replay of the event is available on Apple's website.

Rumors are flying all over the Internet about what Steve and company will announce tomorrow including new 60 second song previews in iTunes, a 7" iPad, and the sunset of iPod Classic. From an updated Apple TV, named iTV, to a micro sized redesigned iPod Nano with a touch screen, there's sure to be a surprise or two in store for all those who love Apple.

If you'd like to check out the live event, of course there are minimum requirements.  I mean c'mon, it is Apple we're talking about.  According to Apple.com, "Apple® will broadcast its September 1 event online using Apple’s industry-leading HTTP Live Streaming, which is based on open standards. Viewing requires either a Mac® running Safari® on Mac OS® X version 10.6 Snow Leopard®, an iPhone® or iPod touch® running iOS 3.0 or higher, or an iPad™. The live broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. PDT on September 1, 2010 at www.apple.com."

It should be an interesting day.  As usual, I'm interested in what Apple is bringing to market.  They are clear leaders in the mobile device space and are truly stealing market share in computing.  Their success pushes the competition to develop competing products that use cutting edge technology.  For us, the consumers, it's a win-win situation.  Let's hope Apple continues the positive trend they started with the iPad!