Filed under: Software, First Look

Echofon (formerly TwitterFon) has been a favorite for many iPhone users for tweeting on the go. nann studio, the developers behind Echofon for iPhone and Firefox, have brought Echofon to the Mac with a newly-launched beta version.

Like Tweetie (which launched for iPhone and was later released for Mac) and other Twitter apps for Mac like Twitterrific and TweetDeck that started on the desktop, Echofon intends to provide tight integration with Twitter. Echofon is also aiming at integrating their new Mac offering with Echofon for iPhone.

Read on to see what Echofon for Mac offers...

Continue reading First look: Echofon for Mac beta version

TUAWFirst look: Echofon for Mac beta version originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software, iPhone, First Look, App Review

There's certainly no shortage when it comes to iPhone apps that turn your device into a pocket-sized scanner. At various times, TUAW bloggers have reviewed or discussed Readdle ScannerPro [US$6.99 (currently on sale for US$4.99), iTunes Link], DocScanner [US$8.99, iTunes Link], and JotNot [US$4.99, iTunes Link]. Of course, there is also a flock of business card scanners, but what I'm discussing in this post are the apps that say that they'll replace that flatbed scanner on your desk with a device you already have in your pocket or purse.

MobiTech 3000 just released version 2.0 of the JotNot scanner app, and the update appears to be quite useful. I've owned the app for a while and have successfully used it to capture documents for posterity. The update provides a few additional features that I had been hoping for:

• Multipage support
• Automatic edge detection
• WebDAV/iDisk support
• Camera stabilization (requires OS 3.1)
• Automated backup of scans
• Reordering pages
• An extensive web-based help
• In app support

Of the new features, I am most happy about two of them; multipage support and camera stabilization. Multipage support means exactly what it implies; you can scan multiple page documents and have them saved into one PDF document. Previously, JotNot would create one PDF file for each and every document you scanned. That meant that combining PDFs required that you export the files to a Mac or PC, then use something like Adobe Acrobat Pro to merge the files.

Continue reading First Look: JotNot Scanner for iPhone updated to version 2.0

TUAWFirst Look: JotNot Scanner for iPhone updated to version 2.0 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple Corporate, Hardware, Apple Financial, iPhone

The Korean Times is reporting today that Apple is (allegedly) manipulating the flash memory market. An unnamed source tells the Times that Apple is ordering more chips than it actually purchases: " ... [Apple] doesn't make immediate purchases, but waits until chip prices to fall to the level the company has internally targeted."

The iPhone uses NAND flash memory, which both Samsung Electronics, the world's No. 1 flash memory maker, and Hynix Semiconductor, the industry's 3rd biggest, manufacture. Both companies sell their NAND chips to Apple.

The iPhone's performance in Asia has been modest compared to the US and elsewhere. Hindrances like a lack of Wi-Fi and a strong black market have affected sales in China. Eager crowds welcomed this week's release in Korea, but in Japan sales have been quite slow.

I'm no market expert, but I imagine Apple must predict how many units it needs and doesn't always hit the mark with 100% accuracy. We'll follow this story as it develops.

[Via AppleInsider]

TUAWChip makers: Apple manipulating flash memory prices originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: iPhone

I love the iPhone navigation app competition that's taking place. Navigon has sent Apple a rather nifty update that adds some unique features that are sure to please current owners and perhaps entice those still on the fence about getting some kind of GPS technology for their iPhone. The Navigon MobileNavigator app [iTunes link] is on sale through today for U.S. $69.99

Here are the goodies on the way:

• Enhanced Pedestrian Mode: It features a new user interface and uses the digital compass built into the iPhone 3GS. The map now automatically moves with the user making it easy to recognize in which direction to walk.
• Google Local Search: Users can easily find their way to new places. Simply entering "steak Chicago," for example, provides a comprehensive list of steak restaurants in the Windy City. By clicking on one of the search results, users are guided to the destination.
• Navigate by Geographical Coordinates: Navigate using latitude and longitude, and email those coordinates to others.

The Google search capability should be most welcome. With all the POI data on the iPhone, Navigon MobileNavigator and other competitors often don't have up-to-date destination information. By allowing a data exchange over the cellular network, you'll have the latest information.

Depending on the approval process, Navigon users should get the free update soon. We'll test it all as soon as we can get it in our anxious little hands.

TUAWNavigon submits significant update to app store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Multimedia, Open Source, Beta Beat

• A redesigned interface
• Improved navigation
• The ability to search for TV shows and movies both on the Internet and on local networks
• A queuing function, most likely similar to what Hulu has now.
• Shortcuts for apps, movies, and other programs

There will be a 4-week early-access period before the beta version is officially released on January 7 at CES. Those who want a sneak preview do need to sign up.

Those in New York City who want to attend the beta unveiling can reserve a spot. A live stream will also be provided through Boxee's blog or directly through the program itself.

TUAWBoxee beta announced for December 7 release originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software, First Look, Snow Leopard

Socialite, the Mac social networking application formerly known as "Eventbox," has been released out of beta.

The application is intended as a "one stop" for Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, Flickr, Digg, and any site that supports RSS.

I've used Eventbox for some time now, as well as Socialite betas, and I was impressed enough to buy a license before RealMacSoftware purchased the application and changed the name. So far, I am impressed.

Twitter support includes multiple accounts, and it makes it very easy to send Direct Messages as well as @replies. Socialite also includes support for Twitter's new "Lists" and "Re-tweet" features. As far as I know, Socialite is currently the only native Mac Twitter client that supports lists. The application is the only way that I ever bother to keep up with Facebook, and it can do so without all the "cruft" (ads, for instance) in the browser interface for Facebook. Socialite is also a great way to keep up with your Flickr contacts.

Socialite sells for US$20.00, and a demo is available. If you previously purchased an Eventbox license, you will be contacted with instructions on getting a Socialite license within 24 hours. Without a license, Socialite is limited to three services, which will probably be plenty for some people.

Download the 1.0 and check it out for yourself!

TUAWSocialite (formerly Eventbox) out of beta, into your Mac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail, Apple Financial

With US consumers hesitant to buy big-ticket items and Apple's modest Black Friday discounts, it will be interesting to see retail reports from last weekend. The Wall Street analysts are starting to weigh in with their predictions.

Gene Munster with Piper Jaffray expects to see a year-to-year decrease from retail stores, though strong online sales should compensate for that discrepancy. He also notes that it's "...too early" to make predictions about the December quarter.

Meanwhile, Shaw Wu with Kaufman Bros. believes that 3rd-party retailers had a significant role in what will be seen as "strong" weekend sales for Apple. Amazon, Best Buy (a big box store in the US), and others were aggressive with discounts, many of which have extended to Monday, November 30th. Some retailers bundled free gift cards with purchases to entice buyers. Many retailers, like Amazon, were reporting low inventory or out-of-stock on Monday morning.

The Natick Apple Store, which I visited on Friday, was packed. In fact, shoppers had to wait outside for a signal to enter, and even then were only admitted in pairs.

Kaufman Bros. has maintained its price target of $235 for AAPL stock and reiterated its "buy" rating.

TUAWSpeculating on Apple's Black Friday sales originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail, iPhone

Apple has begun introducing the iPhone to Asia with varying results. After a slow launch in China, the iPhone and App Store are now doing well, despite the lack of Wi-Fi and an active black market. In Korea, however, enthusiastic customers are snapping them up.

Some customers lined up as much as 26 hours in advance, and were rewarded with balloons and a live band once sales began. According to CNNMoney, carrier KT Corp. received approximately 65,000 pre-orders. In addition, Korea Times reports that Korea's competivively priced iPhone -- KT Corp.is selling the 32 GB iPhone 3GS for $317US* with a $38 per month two-year contract and giving away free with a $112/mos. contract -- has prompted Samsung and LG to lower prices on some of their popular models. Let the price wars begin.

Above is a television ad currently running in Korea. For footage of the enthusiastic crowd, click below.

[Via MacDailyNews]

*US prices are accurate as of this writing.

Continue reading Found Footage: Koreans enthusiastically welcome iPhone

TUAWFound Footage: Koreans enthusiastically welcome iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: iPhone, App Review

Gee, I thought we had seen all the nav apps, but new ones keep popping up. NDrive, a new U.S. $32.99 app [iTunes link] is actually pretty good for the money, and has a reasonably complete feature set. I don't put it in the class of the TomTom, Navigon or Magellan apps, but they cost twice as much.

Here's what you get for your 32 bucks plus change:

• The maps are built into the app. No cell connection needed
• Auto day/night switching
• Alarms for speeding
• Portrait, landscape mode
• Alphabetical or QWERTY keyboard option
• POIs with favorites, descriptions, phone and website links

The app features voice instructions, but no text-to-speech until a Mid-December update. While driving around town it worked pretty well. The POI database was not better or worse than some of the more expensive apps, as I think most are drawing on the same sources. I found it to be reasonably complete. An added feature is some limited 3D landmarks in the larger cities.

The app has a strange syntax when announcing a turn, saying something like "in miles .3 turn right." The developer says that will be fixed in a couple of weeks.

IPod support is weak with no control of the music, it just keeps playing what you are already had on. That's going to be fixed too.

I thought the GUI was actually quite nice. Zooming is and out is done by pinching and squeezing, but if you zoom out too much you won't see many details.

The app was quick to get a GPS fix, but I found turn instructions came just a bit late. It needs to anticipate the upcoming turn in enough time that I can get in the correct lane.

Bottom line: A pretty good app for a reasonable price. If you are on the fence about a GPS app, and want to get something for holiday travel but don't want to sink $80 or more into some of the other offerings, NDrive is a pretty good app. With the update scheduled for a couple of weeks out, the app will get even better.

TUAWNDrive brings a low cost nav solution to the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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