Personally, I have no issue with plugging my iPhone into my Mac every evening before I head to bed, recharging it, backing up my contacts and photos, and syncing my podcasts and music when I want it to. But I've heard before that a surprising number of iPhone (and iPod touch) users don't ever connect their devices to iTunes, and that theory is supported by Apple's big drive to go "PC Free" in iOS 5, leaving a PC or Mac connection out of the equation completely.

For those not interested in connecting their iPhones to an actual computer every evening, Iomega is there with its SuperHero dock system, which I saw earlier this year at CES and tried out recently. The device is basically just a dock which plugs into the wall, and has only a power cord input and an SD card slot on it. Combined with an app you can pick up free from the App Store (and in fact, you're prompted to download the app the first time you plug in), the dock automatically backs up photos and contacts onto an SD card, and charges your device.

The device was $69.99 at launch, but is now available for as low as $39.99, and at that price, I can see a lot of good uses for it beyond just the most basic of someone who might not understand iTunes or deal with a full sync every time they plug an iPhone in. This could be a good solution for an office or school backup system, where you might not be able to install iTunes and run a full sync on a work PC. Or it might just be a good way to offload your contacts and photos, keeping them in yet another location.

The actual setup runs smoothly -- it really is designed for newbies, as it only takes about three taps to install the app early on, and afterward the app runs without any prompting. Plug your iPhone into the dock and let it go. Backup of contacts is quick, though photos takes significantly longer. I just got back from a trip, and loading the 17 photos I took with my iPhone took around 30 minutes.

Still, this kind of "set it and forget it" backup is very useful, and of course there are options to not run contact or photos backup if you don't want to.

You can also restore contacts and photos directly from the dock itself, so if you ever need to replace your phone, that's all very easy to do, even without a computer. Unfortunately, I don't have multiple iPhones for testing, but presumably, you might be able to use this system to copy contacts over across multiple iPhones -- each backup file is named separately on the SD card (controlled by another option), but it might be possible to plug in a different iPhone, and restore the contacts from there.

One issue I had is that there's no way of pausing or cancelling a backup in progress, short of just pulling your iPhone out of the dock. But then again, that works all right, and the sync will just pick up where it left off when you replace the phone, so it's probably better not to have the extra UI anyway.

Finally, there's one more option to encrypt contacts with a password if you like, providing a layer of security (which might be important if you set this up at your workplace). That's easy enough to do, though you have to remember that the security is only as good as your password, which you re-enter every time you run a restore.

Iomega's SuperHero is a solid little device with quite a few different uses. Originally, I thought it was meant more as a dummy-proof way to get your iPhone backed up, but after using it, I can see quite a few places where a PC free way to get your iPhone's contacts and photos saved on an SD card could come in handy. It also works with the iPod touch.

Even in Apple's brand new world of iCloud, where all of this information will be automatically saved on their servers, I can see reasons why the especially careful or paranoid might still want that extra backup functionality built into a charger, and especially after the drops in the SuperHero's price since launch, the SuperHero is a good deal. Iomega's made a weird little creature here with this dock, but it seems destined to be the platypus of iOS backup, sticking to old ways even when normal evolution might have deemed otherwise.

Iomega's SuperHero for iPhone provides an iTunes-free backup solution originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A group of researchers at MIT have built a surprisingly useful medical addon for the iPhone that apparently can help detect cataracts. The CATRA system is a device that snaps on to the front of the iPhone (or any computer screen, from the look of it), and then uses screen output to monitor and test for cataracts in patients' eyes.

You can watch a video of the device in action below. There's a lot more on the official page about how it all works and what cataracts actually do to the eyes, but the takeaway for us here is that this is a device which can be used with anyone's iPhone at a relatively tiny cost, performing a test that would have likely required much more equipment and expertise in the past.

We've already seen iOS devices become standard operating equipment in many medical settings, and that's exactly because of solutions like this one. According to the project's website, this device is already being used, and there are more devices available, so hopefully this project, along with Apple's devices, will help discover some issues as early as possible.

Continue reading Use your iPhone to detect cataracts

Use your iPhone to detect cataracts originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After a tour of the SXSW trade show floor, here are some of the companies we'll be profiling in the coming weeks. Of course, there's always a mix of companies at SXSW: some film, some music, many web services -- but far fewer social media companies than last year.

We've covered RedLaser and LaCie in the past, and while LaCie has new products (more hard drives, surprise!) and RedLaser has gone local, I'm going to focus on a few mobile apps and accessories you might not have heard of yet.

On the hardware front, there's a portable second monitor solution called Cinq on display. The Cinq attaches to your laptop screen with a sort of clamp, and only needs a USB port to get video and power. It supports 1280x720 resolution and weighs a mere 15 oz. For a 10.1" secondary screen, that's not bad. I felt the backlight was a bit weak, but as someone who often enjoys working with two screens, it might be a portable solution for frequent travelers. Then again, at $249 (and not available until a few months from now), it won't be cheap.

Perhaps the most intriguing and useful product I saw was from a company launched a couple of weeks ago. LifeProof enters a shockingly small market of durable, water-and-dirt-proof iPhone cases. Nowhere near as bulky as similar offerings from OtterBox and Griffin, the LifeProof case is shockproof (tested to 2 meters), waterproof down to 6 feet and keeps sand, mud and grit away. Based on the demo units sealed in with various elements, and my examination of the case, I would say this is an excellent "every day" use case for people who work outside. It also looks ideal if you climb or mountain bike or swim regularly. Shipping in a few weeks, the LifeProof case will cost $69.95.

I also had a quick chat with one of the three indie developers of TapCity, what looks to be a fun game coming soon on the App Store. You're able to "take over" locations, earn "rent" as people check in, or conduct battles for locations -- all with cute cartoon graphics of real places around you. No word on how many cities will be supported at launch, but we'll try to get a look at it soon.

Continue reading Companies to watch, from the SXSW trade show floor

Companies to watch, from the SXSW trade show floor originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DJ Earworm is a DJ and mashup artist whose annual "United State of Pop" releases mix the year's top 25 pop hits into one irresistible groove. He's also made official remixes for Sean Kingston and Annie Lennox, and he still works as a DJ. Finally, he's written a book for budding mashup musicians called Audio Mashup Construction Kit: ExtremeTech for Wiley Press.

We sat down with Earworm (AKA Jordan Roseman) to talk music, Macs, iPads and his process. Click below to read our interview.

Continue reading TUAW talks mashups, Macs and music with DJ Earworm

TUAW talks mashups, Macs and music with DJ Earworm originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The New York Times has cast a pall over the iPhone nano rumors by stating that Apple will not release such a device (despite the Wall Street Journal's suggestion to the contrary). Referencing "people who have been briefed on Apple's plans," the NYT states that Apple is "not currently developing" a smaller phone. Instead, according to sources, Apple is working on the iPhone 4's successor, which many expect to hit shelves this summer.

Sources also suggest that a smaller iPhone wouldn't necessarily be cheaper to produce (and hence, sell), and adding yet another screen to the lineup wouldn't be fair to developers, something we recently pointed out with the power of math.

Meanwhile, the same sources suggest that Apple's MobileMe suite of services, which has failed to catch on at US$99, will become free and allow cable-free synchronization."The goal is that your photos and other media content will eventually just sync across all your Apple devices without people having to do anything," a source said. MobileMe could allow Apple to use less internal storage on iPhones, reducing one of the most costly components.

Those waiting for an iPhone the size of a postage stamp should keep the vigil candles burning. In the meantime, let's focus our baseless assumptions on iPhone 5.

No iPhone nano, says New York Times originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Padprop is a portable stand for the iPad that offers something unique: it's perfectly designed to sit between your knees and offer a premium typing angle. Plus, it's very light, tough and even has a storage compartment for your earbuds. I've spent two weeks using one and can now share my experience. Best of all, we've got two to give away later this week. One is my test unit and the other is still new in the box. Read on for my review of the Padprop.

Construction

Inside the box you'll find he Padprop itself plus two cable covers. The Padprop is very lightweight (it's made of EVA foam) at 50 grammes but tough. Just holding it you know that it's not easily damaged. I've been carrying mine around in my bag, which goes in and out of the car regularly, without incurring any damage.

On the back of the device is a clever storage compartment designed specifically for holding Apple's earbuds. The headphones wrap around a central point while the buds themselves and the jack are pushed into custom recesses. The cable cover rests flush against the back of the Padprop with the earbuds installed and you don't even know they're there.

Here's a tip: press the earbuds into place first, and then wrap the cable. It's much easier that way.

Continue reading Padprop is a lightweight, useful stand for iPad

Padprop is a lightweight, useful stand for iPad originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On stage at Macworld 2011, two of our friends from iFixit, Kyle Weins and Luke Soules, attempted to fix broken Apple stuff right in front of an audience. The session was moderated by Chris Breen, who asked the audience to bring up their broken gear in the hope that it could be fixed right on the spot.

iFixit, for those that don't know, is a firm that not only posts teardowns of popular Apple products, but strongly believes in empowering users with the ability to fix their own Apple equipment, and sells replacement parts and tool kits to allow people to do it. As Luke attempted repairs, Kyle described exactly what was going on. During the session, they unfortunately weren't successful at any repairs but they were working under some impossible conditions. People in the audience had a lot of different broken things, and iFixit was only able to bring in two boxes of parts, which limited them dramatically.

Continue reading Macworld Expo 2011: iFixit wields their magic in person

Macworld Expo 2011: iFixit wields their magic in person originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elgato has been in the Mac video market for quite some time, developing and marketing such popular products as the Turbo.264 HD USB video compression device and various varieties of EyeTV, a tuner and digital video recorder for Mac.

Eariler this year, TUAW reviewed the EyeTV Hybrid, a US$149.95 USB dongle that serves as a tuner and recorder for over-the-air digital TV. Since that time, Elgato has released the EyeTV HD ($199.95 and available for less through online outlets), which the company touts as "the ultimate DVR for HD cable and satellite TV."

Both devices work with Elgato's EyeTV software for Mac, which features a program guide, smart guides for recording a season of any show to your Mac or an external disk automatically, easy export of video to iTunes for syncing to iDevices, and even streaming to the EyeTV iOS app. The big difference? EyeTV HD works with the HD cable or satellite boxes that many people use to pump that high-quality digital signal to their HDTVs. Click the Read More link below for a full review of this unique video hardware.

Continue reading Elgato EyeTV HD: A review of the Mac DVR for cable and satellite HDTV

Elgato EyeTV HD: A review of the Mac DVR for cable and satellite HDTV originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: iPhone

According to Boy Genius Report, the iPhone 3G is very likely to be discontinued. Apple has reportedly stopped supplying AT&T stores with the 8 GB iPhone 3G. Additionally, the Australian online Apple Store lists the iPhone 3G as "currently unavailable," and UK carrier O2 has altered its ordering options in a way that makes it impossible to purchase the low-end iPhone.

It's not at all shocking that the iPhone 3G is most likely about to be discontinued. The two-year-old hardware is relatively anemic even compared to its successor, the 3GS. Because of its lower RAM and CPU speed, the iPhone 3G won't enjoy all the benefits of iPhone OS 4.0, particularly multitasking. Once the iPhone 3G is discontinued, one of two things will probably happen -- see them both after the link below.

[Via MacRumors]

TUAWWave goodbye to the iPhone 3G originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple

The count of heads of state who flaunt their iDevices continues to grow. This week, Italy's Justice Minister, Angelino Alfano, used an iPhone to reference an Italian law.

While speaking on a prime-time television show, Minister Alfano used his iPhone, clad in a patriotic case, to access the app Codici and Leggi (19,99 €) and quote verbatim an Italian law on wiretapping.

We've seen other political leaders using Apple gizmos recently. For instance, Russian President Dimitry Medvedev, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and South Korea's minister of culture, tourism and sports, Yu In-chon, have all been seen with iPads (though Yu In-chon did not activate his, as they had not been cleared for wireless communication by the South Korean government at the time).

Here in the US, First Lady Michelle Obama recently used a borrowed iPhone to send her first tweet (with some difficulty). Over the years, we've seen Pope Benedict XVI and Britian's Queen Elizabeth II receive iPods. Next we'll be hearing that the Icelandic authorities tried to soothe the volcanic eruptions there by sacrificing an iPad.

TUAWItaly's Justice Minister pulls out iPhone during talkshow to check law originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 05 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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