Technology Blog » iPad

HTML5 examples

Ed — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:15:39 +0000

Apple have posted some examples of what can be acheived using HTML5 code.

While HTML5 is still an emerging technology, implementation has already begun by some major content providers-

http://www.apple.com/ipad/ready-for-ipad/

http://developer.apple.com/safaridemos/

Tuesday ROFL – Apple sells 1 000 000 iPads in 28 days

Ed — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:55:23 +0000

This is for all those people who said it would not take off, Apple have announced Monday one million in 28 days of iPad sales.

Apple release

That is less than half the time for the iPhone to reach that milestone.

Wired post

Apple are struggling to keep up with demand and prices on auction sites are high.

3G version was released this weekend and demand is high for that one too, good luck getting your sim to work, or do as this guy did- http://twitpic.com/photos/gupmyster

iWork on the iPad (outside of US)

Ed — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:08:44 +0000

Ok so you have an iPad that you have obtained by whatever means outside the US, great stuff, but you cannot purchase or download the iWork suite or books. If you want to know how to do this drop me an email.

Adobe and Apple, Jobs weighs in

Ed — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:07:10 +0000

ElJobso has finally stated, in an open letter to the world why Apple are restricting flash on its mobile devices, he makes a lot of valid points that I’m sure will fall on a lot of deaf ears-

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/

Conclusion from Steve-

Flash was created during the PC era – for PCs and mice. Flash is a successful business for Adobe, and we can understand why they want to push it beyond PCs. But the mobile era is about low power devices, touch interfaces and open web standards – all areas where Flash falls short.

The avalanche of media outlets offering their content for Apple’s mobile devices demonstrates that Flash is no longer necessary to watch video or consume any kind of web content. And the 200,000 apps on Apple’s App Store proves that Flash isn’t necessary for tens of thousands of developers to create graphically rich applications, including games.

New open standards created in the mobile era, such as HTML5, will win on mobile devices (and PCs too). Perhaps Adobe should focus more on creating great HTML5 tools for the future, and less on criticizing Apple for leaving the past behind.

UPDATE, Adobe CEO comments on above-

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/04/29/live-blogging-the-journals-interview-with-adobe-ceo/

Tuesday ROFL – Chinese iPads hit the streets

Ed — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:33:49 +0000

Already.

Not even available outside the US and the mass production clone mills have begun pumping them out, running Windows of course-

http://gizmodo.com/5524788/unsurprisingly-chinese-ipad-knockoffs-are-here

http://m8cool.com/article/view-77-18861.aspx

3G access on your WiFi only iPad

Ed — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:38:18 +0000

So if you are the lucky owner of an iPad WiFi model (3G due later?) then you may be interested to know how to get mobile internet on it.

Yes there are 3G models coming but they contain the new mini sim, who knows when these will be supported by 3G carriers in NZ. Some say you should get rid of the WiFi model and that many people are already doing this in anticipation of the 3G model, I would rather extend the technology I already have and use one 3G account.

Here is how its done, you will need-

iPad

iPhone (Jailbroken)

MyWi app

Instructions on setup here-

http://rtfm-nub.blogspot.com/2010/04/use-iphone-tethering-to-get-3g-on-your.html

So need need to ditch your brand new iPad, you can even use this for laptop 3G access or emergency internet sharing.

iPad camera connection kit

Ed — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:11:01 +0000

Apple have begun shipping the camera connection kit for the iPad, Youtube here-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuW7Exs53bc&feature=player_embedded

More-

- USB headphone/headset will work on the iPad through the connection kit. Skype phone call was tested and “the quality was just terrific” – Tidbits
- USB keyboards can be used – TUAW
- iLounge had some early notes which revealed that the iPad emails pictures out at 2048×1536 resolution rather than the iPhone’s 800×600 resolution, but if you copy/paste the images into an email, you can get full resolution images emailed out.
- Once you connect to your Mac, iPhoto brings in full resolution images with EXIF information intact. – iLounge

Looks like the USB connector will provide a wide range of functionality.

iPad, first impressions…

Ed — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:05:17 +0000

Well it arrived yesterday via US, it definitely feels quite hefty and as one client of ours put it, feels like it could easily slip from your hands and smash on the floor.

So I reckon a case/protective cover is the first order of business, but NZ does not have access to any accessories yet, there are some on Trademe with the 15 iPads there at last look, but prices are horrendous at the moment from TM. A Logitech 10′ laptop cover will suffice for now at $35 from PBTech.

So onto the unit-

I wont post any photos as there are enough of them floating around the web without me adding more.

Its amazingly fast (Apple have got a winner here with the A4 chip)

Looks good, screen is very bright and pleasing to the eye.

Lots of comments have been – ‘Looks smaller than I thought it would.’

Easy to type on the virtual keyboard, myself I am a self proclaimed hater of the new gen keyboards and mouse that Apple have recently been pushing, I prefer a keyboard that has keys that actually go someplace when you press them. I had no problem typing on the virtual keyboard and found it quite comfortable.

I did notice some inconsistencies with the virtual keyboard layouts based on the apps you are currently using, the keyboard layout changes based on content to input, sometimes there is a .com button sometimes not. You get used to using it, suddenly its not there.

Syncing took a while as iTunes had to ‘optimize’ my 1000’s of photos for transfer to iPad.

iTunes, you can download and purchase some iPad apps, the main ones, not yet. Apple have blocked any users from outside US trying to purchase and download iBooks or iWork, it may work if you have a US credit card.

The App store on the iPad does not work yet… until NZ are added as a legitimate source for iPads.

But you can download and purchase eBooks from Amazon via the Kindle iPad app, signup is easy, sample chapters can be downloaded and previewed, reading is painless and easy on the eye, what gets me is the weight you have to get used to. Its heavier than your average paper back, but about the same as a thick hardcover.

Purchasing Kindle books from Amazon to read on the iPad is pretty easy, once the app is installed, choose the book via web page, go back to Kindle app and it will sync and download any new purchases. I purchased the special edition ‘UR’ from Stephen King written exclusively for Kindle publication, reading it now.

Some of the custom written iPad apps are great looking and very responsive, funny how apps which are free on the iPhone are now costing up to $15 now, but I suppose its time to make money for the devs.

Web browsing, nice, the new HTML5 enabled websites look good and are very responsive, video plays well without being choppy.

Mail, love it, much better in landscape mode, you have a mailbox preview on left and message preview on right, much easier to navigate and work with compared to iPhone Mail.

Games, look good and are fun to play, sometimes a little hard to get used to controls, my wife is addicted to Plants vs Zombies from PopCap, plays like a dream and looks great compared to iPhone version.

Power wise, it does charge off my MacBook Pro laptop USB port, slowly as with the iPhone charger I have in the lounge at home, it charges a bit faster using the beefed up 10w USB charger supplied with the unit.

Speakers, they are builtin at the bottom, not enough to satisfy my needs, so a decent set of portable speakers or headphones is advisable.

Screen rotation can be a bit annoying, yes you can lock it, but most apps transform into better apps when turned around, problem is that this can happen at the wrong time, screen rotation is also based on vertical angle, not just rotation.

Battery life seems to live up to the claims already made, which indicate 10 hours depending on use, most reviewers have exceeded this number. Apple usually claim way over the actual battery life.

Box contents are sparse, no screen cloth to clean the fingerprints that end up covering the entire glass surface, yes you do need one. Rest of the box consists of cable and charger.

In terms of bling factor, its great, everywhere you take it people are drooling and offering to purchase it, Apple have today announced that rest of world (NZ not even mentioned in that list) have been pushed back a month for pre-orders. So we may be lucky to see official NZ iPads in store in June/July??

In terms of day to day business use, that remains to be seen, cannot test iWork yet, Microsoft have announced there are no plans to re-write Office for iPad. It will be good as a presentation device once we can get hold of VGA out adapter.

So for now its a great little entertainment unit that’s fun to use with many hidden features, kind of like a large iPod touch on steroids.

I will write a further review when more items come to light, I have a leather cover on order and need to get hold of the VGA/USB connectors.

More to come, for now its on a little roadshow around our clients…if you want to have a look or a demo, contact us.

Analogue’s iPad is on its way…

Ed — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 08:30:44 +0000

We should have it late next week.

We wont be the first in NZ, there are a few for sale on TM

Engadget’s iPad review-

Ed — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:32:48 +0000

First real one off the blocks, lots of positives, some negatives, it would not be an Apple device without those and I’m sure more to come-

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/03/apple-ipad-review/

From the final verdict in review above-

So the verdict? The buyer of an iPad is one of two people, the first is someone who sees not just the present, but the potential of a product like the iPad… and believes in and is excited about that potential. This is also a person who can afford what amounts to a luxury item. The second is an individual who simply doesn’t need to get that much work done, and would prefer their computing experience to be easier, faster, and simpler. Does that sound like anyone you know?

Initial iPad reviews-

Ed — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:03:21 +0000

Here is a taste of the first iPad’s to hit the lucky people -

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=10255279

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIic04tXkRw&feature=player_embedded

http://vimeo.com/10595371

Written reviews-

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/technology/personaltech/01pogue.html

http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20100331/apple-ipad-review/

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2010-03-31-apple-ipad-review_N.htm

http://www.suntimes.com/technology/ihnatko/2134139,ihnatko-ipad-apple-review-033110.article

Wow it looks great!

Oh and here is one for all you April foolers-

iPad final roundup…

Ed — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:22:27 +0000

So just days until the final product is revealed. Here are the latest tidbits-

iTunes 9.1 has been released to support iPad and some other bits -

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL927

Canadian release date is set to April 24th, ROW supposed to be the same date -

http://www.ipadincanada.ca/ipad-news/ipad-launch-date-in-canada-april-24th/

Various developers are hard at work trying their get apps ready ASAP -

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2010-03/whats-next-for-slingplayer-mobile-ipad/

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/03/29/brightcove-and-therefore-the-new-york-times-and-time-inc-announces-support-for-html5-video/

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/03/27/filemakers-bento-personal-database-app-to-launch-for-ipad/

iPad USB camera connection kit, late April (wonder what else that USB port can do??) -

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531

Full range of iPad and accessories here -

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad

The legendary Apple product secrecy -

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T4DP20100330

Tuesday ROFL – iPad stuff

Ed — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:35:19 +0000

With the imminent release of the iPad this weekend I thought it appropriate to show some of the images created after announcement -

http://www.smashingshare.com/2010/03/15/apple-ipad-funny-pictures/

Let the orders begin

Ed — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:03:33 +0000

Apple have started to accept orders in the US for iPad’s.

It is ‘estimated’ that 50 000 orders were placed in the first 2 hours of opening March 12.

New info has been trickling out regarding specs, changes and updates-

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/03/12/apple-features-iwork-applications-for-ipad/

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/apple-ipad-model-a1337-phreaks-the-fcc/

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/03/12/apple-rolls-out-ibooks-feature-page/

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/03/12/ipads-mute-switch-replaced-with-screen-rotation-lock/

It appears it was the…

Ed — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:38:33 +0000

iPad software holding up production. Apparently Apple held back a week or two to put the final spit and polish on iPad OS. So this article states-

http://daringfireball.net/linked/2010/03/05/ipad-ship-date

Apple have officially stated ‘late April’ for rest of world, it remains to be seen when Apple NZ will get their shipment… dont let anyone tell you different-

iPad on sale in US April 3rd…

Ed — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:03:40 +0000

and pre-orders start on March 12, but alas only for the US. Not sure when NZ will get any as there have been reports of delays at the production plant in China who are not going to make the 1 000 000 units for launch.-

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/03/04/minor_delays_in_ipad_production_could_limit_apple_launch_to_200k.html

Apple launch announcement here-

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/03/05ipad.html

All I can say is lucky I ordered mine through US, bring it on!

The migration begins…

Ed — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:54:13 +0000

Steve Jobs told Apple employees – “They (Adobe) are lazy. They have all this potential to do interesting things, but they just refuse to do it. They don’t do anything with the approaches that Apple is taking, like Carbon. Apple does not support Flash because it is so buggy. Whenever a Mac crashes more often than not it’s because of Flash. No one will be using Flash. The world is moving to HTML5.”

This is a man possibly way ahead of his time, he has stubbornly refused to allow Flash on the iPhone and upcoming iPad.

Youtube and Google both have alternative beta’s in development instead of Flash based ones, these are HTML5 based.

Problem is most web sites these days employ some form of flash and it would take a major shift by online delivery to re-develop existing websites away from flash to HTML5.

That has begun with Virgin America, they have now released their new website sans flash, new and improved with HTML5!-

http://www.virginamerica.com/va/home.do

Story here-

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/03/virgin-america-dumps-flash-over-lack-of-iphone-support/

iPad possible presale date 25 February…

Ed — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:09:08 +0000

Rumors are now surfacing from a ‘reliable source’ that the iPad presale starts 25 February.

Note the article mentions US only, so no joy for AU/NZ suppliers unless you are importing direct from the states.

BTW if you want one, contact us we can get them direct from the US.

http://appadvice.com/appnn/2010/02/rumor-the-ipad-to-go-on-presale-next-week/

Gecko are releasing iPad accessories

Ed — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:54:58 +0000

Even though Apple have not released the iPad into the wild yet, Gecko gear Australia have released a teaser of their upcoming product line to resellers today.

The new iPad product line includes-

Gecko Profile Case for iPad

Gecko Guard for iPad

Gecko Pro-Sleeve for iPad

Gecko Glove for iPad

Gecko Neo-Sleeve for iPad

Pricing to follow…

Update, pricing here- http://www.geckogear.com/c/261627/1/ipad.html

iPad details and information

Ed — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:40:04 +0000

Here is some information and links to the keynote quicktime stream and marketing material from Apple on the iPad-

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/specialevent0110/

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

http://www.apple.com/ipad/ipad-video/

Analogue have already placed their order via US supplier and should have it early April