AppleInsider reported that the two apps passing approval were GV Mobile + and GV Connect, both of which serve as a Google Voice app. According to the article, earlier in the month, the creator of GV Mobile + stated that he had gotten confirmation that Apple would be approving his app. Furthermore the article states that “the change in policy came after Apple published its App Store Review Guidelines for all to see.” If true, this is indeed a victory…for now.

With the release of apps that function as Google Voice apps, there is no doubt that Google will more than likely resubmit their official Google Voice app. In doing so, there does not seem to be a reason why this app would be rejected seeing how these other two have made it by. No word yet on when Google plans on resubmitting.

Does this change the way you would use your iPhone? With Skype already available and now Google Voice, could this effect the service plans we choose for our iPhones?

• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? – August 17, 2010
• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010
• Windows 7 Phone Sexes Up the Market – February 18, 2010
• Is the World Ready for Android? – September 17, 2008

Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps originally appeared on: Crenk
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The phone will be retail for approximately $743, for the 16GB model, if purchased at one of Apple’s retail stores and will not require a contract. The second way to secure an iPhone is to purchase it through China Unicom for $874 which includes the device and the deposit for a two year contract. Sound pricey? That won’t deter buyers from rushing to the stores to pick one up if sales of the iPad are any indication.

To coincide with this release Apple is also opening two brand new stores, the Hong Kong Plaza Apple Store in Shanghai and the Xidan Joy City Apple Store in Beijing. These two new additions add to an already aggressive move into the Asian market place. Numbers for sales will come shortly after the release date and should be interesting to see compared to US and other country launch numbers.

• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010
• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? – August 17, 2010
• 2 Million iPads in 60 Days, Are You an Owner? – June 1, 2010
• Foxconn Producing Over 30 million iPhone 5 Handsets in 2011 – September 9, 2011

China Launches iPhone 4 originally appeared on: Crenk
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That being said, the days of holding your camera in hand could be over. The future of digital cameras could be in the Looxcie, which attaches to your head and allows you to record video with the natural turn of your own head. Looking similar to an oversized bluetooth head set, the Looxcie, which retails for $200, shoots in HVGA quality. Video enthusiasts may or may not appreciate the quality or the limited capabilities of a device like this, but the innovation is definitely there.

Interestingly enough, many might argue that you would not be able to see exactly what you are recording without the standard side screen that most digital cameras come equipped with. For now that situation is solved for Android users who are able to run the Looxcie app which sees what the the camera sees, allowing you to adjust the view all by seeing what the camera sees on the phone. Not only that, but the mobile apps also allows for limited editing and such before pushing out your video to the world.

Does a device like this interest you? I can definitely see the application for certain professional markets, but not sure if they can beef it up for the prosumer market.

• YouTube by Numbers: Facts and Figures from Launch – May 17, 2010
• Clipta Video Search Offers More Results – June 23, 2009
• Real Life Time Crisis with Andy Whitfield – September 12, 2011
• Hulu Tops the World of Online Streaming Video Ads for March 2011 – April 15, 2011
• How to Upload MP3 files to YouTube – October 24, 2010

Looxcie Could Be the Future of Digital Cameras originally appeared on: Crenk
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It seems that news on this search engine just does not die. Recently reported on TechCrunch, Michael Arrington writes that Cuil is finally closing its doors for good…unofficially at least. According to the report, what few employees that are still with the company have not been paid, which is never a good sign. While they look for green pastures the future for the search engine is almost certain. With its line of successive failures, perhaps now we can finally lay it to rest.

So what say you? Did anyone in the Crenk community ever use Cuil? The few that commented on past articles were not impressed, but if you actually liked it, we’d like to hear why.

Photo Credit slimmer_jimmer

• Cuil – The Google Killer? – August 2, 2008
• Breaking: Google Release New Search Design Worldwide – June 30, 2011
• SearchBlox: Amazing Search Engine Tool for Your Linux Computer – June 10, 2011
• How to Add Google +1 Button to Your Website – June 6, 2011
• Infographic: How Massive is Google? – February 7, 2011

Goodbye Cuil, We Barely Knew You…Literally originally appeared on: Crenk
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According to the article posted on TechCruch, SPA!, the source of the report, says that while leaving Kansai International Airport near Osaka, Jobs was stopped, searched, and revealed he was carrying ninja stars. Furthermore it’s reported that while it may not have been Jobs, someone was indeed detained and forced to rid themselves of the objects. Apple reports that Steve did visit Japan, but was for vacation, had a great time, and returned without incident.

Still, the thought of Steve Jobs as a ninja warrior may be nice, it appears as if the whole story never even happened. On a related note…crime in the area decreased by 30% during the time Steve Jobs was visiting Japan. Coincidence?

So Steve, while you may not have been a true Ninja at heart, I leave you this song from the 90′s sequel to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, “Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!”

• iPhone “Epic Fail” in Japan – September 16, 2008
• Official Steve Jobs Biography is Out – October 24, 2011
• Steve Jobs and Next Apple Headquarters – October 7, 2011
• Steve Jobs at His Best – October 6, 2011
• Steve Jobs has Passed Away – October 6, 2011

Apple’s Steve Jobs Moonlights as Ninja? originally appeared on: Crenk
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If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to disconnect from Apple, perhaps Sony has the option for you. It’s been rumored recently that an announcement could come, as early as tomorrow according to a post on 1up.com, on an iTunes competitor from Sony would be released on the PS3 and PSP devices, to be followed by other products in Sony’s lineup. According to the article, a reliable source from the Financial Times, states that the service will be subscription based and offer music and movies. The announcement is rumored to be made at IFA Berlin this week.

PS3 owners are already familiar with ordering and renting films from the Playstation Store, but a dedicated service across multiple platforms including their Bravia TV lines could be the next big thing to compete with Apple. The report states that while the service will be announced, it actually won’t be available until next year.

Can Sony do it? There no doubt iTunes has become the norm for many of us, but I’d like to think there’s a fighting chance for Sony in all this. Leave your comments below on whether you think this service has a chance on Sony’s products.

• PlayStation 3: Unbreakable – July 16, 2010
• Introducing the PS Vita – June 8, 2011
• Sony Will Block PlayStations with PSJailBreak – August 29, 2010
• E3 2010: New Games – June 15, 2010
• Sony’s Walkman 30 Years – July 3, 2009

Sony Rumored to Release iTunes Competitor originally appeared on: Crenk
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In a way, RSS has been a way of consuming internet stories, postings, and news a la carte. Still, the interfaces have always been simple text formatted, easy to click, easy to follow, nothing extraordinarily exciting about it. But FLUD turns the way you see RSS feeds on the iPad into an sexy experience you’ll want to interface with over and over again.

Sorry iPhone and iPod touch users, I’ve not found something comparable to FLUD on those devices, but iPad owners should rejoice in how cool surfing your RSS feeds has become. An app that costs $4, FLUD offers a “highly-graphical interface, slick in-app browser, Google Reader integration, and Facebook/Twitter/e-mail sharing features to help spread the word on stories, videos, and pictures of interest,” according to site reviews.

Having used the application, I love how it turns what is typically a dry text interface into an amazingly eye popping way to receive your news. For those that are not into aesthetics, there’s still nothing wrong with the ease of use that standard RSS readers offer, but for those that like a little something extra with their news and postings, this might be the interface that can make RSS fun again.

So if you’re using FLUD, let me know what you think. I think it’s a nice app, but honestly, when I’m in a hurry, the graphic interface takes a back seat to time saving, and a standard RSS is just fine for me.

• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• Toshiba libretto W100 Challenges Apple’s iPad – June 23, 2010
• 2 Million iPads in 60 Days, Are You an Owner? – June 1, 2010
• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010
• iPad Features Are Terrible When Compared to HP TC 1100 from 2003 – September 29, 2011

FLUD Makes RSS Feeds Sexy originally appeared on: Crenk
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Users with unlimited memberships can interact in the Netflix environment and have all sessions sync across multiple platforms. For example, if you are streaming a video and you pause it on your mobile device, you can pick up where you left off at home on your desktop or laptop as if nothing happened. Managing your Netflix queue is available but interestingly it only manages your “WATCH NOW” queue and not the discs that are mailed to you.

So does this change where you will interact with your streaming library? If you weren’t a Netflix subscriber, does this change the game for you?

Version 1.1 of the Netflix application requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.

• Snowbreeze 2.3: Jailbreak iOS 4.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch – March 21, 2011
• TeamViewer 6 Available for Android – November 28, 2010
• 2 Million iPads in 60 Days, Are You an Owner? – June 1, 2010
• Barnes and Nobles Releases Nook Reader iPad App – May 28, 2010
• Goodbye Apple TV, Hello EyeTV HD – May 28, 2010

Netflix App Supports iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad originally appeared on: Crenk
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After Google acquired AdMob, and Apple acquared Quattro, now known as the iAd platform, RIM is actively seeking a company to add to its arsenal of offerings to make their Blackberry platform seem more appealing to users. Unfortuately, according to AppleInsider, Millenial, the company they are looking at, looks to remain independent, not wanting to be exclusive to RIM and lose out on its offerings to the Apple platform. It’s a tough place to be no doubt, and while RIM may have scoffed at Millenial’s request of 400-500 million as the price of acquisition, they are only looking to cover their costs in possible lost revenue from no longer being able to offer anything to Apple’s products.

At this point, RIM needs a hail mary play to stay in the game it seems. They’ve been unable to match Apple’s extensive growth and Google’s Android phones have taken over as Verizon’s flagship phones, a spot once held by Blackberry. The BlackBerry Storm, Storm2, and the recent debut of the BlackBerry Torch, which reportedly shipped just 150,000 units at launch, all consistent failures in terms of sales. Globally RIM has suffered a slip in market share from 19.1 to 17.8 percent.

It will be interesting to see where things go. I don’t wish RIM to fall off the planet; I’m a firm believer in the spirit of competition and understand that it’s the only way to keep companies innovating. If you’re a Blackberry user, I’d love to hear why you switched or why you stay loyal. Leave a comment below.

• Not All Phones Are “iPhone Killers” – February 15, 2010
• New Blackberry Curve’s 9350 – 9360 – 9370 – August 23, 2011
• RIM Soon to Adopt Other Mobile Platforms Such as iOS, Android and Windows Phone 7 – May 3, 2011
• RIM Launches Blackberry Radio App for Free: Streaming Internet Radio Stations – February 4, 2011
• Blackberry Playbook Production is Producing 200,000 Tablets Per Month at Present – February 1, 2011

RIM Struggles to Compete with Apple & Google originally appeared on: Crenk
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The NES hard drives come a variety of sizes up to 1TB, now that’s a lot of storage. The NES cartridges come some some classic flavors such as Mario/Duckhunt, Metroid, Bionic Commando, Contra, Tetris, and Dr. Mario to name a few. The storage devices are built into the original casings for these games with game imagery and all. They feature a 2.5-inch Toshiba drive with USB interfaces.

NES hard drives range in price from $130 – $180, depending on the size. Their nondescript look will wow your friends who won’t expect the classics of yesterday to be used as storage devices today. As a fan of the old NES system seeing these cartridges again brings back memories of late night gaming and trading games with friends.

• Super Mario Bros. Crossover Character Hack – June 8, 2010
• Eye Mario Bros – August 15, 2010
• Nintendo 3DS Turning Heads at E3 – June 16, 2010
• Women in the Video Game Industry – October 25, 2011
• PlayStation 3: Unbreakable – July 16, 2010

Nintendo Cartridges Serve as Retro Storage originally appeared on: Crenk
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Are you one of those people? Rumors have circulated across various sites that Apple has been courting Verizon as the next network to gain access to the iPhone as early as Quarter 1, 2011. While all signs point to yes, the evidence is not conclusive and thus speculation persists. Considering the dominance that the iPhone has on the cell phone market, it’s safe to assume that the majority not using the iPhone are either Blackberry or Android users, with others following into the minority of other OS platforms.

In market research conducted by Morpace, subscribers on Verizon alone are awaiting the transition of the iPhone onto the Verizon network. Of 1000 people surveyed, 23% said they’d most likely buy it, while a whopping 51% of Verizon subscribers said they were waiting to buy it. This segment of Verizon subscribers could bolster Apple’s numbers heavily when/if the transition takes place as rumored. AppleInsider even predicts that it could put Apple in the lead, far ahead of it’s competitors. The platforms mostly threatened by the iPhone being offered on Verizon would be Blackberry and Android, so it will be interesting to see how this will effect the numbers.

If it happens, Apple could see quite a profitable 1st Quarter. So where do you stand? Are you waiting for the iPhone to be offered on another network or are you happy with your Blackberry, Android, or other phone platform?

• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010
• Foxconn Producing Over 30 million iPhone 5 Handsets in 2011 – September 9, 2011
• iPhone 4 Availability on Verizon Wireless – February 4, 2011

Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? originally appeared on: Crenk
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If you were looking for unique photo capabilities with your iPhone you had to rely on another digital camera or your DSLR, but any longer. Despite how great the iPhone camera, the limitations keep you locked down to what the hardware can offer. To up the ante on your iPhone photos attach the new Camera Phone Lenses to provide some versatility to your camera phone photos.

Ranging from $20-$40, Camera Phone Lenses break the barriers set forth by the iPhone hardware and built in lens and offer unique capabilities that will make you reconsider taking your DSLR with you on the next trip. Attaching to the iPhone with a uniquely designed magnetic ring, the lenses offer you wide angle/macro or fisheye capabilities. Never thought that could happen with an iPhone now did you?

• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? – August 17, 2010
• 2 Million iPads in 60 Days, Are You an Owner? – June 1, 2010
• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010

iPhones Now with Camera Lens originally appeared on: Crenk
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Still, those rooting for Apple TV’s triumph may not have to wait long. It’s been rumored that the device may be up for a rebirth of sorts with a completely new direction, giving users an experience that has been made popular with the iPhone, iTouch, and now the iPad. The rumored box, named iTV, would be developed under the new iOS4 platform and become less reliant on iTunes and be a self contained interface for users to download and stream their media.

The bonus to this move is the possibility of integrating gaming apps into the platform that would then turn the box into a home TV gaming system within an already extremely popular app store of games. A move like this only furthers support the aggressive move towards existing gaming consoles, but offers up enough diversity that non-gamers would be probably pick up the device for the iOS4 interface and media apps alone.

The change would also force the iTV to drop support of 1080p and go with a more standardized 720p for most HDTV’s.

For Apple’s mass market users, a cheaper device that streams easy to buy and view HDTV content makes far more sense than the current Apple TV, which requires syncing with a local iTunes system or downloadable storage for rentals. – AppleInsider

So what are you thoughts on the Apple TV? A waste of time to invest on this rebirth, or perhaps third time is a charm.

• Apple TV Gets Update to Take Advantage of iOS 4.3 – May 15, 2011
• iOS 4.3 Beta 3 Suggests that Apple TV Will Soon Support Online Gaming – February 11, 2011
• Video: Worlds Largest Apple Store in Grand Central Station New York – November 21, 2011
• Official Steve Jobs Biography is Out – October 24, 2011
• Journey from the Phone to the iPhone – October 19, 2011

Apple TV Rebranded to iTV originally appeared on: Crenk
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Microsoft is not a company known for great marketing. In the past, the marketing department has been ridiculed by the media, by the internet, and even by some of its most rabid supporters. Most recently the biggest commercials were the ones featuring Seinfeld and Bill Gates in random situations making much ado about nothing.

While Apple has retired it’s “I’m A Mac” campaign which prominently featured funny man John Hodgeman and actor Justin Long. The two compared one another on various tasks showing how Apple reigned supreme. Microsoft started running a similar campaign called “I’m A PC” to coincide with the launch of Windows 7. The idea was to show how Windows 7 was made for people by people, as well as show the diversity of those that would use the platform. Essentially Microsoft was looking to appeal to the “everyman” while alluding that Apple was for “elitists” for charging high prices for image as opposed to functionality.

Microsoft as now apparently started a campaign to discourage people from converting to a Mac by covering six topics of interests to show how working with Microsoft and Windows 7 offers more choice then Apple offers with their high priced machines. Rather than a mud slinging campaign, this looks like something a little more permanent.

It will be interesting to see what Microsoft does with this in the long run, but I’m more curious what Apple’s next move will be in response to this.

• Microsoft Shakeup in Entertainment Division Management – May 26, 2010
• Dont Just Jump Ship to Apple So Easily – September 27, 2011
• Transformers 3 Theme for Windows 7 – June 18, 2011
• New Virus “Erases” Files and Folders: Panics Users – April 27, 2011
• Foxconn Parent Company Announces Soaring Revenues – March 17, 2011

Microsoft Discourages PC Users from Buying Macs originally appeared on: Crenk
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It appears as if Sony is now charging headlong into the mobile phone industry by creating a hybrid gaming phone based on the design of the current PSP Go. This would support the rumors that Sony was looking to make a move into the mobile phone market, but perhaps the numbers above have forced their hand a little prematurely.

According to AppleInsider, the phone would be based on Android 3.0 (aka Gingerbread) and use “PSP-like” controls instead of the standard QWERTY keyboards. It’s being more specifically described as a combination of the Samsung Captivate and the PSP Go. I’ll let your minds create the product.

Sony would definitely be playing a game of catch up in this space since Apple is already working on creating an iOS4 centralized gaming hub that would contain leader boards, track friends, and build an entire social community around their gamers. Add to that the fact that Apple has been rumored to purchase a Chinese game making company into the mix and there is no doubt that Apple is looking to eat up market share very quickly.

I can see how Sony would be threatened by this considering that the PSP, while nice in style, has not come close to outselling or matching the long time champion of mobile gaming, Nintendo. As for Nintendo, while they are sitting high on the mountain, Apple has proven that they can indeed make a splash in the market. We saw it with mp3 players, we saw it with the iPhone, more recently tablets, and now perhaps a gaming system.

• Windows 7 Phone Sexes Up the Market – February 18, 2010
• Foxconn Producing Over 30 million iPhone 5 Handsets in 2011 – September 9, 2011
• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? – August 17, 2010

Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? originally appeared on: Crenk
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I’m always looking for unique ways to manage my systems. Task apps, to-do lists, I’ve seen them all before and few offer anything unique enough to make me change the way I’m doing things right now. The status quo was changed when I came across Diacarta. Not expecting fresh approach to scheduling and seeing my list of appointments, I was quickly caught up in exploring the display, how information is shared, and the interface. It’s a beautiful app no doubt and it does offer some unique approaches to the way we organize ourselves.

Rather than seeing your day in a line item list of text, you get to create a picture of your day. The premise of the entire app is associating image icons with things that need to get done during the day. This association creates your day and plans out by the hour what your agenda will look like visually. You still type in all the necessary details for your event or task, but it only shows up if you allow your finger to linger on the icon, it disappears when you move your finger.

Diacarta is an interesting way to visualize your day to day, but is it enough to integrate into your systems? Take a look at the video below and let us know.

• Mobile App Developer Ousted by Apple – December 10, 2009
• Kick Productivity Into High Gear with ActionMethod – June 22, 2009
• Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support – June 29, 2011
• App Inventor for Android – July 12, 2010
• Square Announces iPad Apps and Future Releases – May 30, 2010

Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App originally appeared on: Crenk
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For those looking to replace their digital camera with something more powerful, or maybe you’re just looking for a big upgrade, Sony is releasing their new Cyber-shot TX9 3D camera into the wild. It was only a matter of time with all of their 3D technology research that a digital camera from Sony was the next logical step. The cyber-shot 3D is a departure from the traditional dual-lensed 3D camera of the past and manages to keep the slim design as part of its unique design.

The TX9 3D, approximately $400, remains pocket friendly and is capable of creating 3D panoramas automatically with point, click, and sweep motions of your surroundings. The days of fiddling with settings are long behind us with Sony’s latest release.

The camera also includes the following features:

• 3.5-inch LCD touch screen
• 12.2 megapixel Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor
• 10fps burst shooting
• 1080i HD video recording
• Optical Steadyshot image stablization
• Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens

While this camera comes with a heavy price tag, the relative offerings in feature is more than enough to warrant the purchase. While not the only 3D camera on the market, the aesthetics make this camera look like it belongs in your hands, but maybe that’s just my preference.

What digital cameras are you using and how do they compare to what you’re needing it for?

• Sony’s Concept Camera A Big Hit – February 24, 2010
• Sony Bravia is A Monolith of Beauty – January 30, 2010
• US Portable Gaming Marketshare by Revenues – November 10, 2011
• Crenk is Getting Greatly Improved! – October 18, 2011
• Introducing the PS Vita – June 8, 2011

Sony’s New Cyber-shot Unleashed originally appeared on: Crenk
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How many iterations of the Kindle do we really need? Does it really matter in a world where the iPad has reigned supremeon a variety of levels? While the Kindle reportedly does one thing really well, which is serve as an ebook reader, the Kindle fall short in many areas but it looks like another Kindle version is coming out…does graphite excite you? If you’re like me, probably not.

Still the Graphite Kindle DX, reportedly $380, combines everything you loved about past models – Whispersync book syncing, free 3G wireless, the largest selection of ebooks around, and a physical keyboard. The new graphite body may look sleek, but apparently the screen is 50% sharper then past releases.

Some of the other new features include:

• no glare
• slimmer
• faster downloads (less than 60 seconds)
• longer battery life (up to 1 wk on a single charge)
• social network connectivity

If you’re an ebook reader that does nothing else than function as an ebook reader, the new Graphite Kindle DX might be for you.

• Barnes and Nobles Releases Nook Reader iPad App – May 28, 2010
• iPad Features Are Terrible When Compared to HP TC 1100 from 2003 – September 29, 2011
• How to Make Games for the iPad – July 27, 2011
• OnLive Cloud Gaming Now Available on iPad – June 9, 2011
• Foxconn Investing $12 Billion in Brazil to Manufacture iPads and iPhones – April 15, 2011

Graphite Kindle DX – Yet Another Release originally appeared on: Crenk
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Amazon, in a reportedly $110 million dollar deal, has now officially acquired the company but nothing will change. Much like the purchase od Zappos, the company will be allowed to run as status quo, except that they will be under the Amazon.com banner. Interesting to note that both Zappos and Woot have been identified as having stellar customer service and now they fall under Amazon which is also noted as having just as good customer service.

It will be interesting to see where this marriage will go. All employees and CEO’s will remain in place, but in the past Woot has not been one to shy away from controversial products, such as handguns, as part of their deals of the day. So while their offices might be saying “Woot!” to the purchase, their audience will wait to see what types of things change, if anything, under this new regime.

• Leaked: Amazon Redesign – September 5, 2011
• Crenk on the Huffington Post UK – July 22, 2011
• Google Music Beta Now Available: Average Music Locker Service! – May 11, 2011
• MyHabit: Amazon Launch Their Own Daily Deals Private Membership Site – May 5, 2011
• Amazon Cloud Drive as Dreamy as it Claims? – April 29, 2011

Amazon Buys Woot originally appeared on: Crenk
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The release of the iPhone 4 has not been without it’s fair share of criticism. Like any product launch the pros and cons are quickly established and shared in review after review after review. Still cons for any device should never be something that should have been addressed during production. This was the case with the iPhone 4 reception when holding it with your left hand. Due to the positon of the hand and the placement of the antenna, reception quickly worsened to one or no bars left on the device. This quickly created frustration and prompted an email to Steve Jobs where he essentially stated “just dont’ hold it like that.”

The callous remark seemed to many to be the official “screw you all” from the company that created the very device that everyone has been waiting with much anticipation for. In all seriousness the matter is not just about how you hold the phone, it has to do with left handed persons the world over not being able to adequately interface with their mobile devices.

Recently it seems as if Apple’s tone on the issue might be changing as it was recently reported by AppleInsider that Apple has posted five NEW positions, all dealing with antenna projects. Could this be the apparently elusive answer for Apple to set things straight. What seemed so apparent to us (just fix the damn thing) is now being taken seriously with the current posting.

“The listings, including three positions for an “Antenna Engineer – iPad/iPhone” and two for an “iPhone OTA Wireless Systems Engineer,” join nine other open positions related to antenna design and testing for iOS devices, with the oldest dating back to last summer.” – AppleInsider

Now officially Apple is not saying there is any product defect. As a matter of fact customers calling into the AppleCare hotline are being told that “gripping almost any mobile phone in certain areas will reduce its reception. This is true of the iPhone 4, the iPhone 3GS, and many other phones we have tested. It is a fact of life in the wireless world.”

Shifty responses to the public outcry or honest response with regards to the world of mobile devices. A case could be made either way, perhaps the cusp of this issue was in how it was handled initially from Steve Jobs himself. Would his handling of the situation made any difference in how this story is playing out?

• Jobs Answers about iOS 4 Performance on iPhone 3G – August 21, 2010
• iPhone OS 4 Jailbreak! – June 10, 2010
• iPhone “Epic Fail” in Japan – September 16, 2008
• Official Steve Jobs Biography is Out – October 24, 2011
• Journey from the Phone to the iPhone – October 19, 2011

Apple’s New Job Posting Hinting to Antenna Correction originally appeared on: Crenk
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The new Kicker HP1973 Over-the-Eat Headphones are a great buy for a mid-range pair of headphones. Having hard a pair of Kickers in the past, these headphones are sure to get you the sound you’re looking for without breaking the bank. The classic retro look is being promoted to both music lovers and musicians alike for any of their needs. They feature a lightweight over-the-ear design, padded headband, black braided cloth cable, a 3.5mm iPhone-compatible plug, and a sleek black paint job.

The inspiration for the design is stated in the name, 1973, when the only way to hear great music was with a pair of cans like these. The dynamic full range of audio will, as they say, hit all the highs and lows of your favorite tunes. Coming in at $70, it’s a fair price to ask for style and substance.

• Streaming Music Online Via Browser – November 15, 2009
• Get That Missing Album Art For Your Music List – June 22, 2009
• i Life Solutions: Best In Home Personalised Theatre – February 9, 2012
• Spotify Gift Cards Available to Buy in Retail Stores in UK in time for Christmas – November 1, 2011
• Crenk is Getting Greatly Improved! – October 18, 2011

KICKER HP1973 Headphones Great Mid-Range Purchase originally appeared on: Crenk
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It was about a month ago that I saw a post online for a Batman motorcycle called the “Batpod” which was created, butnot street legal. While the image of riding in the night with my sense of vigilante justice firm in hand sounded like the beginning of a great night, the fact that it didn’t really do anything was a huge drawback. Nevertheless the geek in me rejoiced at the face that people were actually taking these concepts and making them a reality.

Today while surfing the web I found that someone had taken a concept from the movie Tron, and made it a reality. Below is a real life Lighcycle from the movie. The same company that created the “Batpod” is not creating Tron Lightcycles and the bonus is that these designs are street legal and ready to roll off the assembly line. The catch? It has a $35,000 price tag attached.

While many of us wait with heavy anticipation for the next chapter in the Tron series to be released this coming December, we can feast our eyes on this beauty which comes full stocked with “custom 22-inch hubless wheels, custom Hoosier tires, electric or gasoline motors, two-inch hardened steel frames, carbon fiber/fiberglass bodies, and neon hidden behind frosted plexiglass for the accent colors.”

The designers claim that every serious order, with partial payment placed ahead of time will get a YouTube link to keep track of their cycle’s development. The time it takes from contract to completion is stated to be 6-8 weeks.

Dig in your couches folks. These cycles were meant to ride. What do you think?

• Crenk is Getting Greatly Improved! – October 18, 2011
• Full Scale and Electric Tron Lightcycle – September 29, 2011
• Paraswift Base Jumping Robot – September 13, 2011
• Racing Yacht Does an Amazingly Sharp Turn – May 30, 2011
• Lovefilm Sign Streaming Movie Deal with Disney – April 20, 2011

Love Tron? Love the Lightcycles! originally appeared on: Crenk
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Perhaps Toshiba has created that “more” device in the recently announced Toshiba libretto W100. What looks like the bizzarre love child between a Nintendo DS and a netbook, the Toshiba libretto offers a dual touchscreen interface to create an experience unlike any other. The libretto sports two 7-inch touchscreens inside a 1.5lb laptop-like form. There is no traditional keyboard, rather, the device makes use of a virtual keyboard instead, Bluetooth 2.1, and a built in webcam.

The libretto also offers viewing in both the traditional landscape mode (think traditional netbook) and portrait mode providing a variety of unique viewing experiences depending on the type of content the user is viewing. The portability factor is a huge plus considering the iPad does not fold or close, this device becomes even more appealing once it’s closed as seen in the image below.

• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• FLUD Makes RSS Feeds Sexy – August 30, 2010
• 2 Million iPads in 60 Days, Are You an Owner? – June 1, 2010
• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010
• iPad Features Are Terrible When Compared to HP TC 1100 from 2003 – September 29, 2011

Toshiba libretto W100 Challenges Apple’s iPad originally appeared on: Crenk
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Recently, Flo TV was released to keep viewers connected to channels like ESPN, ABC, CBS, and Comedy Central so that while you’re on the go, you never miss a show. The service claims the push can go to your mobile device, personal TV, car TV and more. It appears that Flo TV is a truly integrated service.

Flo TV recently announced the release of their personal TV which allows viewers to take a 3.5 inch touchscreen anywhere they go. The device, estimated to cost $200, comes with a built in stand for surface top watching and built in speakers. The device comes with program reminders so you never miss your favorite programming along with parental controls if you choose to use it as a household viewing device. Currently the viewing time stands at 5 hours of straight watching on a single full charge.

Currently the big draw is that Flo TV service has built a World Cup channel where fans can watch all their favorite games either live or in archive to relive the passion and excitement.

• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• FLUD Makes RSS Feeds Sexy – August 30, 2010
• Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? – August 17, 2010
• iPhones Now with Camera Lens – August 17, 2010

TV On the Go with Flo TV originally appeared on: Crenk
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All things considered, if you’ve used a dating site in the past did you ever put that you were an Apple enthusiast hoping to find someone that was just as much of a fan as you? Well chances are those sites don’t rank too high in connecting star crossed Apple lovers, but now Apple fans have something to swoon over.

Cupidino, a play off the Cupertino, CA based Apple, Inc., is a beta dating site created specifically for Apple fans. Now your brand new iMac could be the thing that brings the love of your life into your REAL life. When was the last time you heard iPods bringing people together? Well if you said never, that might change.

“So far, Apple hasn’t taken issue with the similarities. Sampat said he received an e-mail from Apple’s business development team in San Francisco, which basically said it was aware of Cupidtino and to let the group know if he needed any help. Apple spokeswoman Kristin Shuguet said the company had no comment.” – Article on Slice of Sci-fi

The site was initially free, but as of Wednesday, will charge $5/mo for people to be a part of the network. Currently the site has attracted over 16,000 fanboys and fangirls looking for that special someone to share their sweet Apple love. As if your love for Apple was not exclusive criteria alone, the site also only works on Apple related browsers and devices. Attempting to access the site via a Windows machine will take you to a humorous “I’m a Mac-like” ads that inform users that the site is 0ff-limits.

• iPad Pre-Orders Start February 25th – February 21, 2010
• The Book of Jobs, So It Shall Be – February 20, 2010
• Steve Jobs Steps Down from Apple – January 14, 2009
• BREAKING NEWS: Apple Not Part of MacWorld Expo – December 17, 2008
• Official Steve Jobs Biography is Out – October 24, 2011

Cupidtino – Dating Site for Apple Fans originally appeared on: Crenk
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