A study conducted recently by ABI Research discussed this very issue and found big problems with limited processing power, battery life, and data storage. These concerns will further limit application growth among much of the mass market if Cloud computing isn’t applied with greater strength. No smartphone is save, it seems, and even Apple’s iPhone has shown to perform at a deficit when factoring in these same concerns. It’s been shown that applications that are connected to cloud resources are far more likely to run successfully than if they were run solely from the mobile device alone.

Factoring in these issues, it’s likely that cloud-computing services will become a new market and will deliver annual revenues coming in the range of an annual 20 billion within the next five years. These are big numbers and it’s getting a lot of attention. It’s also thought that it could further drive innovation among cell phone development. Researchers and developers will no longer have to concern themselves with finding new ways to adapt a mobile devices’ processor to meet increased application demand. If this were the approach, people would likely have to have a separate device just to run their applications. However, cloud services offer developers a way to free up the processor and focus on other innovations.

Cloud computing software is likely to introduce an unprecedented sophistication to the world of mobile applications that has proven to be an industry all its own. Businesses are already benefiting from collaborations and data sharing through similar approaches. Users will be able to gain remote access to apps that could do anything from monitoring their home security to social networking. You’ll be able to do everything you already can, and more.

It’s not likely to be a touch decision for mobile device developers. It’s a win-win situation. This will create a new market for cloud services and free up companies to find better and more efficient ways to mobile their products. Every company, large and small, will likely be utilizing the power of such services, which will probably become a benchmark of the mobile community in a very short space of time.

• Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App – August 8, 2010
• Jolicloud Reaching Final Version this Week – July 13, 2010
• Mobile App Developer Ousted by Apple – December 10, 2009
• iTouch Acting as Gateway Drug to iPhone – December 8, 2009
• MMO Set to Change Mobile Gaming – October 13, 2008

Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

The tutorial includes how to strip away the browser; prevent viewport scrolling and scaling; respond to multi-touch and gesture events; use webkit CSS to get the iPhone OS look and feel; cache the app so it runs without internet access; get a custom icon on the home screen; and have a splash screen load at the start.

Click here to read the full tutorial.

• Nameo Makes Business Cards Obsolete – October 16, 2008
• Kazaa Music Streaming App Now Available in App Store – September 21, 2011
• Free Music Downloader: iOS and iPhone App to Download Music from Music Blogs – August 17, 2011
• PC Free Setup in iOS 5 – June 7, 2011
• iPhone Dev Team Jailbreak iOS 5 – June 7, 2011

Create Your Own Native Looking iPhone and iPad App Using HTML, CSS and Javascript originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

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
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

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
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

The interesting part of this tool is that will not require great expertise for users to actual create their own apps with App Inventor.

Take a look to this simple video where we can create a “Pet the kitty” app:

App Inventor is currently working with invitations, and you need to subscribe to get one. We are expecting more news in the next few weeks.

• Android Market Now Has Over 250,000 Apps: Grown by 100,000 in Last 30 Days.. Really! – March 21, 2011
• Design Android Apps with DroidDraw – October 24, 2010
• Nokia Deny Android Plans – July 7, 2009
• Limited Edition Nokia Lumia 800 Dark Night Rises – December 16, 2011
• iPhone 4: Retro Yet Futuristic Wooden iPhone Case – November 20, 2011

App Inventor for Android originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

The app, $3, has been downsized and altered slightly for mobile playing. The interface is simplified to appeal to a much wider audience that would not normally pick up the game on a console. Whether you’re new or a veteran Guitar Hero gamer, you’ll still be able to tap, strum, whammy, and slide to the beat of the songs on the game. The game currently comes with six songs: The Rolling Stones, Weezer, Vampire Weekend, and The White Stripes, just to name a few. If you’re looking to increase your rockstar library you can find more games in app, but it’s going to cost you.

A huge thanks to Activision for making this game a reality. No more air guitar while you listen to your music, now you can really jam out. Still, people might look at you funny…but who cares?

Guitar Hero iPhone App

• Activision Has Axed Guitar Hero – February 10, 2011
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Square Announces iPad Apps and Future Releases – May 30, 2010
• Rockband 3 Adding Keyboards and More – May 26, 2010
• Apple Tackling a New Market? – January 26, 2010

Guitar Hero on iPhone Released originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

Being a huge fan of Square the news that they were releasing an iPad app really excited me. Square has been very active recently with apps released on the iPhone/iTouch and with the release of the iPad, it was only a matter of time before it would happen. Currently some of the bigger apps they’ve released include Chaos Rings, Crystal Defenders, Final Fantasy I & II, and Song Summoner.

Recently Square has made two big announcements, the first being the release of FFXIII image gallery, which was previously released on the iPhone/iTouch, but the iPad version now supports 3D images. With use of the regular red and blue glasses, the images will come to life in a whole new way. The second announcement was the release of an actual game involving the iconic Chocobo.

Chocobo Panic has users attempting to keep control of the many Chocobos bouncing around the screen. The game allows for up to six points of touch, so get together with six of our friends and keep the Chocobos from going chaotic on the screen. Sounds like a lot of fun, but for how long? I’m interested in seeing this game and actually interacting with it.

It was also confirmed that Chaos Rings and Crystal Defenders would be coming to the iPad in the near future. This will excite many iPad owners who have been waiting for Square to make a big splash on the larger device.

• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App – August 8, 2010
• App Inventor for Android – July 12, 2010
• Guitar Hero on iPhone Released – June 9, 2010
• App Store Not Skinemax, Policies Changed – February 21, 2010

Square Announces iPad Apps and Future Releases originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

According to a great article on TechCrunch, the policies are changing, and it’s going to affect a large swath of apps already approved in the app store. The zero tolerance on “sexual content” has been passed and we’ll soon see those apps gone entirely from the store. Some of these apps were developed as the foundation for business, so Apple is essentially putting them out on the streets. While many of us may not agree with what we see, is Apple doing the right thing by running them out?

According to the article, the developer of Wobble has outlined the following change of policies:

1. No images of women in bikinis

2. No images of men in bikinis!

3. No skin

4. No silhouettes

5. No sexual connotations or innuendo: boobs, babes, booty, sex – all banned

6. Nothing that can be sexually arousing!!

7. No apps will be approved that in any way imply sexual content

Anyone want to share their opinion? Seems pretty ridiculous and perhaps a little overreaching, but it is Apple’s sandbox. If you want to play in it you follow their rules. Leave your comments and let’s chat about this.

• Kazaa Music Streaming App Now Available in App Store – September 21, 2011
• Create Your Own Native Looking iPhone and iPad App Using HTML, CSS and Javascript – April 8, 2011
• Android Market Now Has Over 250,000 Apps: Grown by 100,000 in Last 30 Days.. Really! – March 21, 2011
• Global Mobile Application Store Rankings: Apple App Store Killing the Competition – February 21, 2011
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010

App Store Not Skinemax, Policies Changed originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

There was a day when Windows Smartphone would have been an oxymoron, but today, the mold is broken with this experience and it all lies in the UI. For starters, the interface is focused on dedicated “hubs” of information giving the users an interesting way to group like applications under one roof instead of being overwhelmed with information. The touch movement is fluid, the layout easy to understand, and by nature the device is social. A person’s social activity makes this phone a great pleasure to have as you are able to keep up with their status updates integrated into the UI.

You can take photos, create albums, record videos, access Xbox Live, a store to purchase your application needs, and a productivity store for those of us looking to get a little work out of it while having fun too. The phone currently has no pricing, but it’s sure to wow folks who are not familiar with Microsoft making anything this cool and sleek. I don’t necessarily think it’s an iPhone killer, but we’ll see what happens when it hits the market. Remember, Microsoft still needs to compete with Apple and Google which are the current giants in the sandbox.

• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Bing Replacing Google on iPhone 4? – June 1, 2010
• Is the World Ready for Android? – September 17, 2008
• Foxconn Producing Over 30 million iPhone 5 Handsets in 2011 – September 9, 2011

Windows 7 Phone Sexes Up the Market originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

For the rumors that leaked already, seems that it will have important enhancements (regarding with interoperability mostly) and some other similarities with other mobile OS. Let’s take a quick look:

• The UI will be quite similar that we’ve seen in Zune HD, with a few changes to be confirmed.
• Full Zune and XBOX integration.
• Full support with Facebook and other social networking mobile apps.
• Windows Mobile Device Center: No more. All of the sync options will be replaced by Zune software.
• No multi-task support. Here comes the first similarity with iPhone OS; the applications will be paused while working in background.
• No Flash support. Hmmm… seems that I’ve seen this before.
• Applications will not be available to install by a separate storage. The only possibility to install applications will be using the “MarketPlace”. No, no “AppStore”, the name is “MarketPlace”.
• MarketPlace will have a very cool option: “Try before you buy”.
• There will be no support for OEM Interfaces. That means Sense UI, SPB Mobile Shell, Point UI, Infinity, and many others will not be allowed.
• Release date: September 2010.

• Leaked Image of LG Optimus 3D – February 3, 2011
• Samsung Galaxy S 2 Will Launch at Mobile World Congress: Teaser Video – February 2, 2011
• LG Launching LG Optimus 3D at Mobile World Congress – February 2, 2011
• App Inventor for Android – July 12, 2010
• NFT Internet Maps On Your Mobile – November 23, 2009

Windows Mobile 7 Features originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

Could Apple's new device be the casual gaming machine Nintendo fears?

Many of us have been waiting for Apple’s big announcement with more anticipation than I’ve seen collectively in a very long time. I can remember when the iPhone was first rumored that the world waited, breath held, and excitement at an all time high. I can’t say that any other company has truly fascinated the world as much as Apple has in the last ten years, but then again, very few companies have changed the way we interact the way Apple has. From the launch of the iPod, to the launch of the iPhone, and even dating as far back as their initial Apple computer, the company is known to make waves.

As we approach the big announcement date, the word on everyone’s mind is tablet. I can’t imagine that anyone has not heard the rumors, but this coming Wednesday, along with some other announcements, the world is waiting for the announcement on what they see as the iTablet. Will happen? Does it exist. I’m not here to neither confirm nor deny what’s happening, I’m not privy to that information. But what I will do is make an assumption that I think is at least 85% true.

Should an iTablet of sorts arrive, I’m looking at a device that is purely a media consumption device. I don’t see any content being created with this device, but more for entertainment purposes. While the device will more than likely play movies and audio, it’s being said it could also function as an e-reader. But what I’m looking at is the gaming value.

There have been numerous sources stating that games would play a big factor in this new device and if so why, to what end? Currently the mobile gaming industry throne is held by Nintendo. Since the release of its Gameboy, which was a revolutionary device in its own right, it has been known as a great gateway gaming machine for those not typically used to playing games. Nintendo enjoys its position as being an easy point of entry for the casual gamer that perhaps would not pick up an Xbox or a PS3. This has been the bread and butter for this market, followed by the hardcore fans that thrive on franchises like Mario and Zelda.

The iTouch/iPhone has quickly become the gaming alternative for those of us waiting in line or just passing the time. With quick pick up games that  can be played in short bursts and then put down, the release of an iTablet could easily transcend the small screen but bring the same mindset of carrying a slightly larger device that won’t just offer the same gaming diversion, but also offer up video, audio, and published entertainment.

Maybe I’m going out on  limb here, but I think Nintendo might be in their sights. Not necessarily as a gaming machine, but rather, eating up their casual gamer market share that are looking for something a little more sophisticated than a Nintendo DS or DSi interations.

What are you thoughts? Do you care? Do you think it’s all hype? Leave your comments and let me know what’s what.

• MMO Set to Change Mobile Gaming – October 13, 2008
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Guitar Hero on iPhone Released – June 9, 2010
• Super Mario Bros. Crossover Character Hack – June 8, 2010
• Square Announces iPad Apps and Future Releases – May 30, 2010

Apple Tackling a New Market? originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

The layout you might recognize from the Facebook app. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was their inspiration. I wouldn’t necessarily go out and call them copiers, only because with a mobile app there is only so much you can do, and if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Still, the similarity might work in its favor because users will be comfortable with the layout. What separates the old and new is the increased functions of being able to view and answer inbox messages, invite and accept others invitations, browse profiles, search profiles, and most importantly a new additions.

The new addition is the ability to connect with users in your immediate area using your iPhone. The “In Person” selection makes your iPhone a homing device for others in your area how are Linkedin users and whom you might want to connect with. A great piece of functionality for conferences and other large gatherings where you can exchange business cards, but not all cards come with a Linkedin profile attached. I used this from my apartment, and it picked up on a few people nearby. I’m not quite sure on the range, but it seems a pretty worthwhile addition to the lineup.

• NFT Internet Maps On Your Mobile – November 23, 2009
• Web App Buffers Timely Online Communication – November 6, 2009
• Raptr Is the Ultimate Gaming Service: Connects PSN, Xbox and More – May 16, 2011
• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010

Linkedin iPhone Update Offers More Functionality originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

Thanks to Six Voices Tapstack apps, for the iPhone/iPod Touch, users are able to download a number of apps that focus on a range of topics. Included are topics on how to be a better public speaker, create better presentations, confidence boosters, how to become a better networker, and more. While many may laugh at these topics, theres a lot of wisdom in what the app has to share. The information is relayed to the user in the form of flash cards with information broken into chunks that are easy to read and apply on the go. Simply tap your finger on the cards, or slide them from side to site to move from one flash card to the next.

I’ve already gone through about six of the 20+ offerings have on their site, and most of what they had to say I’ve already put into play. So whether you’re a veteran at what you do, or new to the game, sometimes tips can be refreshing in bringing you back on point. The fact that these apps are so easily accessible makes it unheard of to pass them up, so give them a try.

• Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support – June 29, 2011
• Create Your Own Native Looking iPhone and iPad App Using HTML, CSS and Javascript – April 8, 2011
• Download MacX DVD Ripper Pro for Free! – October 17, 2010
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App – August 8, 2010

Self Help Goes Mobile with Six Voices – Tapstack originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

Instapaper helps you save your online searches to read later.

they have reached the “End of the Internet.” The thought scares me quite frankly, but for the rest of us, we’re always finding useful information and stuff we want to come back to later. There’s always the faithful bookmark, but let’s be honest, our bookmarks are probably filled with items we’ve not gone back to in a very long, long, long time. So that does not seem very functional.

We’ve also got apps like Evernote that seem to capture instances of our online searches and saves them allowing us to share them, sync them, or just read it later. But for some it’s a heavy app that most of us just don’t want to mess with, so there’s an alternative to all of the above, and the answer is Instapaper.

Uniquely, Instapaper is both a web app and a mobile app, but the simplicity never goes away. You simply find what you want, click read later, and the instance is filed away for you to come back and review later. So instead of bulking up your bookmarks tab, you’ve just stored it away for you to come back to later, perhaps an article you didn’t finish reading, or a quick item you want to purchase but need to think about a little more. Whatever the case, the app is easy, and the site for it has no frills, just the basic steps to using the app (two steps to be exact) and you’re done.

What I find extremely useful is the ability to access my content offline on my mobile. So without an internet connection I can still access my content read it in its entirety and dispose of it when I’m done. This functionality is great when my signal drops and I can’t find a wifi spot.

Give it a whirl and let us know what you think. Got a better app for the same process, let us know, we’d be happy to review it.

• Evernote Update Released – August 5, 2008
• 3 Awesomely Simple and Effective Productivity Tips (And Tools) – December 5, 2011
• 2 Tools to Turn YouTube into a Genre-Based Radio Station – October 3, 2011
• Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support – June 29, 2011
• Ways to Improve Your 404 Error Pages – April 22, 2011

Online Finds Can Be Read Later originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

Foursquare has been a wildly popular location based mobile app that has become quite a hit in the cities where it’s been released. Vying for top “mayoral” candidacy for each location you visit and exploring your city makes the app interesting while introducing people to new and unique communities and businesses that they would otherwise have overlooked. The many people that play this app as both a business opportunity for exposure and a game find the experience enlightening, if not informative.

Fast Forward a few months and another location based mobile app is released called MyTown. Now MyTown is the perfect combination of new business introduction with the classic game monopoly. Not only do users tag where they currently are, but the internal game allows you to collect “rent” for a property and purchase the territory where you are at. The idea, much like monopoly is to buy virtual real estate based on your surrounding, all the while forcing others to check in at your owned spots to pay rent or sell their own properties in order to make that rent. MyTown stays true to it’s name of ownership on this one.

To extend the game play a little further, as you check in you earn points and “treasure” which offers up neat additions to the gaming experience almost making it rpg-like (role playing game). You collect items that give you bonuses on money paid to your account, increased check in point, and all the while, you have a max cap of hitting level 20, which I hear will soon be raised to level 30, ala World of Warcraft.

I’ll be honest, the app is addicting, the rpg-like quality keeps it fresh, and you’re still just tagging where you are at, with the bonus of trying to own your own city. The experience over all is good, but the game does suffer from some hang-ups in load time. The updates are coming, the app is new, and people are finding it to be a lot of fun so expect changes to keep coming and at the very least check it out.

• Monopoly Infographic: Peelin’ Lucky – September 27, 2011
• Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support – June 29, 2011
• Create Your Own Native Looking iPhone and iPad App Using HTML, CSS and Javascript – April 8, 2011
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App – August 8, 2010

Foursquare + Monopoly Makes MyTown GPS Driven App originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

There has long been uncertainty on the exact process that it takes to get an application passed the Apple powers that be. Their ability to simply turn down an application from the approval process seems to be loosely defined, or undefined depending on how you see it. So it begs to question how one developer was able to get over 1,000 apps into the Apple store without raising any flags. (Molinker apps)

All eyes were directed to Chinese mobile app developer Molinker when a friend of a writer from the iPhoneography photoblog saw these obviously poorly done apps scoring very high in the user rating systems. Very few of the reviews offered a one or two star rating and it was a cause for concern. So highly were these apps thought of that Apple even selected one of the apps for the Staff Pick of the Week. This alone brings to mind questions on whether the apps are really selected by the staff or if there’s some undefined parameters that make an app “pick of the week”, as undefined as the process to get approved.

To raise alarms, two letters were sent to Apple’s marketing head, Phil Schiller, who by the second letter acknowledged that there was some misappropriation by the company Molinker within the Apple iTunes App store. The return letter simply stated that the developer had been ousted and that “gaming” of the system would not be tolerated. Not only was the developer ousted, but so were the 1,000+ apps affiliated with this developer (approx. 1% of apple’s app store).

So how does the app store move forward without even so much as making this example known to all other developers. Misappropriations such as exchanging unlock codes for positive reviews can still run rampant, and what if the misappropriation is not as easily defined the next as it was this time?

• Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App – August 8, 2010
• Intro to New Apps Thanks to AppGiveaway – June 28, 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

Mobile App Developer Ousted by Apple originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

There’s no doubt that the skeptics who thought that Apple had no chance in theportable music player department hid when Apple’s iPod hit the market and took the mp3 music players by storm. Very few technological innovations make such an impact on our culture and yet Apple redefined what it is to listen, interact, and engage our music. Their style of minimalist design served them well with the generations of iPods to come down the line, but now times have changed.

The market for mp3 players has widened with lots of entrants, but few are capable of toppling the giant, so instead they offer an alternative to those not willing to give into Apple’s tight restriction to the Apple iTunes store. Nevertheless, iPods have had to redefine how they are interacted with and that’s when the iTouch came out. This unique tactile surface mp3 player gave users a unique experience that was unseen in the market for portable music players. Since then Apple has never looked back, and the iTouch has swelled in huge numbers.

From June to November alone, the market share grew 5%, which in Apple’s world is a huge market. Most of this is attributed to the apps that you can install on the mobile device and the bevy of games that Apple is turning to to keep users entertained and constantly in contact with their device.

But is there a deeper agenda then just the one present? Mac Rumors suggests that Apple is quietly turning the iTouch into the gateway device for future iPhone users. Similar to the concept of a gateway drug, it’s opening doors and increasing familiarity that users will appreciate and then look for something more substantial. That’s where the iPhone comes into play.

It’s not surprising that this agenda may or may not have been planned because in the grand scheme of things it’s almost a natural progression. Users may still be carrying around two devices, interacting with their iTouch much more, but in time, the iTouch user will want to carry only one device but still have the access to the vast library of apps they are familiar with on the iTouch. The iPhone then comes into play, so I’m not quite sure if this was the intended plan or just luck that it’s working out that way, but in either case it’s a moot issue. Apple is still taking this concept all the way to the bank.

• Album Art to Complete Your Collection – February 10, 2010
• iPhone App Reviews for Social Media News – March 2, 2009
• AutoCAD for iPad, iPhone and Mac OS – September 27, 2010
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Apple’s Smart Bike – August 7, 2010

iTouch Acting as Gateway Drug to iPhone originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

With content accessible on our mobile, it’s become more common for us to be productive with our mobile devices to get more work done. Cell phones and other mobile devices have become the digital leashes that collar us to work, but at the same time it also keeps us connected to life’s information flow. As we become a more connected community via social media tools, it’s always useful to hear how others have made it work for them.

Recently I was stuck on a prolonged trip where I could have done one of two things, sit and just let time pass, or find an effective way to keep what I do going. I opted for the latter and as a writer for various websites across the web, I found the magic combination that keeps what I do going even if I’m not on my laptop or desktop.

For starters I have a iPhone and I’ve set up my apps in such a way that I can now more easily stream line the writing process using apps that I’ve linked together because of how they work together. If there’s a Blackberry alternative out there, I’d love to hear how you keep your brand running even if you’re on the go.

Documents2: Is the app I use to write my article. I use this article specifically because when I write I can back up automatically to my Google Docs and send a copy via email if I choose, all without leaving the app. This makes backing up my work easy.

Safari: I use Safari to quickly grab a creative commons photo from Flickr or any other photo site. I save the photo to the device and make sure that I get all relevant information for attribution purposes.

PS Mobile: This free Photoshop tool is great for quick edits to photos like resizing or cropping on the go. I don’t look for this tool to do anything more than I know it’s capable of and save the photo and move on.

WordPress: Using the WordPress app I bring in my copy, insert photos, include attribution, and tag and label my post accordingly. With a press of the button my articles are posted and I move on to my next task.

The above process may seem like it take a lot of moving around from one app to another, and I admit at first it did take more time than I would have liked. But after making this part of your routine, you become faster at it, and grouping icons by purpose instead of type, like most people do, you can easily access your tools to ensure that your posts are published.

Photo Credit Christopher Chan

• Regator Tracks Blogosphere Social Mentions – November 30, 2009
• Tweetdeck Evolves For Power Users – December 4, 2009
• Web Strategist Jeremiah Owyang’s Mobile App – December 1, 2009
• Linkedin iPhone Update Offers More Functionality – December 29, 2009
• Audio Blog with Audio Boo on iPhone – December 15, 2009

Publish Your Content On Your Mobile originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

Not For Tourists (NFT) maps have come to the iPhone, and mobile users rejoice. NFT maps offer the user more than just directions, it offers detailed neighborhood descriptions, thousands of essential listings, customizable maps for return trips, and editorialized commentary on things you need to know when you get there. It’s the map that talks back…but in a good way.

Currently New York, San Francisco, London, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. are mapped out, with Seattle, Boston, Philidelphia, and Miami being added soon. Putting these maps together takes time, but considering the pace at which they are adding, it won’t be long that the maps themselves will include more international and more major-minor cities.

The iPhone app comes with a $4.99 price tag, but considering the information you’re getting in these maps, it’s worth it. The price for not having to fold and refold a map is worth the price of admission alone. Explore these cities in a whole new way and let us know what you think!

• Linkedin iPhone Update Offers More Functionality – December 29, 2009
• Journey from the Phone to the iPhone – October 19, 2011
• iPhone 4S Released Not the iPhone 5 – October 4, 2011
• iPhone 5 Available to Buy on October 7 or 15 – September 12, 2011
• AutoCAD for iPad, iPhone and Mac OS – September 27, 2010

NFT Internet Maps On Your Mobile originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

DropBox has a very intuitive and easy-to-use interface, using your Mac, Linux or Windows client; or even using the web interface. You can simply synchronize your files everywhere; it doesn’t matter from which computer you are connecting. And now, it won’t matter if you are using your laptop, desktop or iPhone.

Some of the other features included are:

• Possibility to use public links for your files: Instead of using rapidshare, megaupload or any other file hosting; you can upload your files to DropBox in a public folder and share it with the community.
• Usability similar with Subversion: With the local client, you can store your files in your hard drive. And every time you put files in there, they are automatically synchronized.
• 2gb of storage.

And some of the features that you can see with the iPhone app:

• Download files for offline viewing: Add files to your ‘Favorites’, and they’ll be accessible at any time.
• Take photos and videos and sync them to your Dropbox: Take a photo from your iPhone and email its public link to a friend in less than a minute.

Take a quick look:

• Your Files Everywhere with DropBox – July 9, 2009
• Best Free iPhone Alarm Clocks – January 3, 2011
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Windows 7 Phone Sexes Up the Market – February 18, 2010
• Linkedin iPhone Update Offers More Functionality – December 29, 2009

DropBox for iPhone Released! originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

What’s the idea? This mobile app will let you access other apps like Facebook, Twitter (TweetLite), Live Messenger, games and more without actually installing them on your phone.  Even though the application architecture and functionality are not revealed, seems that the small footprint from OneApp (150kb) will dynamically launch parts of the application and avoid installation or storage requirements; something like application virtualization for web apps, not a bad idea.

OneApp also includes cloud services that help offload processing and storage from the phone to the Internet, improving overall performance. But, as you may think, this mobile app it is only compatible with a few phones (at least in this first stage); here’s the list:

• Nokia 3555, 5320, 6300, 6500, 6600, E50, E51, E63, E65, E66, E71, N70, N72, N73, N78, N80, N81, N82, N85, N95, N96
• Samsung U900 Soul
• Sony Ericsson C510, C902, C905, G705,K610i, K800i, K805i, T650i, W200i, W580i, W595, W660i, W980

Are you planning in using it?

• Facebook vs Twitter: 2010 Social Demographic Breakdown – December 21, 2010
• Facebook is the most used URL in Twitter Profiles – December 5, 2010
• Save your Photos, Videos and Documents in one Place with PhotoRem – November 7, 2010
• How to Add a Sidebar with Facebook, Twitter, Delicio.us and Digg – October 31, 2010
• Virus Infecting Mac and Linux – October 31, 2010

Microsoft OneApp for Mobiles originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

There is currently a 14 day waiting period for apps so they can be reviewed by Apple. However, this is annoying Facebook as they believe Apple are using this time to block their app from the market. Here is what Hewt said in his blog, almost criticizing the iPhone along with Apple:

Oh, but you say that iPhone apps are different, because they run native code and can do scary things that web pages can’t? Again, you’re wrong, because iPhone apps are sandboxed and have scarcely any more privileges than a web app. About the only scary thing they can do outside the sandbox is access your address book, but Apple can easily fix that by requiring they ask permission first, just like they must do to track your location.

Whether or not Apple chooses to listen is up to them. Tearing down the wall could lead to an influx of Spammers, leaving it up could further delay apps or even put off developers as alternatives become increasingly available.

• Linkedin iPhone Update Offers More Functionality – December 29, 2009
• Microsoft OneApp for Mobiles – August 29, 2009
• PDF to Microsoft Word Converter Facebook Edition – December 4, 2011
• Washington Post Facebook Social Reader News Application – November 26, 2011
• Dont Just Jump Ship to Apple So Easily – September 27, 2011

Facebook Critisizes App Store originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

GPS-apps have been very popular with all types of geo-aware apps available for a variety of uses. Now imagine taking those geo-aware apps and turning it into a MMO game where players use their actual location as the point of reference for a game. That is exactly what Parallel Kingdom, set to launch later this month, will attempt to do.

Now at first glance, Parallel Kingdom does not compare to the desktop MMO’s such as World of WarCraft, but for a mobile platform, it appears to be a pretty decent entry. Naturally the designers will have to upgrade their graphics interface to get players to keep coming back, but for starters the concept is pretty intriguing. Users will utilize their current location as the basis for the game. If you are sitting in a restaurant, it will be such that the location may be inhabited with monsters or other such obstacles to overcome. Meanwhile, walking down the street or exploring nearby blocks might reveal new weaopns, treasure, and other real life peopel to interact with in-game.

The game is still somewhat limited, but future releases look to take mobile MMO to the next level. If Parallel Kingdom can find a way to attract players to return to their world, find a suitable price point, and keep the game fresh and interesting, then there is no limits as to where this game could go. The game will be free for users on both the iPhone and Android platforms upon release with a price plan coming down the road.

• Apple Tackling a New Market? – January 26, 2010
• Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support – June 29, 2011
• Raptr Is the Ultimate Gaming Service: Connects PSN, Xbox and More – May 16, 2011
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010
• Diacarta Offers Unique Scheduling Mobile App – August 8, 2010

MMO Set to Change Mobile Gaming originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

• iTouch Acting as Gateway Drug to iPhone – December 8, 2009
• Why Mobile Apps Need Cloud Support – June 29, 2011
• BabbleOn: Create Voice Messages for Facebook: iPhone, Android and Blackberry Apps – March 30, 2011
• AutoCAD for iPad, iPhone and Mac OS – September 27, 2010
• Sony’s New PSP Phone Threatens Apple? – August 12, 2010

BerryStore Steals Blackberry App Center’s Spotlight originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook

• NFT Internet Maps On Your Mobile – November 23, 2009
• IPHDAVAD The All In One HDMI and USB Port for Your iPhone and iPad – November 28, 2011
• iPhone 4: Retro Yet Futuristic Wooden iPhone Case – November 20, 2011
• Journey from the Phone to the iPhone – October 19, 2011
• Steve Jobs’ Last Project Was The iPhone 5 – October 16, 2011

Top 5 Olympic Apps for iPhone originally appeared on: Crenk
Join our Community: Twitter, Facebook