• 28Feb

    PC World looks at rejected iPhone apps

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    Is this news? Not really, but it's darn funny.

    PC World's coverage of 10 rejected apps was meant to shed light on the iPhone app developer's dilemma: Is there any way to know whether a pet project stands a chance of approval in the App Store in advance? That way, time and money wouldn't have to be spent on creating an app, only to receive a rejection notice.

    It's a good question. And the issue has upset plenty of emerging developers. But c'mon! At least some of these guys HAD to know their pet projects would be slated for the "reject" pile.

    I think someone at PC World had a sense of humor and was just looking for an excuse to run this list. But judge for yourself. You can read the whole article here. Or if you'd rather skim through, here's the list in a nutshell:


    1. Obama Trampoline: The game challenged user to pop onscreen balloons — by tossing politicians at them via trampoline.



    2. MyShoe: Remember the infamous George W. Bush/shoe-throwing incident? A developer from Pakistan made a game where users can hurl footwear at different public figures (including W).

    3. I Am Poor: Puts images of Ramen noodles, tuna, and mac and cheese on your home screen. That's about it.

    4. The South Park App: SP fans could've had a pretty easy way to get episode clips, news, wallpapers and other show-related stuff via this app. But Apple said the content was potentially offensive (and yet, says the article, the TV show is available in the iTunes store. Hmmm...)



    5. Pull My Finger: Hey, wait. Why is this on the list? The flatulence emulator is already in the App Store.



    6. iBoobs: Well, what can you say about this one? Users have missed out on jiggling the virtual iBoobs to their hearts' content. The developer argued that an episode of Baywatch was far more revealing than this little app. (Ah yes, the old Baywatch defense. Someday, censorship attorneys everywhere will be required to study Pamela Anderson...)

    7. Slasher: It got approved, then yanked a day later. The app displayed a kitchen knife and emitted a scream when a user shook it. (Apparently, an app that lets user wield a virtual broken bottle is okay, though, because that one's already sitting in the App Store.)



    8. Murderdrome: The digital comic was snubbed because it was not kid-friendly. (And yet, broken bottles are okay?) I'm with the developer on this one: "Apple should really extend their ratings system for games onto the other applications that the App Store has," says comic creator PJ Holden. As it is now, he wonders if genuine artists will end up being discouraged from the platform.

    9. Podcaster: Apparently, this app's sin is being too good at competing with iTunes. Users can listen to their favorite podcasts, as well as download them right to the phone. (It's gone to the darkside now, for jailbreakers only.)



    10. Freedom Time: Billed as a presidential countdown clock, Freedom Time would've tracked the previous administration's final moments down to 0. It's a mute point now, but I know plenty of people who would've loved this app not too long ago.

    So there you have it. It seems that the biggest peeve of these developers is that rejections and approvals seem to be happening arbitrarily. (Before Apple can distribute guidelines in advance, it would actually have to have some, right?)

    Since we end users are the ones who will ultimately benefit, I do hope the process becomes easier for app developers. But I'm not holding my breath. Apple hasn't exactly had a big track record for transparency. And I'm not sure that the makers of iBoobs or Freedom Timer are the catalytic visionaries necessary to get the company to change its mind now.

    Images via PC World

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  • 28Feb

    iPhone Apps: Timers — Game Timer App (4/5)

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    Game Timer App (not to be confused with the similarly dubbed Game Timer) is exactly what the name says: a simple timer intended for use in board games and other activities. But I tend to use it whenever and wherever I need a fast, no-fuss single timer.



    Game Timer App (free)
    It has a clean, simple interface, keeps the phone awake while in use and offers increments of minutes and seconds. For a free app, I also appreciate the fact that it has no ads.

    What you should know:
    The maximum amount of time you can set is 59 minutes, 59 seconds and the alarm only dings once. The app also defaults to 1 minute whenever you open the app. Though this tracks time when the phone's sleeping, it does not have the continuity to account for lost time when you switch to another app or take a call. When you come back, the timer will be off and set to the default 1 minute again. (Be warned: If the phone rings and you're timing something important, you'll want to decline the call.)

    Impressions:
    There's a lot that this timer doesn't do, but it was never intended to do everything. It's just a clean, simple app that keeps a basic countdown — no more, no less. So for that, and the $0 price tag and ease of use, it's a winner for me when I need a simple timer for anything, except for maybe boiling an egg.

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  • 28Feb

    iPhone Apps: Other (very cool) timers (5/5)

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    Sometimes a timer is just a timer. After all, how many bells and whistles can you put on something so straightforward, right? Well, actually, we've covered multi-timers, verbal countdown apps, timers that work when the phone's asleep, and now — really cool dedicated-use timers.

    I checked out these four, but they didn't multi-task too well. But they did succeed in doing what they were meant to do extremely well. So, they make the list of honorable mentions for their creativity and for giving me something I didn't realize I wanted or needed — but totally do.



    eggXactly (0.99)
    Super cute visuals that promises the perfect boiled egg. Science nerds may dig this, since it's based on physical experiments and studies. Users input variables, like the egg's temperature, the altitude (manually or automatically via GPS), and the size (by swiping to enlarge/reduce the image on the screen to match your egg). Plus, the clucking chicken alarm is just pure fun. And you can shut off or reset the timer by shaking the phone.





    Gourmet Egg Timer (1.99)
    Features a photo-realistic egg in water that moves with the phone's accelerometer. Comes with size chart, simple room vs. fridge temperature input, altitude gauge that's manual or automatic (via GPS), and the ability to time multiple eggs. It also continuously tracks elapsed time, so you can switch to another app and come back mid-timing, and forces the phone to stay awake, so you don't miss the alarm.





    Tea Time! (0.99)
    I admit, I like tea, but I'm no connoisseur. I have no idea how long to steep a cup before it goes bitter or what the time differential is for loose leaf vs. bags. No prob. Tea Time! figures it out automatically. I just put in what I'm having, and it sets the timer for me. The only downside I can see is that the selection is a little limited, to just Black, Green, White, Oolong, and Herbal. Hopefully, future updates will include more varietals, but for now — fortunately — I'm an avid Green tea drinker with an easy (and adorable) way to sustain her habit.





    Game Timer (0.99)
    Love the wooden theme of this app. Not to be confused with Game Timer App, this one features dual interfaces pointed in opposite positions, which is perfect for Chess, Checkers, Go and other games. You can configure the individual start times for handicapping a player, track number of moves per game, play sounds during use, track overtime per player and force the phone to stay awake during use.



    So that's it, my top timer apps so far. Wow, I had no idea there was so much to say about timers. Of all the ones I tested, my favorite is probably the Talking Timer, followed by Chef Timer. Both work well even when the phone's asleep, which means I can put it in my pocket and it will vibrate to tell me when time's up without worry. But since I loaded Talking Timer, with its verbal countdown, I have not even slipped once while running into the kitchen — which is huge for a klutz like me. It warns me when there's 20 seconds left, at which point I just saunter over to my stove to finish cooking, cool as a cucumber.

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  • 28Feb

    iPhone Apps: Timers — Chef Timer (2/5)

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    One timer really is not like the next, particularly when it comes to iPhone apps. Chef Timer may seem like 5 in 1 Timer on the surface, since it has multiple timers, but it packs an awesome feature that tips the scales in its favor.



    Chef Timer (0.99)
    Playing with this timer is fun. The stainless steel theme is cool, and the gear-like adjustment noises make it feel like a game. (But if you grow tired of them or find them irritating, you can turn the sounds off.)

    Chef Timer has four timers, one per stove burner, and a display with large numbers and editable labels. You can set it by "turning" the knobs in 15 second increments and change the time while it's running. The clock tracks continuously, so if you leave the app and  come back, it accounts for this. There are also 9 different alarms  to choose from, as well as a vibration mode.

    But the best thing is that you can put the phone to sleep (by hitting the button on top of the phone) and the alarm will still work. This means you can stick it in your pocket without fear of bumping the screen or interfering with the settings.

    What you should know:
    Sadly, there's no dedicated  fifth oven timer like 5 in 1 Timer has, which would've been nice. Also, the "knob" can be a little tricky to use. It requires a lot of circular winding to allot an hour or more, and you have to stop rather precisely to schedule the right amount of time. In addition, I found all 9 alarms to be kind of annoying. This, however, actually works for me since there's little chance I can ignore them.

    Impressions:
    This is one of the top timer apps I tested. The fact that the alarm works when the phone's sleeping is awesome. Some of the other apps do this as well, but none did so as consistently or reliably.


    I thought I was done at this point. I had found a great app that let me time things the way I needed to — or so I thought. Then I met Talking Timer.

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  • 28Feb

    iPhone Apps: Timers — Talking Timer (3/5)

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    Yup, it does precisely what the name implies. I just had no idea it would do it so well.



    Talking Timer (0.99)
    Originally intended as a fitness tool, it counts both up and down, and even features milliseconds, so I can use it for meal prep, yoga workouts, or anything else I need to time.

    Mostly, I use it as a kitchen utility, and it works great for that. Instead of a sudden blaring alarm, Talking Timer has spoken reminders to warn before the time's up on my meatloaf. It can be set to announce every hour, minute, or over the course of the last 10 60 seconds. It also features a vibration mode, which can be used with or without the voice, and timing continuity (so you can close it and come back without missing the time).

    What you should know:
    It would be nice to have different voices to choose from, but aside from that, I hardly have any complaints about it. A user once vented that the time got out of sync, but since then, Talking Timer's latest update matched the app to the phone's internal clock, making it as accurate as your iPhone. It's reliable and works when the phone's asleep, which is a big plus.

    Impressions:
    I've experienced nothing but smooth sailing so far. In fact, this app is even finding its way into other parts of my life. It's particularly handy when my husband and I compete for who can get dressed and ready to go out first. (Loser buys dinner.)

    The bottom line is, if you're the type who needs advance warning before time is up, get this app. If, however, you rarely cook, don't exercise or engage in goofy activities with your significant other, and all you want is a simple, bare bones timer, you may want to consider the Game Timer App instead.

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  • 28Feb

    Hack a phone, get $10,000

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    If you like hacking cell phone or web security, and plan to be in British Columbia next month, put your talents to better use — like, say, winning $10,000, courtesy of TippingPoint.

    Here's the catch: You have to be at the CanSecWest Security Conference in Vancouver (March 16 20). TippingPoint is holding its third annual Pwn2Own contest there.

    The company's DVLabs just released the rules for this year's competition, which will focus on mobile devices and web browsers.

    Option 1: Phones
    The prize money isn't dedicated to a single winner. In fact, the cash goes to any participant who successfully hacks an Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Symbian, or WinMo phone — without prying, popping or otherwise physically cracking it open. The attacks just need to be activated by email, text, web surfing, or other activities a user would normally do on the handheld. The first one who succeeds, however, also gets to keep the phone (along with a one-year contract, fully paid).

    Option 2: Web browsers
    Option 2 pits hackers against computer web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer 8 (on a Sony Vaio with Windows 7), or Firefox and Safari (on a MacBook with OS X). To win, the feats can't require more user interaction than a single click on a malicious link.

    The award for option 2, at $5,000, is just half that of option 1. But at least this prize money is enough to cover the conference costs (and bogus credentials to get yourself in there, if need be — Then again, it is a security conference, so maybe it's not such a hot idea).


    The whole point of the Pwn2Own contest is to discover immediate weaknesses. TippingPoint then alerts the companies to the vulnerabilities, so tech junkies like us can be protected.

    Last year, a MacBook Air got hacked in two minutes by researchers from Independent Security Evaluators, who discovered a vulnerability in Safari 3.1. They went home with both $10,000 and the laptop.

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  • 27Feb

    Top Ten Mobile Phone News Stories of the Week - 27th February

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    The mobile phone news keeps on coming and to keep everyone up to date, here’s our handy, weekly roundup of the stories which may have escaped you!

    tube-dancing.jpg

    1.  Dance, Wherever You May Be!

    Remember the T-Mobile Dance TV advert filmed at Liverpool Street Station, where hundreds of people spontaneously broke out into a complex dance routine?  Well, Universal Music and T-Mobile are giving you the chance to re-inact it wherever and whenever you like with the release of the Liverpool Street Station Dance album, featuring all the songs used in the ad.  Get if from iTunes and Amazon etc on the 2nd March.

    2.  Texting Makes Kids Clever!

    Well, maybe not clever, but according to Coventry University, those who text more often have better reading and vocabulary skills thanks to being involved with another form of text-based communication.  Interestingly, kids using abbreviations and text-speak often (more…)

    Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

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  • 27Feb

    Blackberry Storm Updates Copy & Paste

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    In new evidence that modern technology is so far into the future that it’s coming up behind us again,  the Blackberry Storm is tweaking its copy & paste function.  You know, the thing we had working perfectly back with Windows 3.1.

    Touch-screen text selection has been a thorny issue for months, so challenging that certain white branded phones (that shall remain iNameless) simply refuse to do anything so plebeian as “select and copy text.”  After all, what possible reason could a smartphone owner having for dealing with information?

    The OS update adds a thick text-selection bar that appears when you start selecting text, tackling the key issue: the mismatch between the average font and finger sizes, which means  that you either accidentally select three paragraphs (and all the wonderful web-page formatting and images around the edges), or else have characters so big you can display one word at a time.  Now, hopefully, you can actually do what you meant to without patting your pockets and going “Where’s that stylus again?”

    Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

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  • 27Feb

    Microsoft Windows Mobile 7 Expected in 2010

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    winmo-7.jpg

    It seems Microsoft are keen to turn over a new leaf when it comes to their much-maligned mobile phone operating system.  Windows Mobile 6.5 was announced at the Mobile World Congress and promises to be a big step forward in usability over the current 6.1, however, it looks like we’ll barely be used to this latest revision before Windows Mobile 7 appears, which according to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, will be (more…)

    Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

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  • 27Feb

    Mobile Phone Security is a Growing Issue

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    phone-security.jpgMobile phone spam and mobile phone viruses are both areas of big technology security concern according to the most recent report by McAfee. The computer security company has released its annual mobile phone report and the bad news is in that there has been a huge jump in mobile phone malware reports in just the past year.

    The 2008 statistic from McAfee was that less than twenty percent of the world’s mobile phone handset makers had experienced problems with mobile phone viruses and spam issues. This year that number has climbed to over fifty percent.

    The issues that are related to mobile phone security threaten a broad range of different categories of cell phone use. The biggest area of concern is the issue of privacy; many viruses tap into the private information that you have stored on your cell phone in an attack similar to phishing. Other areas of that may be impacted include the ability to use the phone, problems with the network and problems related to third party mobile phone applications.

    The bright news is that mobile phone industry experts are aware of the problem and are working to improve mobile phone security. McAfee reports that over two thirds of handset makers have made mobile phone security a priority for this year. In the meantime, use common sense when using your mobile phone, particularly when downloading applications or opening links from your mobile web.

    Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

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