Promo Codes Come To All App Stores

photo © 2006 Richard Riley | more info (via: Wylio)

This week Apple announced a change to their limitations on app promo codes by opening them to all app stores. That’s right International users, no more switching back and forth between your pseudo-American-account to redeem a code — Apple says we’re finally worthy.

Since the launch of the app store, this has been a major annoyance for users living outside the US, specifically app-reviewing bloggers. It’s unclear why the promo codes were ever sealed off from the rest of the world but it was seriously off-putting.

iPads

photo © 2010 Yutaka Tsutano | more info (via: Wylio)

Holding out for the newest version of the iPad? Latest rumours indicate that it won’t have a camera, it will have two. According to Reuters, Asian manufacturers claim the not-yet-seen iPad will be smaller than the current version, possibly sporting both a front-facing and a rear-facing camera. It’s possible the recent flood of tablets (like the Galaxy S) hitting the market have influenced Apple’s decision to hurry two camera’s into their hardware. Although it was pretty much expected that the new model arriving early 2011 would be equipped with at least one.

There’s no exact details on how much smaller the new iPad will be however as Reuters pointed out, Jobs squashed the idea of a 7″ iPad (Galaxy S) saying It’s “too small..” It’s being said that iPad sales will eat up a majority of the tablet market in 2011 but companies like HP, HTC and Samsung will continue to offer some healthy competition for Apple with their Android tablet-alternatives.

(Source “iPad Rumour”Reuters)

Don’t ask me how I came upon this site, there was just clearly some sort of wonderful serendipity going on this morning when I landed on it.  These cases are equally as strange as they are awesome. I would have been pleased with a painted bacon case.. but life-like bacon & eggs ?? Sushi?? Come on.. this is too cool. Wonder if they make Android-bacon-cases?

I think I know at least one person who will grab one.

Check out the Strapya.com for more information.

Music, the iOS app version of Andrew Zuckerman’s book Music, features portraits and video interviews of over fifty well-known musicians, producers, performers and composers. The book includes highly regarded individuals within their respective genres. Artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, Fionna Apple, Joe Jackson and Danny Elfman.

The design of this digital book is gorgeous and contains behind the scenes photography, short films and intimate interviews with artists explaining their craft and personal journeys within the industry. Additionally, each one of the artist pages provide quick-access to the artist’s music within iTunes and portions of the app is sharable with friends. Andrew Zuckerman’s Music is available for $4.99 in the app store.
Get it! (iTunes link)

No iPad? Music lovers can still grab the book in hardcover for $38 (CAN) on Amazon.

A big thanks to everyone who has sent in feedback about episode 1 & 2– keep it coming.   I’m still working out the glitches and processes and I hope you see some positive progress… aside from the wind noise … sorry.

AutoBot

There are tons of things that our smartphones should be integrated with; household appliances, all media equipment, plants and definitely cars.

AutoBot uses a smartphone interface to give you important information about your vehicle. It’s a tiny gadget that connects to your car’s diagnostic port and reports back data to your smartphone. Using AutoBot drivers can control parts of the car like windows, locks, or the trunk and when it’s time for an oil change or a tire rotation the user will be instantly notified.

One of its best features called “stolen car mapping’ will map your car and its location, there’s even has a panic button that will send out an automatic emergency response should you find yourself in an jam.
(not intended for traffic jams ;P)

And, although AutoBot uses an iPhone in the promotional images, it does state that their product will work with almost any computer or cellphone.

AutoBot is not yet on the market but it’s stated on the site that there will be no paid service agreement. The gadget will set you back $300 and will be ad-supported with car-related content and offers.

Learn more at Mavizontech

(Sources Crunch Gear )

TK-421 Case with Flip-out Keyboard

We’ve seen other companies make attempts at filling the keyboard void, but in my opinion, this is one of the best designs I’ve seen.

The TK-421 case enables the mini keyboard to sit adjacent to the iPhone screen. When the accessory is closed the keyboard folds under the device and poses as a case. Sweet!

The TK-421 iPhone Case with Flip-Out Keyboard was solely designed by the folks at ThinkGeek.com. Nicely, they’ve also powered this thing with its own USB rechargeable battery.

This clunky-looking add-on might not be ideal for everyday use, although it’s obviously nice to have a choice should you need to type out a lengthy emails or blog post. Regardless as to whether you’re a pro at typing on a touch screen or not, the design of this snap-on keyboard with BT connectivity should intrigue even skeptics.

The quantity of the TK-421 is limited and won’t be shipping until mid November according to the ThinkGeek Site.

Learn more at Think Geek

Check out more videos

Music Courtesy of Professor Kliq | Licensed by Creative Commons

I’ve just shot the first episode of Geeklish on the iPhone 4. The show isn’t quite ready for prime time (the intro is only half done) but there’s no time like the present to throw myself to the wolves. ;P

I’m counting on your feedback to make it better so please feel free to drop me a line, tweet or comment.

Lost Valentinos AR Music Video

This project was designed to allow users to customize their own music videos by capturing band members using a quick response code. Users were encouraged to record segments of the band playing in their own environments, the band then incorporated the clips into a full length music video.

AR Domestic Robocop

This clip was produced by a student in his final year, it’s piece from a larger project about the “social and architectural consequences of new media and augmented reality.”

Augmented Reality T-Shirt

Did someone say wearable interactive AR t-shirts ?

Layar

Augmented reality browser for mobile devices.

SMSlingshot

This is working device called SMSlingshot, it sends text messages by wooden slingshot to a screen — just watch the video.

ARhrrrr

ARhrrrr is an augmented reality shooter game created by the folks at Georgia Tech Augmented Environments Lab and the Savannah College of Art and Design — Zombies!

GM Augmented Reality Windshield

It appears to be a distraction more than anything but GM claims it can improve safety by giving drivers advance knowledge behind the wheel.

Junaio

The Junaio Man comes to life on your mobile device when you view it using the Juanio mobile app (AR Browser). Metaio, the creators of Junaio are doing amazing things in the AR space.

Parrot’s AR Drone

Augmented reality + Drone Quadricopter + iPhone = Parrot’s AR Drone

Vuzix AR Glasses

In this game using the Vuzix glasses, the user plays on what looks like a board with a bunch of QR codes on it.

In my latest post for GeekBeat.TV I rounded up five robots that are changing the world of therapy as we know it today. It’s been documented by numerous credible sources that individuals dealing with social disorders, Alzheimer’s, Autism and Dementia have been known to make gains using social-companion robots like Nao, Paro, Keepon and Popchilla.

The thought is this..
If a person finds social interaction with humans too overwhelming, a “social” robot specifically programmed to do so, could act as a less obtrusive point of interaction capable of teaching the user through emotional expressions, colour, facial expressions, gestures and so on. The robots are of course accompanied by a professional therapist, in some instances with the robot being controlled remotely by the therapist.

When you think ‘robot’ an image of a metal-Bender-like character probably comes to mind but social robots used in therapy often resemble a stuffed animal making them also a substitute for animal therapy.

Here’s the full article with video..
Five Therapy Robots Helping With Alzheimer’s, Autism & Cancer