Live Poker 40K - Review

From MacLife:

It’s usually not much fun to play poker with fake money. Strategy disappears as players throw chips around with no restraint, knowing they can just click a button and make more magically appear.

Live Poker takes a novel approach to this problem. Aside from a small per diem and the bankroll you’re given when you first join up, the chips don’t come free–you earn them by inviting new players, participating in sponsored offers, or paying real money at the rate of up to 7,500 chips per dollar.

Read more here.

WalMart To Get iPhone On Dec 28?

Edward Kirk at iPhone Alley has this story:

Boy Genius Report has gotten information from several sources fleshing out the details of the rumored WalMart iPhone launch. According to the anonymous tipsters, the iPhone will launch on December 28 in 2,500 locations. Some stores will also be getting display units like Best Buy.

Read more here.

Westone rolls out Westone 3 triple-driver earphones

Need a new pair of $400 earphones? From iLounge:

Westone Music Products has introduced its new Westone 3 triple-driver in-ear headphones. The 3 features three balanced armature drivers and a three-way crossover network for improved sound, braided cables, and a frequency response of 20 Hz - 18 kHz.

Read more here.

PowerDock2 Charging Station

From our mothership site, MyMac.com, by writer Alan Walkowich:

An era of technology has metamorphosed our homes into a brimming mass of cords and assorted gadgets. How can you organize such chaos? Griffin Technology?s PowerDock2 will calm the obsessive-compulsive organizer in you. A charging station that conveniently charges two iPod or iPhone devices at once using universal docking wells with easy-to-use adapters.

Read more here.

First Look: FrontPocket for iPhone and iPod touch

TUAW has a first look at FrontPocket:

As a gadget hound and productivity freak, I’ve tried just about everything over the past 10+ years, both hardware and software. My gadgets have included a Palm IIIe, two Handspring Visors, a Newton 2100, a Newton eMate and a Palm Tungsten E2. They were all nice (some more than others), but each shared deficits of one type or another. Graffiti and easily-lost styluses were two biggies.

Read more here.

A Look at Asteroids Clone ‘Aerolite’

Yes, another Touch Arcade story!

Sputnik Games has released an iPhone take on the retro classic Asteroids through the App Store. Aerolite [App Store] features updated color graphics that maintain a retro feel along with on-screen console style control buttons (that can be moved anywhere on-screen you like). But is it fun? It is if you like Asteroids.

Read more here.

Details of the Upcoming ‘Aurora Feint: The Arena’

Touch Arcade has this story:

Last night we were able to speak briefly with Danielle Cassley and Jason Citron, the developers of Aurora Feint: The Beginning [App Store] about their next major release which has just been submitted to the App Store.

For those not familiar with the original Aurora Feint, it was one of the first games to appear on the iPhone back in July and won a huge following due to its polish and complexity (not to mention also being free). The developers are following up the success of the original with a new pay version that builds on the existing world and adds head-to-head competition into the mix.

Read the rest of the article here.

Analyst Confirms Wal-mart to Sell iPhones

From The iPod Observer -

Retail giant Walmart will be selling Apple’s popular iPhone 3G handset over the holiday season and will begin selling units on December 28th, as confirmed by analyst Jamie Townsend of research firm JRPG.

In a telephone interview, Mr. Townsend told iPodObserver.com that JPRG has good reason to believe that Apple will begin moving the iPhone 3G through Walmart as a distribution channel before the end of the year.

Read more here.

Bike Or Die 2 - New App Game

LIMITED TIME PRICE! The best 3D game for the iPhone and iPod Touch has arrived! Bike Or Die 2 features hours of biking fun with tons of levels to play! Check out our in-game video on youtube: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cWydLBlZS5s It doesnt get better than this! Features include: - Thrilling biking action - Physics-based bike simulation - 3D biking levels and environments - Challenging level design - Zooming effects - Loads of iphone specific touch controls - Over 2500 levels! - Improved performance - Background music - Customizable bike appearance - Record and replay your best games - On-line Hall of Fame with Time Trial and Freestyle Competitions

Price: $2.99 - Download from the App Store here.

NewsTap Lite (Usenet Newsreader)

NewsTap Lite is a Usenet Newsreader for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. “NewsTap Lite” is the free version of the “NewsTap” application. “NewsTap Lite” is fully functional, but it can only subscribe to one single news group, has no Backup feature, can not import/export newsrc files and has less filter options. All these features are available in the full version of “NewsTap”. Please check out the full version of “NewsTap” in the AppStore it you need these additional features or if you like the application. Features of NewsTap Lite: - Optimized for offline usage, so you can read and write news articles without an internet connection. With a simple tap of your finger, the app will download all the new articles and send your own ones to the news groups in one short transaction. The internet connection is only needed for a very short time. - The application fully supports the portrait and landscape mode.

Price: Free - Download from the App Store here.

1Cast - New App

This looks like it could be cool, and the price is right!

1Cast gives you instant access to the freshest video news content that matters to you. By providing a unique way to build personalized video news playlists or “micro-casts” of your favorite topics with video from major TV and Cable News providers, 1Cast enables you to get what you want, when you want it. Instead of wasting your time wading through hundreds of video clips, 1Cast enables you to set the search parameters and have the news you want delivered directly to you. Delivered in beautiful full screen video, you can watch your own micro-cast from beginning to end; navigate among individual clips to suit your viewing needs and share videos with friends. A free, ad supported service; 1Cast is updated continually throughout the day and comes to you in a fresh and intuitive user interface. We deliver the content; you choose how and when to consume it.

Price: Free - Download from the App Store here.

ShotGun!! - New App

Ever wanted to know the official rules of ShotGun when one of your friends calls it out. Well this app does just that. It gives you the most common rules that apply when calling a ShotGun. This application can make you get the front seat more often since no one will dare to confront you because you have the official rules of ShotGun at the palm of your hand.

Price: Free - Download from the App Store here.

Mobile Adventure ‘Angel Sword’ Comes to the iPhone

Another Touch Arcade news story. This game looks a LOT like the very first version of Zelda…

DVide Arts Inc. has just released an iPhone version of its popular mobile adventure game Angel Sword [App Store] through the iTunes App Store.

Angel Sword is a Zelda-like adventure both in gameplay and appearance. Although not actually a retro title, it looks like one, likely due to the lowest common denominator of the smartphone platforms the game supports. The main character is controlled via an on-screen button rose and by way of other contextual pop-up buttons. A simple musical score accompanies gameplay.

Read the full story here.

‘Cube’ First Person Shooter Arrives in App Store for Free

From Touch Aracde, who writes:

The iPhone port is described as a technology demo that supports all the functionality of the desktop version, though they warn that some of the features are impractical on the iPhone. Indeed, early impressions of the game show framerate issues on many of the levels, but should be a fun distraction and a prelude to what is to come in the future for iPhone gaming.

The developers report that they are working on getting version 1.2 submitted to Apple to address many of the known bugs — including the compressing of many of the textures to make them load faster and take less memory.

Read it here. And yes, you read the correctly, FREE!

Review: SushiTime for the iPhone

The iPhone Blog has a review of SushiTime:

So you go to a new sushi restaurant in town, you think, “man I bet they have an awesome yellow tail roll here”. You are seated at a table by the beautiful waitress, you open the menu, and low and hold…the menu uses terms that you know nothing about. You think to yourself, “I could ask the waitress, but then she’ll think I’m stupid!” That’s when it hits you, only the night before, you downloaded Sushi Time to your iPhone. With Sushi Time, you realize, “I don’t have to be a sushi pro to eat like one! Sushi Time will demystify many common terms found in sushi restaurant menus as well as fill in gaps for sushi connoisseurs.”

Read the full review here.

Review: Marple for iPhone

Macworld’s Dan Franks has a review of Marple:

One of my favorite things about the iPhone and the App Store is the plethora of inexpensive time-killers available. For just a dollar or two—and oftentimes for free—I can download an entertaining game that will keep me occupied while waiting in line or taking the train to the office. For the past month or so, my favorite such diversion has been the logic game Marple. According to its developer, Marple was inspired by the Palm OS game Hercule, although Marple takes advantage of the iPhone’s touchscreen to offer far better graphics and a better interface.

Read it here.

Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G - Review

Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G
Company: Marware

Price: $34.99 USD
http://www.drbott.com

By Alan Walkowich
The Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G is a versatile neoprene sport case manufactured by Marware. Primarily designed for the athlete in all of us, the comfortable armband is the Sportsuit’s greatest attribute. To sweeten the purchase, you still have the option to wear the case using a belt-clip or to place directly in a pocket or purse. A removable key/money holder is included along with a screen protector and microfiber cloth.

As a resident of Tampa, Florida, I endured an exceptionally hot summer and initially was concerned about using an armband that could slip due to excess sweat or become too uncomfortable to wear. The neoprene armband withstood the test, remaining comfortable and secure while running, biking and canoeing (Please note, this case is NOT waterproof). Accessing the iPod, text messages and even an email or two was performed nearly error free. The vinyl screen cover occasionally needed to be adjusted to lie flat against the iPhone’s screen to ensure good contact.

The case (identified as ‘the sleeve’ by Marware) fits snugly and showed no signs of losing its cargo. So snugly, that when removing the iPhone the vinyl screen acts as a suction cup and requires an added finesse to remove. For the ‘younger’ generation (I have friends in their early 20’s), the sleeve’s appearance required a facelift. While the external image may not impress your friends, the secure hold and comfort while exercising provides ample respect for the Sportsuit. The basic belt-clip does not swivel, however, it allows for a low profile when worn under an article of clothing.

I would recommend comparing other sport armband cases to Marware’s Sportsuit Convertible to allow for a personal assessment. The slim style is excellent for an active lifestyle, however, covers up the exceptional design of the iPhone 3G. Are you in the market for a pleasurable workout or prefer to run with a “shiny case” which may end up crashing to the ground because it becomes slick?

Pro:
*Armband, Belt-clip, and sleeve (3-in-1 capability)
*Slim style
*Protective film(with limitations)
*Includes microfiber cloth and removable key holder
*Lifetime Marware Guarantee

Cons:
*Minimal protection if case were dropped
*Covered external buttons (silent/ring button poses difficulty)
*No swivel on belt-clip

My Mac rating: 3 out of 5

Marine Aquarium - New App

The original SereneScreen Marine Aquarium now on the iPhone! You’ve seen aquarium programs before, but you’ve never seen anything like this! Marine Life so vibrant you won’t believe your eyes. Indescribable realism! Your iPhone will be now an absolute realistic aquarium!

Price: $1.99 - Download from the App Store here.

Infectious Laughter: Tickle The Baby Edition!

Infectious Laughter: Tickle the Baby Edition is designed to induce laughter in children and adults of all ages. We at Logic Twilight believe that laughter is good medicine. With that in mind we have created a simple program that was designed to make you laugh, giggle & smile. If you are having a bad day, want a quick snicker or wish to entertain your children or baby, just load this program, tickle the cute baby on the screen and let the laughter begin. The more you tickle the baby, the more infectious the laughter. We are sure it will add a smile to your face and laughter to your heart. Add a photo of your own cute baby to or from your photo library or your iPhone camera!

Price: $.99 - Download from the App Store here.

Animal Years - New App

Have you ever wondered how old you would be if you were a dog? How about a cat, mouse, horse, goat, duck, cow, turtle, goldfish? Well now you can easily figure it out with animal years!! This app is also a great way to figure out the biological age of your pets. It works especially well for animals that age in a non-linear way, such as dogs, cats, and horses. Features include: -9 different animals included. -Accurate age translation from reliable sources. -No need for internet connection. -Free upgrades for all future versions!

Price: $.99 - Download from the App Store here.

Discover Excel 2007 - Part I - New App

Interesting use of the iPhone:

Discover Excel 2007 is an interactive E-Learning tool for users of Microsoft Office Excel 2007. The Discover products combine audio, animation, and software simulation to make the discovery of computer programs both effective and entertaining. The products are also designed to help you learn at your own pace, allowing you to repeat topics or jump to anywhere in the course.

Price: $9.99 - Download from the App Store here.

A “gaming shield” for the iPhone and 3G

From TUAW:

I have a feeling people will probably love these or hate these, but personally, I like the fact that they look a little different than most iPhone cases out there. The folks at Element Cases sent us a note about their new “gaming shields” for the iPhone. If you’re trying to make your iPhone look different, they’ll certainly help. Marketed towards gamers, the cases offer impact protection and an easier form factor to hold on to, even during raucous games of MotoChaser.

Read the full article here.

Onyx Online To Be Xbox Live For iPhone Games

This is interesting, and possibly something that could push iPhone gaming to the next level.

You may know Steve Demeter as the developer of the hit App Store game Trism, but lately he’s been working on something a lot cooler that could be a game changer in the ever-growing iPhone game industry. It’s called Onyx Online, and it’s an a score keeping service that lets users keep an online profile with their scores in different iPhone games, as well as track of their scores of their friends.

Read the full article here.

Google App Updated With Voice Search, Location Aware Results

From iPhone Alley:

Google has released the highly anticipated update of their Google Mobile App that includes the ability to search Google by talking your search into your iPhone.

Read more here.

Apple sued for hairline cracks in the iPhone

What, a lawsuit against Apple? Will these people never give up?

A lawsuit filed against Apple and AT&T on November 4, 2008, charging misrepresentation of the 3G speed of the iPhone on AT&T’s network, has been amended with an additional charge. The new charge claims the iPhone develops hairline cracks in the housing.

Read the full (news?) story here, at Macworld.


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