PadGadget |  |
- PadGadget Daily App Deal – 8 iPad Apps on Sale
- Win More FREE iPad Accessories in Today’s Contest
- Rumor: Apple Charging for Cloud Music Service?
- Run iPad Apps on your iPhone
- Eco-Thin iPad Sleeve Made From Recycled Bottles
- Nighty Night! HD – iPad App Review
- Muvn Case for the Original iPad
- Yammer – Twitter for Your Business Now On iPad
- Vtok Allows Google Video Chatting from Your iPad 2, iPhone
- Wireless Tablet Data Usage Sees Dramatic Increase
- Notesy for Dropbox – iPad App Review
- Netflix to Introduce Family Streaming Plans in 2011?
- Tesla Wars HD – iPad Game Review
| PadGadget Daily App Deal – 8 iPad Apps on Sale Posted: 26 Apr 2011 09:52 PM PDT
For today’s Daily Deal we’ve found eight nice apps to add to your iPad collection. We have five productivity / utility apps, two game apps and a kids app in today’s bundle. We used our PadGadget Apps Tracker to find these great deals and we’ll continue to look for the best app deals as they pop-up. Some of these apps are up to 50% off, some are even free, so be sure to check them out because they are on sale for a limited time.
We use our PadGadget Apps Tracker to constantly monitor the App Store to find the biggest price changes on iPad apps. Our editorial team goes through the data, picks the best deals on the most interesting apps and then brings them to you on a regular basis. All app prices are checked at the time of posting but prices are subject to change without notice. When developers put their games on sale it’s usually for a very limited time, often 24 hours or less, so be sure to check pricing on iTunes before making a purchase. » Related posts:
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| Win More FREE iPad Accessories in Today’s Contest Posted: 26 Apr 2011 09:18 PM PDT
We have several items to give away and entering our contest is easy! Just follow the directions below and maybe you'll be a winner. Enter via Twitter in two easy steps
One winner will be selected at random for each item. You can enter as many times as you like, so start clicking. Our iPad accessory contest ends Friday, April 29th@ 11:59pm Central Time. This contest is open to US residents only. PadGadget will only ship to addresses in the US and / or APO & FPO boxes. 1.) OtterBox Defender Case (Black) - If you work in construction or need an iPad case that will provide great protection in a rough environment, the Defender case is a great choie. This heavy duty case is made of polycarbonate and silicon materials. Ports and buttons are covered for protection and the case also includes a protective film and polycarbonate cover for the iPad’s screen. The cover protects the screen when snapped on the front of the case or can be stored on the back when not in use. It also doubles as a stand, should you need one. Raised silicon edges and a plastic lip provides screen protection like no other. Installation of the Defender is more involved, requiring the removal of a silicon outer casing, disassembly of the inner polycarbonate shell and then reassembly of all pieces around the iPad, but it’s worth it.
==================================== 2.) Muvn Case (Grey) - Made of high-quality EVA foam, the Muvn Case is both shock and tear resistant, making it a nice choice for kids or anyone else looking for good protection for their iPad. It's big, rounded edges and nice texture make it ideal for little hands to hold. The Muvn case straps securely to your car’s headrest, making it especially good for road trips.
==================================== 3.) Trident Aegis Case (Blue) – The Aegis case combines a hard polycarbonate shell exterior with a silicone interior to give users complete protection for their iPad. It includes an audio jack extender for all types of 3.5 mm audio jacks, a scratch and smudge-resistant screen protector and a small microfiber cleaning cloth. A great case in a cool color!
==================================== 4.) IDAPT i4 Universal Charger (Black) - The IDAPT i4 utilizes a series of interchangeable connectors (tips) to charge up to four devices simultaneously. It's compatible with over 4,000 mobile electronic devices including the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, PSP, GPS systems, digital cameras, AA/AAAA rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth products. The charger has 3 charging points and an additional USB charging point, allowing you to charge your devices without the mess of tangled cords or the need for more than one outlet. Includes the following tips: mini USB, micro USB, Sony Ericsson 2, Samsung 4, iPod-iPhone-iPad and Nokia 2. Additional tips can be purchased on the IDAPT website.
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| Rumor: Apple Charging for Cloud Music Service? Posted: 26 Apr 2011 05:24 PM PDT
We recently reported about the imminent arrival of Apple's cloud-based music service, but a new report released by CNET today reveals that it may not be free. According to music industry insiders, the service may be free of charge initially to attract users, but eventually, Apple is going to charge a fee. Cloud music services from Apple and Google have been in the works since last year, with both companies discussing storage and uploading privileges with the four major record companies. This will allow users to upload music to the cloud service and access it from any Internet connected device.
So far, it's unclear what Apple will charge, but if it's inline with Google's prospective pricing, it will be around $20 to $25 annually. It's also unclear whether or not consumers are willing to pay for cloud music. At the moment, Amazon doesn't charge anything for the Cloud Player and Cloud Drive services, unless you exceed 5GB. The company offers 20GB free with an album purchase right now, but when the promotion ends, it will be $20 per year. One thing's for sure – pricing will have to be low enough to entice users to pay. Right now, music subscription services don't have a significant share in the digital market. It's certainly better to own music (and access it from iTunes) rather than rent it, which is how most subscription services currently work. Currently, both companies are working on securing deals with record companies. Apple reportedly has a deal with Warner Music Group and rumors of other deals in the works, but Google hasn't made much headway. Apple’s music service is set to launch ahead of Google’s, as, according to Reuters, Apple has “completed work on an online music storage service.” Would you pay for Apple's cloud music service? I'm unsure if I would, because all my music is currently available on all of the devices I use. It would certainly be convenient if you use multiple computers at work and home, or when you upgrade to a new computer. But isn't this something that should be included with iTunes, when we're already paying over $1 per song? » Related posts:
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| Posted: 26 Apr 2011 04:19 PM PDT
If you happen to own a jailbroken iPhone, running an iPad app on the device is now possible, thanks to a Mac app called iTelePad2Pod. The app, built by the iSmooth Project team, will apply all the necessary patches to your iPad apps, to allow them to run on the iPhone without major hiccups. Note that while porting iPad apps to the iPhone works, it is not for the faint of heart. In a nutshell, iTelePad2Pod will create iPhone compatible apps by using iTunes backups of your iPad apps on your Mac. The apps are then transferred to the iPhone via FTP/SSH, so an SSH client such as OpenSSH needs to be installed on your phone. Step 1: Make sure all your devices are on the same WiFi network. Step 2: Write down the IP address of your iPhone, available under under Settings > Wi-Fi. Step 3: Download iTelePad2Pod, and install it on your Mac. Step 4: Fire up iTelePad2Pod. Step 5: Select the iPad app (.ipa file) you want to port to the iPhone. iTunes keeps copies of all your iPhone and iPad apps in .ipa files in the ‘Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/Mobile Applications’ folder of your Mac. Step 6: Once iTelePad2Pod asks for the IP address of your iPhone, use the address found via step 1. Step 7: Click start and let iTelePad2Pod convert the app. Step 8: Once the app has been converted, fire up the Mac Terminal, and use SSH to upload the file the iPhone’s /Application folder. Alternatively, you can also upload the file to your iPhone via SFTP. Step 9: Reboot your iPhone (home+sleep combo) and you’re set! While the ported iPad apps will run on the iPhone, some apps seem to fare better than others, as the difference of resolution between the devices make some app difficult to use on the iPhone. » Related posts:
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| Eco-Thin iPad Sleeve Made From Recycled Bottles Posted: 26 Apr 2011 02:46 PM PDT
Manufactured in the good ‘ol U.S.A., the Eco-Thin sleeve has earned its eco-friendly status because it is made from recycled plastic PET bottles (not a typo!); 1 bottle goes so far as to make about 2 sleeves. The PET water bottles are broken down into thread at a facility in North Carolina and then stitched together to form the 2 oz. sleeve. The final assembly of each Eco-Thin is done in San Diego and the end product is a sleeve that keeps your iPad dry and protected. I’ve had the ability of getting some hands-on time with this sleeve. The sleeve is a snug fit which requires users to first take the iPad out of the case to use it, the company is working on modifying its dimensions to allow it to house a case as well. I’ve found that the amount of padding in the sleeve is just right to keep the housed iPad thin enough for my already stuffed backpack while ensuring that it doesn’t get smashed between my 800 page textbooks. Also, although it is not boasted as a main function, the soft interior of the case wipes the screen clean of fingerprints.
After learning all the features of the case, made in the U.S.A., eco-friendly and water resistant, someone might expect a cost of around $25-$30, right? Actually, the case is only $14.95! Overall, the case is a steal for those who travel with their iPads and are worried about it getting banged up or spilled on while in their bags. The dimensions for the case are 10" x 8 ½" x ½" offering a snug fit while retaining ease of insertion. What I liked: The case is eco-friendly, costs only $14.95, its water resistant, and you can tell its plenty durable the instant you feel it. The velcro consistently holds strong and I also love that they are made in the U.S.A. What I didn’t like: I’d love it if the sleeve would fit an iPad with a case on it, but I’m told that this issue will soon be a thing of the past. To buy or not to buy: The sleeve is only $14.95 so if you dont already have something like this, or you can still cancel your other purchase, definitely pick one of these up. Great for the on-the-go traveler who needs quick access and good protection.
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| Nighty Night! HD – iPad App Review Posted: 26 Apr 2011 02:23 PM PDT
Nighty Night’s deft execution makes it easy for even the smallest children to turn off the lights, yet the app’s subtle details ensure that older kids (and parents) don’t tire of the story quickly. The app’s pacing is perfect. If a user waits long enough an arrow will appear to show him where to touch the screen. Once inside the animal’s stall, the user can turn off the light immediately, try touching the animal — the fish were my favorite — or wait, and the light switch will gently flash to get his attention. The storyline is comfortingly familiar, yet there are also a few surprises that will delight children. Each animal’s stall is well-designed. The graphics make use of a variety of different textures that are beautiful without being fussy. The story never panders to the children. Instead it leaves plenty of room for the children to bring their own ideas to the story. When all of the animals have been put to bed, the narrator (voiced by Scottish character actor Alistair Findlay) says, “They’re all sleeping now. Well, Wait a second, someone is still awake. Do you know who that is? Yes, it’s you. Off to bed you go! Nighty Night. And don’t forget to turn off the light.” Nighty Night includes an autoplay feature, although using it does give away all the tricks that each animal perform. Users also have the option to skip the intro, which might be welcome once a user commits it to memory. Each time you read the book the animals are put to bed in a different order, which adds another level of expectation while reading with a wee one. Nighty Night HD is designed for children 1 – 4 years of age, and is available in the App Store for $1.99 What I liked: Everything. Nighty Night HD is simple, subtle, and clever. It is an app that very young children will enjoy and demand to use again and again. Time seems to slow down while you are using Nighty Night. Crickets chirp in the distance and chimes play a simple melody that should help any child transition from a busy day to the peaceful state needed for sleep. What I didn't like: Almost nothing. Using autoplay before exploring the app on one’s own will give away all of the surprise movements the animals make, but this is a very small point. To buy or not to buy: If you have young children, or are charged with putting one to bed on occasion, Nighty Night HD makes an excellent addition to any bedtime ritual.
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| Muvn Case for the Original iPad Posted: 26 Apr 2011 01:31 PM PDT
Made of high-quality EVA foam, the Muvn Case is both shock and tear resistant, making it a nice choice for kids or anyone else looking for good protection for their iPad. It’s big, rounded edges and nice texture make it ideal for little hands to hold. The case’s foam material is easy to clean, another nice plus for any parent cleaning up sticky messes and fingers. The Muvn case is especially good for road trips. It straps securely to a headrest, assisting with hours of backseat movie watching fun during those long family vacation drives. Simply put your iPad in the Muvn, mount it to your car’s headrest and you’re off. Don’t worry, you’re not limited to on the road use with this case. The straps are easily removed so kids and adults can take the iPad with them anywhere they go. If you are looking for a heavy-duty iPad case, this one is well made and easy to use. Putting it on my iPad inside was a cinch and attaching the straps to my car headrest was easy too. Just follow the step-by-step instructions included with the case. The Muvn adds 11 ounces (with the straps attached) to the weight of your device and it does not shield the screen, so you might want to use one of the many screen protectors on the market to provide as much protection as possible. Cutouts also provide easy access to all buttons and ports on your device. The Muvn Case for the original iPad offers an ergonomic solution with superior protection in a number of uses. The case is available for $49.95 and you can place an order on the Muvn website. Note: An additional hand-strap is coming soon for the Muvn case, making it a great choice for anyone on-the-go. Travelers, police officers, construction workers, delivery drivers, the list of possibilities goes on and on.
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| Yammer – Twitter for Your Business Now On iPad Posted: 26 Apr 2011 01:05 PM PDT
According to the company's blog, the iPad optimized version features, "… [A] clean left toolbar to access the most common functions, such as: my feed, direct messages, @ mentions, unread message counts, RSS feeds, bookmarks, groups, profiles, company directory, and others. Each message in the feed is fully threaded and can be expanded to include all responses within a thread, with the ability to drill down on each team member's profile view. "
Yammer, created in 2008, is a private social networking site for businesses. The concept is focused on communication within a business' structure. The basic service is free, however, there is a premium version that is beneficial for larger companies and businesses that require a lot of communication, but are not able to meet up in person. Yammer's service works to facilitate easier, faster communication between co-workers and associates, thereby allowing a business to become more efficient. It has a group function that allows for private conversations among employees that are relevant to that topic, like brainstorming on the new company logo. The use of the hash tag (#) helps organize topics. By incorporating Yammer into a company's networking system, the need for email communication is greatly reduced.
If your company is already a member of Yammer, the iPad app will be an added benefit to your communication possibilities. If you have never heard of Yammer, tell your boss to give it a try. It won't cost anything to see if it improves your company's efficiency. And, it may be just the justification you need to convince your company to pay for your new iPad (wink, wink). It is available in the iTunes store for free. » Related posts:
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| Vtok Allows Google Video Chatting from Your iPad 2, iPhone Posted: 26 Apr 2011 12:39 PM PDT
However, many of my Google Talk (GTalk) friends weren’t able to video chat with me, until a very nice app called Vtolk was released onto the App Store about a month ago. Vtok’s release allowed me to video chat from my iPhone with my GTalk contacts while on business trips. And now, the latest app update allows me to video chat from my iPad 2 as well. Vtolk’s latest update (v1.3) has made the application compatible with the iPad 2. There are no special tricks required to use the Vtok app. Simply download the app onto your iPad2 or iPhone, and sign in using your Google (gmail) username and password and start calling your GTalk contacts. The application uses your Google credentials to authenticate you with Google via a secure connection. One thing worth noting is that you will only see the contacts who are online and that are capable of doing video or voice calls with you. But, you can always invite more contacts to use Vtok by using the “Invite Contacts” button below your contact list within the app.
In addition to iPad 2 support, the latest version of the app supports multiple orientations (portrait, landscape) when video calling with Google video chat. You can also switch between the speaker and earpiece during a call. Vtok works quite well over WiFi and 3G connections. The application supports the iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the 4th generation iPod Touch. Vtok can be downloaded now free of charge. It’s a very good download for your iPad 2 and iPhone. » Related posts:
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| Wireless Tablet Data Usage Sees Dramatic Increase Posted: 26 Apr 2011 09:37 AM PDT
According to the Cisco’s new Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2010-2015, tablet data usage is increasing dramatically and has the potential to overwhelm most wireless networks. Cisco’s report presents projections and growth trends for global mobile data across a variety of mobile devices around the globe. While it may be expected that smartphone data usage increased significantly in 2010, this is one of the first measures of tablet data use since they hit the market in 2010. With the increase in data consumption, wireless network providers have struggled to deploy the extra capacity needed to match the new demand for wireless data services. The report finds that a smartphone consumes as much data as 24 regular-featured cell phones and a tablet can consume as much as 122 regular-featured cell phones. This huge increase in consumption can be attributed in great part to the large number of applications available that add functionality to these devices and the higher resolution screens that can display more information. The data usage trend also shows that there is a correlation between the bandwidth available and the application growth to consume it, meaning when wireless capacity increases, so does usage. Over time, higher definition video and other data intensive services will become more prevalent and replace the current crop of data apps. The same is also true with the improvement of tablet hardware. As battery life, screen resolutions and storage capacity increase, applications will respond in kind by providing better and more abundant data services. The additional data usage is also due in part to user expectation. Applications using features such as location services transmit large amounts of data and are being celebrated as some of the most useful. In addition, users are moving away from watching downloaded content to streaming more live content such as TV shows, news broadcasts and video from media-on-demand services. With more choices, and users having more than one data-capable device, an individual’s reliance on their wireless network is rapidly increasing. In many cases, in fact, a users only access to the Internet is via mobile means. One solution to the growing demand on wireless networks may be WiFi offloading or femtocells. Femotocells behave like a regular cellular base-stations and improve reception to devices by boosting indoor coverage. They also have the added benefit of offloading data from a wireless carrier’s already saturated network. In response to higher data usage, many providers are making the move to tiered pricing, trying to charge more for each additional device a user brings online. This would serve a dual purpose. In addition to increasing their revenue stream it would give a more accurate view of the demands on their network. This is less effective when users are using methods such as tethering in order to extend their service, as this is less apparent to the carrier because requests for data generally appear to be coming from the single device. More and more users are starting to consider access to the Internet as a necessity and growing increasingly reliant on mobile means to conduct business and stay connect while on the go. With the higher strain on wireless networks, carriers will have to get creative both in their network design and pricing models. This struggle between wireless bandwidth supply and user demand will be a delicate balancing act for carriers as they try to attract new customers with better data services while at the same time making a profit. No pressure. » Related posts:
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| Notesy for Dropbox – iPad App Review Posted: 26 Apr 2011 07:30 AM PDT
Notesy doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but after using it all day on various platforms, I found that I didn't need them. Its beauty is certainly in its clean design and flawless integration with Dropbox. Using the app is as easy as entering your Dropbox account info and tapping on the plus sign where you choose a file name and start writing. Your notes will be immediately available in your Dropbox account. In addition to the writing area, there are some useful and well thought out buttons on the bottom of the screen.
Notesy may not look great when you first start it up, but there are options to choose a different paper color, font, and ink color. One of the great things about Notesy is the option to use both variable and fixed width fonts on a note by note basis. You can assign both to each note, meaning that you can very quickly change font and font size if necessary. This isn't a feature that everyone will use, but it may be useful to some people. I found the fixed width fonts to be great for lists, while the variable width fonts worked well for everything else.
The quick and error-free Dropbox syncing was the best feature of Notesy. I installed Notesy on my iPad and my iPhone, and tested syncing between them, as well as with my two laptop computers. There's a green check box on the right side of each note so there is no confusion about what has been synced and what hasn't. Notesy recognizes all characters, including Chinese symbols, but it can only use UTF-8 format. This does take a tiny bit of extra work when creating a new note on your computer to use in Notesy, as UTF-8 is not a default file format in TextEdit and Notepad. However, this may be different depending on the text editor that you use. This newest version of Notesy includes a feature that saves and syncs your work every two minutes, so that no data is ever lost. Additionally, Dropbox allows you to recover deleted and previous versions of your notes for 30 days. You are able to save your notes in any folder within Dropbox, which is a nice bonus feature that not all note taking apps offer. Notesy does not save formatting when you sync it to your computer, and it would not be suitable for complex notes that need a lot of organization, such as those with bullets, indents, bolding, italics, and variable colors. However, it is perfect for informal every day notes and lists. What I liked: Notesy does exactly what it says it does, with a nice simple design that is free from distractions and easy to use for note taking. It is the best note taking app that I've used, and I've been through a lot of them, such as Simplenote and Evernote. In fact, I was impressed enough with Notesy to use it to type this entire review. What I didn’t like: There are missing functions that could be useful, such as the ability to view and save files in different formats, which would allow for more advanced stylization. That could be detrimental though, as it would take away from the simple design of the app To buy or not to buy: If you don't use Dropbox, this app is nearly worthless, but if you're not using Dropbox, you should start. It's free and has become more and more useful as different apps offer Dropbox integration. If you need more advanced file features, such as saving in different formats, then you should look elsewhere. But if you just want to take notes that you can easily access on all devices and computers, this app is absolutely worth it.
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| Netflix to Introduce Family Streaming Plans in 2011? Posted: 26 Apr 2011 06:46 AM PDT
This shift makes sense on a number of levels. Because streaming is available on a number of personal devices, features such as managing your queue of upcoming movies would be increasingly more useful and accurate if based only on a single user. Add to this the well publicized upcoming integration with Facebook, allowing individuals to share what they are watching with their friends and family and the frequently alluded-to social features that will be added and it only makes sense for accounts to be more personalized. Also consider that Netflix needs to find a way to increase subscriber rates and market share and the recipe seems to include this key ingredient. Shifts like this are increasingly important given the rising competition from services that use pay-per-view and ad-supported models that already lend themselves well to individual instead of household accounts. In this same statement to investors, Netflix acknowledges that there are a few challenges to overcome, such as encouraging multiple subscription costs among family members. Value added services such as multiple concurrent streams across multiple devices at once (increasing the current limit from a single stream) and increased accuracy and meaning to the recommendation engine (based on your previous selections) may go a long way toward this goal. Personally, I would be thrilled to see this feature come to light if for no other reason than I won’t have to wonder whether my husband has been watching Mad Men without me, and if I can resume the current episode without jumping ahead! What do you think? Will you sign up for your own personal plan? » Related posts:
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| Tesla Wars HD – iPad Game Review Posted: 26 Apr 2011 05:17 AM PDT
The controls for the game are extremely simple, just tap and zap! Be careful not to make the same mistake I did; try holding down the tap until the bad guys go away instead of using short zaps. Like most games of all types, the first couple stages are simple and easy, only firing a few nasty little stick figures at you allowing you to get your bearings. Zap them before they reach your tower and earn money to buy upgrades. After the first couple rounds, the second type of enemy starts to come at your tower, threatening to explode for heavy damage once they reach the tower. Nine more types of enemy will come out to play as rounds progress so be prepared to deal with anything and everything. As you upgrade your tower and special attacks be sure you keep money readily available for your health and energy because once you start playing you might just forget about them.
What I didn’t like: I had just 2 app crashes while playing the game, but hopefully those issues will be resolved within the next few updates. To buy or not to buy: Since the price of this app is currently free, it’s definitely worth taking the time to download and play if you’re tired of plowing through iPad games in 15 minutes.
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Yesterday I posted the first half of the iPad accessories available to win in our contest and today I’ve got part 2. These gently used review units or unused items can now be yours with the tap of a finger or click of a mouse. Today's contest accessories are listed below.
While the vast majority of iPhone apps work just fine on the iPad, Apple never offered a way to run iPad apps on the iPhone.
At first glance, this newly developed case from 
There are countless iPad apps geared toward entertaining children, but few apps are both as engaging and soothing as 
If you’ve got young kids at home using your original iPad, then you know a good case is essential. Whether your little ones are sitting at a desk and coloring with their favorite app or watching a movie while in the car, you need something substantial to protect your device from the inevitable drops, bangs and bumps that kids will dish out. The 
If you like to video chat with your friends, you’re probably quite familiar with Skype, Yahoo!, Apple’s Facetime, and Tango. All of these are very popular applications amongst PC and mobile users.
There's no shortage of note taking apps in the App Store, but Notesy stands apart from all the others with its simplicity and elegance. Notesy is an uncomplicated plaintext editor with Dropbox syncing, and it is an excellent replacement for Apple's default Notes application.
Netflix is a 
Tower defense games have been all the rage for some time now and most of them have the same format of setting up the stage and hoping it’s enough to stop all the baddies. 
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