iPod touch

405 'iPod touch' stories December 2010 - April 2013

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First revealed in late 2012, the fifth-generation iPod touch ($199-$299 from the Apple Store) is Apple’s least-expensive iOS device. Thinner and lighter than its predecessor, it has an aluminum and glass body that paved the way for surprisingly similar designs in the iPad mini, iPad Air, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus families. Beyond its space gray and silver versions, it is currently the only metal iOS device offered in bright colors — a benefit if you like red, pink, yellow, or blue — and is similar to the plastic iPhone 5c in features, minus cellular data and phone calling support.

With the same 4-inch screen as the iPhone 5c, it also has the same Lightning connector, though it’s a generation behind in processing power with the A5 chip. It includes the first “good enough” camera system ever in an iPod: a 5-megapixel rear iSight camera with an iPhone 6/6 Plus-style protruding lens, and a basic FaceTime HD camera on the front. Apple’s Siri voice assistant is also supported, as are most of the great games available in the App Store.

There have been some changes to the 16GB version of this iPod touch over time; at first, there wasn’t one, then one appeared in silver with a black front but without a rear camera. That was replaced by the current version which comes in all six colors, each with a camera, matching the colors and cameras of 32GB and 64GB models. For $199 to $299, these aren’t bad deals, but under most circumstances we’d recommend the iPad mini or iPad mini 2 instead.

Yahoo! for iOS adds Summly integration

Zac Hall Apr 22 2013 - 8:08 am PT

Yahoo continues to rebrand itself under the leadership of former Google executive Marissa Mayer, proving it can be just as innovative as its competitors.

Following the launch of Yahoo! Weather and Yahoo! Mail for iPad last week, the Internet giant updated its Yahoo! for iOS app today to include news summaries in its articles provided by Summly as well as a redesigned page for articles.

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Tips: Use little-known gestures to arrange photos and shapes in iOS Pages

Benjamin Mayo Apr 20 2013 - 4:26 pm PT

Although the touch-centric UI makes getting to grips with Pages for iOS straightforward, the interface does not appear well-suited to precise positioning of objects, which is necessary in more complicated documents. Luckily, Apple’s iWork suite extends the default iOS set of gestures to provide options for finer-grained control. Learning these more-obscure techniques makes doing ‘real work’ with Pages for iOS an enjoyable experience, rather than an annoyance.

Nudging objects

The natural way to position an object with an iPhone or iPad is to drag it, but this method is not really suitable when doing pixel-accurate alignments. With Pages for Mac, you can achieve one-pixel ‘nudges’ with the arrow keys. To do a nudge on a keyboard-less iOS device, you have to use a special two-finger gesture. Start by placing one finger on the photo you want to nudge to select it. Then, swipe in any direction outside of the photo’s bounds with another finger, to move the object in the respective direction. Add on another ‘swiping finger’ to shift by 10 pixels, rather than single pixels, at a time.

Locked movement

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Twitter #music for iPhone, iPod touch is now playing

Zac Hall Apr 18 2013 - 8:25 am PT

Twitter launched its new music discovery app Twitter #music for iPhone today.

Twitter #music takes a step toward filling the void created when everyone migrated from MySpace, which was one of the most effective music discovery tools for me until it was largely vacated.

Twitter promises to “change the way people find music, based on Twitter,” per the social network’s blog, which I believe will be widely appreciated.

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Apple Store now offers refurbed 5th-gen iPod touch starting at $249

9to5 Staff Apr 15 2013 - 1:19 pm PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

Apple is now offering the refurbished 5th Generation iPod Touch for $249 (32GB) and $349 (64GB) in a variety of colors. The 17%/$50 discounts are the lowest we’ve seen (new ones at Best Buy and other retailers have hit as low as $270).

Apple refurbished products come with one year of AppleCare just like new products.

Best Apple deals found 3-9 months after launch

Ben Lovejoy Mar 26 2013 - 8:13 am PT

An analysis of discount patterns by Dealnews reveals the not entirely surprising news that the best deals on Apple products are typically to be had 3 to 9 months after launch.

While waiting that long for a product you don’t yet own may be a considerable test of one’s patience, savings of up to $350 may be sufficient incentive to delay upgrading an existing device until a little way down the road.

The best discounts on current products were found to be:

MacBook Pro 15″ Retina: $350 saving at 9 months
MacBook Air 11″: $199 at 7 months
iPad: $59 at 1 month
iPad Mini: $29 at 5 months
iPhone: $73 @ 3 months
iPod Touch: $50 at 3 months …

Of course, discount level isn’t the only factor you’ll want to consider in choosing when to buy. The strength of the existing model and likely time to the next refresh will also be key. You can find our reviews, times since refresh and a roundup of the best U.S. prices in the 9to5Mac product roundup. (Via Dealnews.)

FreedomPop now lets users roll over unused data from one month to the next

Jordan Kahn Mar 14 2013 - 2:37 pm PT

Ahead of the company’s plans to roll out LTE service and a new iPad clip through Sprint’s network later this year, wireless provider FreedomPop announced today a new rollover data feature that allows users to keep their unused data from one month to the next. As to be expected from FreedomPop, the service will also let users share data with friends as part of its social broadband feature that it enhanced last month.

FreedomPop told us the new rollover data feature is now available to all users. It also said “30 percent of FreedomPop’s users have opted into this value-added service within the first 24 hours it’s been live.”

FreedomPop is a wireless provider offering customers free 500MB to 1GB per month data plans through devices such as its $99 WiMAX sleeve for iPod touch or the recently announced $89 Burst 4G home wireless router. It also has an iPhone 4/4S case that is awaiting Federal Communication Commission approval. Last month, the company announced an extra $4.3 million in Series A1 funding, increased additional data rewarded for referrals from 10MB to 50MB, and it expanded its social broadband sharing platform.

Apple’s eBay store offers significantly better deals on Apple.com refurbs (and that’s before tax+payment advantages)

Élyse Betters Mar 8 2013 - 10:06 am PT

9to5Mac first broke the news that Apple sold refurbished merchandise through its own eBay store last year, equipped with the same price tags, full warranties, and approved inspections, and now the company has dropped prices on many of those items below what it offers at store.apple.com.

9to5Toys and eventually Dealnews recently noticed a $100 price cut for Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air with 1.8GHz i5 and 128GB of storage (now over). It costs $100 more at store.apple.com for the same refurbished unit.

An even better eBay deal has emerged today: Apple’s 11.6-inch MacBook Air with 1.8GHz, 4GB SDRAM and 256GB SSD is only $949. It’s certified refurbished unite, while the same refurb model goes for $1,059 on Apple.com, and the 256GB MacBook Airs start at $1,299 new. All items come with free standard shipping, and eBay adds sales tax for only a few states at purchase and allows folks to pay with PayPal and BillMeLater.
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Giveaway: 3 newly launched Scosche Lightning cable accessories

Feb 14 2013 - 8:02 pm PT

The iPhone 5 debuted last October and along with it so did the Lightning port. Since its launch there have been few third party accessories created due to Apple’s tight control over the the new technology. Today, the popular consumer electronics and car audio company, Scosche, officially launched their line of Apple approved Lightning accessories. While other companies are already offering official Lightning cables, this launch by Scosche is of particular interest because they are the first to offer both car chargers and wall chargers (5W and 10W) as well as a retractable cable.

Some Apple users have been quick to jump on generic Lightning cables to save a couple bucks, but given what we learned today it seems that the best route is to buy an Apple approved Lightning cable. Supported devices include the iPhone 5, iPad mini, iPad 4, and 5th Gen. iPod Touch. Schosche’s Lightning accessories are available online from Schosche (10% coupon here) and from major retailers such as AT&T, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Fry’s. Skip below if you’d prefer to just win some cables…

Giveaway

If you haven’t stepped out and bought any Lightning accessories you’re in luck because we are giving away 3 of Scosche’s brand new products. First up is the strikeDRIVE 12W car charger ($30 value) which features “… a 3 foot coiled cable that provides the freedom to use a device as it charges without tangles and clutter.” The second giveaway is a strikeBASE ($30-$35 value), “wall charger [that] features a 3 foot long cable and flush folding wall prongs for added portability.” Lastly, we will be giving away the retractable strikeLINE PRO ($25 value), which extends up to 3 ft. To be entered to win any of these items all you need to do is comment (helps if you follow 9to5Mac on Facebook and Twitter – 9to5Toys too ;) on this post and we will select 3 random winners this Sunday evening. All winners will be contacted via a private message and Scosche will handle the deliveries..

Could Apple unleash an update that breaks third-party unauthorized Lightning cables?

Jordan Kahn Feb 14 2013 - 2:13 pm PT

When Apple first announced that it would replace its old 30-pin connectors with the new, smaller Lightning standard, it took quite sometime for accessory makers to get on board. Accessory manufacturers had trouble producing Lightning-compatible products until cracking a unique authentication chip Apple is using in the new standard. Apple wouldn’t authorize official Lightning products until months later, when Apple briefed accessory makers at its MFi summit in November. Today, in a story from The New York Times, major Apple accessory maker Mophie outlined how Apple is keeping tighter control over companies making products for iOS devices with Lightning. It also warned Apple could potentially disable unauthorized Lightning products with a software update:

When a hardware maker signs up with Apple’s MFi Program, for companies that make accessories for Apple products, it orders a Lightning connector component from Apple to use in designing the accessory. The connectors have serial numbers for each accessory maker, and they contain authentication chips that communicate with the phones. When the company submits its accessory to Apple for testing, Apple can recognize the serial number.

The chip inside the Lightning connector can be reverse engineered — copied by another company — but it probably would not work as well as one that came from Apple, Mr. Howe said. Apple could also theoretically issue software updates that would disable Lightning products that did not use its chips, he said.“That’s one thing Apple is good at: controlling the user experience from end to end,” Mr. Howe said. “If you’re buying something in an Apple store, it’s gone through all this rigorous testing.”

A&E, HISTORY, and Lifetime bring full episodes and movies to iPhone/iPod touch

Jordan Kahn Feb 12 2013 - 12:23 pm PT

A&E Networks finally rolled out iPad apps in December for watching full episodes and accessing content from its biggest networks including A&E, HISTORY, and Lifetime. The three apps provided extra content for Xfinity TV users, and A&E told 9to5Mac that support for AirPlay was on the way. Today, the company has brought all three apps to iPhone and iPod touch users. It is offering full episodes of shows like “Duck Dynasty,” “Storage Wars,” “The First 48,” “Pawn Stars,” “American Pickers,” “Swamp People,” as well as 25 full-length Lifetime movies. The updated A&E, History, and Lifetime apps not only include support for iPhone and iPod touch, but they also now provide iCloud syncing to resume episodes on any iOS device.

A+E Networks is expanding its award-winning content to smaller screens with new video watch apps available for free in iTunes for all iOS devices. Now on-the-go viewing goes beyond the iPad, viewers can watch full episodes, movies and exclusive clips from A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime on iPhone and iPod Touch.

To make the viewing experience even more seamless, HISTORY, A&E and Lifetime apps now conveniently sync with multiple devices. For instance, if you’re watching an episode of Swamp People on your iPad at home you can then finish watching it on your iPhone so you don’t miss the train to work. Currently, viewers who sign in to verify Xfinity TV from Comcast will also have more access to content, including full previous seasons.

evasi0n jailbreaks record 7M iOS devices in four days

Jordan Kahn Feb 8 2013 - 10:09 am PT

We previously told you that around 1.7 million people had used the new evasi0n tool to jailbreak their iOS device, according to stats from Cydia installs. Today, we get a little update on the progress: Jay Freeman told Forbes that Cydia recorded over 7 million devices, as of last night, and “insanely more new traffic” than the release of iOS 5’s Absinthe jailbreak tool and others before it.

As of Thursday night, Freeman’s alternative app store had received visits from 5.15 million iPhones, 1.35 million iPads, and 400,000 iPod touches that were jailbroken with evasi0n, the first jailbreaking software for the iPhone 5 and iOS 6.1.

Freeman says that evasi0n has brought Cydia “insanely more new traffic” than the release of the jailbreak tool called Absinthe that worked on some versions of iOS 5. And even Jailbreakme3, the popular web-based jailbreak released by iPhone hacker Comex in the summer of 2011, was only used on 1.4 million devices in its first nine days online

Can Apple get away with another “S” iPhone?

Jordan Kahn Feb 1 2013 - 11:37 am PT

There have been many rumors this year about what upgrades Apple will include in its anticipated annual iPhone refresh. Most agree Apple will move to release two iPhones, but there is some debate about what those phones will be.

Rumor has it that Apple is working on a low-cost iPhone that will do away with the current iPhone design and instead use a new plastic case with a curved back similar to previous iPods. Despite being a less expensive device, that could make things even trickier for Apple to impress with an iPhone 5S upgrade that is largely expected to retain the “old” design of the currently shipping iPhone 5. The devices from competitors are making things even more difficult for Apple’s expected “S” upgrade. Rumors of a 4.8-inch iPhone prototype that recently surfaced don’t seem likely for the next iPhone, but that hasn’t stopped mainstream media and analysts from reporting that Apple is losing out on iPhone sales as consumers opt for larger screen devices. However, that might now be the case, at least not in the United States, with Strategy Analytics and NPD estimating Apple beat Samsung to become the No.1 phone vendor in Q4 2012. Will consumers want or expect a larger screen on the next iPhone, or will Apple’s usual minor refresh suffice?

What did past S upgrades have?
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Evasi0n: First untethered iPhone 5 jailbreak to be released Sunday; all other iOS 6.1 devices too

9to5 Staff Jan 30 2013 - 6:16 pm PT

Update: It appears that the developers are planning a Monday release because testing took a little longer than previously thought.

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With each new release of an iPhone, jailbreaking becomes just one step more difficult. Throw in constant OS updates, and it’s amazing the hacker community is able to jailbreak it at all. So, it’s no surprise it has taken more than four months for an official jailbreak to be released for the iPhone 5.

On Sunday, that may change. A group of jailbreakers, known as the Evad3rs, plan to release its jailbreak tool: Evasi0n. The website, which claimed the team is “Processing the GUI”, has a very clean and simple layout. If all goes as planned and Evasi0n is released on Sunday, it very well may be the easiest jailbreak tool since JailBreakMe.

Evasi0n is an iOS 6.1 jailbreak said to support the iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS, fourth- and fifth-generation iPod Touch, as well as the iPad mini and third- and fourth-generation iPad. Oh, and it is legal after all.

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Kickfolio lets you embed iOS apps on any webpage, adds iPad support, slashes pricing

Jordan Kahn Jan 28 2013 - 2:14 pm PT

A demo of Angry Bots iOS app embedded using Kickfolio

We told you about a service called Kickfolio in December that would allow developers to demo their iOS apps directly in the browser using a new HTML5-based platform. The service converts a zipped version of an iOS app into a private test page with a completely interactive HTML5 and CSS version of the app. Today, the service got a few updates including the ability to embed app demos on any webpage using an iframe. You’ll find embedded iOS apps above and below that Kickfolio sent over for us to try. Kickfolio also now supports iPad apps, and it is making the service much more affordable for all. This is a powerful tool for developers promoting their apps online, and it’s one I expect many to take advantage of when providing free demos to potential customers and press on their website.

Kickfolio originally had some feedback for users about plans starting at $50 a month. The good news: the company just slashed the cheapest plan to $9 a month (that includes 500 embed sessions). Every plan now also includes unlimited apps, and the company is reopening 15-day free trials so everyone will get a chance to try the new features.

Another embedded app demo from Kickfolio below:
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Apple quietly releases firmware for a new Apple TV 3,2

Seth Weintraub Jan 28 2013 - 11:03 am PT

Here’s some incredibly interesting news from today’s iOS update extravaganza: Apple today released iOS 6.1 (or, in Apple TV talk, 5.2) for an heretofore unknown Apple TV called “Apple TV 3,2”. You can download it here. Apple’s current Apple TV — version 3,1 — was updated to 1080p with a single-core A5 processor in March 2012.

On the conservative side, this may just be a new set of chips cobbled together to do the same thing as the current model. On the optimistic/speculative side, this could foreshadow a new hardware product coming up soon-ish. Perhaps one with a large LCD attached?

Apple’s addition of Bluetooth today could also signal (ha) that a new Apple TV package would have some sort of Bluetooth keyboard/remote-type of functionality (Siri?). There are already a number of Bluetooth keyboards out there that cater to TV users, but Apple could certainly change the game in this regard.

We’re looking into it.

Update 1: We can compare some internal codes here which seem to point to bigger changes happening in Japan.

Update 2: Apple is apparently referring to an Apple TV model dubbed “J33I”, as noted by MacRumors. For comparison purposes, the third-generation Apple TV sported the “J33” codename. So, the “I” could suggest an international variation of the set-top box.

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Apple releases iOS 6.1 with more LTE carrier support, Siri/Fandango movie ticket purchasing, iTunes Match song downloading

Mark Gurman Jan 28 2013 - 10:04 am PT

Apple has released iOS 6.1 to iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV users. This public release follows five beta seeds to developers. The update is currently coming through over-the-air. To download the update directly from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, head to Settings, then General, then Software Update. Your device will include installation instructions and release information here.

The update includes the following improvements for iOS device users:

LTE support for more carriers (Apple previously announced that it would add more LTE carriers this week). 36 additional iPhone carriers. 23 additional iPad carriers.
Purchase movie tickets through Fandango via Siri (US only)
iTunes Match subscribers can now download individual songs from iCloud
New button to reset the Advertising Identifier.

As we previously noted, Apple TV users will enjoy new Bluetooth keyboard compatibility. We found that using a Bluetooth keyboard greatly enhances the Apple TV experience. Additionally, Apple has included new iOS 6.1 APIs for developers to be able to better integrate Apple’s mapping database into their App Store apps.

In a press release announcing the release of 6.1 (below), Apple’s Phil Schiller noted with “nearly 300 million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices on iOS 6 in just five months, it may be the most popular new version of an OS in history.”

We have posted more details on the Apple TV software update here. Direct iPhone, iPad, iPod touch links and Apple press release:

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Reminder: Stream today’s US Presidential Inauguration ceremony live on your iOS device

Jan 21 2013 - 6:00 am PT

Barack Obama’s second United States Presidential Inauguration will be held this morning at 11:30 a.m. EST in Washington DC. The event will feature music headliners like Beyoncé (National Anthem), James Taylor, and Kelly Clarkson. The President was actually sworn into office yesterday, but all festivities will be held today. There will also be a parade to round out the day’s celebrations. You can stream the event on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with the Inaugural 2013 iOS app. The app was created by AT&T, but you can use it on any cellular carrier.

You can also stream the video on ABC’s iOS app or its YouTube Channel or through the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee’s YouTube Channel.

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Just a monster CES 2013 roundup [Gallery]

Jordan Kahn Jan 11 2013 - 2:06 pm PT

International CES 2013 is officially ending, so we decided to share some of what we saw from the show floor and surrounding events. 9to5Mac has tons of CES coverage for some of the most interesting new iOS accessories, advancements in display technology, and new Apple-related products we saw at the show right here, but below we have put together a collection of photos and video we shot while walking the many acres of CES exhibits at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Enjoy.

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Turn your iPad into a real hardware DJ controller with Ion Audio’s ‘Scratch 2 Go’

Jordan Kahn Jan 6 2013 - 7:26 pm PT

Straight from the CES Unveiled event in Las Vegas, audio accessory maker Ion just introduced us to one if its latest creations— a hardware DJ controller kit called “Scratch 2 Go” that puts a physical crossfader, two sets of three control knobs for pitch, EQ, etc., and a two small platters right on the display of your iPad. The company also announced updated versions of its other DJ and Guitar controllers for iPad and iPhone…

The hardware controls attach to your iPad’s display via suction cups and essentially work like a stylus, allowing you to control elements of several DJ apps on the App Store. The hardware controls are designed specifically for the iDJ 2GO app that will also work with Ion’s just announced updated Lightning version of its iDJ 2 Go hardware DJ controls. However, Ion confirmed to us that it would also work with the popular djay app for iPad.

It could also work with other iOS DJ apps provided the stylus-like tip of any particular element of the 5-piece kit lines up with the controls inside the app you’re using. Ion is making the new Scratch 2 Go kit available in April for $30 through select retailers.

A video of the kit in action from the CES show floor below:

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Griffin unveils updated audio lineup with XLR to 3.5mm ‘MicConnect’, partners with Crayola and Nickelodeon for kids accessories

Jordan Kahn Jan 6 2013 - 9:07 am PT

The 9to5Mac crew just touched down in Las Vegas for CES and to kick things off we have a slew of new products from Griffin, many of which we plan to get our hands on next week during the show.

First off, it’s introducing a new lineup of audio accessories including an updated Lightning version of the Studio Connect interface for iPad it launched last year (full review here). The new version will be available May 2013 for $149.99. We also get Griffin’s new Mic Stand Mount. It is a $39.99 iPad stand that works like a traditional microphone performance stand. Lastly for audio products, Griffin is launching an XLR to 3.5mm mic to bring studio-quality recording to iPads and iPhones (it’s available June 2013, but we hope to bring you a full review of the MicConnect soon).

Pictured to the right is another new accessory Griffin has at CES. The $99.99 charging cradle is known as the Power Dock 5. The dock accommodates iOS devices with cases and holds up to five full-sized iPads. It also launched the new WoodTones headphones made from responsibly harvested Beech, Sapele, and Walnut woods (pictured at top).

Griffin isn’t stopping there, as it is also launching a ton of new iOS accessories aimed at children including a partnership with Crayola to bring a digital stylus shaped like a thick Crayola marker ($29.99 with a free companion app this spring). Other kids’ products include the Crayola Color & Play Workstation. Griffin described it as an “all-in-one iPad workstation that includes a built-in carrying handle and three storage cubbies for their crayons, markers and digital coloring tools like ColorStudio HD and DigiTools.”

The company is also teaming up with Nickelodeon to bring SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora the Explorer themed iOS accessories to market. Finally, it will show off its latest in the children’s KaZoo lineup with “new headphones, iPod touch cases, a charms lanyard kit and kid-friendly AUX cables themed after animals.”
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Amazon Instant Video apps add seasons of popular shows from A&E, HISTORY, and Lifetime

Jordan Kahn Jan 4 2013 - 7:47 am PT

Following the launch of A+E Network’s dedicated iPad apps for A&E, History Channel, and Lifetime last month, Amazon announced in a press release today that it also licensed content for its Amazon Instant Video service. It sounds like Amazon is only getting access to old seasons of popular shows from the network, but any additional content will surely be welcomed by iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users taking advantage of the service through the Amazon Instant Video iOS app.

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced a content licensing agreement with A+E Networks to add prior seasons of popular series from A&E, bio, HISTORY and Lifetime to the Prime Instant Video service…The deal with A+E Networks will bring Prime customers more TV episodes from some of their highest rated television programming including Pawn Stars, Storage Wars and Dance Moms, which are also available for purchase through Amazon Instant Video.

How to do DIY iOS Google Glasses

Élyse Betters Jan 3 2013 - 9:11 am PT

IEEE’s Rod Furlan just explained how he built his own Google Glass-like prototype with an iPod touch.

Google’s Sergey Brin revealed at the 2012 Google I/O Developers Conference in June that a pair of beta, or “Explorer Edition”, Google Glasses cost $1,500 and would start shipping to I/O attendees in 2013, but Lee realized the components to such a headset display must be readily available if Google was able to start developing one. And so, he decided to build his own—admittedly rough—version.

After promptly selecting an iOS-enabled, head-mounted Myvu video display, Lee tried to find an onboard computer:

I settled on a fourth-generation iPod Touch. I had to “jailbreak” it, which eliminates limitations built into the iOS software by Apple. Once that was done, I could mirror the Touch’s main display to the microdisplay using its composite video output. This choice of onboard computer meant that for a point-of-view camera (used to record images and video), I needed one that could communicate via the iPod Touch’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless interfaces. I used a Looxcie Bluetooth camera, which is small enough to be mounted on the side of the frame once you strip it from its plastic shell; you can order it online for around $150. (I’m already building a second iteration of my prototype around a Raspberry Pi. This will allow more control over the camera than is currently possible with the iOS apps that work with the Looxcie and better integration of sensors such as accelerometers.)

Lee tested the prototype once the assembly process was over, and he noted his world immediately changed forever:

My world changed the day I first wore my prototype. At first there was disappointment—my software was rudimentary, and the video cable running down to the onboard computer was a compromise I wasn’t particularly pleased with. Then there was discomfort, as I felt overwhelmed while trying to hold a conversation as information from the Internet (notifications, server statuses, stock prices, and messages) was streamed to me through the microdisplay. But when the batteries drained a few hours later and I took the prototype off, I had a feeling of loss. It was as if one of my senses had been taken away from me, which was something I certainly didn’t anticipate.

Lee continued to give insight into how Google Glass and his iOS prototype could provide immense value. Unfortunately, he only corroborated his post with a few illustrations and no images. Go to IEEE for more details.

This article is cross-posted on 9to5Google.

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Guess? exec says company saw immediate improvements after implementing iPads in stores

Jordan Kahn Dec 17 2012 - 9:31 am PT

Business Insider pointed us to an interview on OpenForum with the Guess? CIO Michael Relich. The clothing retailer implemented iPads for merchandising in 2010, and it has since installed iPads in stores, started accepting credit card payments via iPod touch, and even started supplying extra iPods instead of cash registers to stores during the busy holiday seasons.

Well our buyers saw an improvement immediately. Instead of just seeing a number on a spreadsheet, our iPad app allowed them to see the specific coat, pant or dress accompanied by a photo and where it was selling. Suddenly, they were going into stores with a lot better idea about what to do and how to act to improve the store.

For shoppers, our engagement went through the roof after we installed iPads in the stores. People instinctively go up to the device and use it to find out-of-stock merchandise or track their loyalty program points. We’ve gotten great feedback.

Well I believe that cash registers will go away and will be replaced by iPads or iPod touches. We currently use an iPod touch in stores for credit-card transactions, similar to the Apple store…

You can check out the full interview here.

Amazon Instant Video comes to iPhone and iPod touch

Seth Weintraub Dec 13 2012 - 6:31 am PT

You can now watch all of those free Amazon Prime videos on your iPhone or iPod touch. Amazon updated its Instant Video App today to support Apple’s smaller screens. The app also lets you watch any of your Amazon collection of paid videos, buy videos, and allows you to store for offline viewing as well. Great for the holidays! More info here.

Amazon Instant Video is now playing on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Videos you’ve purchased or rented with Amazon Instant Video will show up instantly on your Apple device once you download and sign into the app. Amazon Prime members can stream titles from the entire Prime Instant Video library.

Next stop for Amazon: Apple TV?

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