This week the Gurus pretend they know about other tech besides mobile tech (we fail), they alos cover Blackberry App world 2.0, iPhone pre orders, Google refining Android and Vic tells how he uses frame by frame.
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This week the Gurus cover iPhone 4.0, 3D Movies, and Nic Ball releases his inner beast.
Want to Get in touch with the Gurus? Leave us a voicemail at 805-69-GURUS or send us an email at podcast@thegadgetgurus.net
Become a fan of The Gadget Gurus on Facebook
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From Twitter’s Blog:
Twitter has been growing by leaps and bounds around the world. Mobile has always been a focus for us—starting with SMS which lead to the 140 character limit. People everywhere should be able to access Twitter without friction or confusion. Careful analysis of the Twitter user experience in the iTunes AppStore revealed massive room for improvement. People are looking for an app from Twitter, and they’re not finding one. So, they get confused and give up. It’s important that we optimize for user benefit and create an awesome experience.
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve entered into an agreement with Atebits (aka Loren Brichter) to acquire Tweetie, a leading iPhone Twitter client. Tweetie will be renamed Twitter for iPhone and made free (currently $2.99) in the iTunes AppStore in the coming weeks. Loren will become a key member of our mobile team that is already having huge impact with device makers and service providers around the world. Loren’s work won the 2009 Apple Design Award and we will eventually launch Twitter for iPad with his help.
As we work to provide the best possible Twitter experience on all of the major mobile platforms, momentum will increase dramatically. Millions more active, engaged, mobile users means more opportunities for all of us. Developers, services, and publishers will be able to leverage the Twitter iPhone and iPad applications to create additional innovative tools and integrations for users. We’ll have more specific information on this once Loren is officially on board. In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Loren to the Twitter team.
Apple has finally taken the wraps off of the iPhone’s 4.0 software. Addressing many concerns about multitasking, Apple has added the ability to switch between open apps while leaving the current one in the background. It is not “full” multitasking or background processing, but it answers the cries of many users and fits the bill well. Another addition that is very welcome is folders. Having 12 pages to flip through can be quite cumbersome, now you can put apps inside folders on the home screen. Not to let the iPad have all the fun, Apple has also given the iPhone iBook suport as well. Other than that, they have made some slight changes to email and exchange, as well as a few other minor changes. For the full details of the 4.o software, hit up Apple’s website.
Mobile Mike Thoughts:
After the intense battle on Twitter between Android and iPhone users, I wanted to toss out a few thoughts about the 4.o software on the iPhone. All in all this update is 100% Apple. What I mean by that is they give users what they want, but do it in their own way. Multitasking is the biggest part of this update and in my opinion they implemented it very well. Some may say its not “true” or “real” multitasking, but for 99% of people, switching between apps is all they need. The other features they added are really just icing on the cake and not things people really wanted/needed. One major thing that Apple left off that almost all iPhone users want is better notifications. I am really surprised Apple did not address the way notifications are handled. Android has a great system with the drop down window shade, and webOS has, in my opinion, an even better system of pop ups at the bottom. I was really hoping to see Apple get creative and make notifications work even better, unfortunately they have left notifications completely unchanged.
After all the dust settles, I see this as a good move forward for iPhone users. It addresses one really big concern and Apple does it in a way that is simple and easy. Although some folks will be underwhelmed with this update, it is a step in the right direction and an indication that Apple is listening to users.
**Updated**
Nic ‘the Angry Guru’ Ball Thoughts:
Eh. I’m not in awe over this update but let’s break it down
- Multitasking – It’s not revolutionary by any means. The simple fact that Steve Jobs decided he was wrong and added this feature is almost more shocking then the sexy way apple does it. Everyone should be happy with this feature.
- Home Screen Folders – While a simple idea, it’s needed. I for one hate scrolling through 6 pages to get to an app when I could just have 2 screens of folders. I’m a ‘drill down’ guy rather then a ‘spread it out’ guy. My desktop is only two rows of icons because I keep everything organized in folders, now my iPhone/iPod can too.
- Notifications – Nice. Not really ‘needed’ but nice.
- Universal Inbox – Or whatever they’re calling it…I for one didn’t know that wasn’t already there. I do all my email on a different device. That device has this feature with the option to keep accounts OUT of the universal inbox. Not sure if Apple added the feature to exclude inboxes or not, but it’s a must have add on for this in my opinion.
- iBooks – yea, it’s a must have if you want to get serious about pushing ebooks on the ‘i’ platform.
- Game Center – really? I know this is being done by 3rd party companies but still. I mean it’s cool and all, but let’s get real for a second if we may. iPod/Pad/Phone have cool games, but they’re not direct market compition with hand-held gaming. All games on these devices are really just secondary to the primary use of the device. If apple wanted to get serious with gaming they need to introduce an iGamer or something with more control options. Meanwhile track your plants VS hobo scores with the rest of you $15 gamers. I’ll be playing COD in HD on a 52″ screen.
- iAd – Yea, not sure why any consumers would be happy about this. I don’t want to see ads ever…even during the Superbowl…so frankly I don’t care if Apple is paying devs millions of dollars, I’m still being forced to see an ad. Boo!
- Bluetooth Keyboard – About damn time! Seriously.
- Digital Zoom – This shouldn’t be found on any consumer device! It degrades image quality. I personally believe this goes against Apple’s ‘standards’ because you can produce horrible pictures using their device now.
- Wallpaper Changing – Oh Steve, I love your sense of total control. I feel your grip slowly giving out as you get older. Soon the student will become the master.
- Enterprise – Multiple exchange accounts, finally. It can now be a business device, finally.
All in all, a lot of good changes. Ground-breaking or revolutionary, not really. These are however solid changes and real movement forward. Now we wait for Apple to blow our minds with a device that can compete with anything HTC has been pumping out.
Apple has has opened up pre-orders for the highly anticipated iPad! If you pre-prder the iPad, according to Apple it will arrive April 3rd. Of course this is just for the WiFi only model as the 3G model will be available at the end of April. I already know one Guru who ordered his, what about you?
Pre-Order your iPad HERE
