But just to put their success in perspective, he gave a few amazing statistics: Apple has sold more than 120 million iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. This is up from 100 million devices just three months ago. What may be more impressive is that Apple is activating 230,000 new iOS device every single day. He also announced that 6.5 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store, and the pace of downloads is now at 200 apps per second. 25,000 of the applications in the app store are now iPad apps.

Jobs did not announce any new products, he announced several really cool product enhancements.  Here is a brief description of each:

1. Apple TV – This is the top priority on my list.  I have been thinking about canceling my way overpriced cable service and just watching TV shows, movies, and videos via my computer.  This new Apple TV is only $99.  You can rent regular and HD movies and TV shows as well as stream photos and music from your computer, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad to your widescreen TV.
   
   For more information about Apple TV, go to www.apple.com/appletv/
   
2. The new iPod Touch – This is for someone who wants all the features of the iPhone, without the phone capabilities.  So just about anything you can do on the iPhone 4 using wifi you can do on this new iPod Touch. This new iPod Touch has two cameras,s o you can use FaceTime (real-time video calling), with other iPhone 4 and iPod Touch users. This new iPod Tocuh has the truly visionary Retina display for incredible resolution. It has HD quality video recording, and even more amazing gaming speed.
   
   For more information about Apple’s new iPod Touch, go to www.apple.com/ipodtouch
3. The New iPod Nano – Now this is an interesting change.  It is a cross between the previous iPod Nano and the iPod Shuffle. It is half the size of the previous iPod Nano, but it has a very high quality color screen that supports multi-touch.  It still has an FM radio, is great for fitness training – complete with Nike+ compatibility.  You can now swipe and expand graphics just like on the iPhone and iPod Touch.  However, this nano no longer has a camera or supports video.
   
   For More information about this new Apple iPod Nano, go to www.apple.com/ipodnano/features.html.
4. The New iPod Shuffle – This is the smallest, least expensive iPod ever, at only $49.  The changes to this iPod are relatively minimal.  It does not have a display, but does have voice over, so it talks to you.  It has large, clickable buttons for easy use, 15 hours of battery life, 2 GB of storage, and Genius Mix music support.
   
   For more information about the new Apple iPod Shuffle, go to www.apple.com/ipodshuffle
5. New Apple iTunes – You are probably asking yourself, what could they possibly do to iTunes to change it, that would make it better?  I can already sync all my devices, buy new music, movies, and TV shows, and arrange my playlists.  Well, here is a short list of the newest features.  1) They added social media Ping capability so you can follow artists and friends – more like Twitter and Facebook, 2) In addition to buying TV shows, you can now rent them, commercial free and in HD, for as little as 99¢ / episode, 3) AirPlay – play music wirelessly throughout the entire house with AirPlay enabled speakers and accessories, 4) Added support for the new Apple TV, and 5) Improved device syncing, which includes faster sync, a memory capacity bar, and added application organization.
   
   For more information about what is new in iTune, go to www.apple.com/itunes/whats-new

I hope this gives you a good idea of Apple’s new line up.  Please let me know what you think of these changes and your feedback if you have used any of them.

Cheers,
Richard

It looks like they are calling them the iOS4 and iPhone 4.

I talked about this in a previous post:

New iPhone OS4 & 4G

You can also get more information from the Apple site itself at:

iOS4 Software Update and iPhone 4, iPhone 4 Notify Me

The new iPhone4 can be pre-ordered starting June 15th and will be available starting June 24th. The date for the new iOS4 is still unknown.

Cheers,
Richard

Hopefully this will be a good thing, but in reality, only time will tell.  For most of us, this should end up saving us some money.

First, the data changes to the data plan rate structure:

Currently – At least with the iPhone, you are required to get an unlimited data

New Options -
a) Data Plus – 200 MB of data for $15/month. Additional 200MB for another $15.
b) DataPro – 2GB of data for $25/month. Additional 1 GB of data for $10.

AT&T claims that the Data Plus plan is more than sufficient for 65% of the iPhone/SmartPhone users, and the DataPro plan is good for 98% of the iPhone/SmartPhone users.  In theory, that means that 65% of the users will save $15/month and the remaining 33% will save $5/month.  What can possibly be wrong with that?

TETHERING

The new feature that is being offered on the iPhone is Tethering.  The phone has always had this feature, but AT&T is only now allowing it to be used.  Simply put, tethering is the ability to share the phone’s network connection with another device, such as a laptop computer or iPad.

c) Tethering – Additional $20/month for DataPro customers. (That’s right, you need to sign up for the DataPro data plan to be able to use tethering)

NOTES:
1) All new SmartPhone/iPhone contracts will require you sign up for either the DataPlus or DataPro plans.  The unlimited Data Plan is no longer available for new contracts.  This is the current understanding.  The actual details are not announced yet.
2) You can easily check your data usage by logging into your account on www.wireless.att.com
3) Keep in mind, that once you tether your phone to a laptop or iPad, your data usage is likely to take a quantum jump up.  So be careful to keep track of your usage when you first make the switch and enable tethering.

I hope this helps clarify and keep you up to date.

Cheers,
Richard

Now, keep in mind that until Apple actually officially releases the new OS everything you read or hear about the new OS4 is just rumor and conjecture. It is highly likely to change.

Before I get into the new features, let me explain a few of the basics:

1: What is an OS4? – An OS is an Operating System. The operating system is simply the software that runs the phone itself.  It is the software platform upon which the user interface and all the applications run.
2: The difference between OS4 and 4G. – The OS is the operating system.  It is software based.  Another way to put it is, it is the code or instructions that runs on the hardware.  In comparison, hardware is the physical device.  Since the software is just code or instructions, it can be easily upgraded and changed over time, simply by downloading it onto the phone. Frequently, it is upgraded by the manufacturer as they make improvements.  It is up to the manufacturer to decide whether they want to charge you for those changes or not.  Since hardware is the physical device, if you want to get the latest changes you need to get a new device.  You have to physically change the device you hold in your hand.  Thus, manufacturers or suppliers usually charge for the new version.

In specific, If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, it is probably running OS3, or the third version of the Operating System software.  There have been several tweaks and minor updates to this version of software over the past year or two.  In June, Apple is expected to release Its next major upgrade, OS4.  This version of the OS has some really cool and exciting features.

Apple is also expected to release a new version of the hardware in June.  This will be the 4th generation of the hardware.  It has some really cool new features also!

To get ALL the benefits of the new OS4, you will need the 4G version of the iPhone or iPod Touch.  However, if you already have a 3G or 3Gs version of the hardware, you will get many of the benefits of the new OS.

I will highlight some of the new features here:

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch OS4

• Multitasking – This is one of the most exciting new features.  Multitasking is the ability to run multiple programs at once.  This feature already exists in a limited form, but will be greatly expanded in this new release.  The neat thing is, they claim they have done it in a very special way that will not slow it down significantly or consume excessively more battery power. This feature will only be available on the iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touch 3G (and, of course, newer versions).
• Application Folders – This is a really nice/convenience feature. It is the ability to organize your applications into categories. For instance, you can group all your social networking applications into one folder, your financial programs into another folder, etc…  This is not a big deal if you have only a few programs, but if you have a lot, such as I do, it can be significant.  Let me clarify: Currently, to find an application, I either have to scroll through pages to find that application or I need to go to Spotlight, remember the name, and start typing the name.  In contrast, with folders, I should be able to go to my home page, click on the appropriate folder and find all the applications in one place that will fit my needs.
• A New Mail Application – The new mail application will have a unified Inbox, fast Inbox switching, and threaded emails.  If you only have one email account, this is not a big deal.  But if you have multiple accounts, this is a huge convenience.  The biggest benefit here is that you can see all your email at once or view each email account separately.  It is your choice.  See my previous post: Email on the iPhone vs the Blackberry. These changes further closes the gap between the iPhone and the blackberry for business users.
• Fast Application Switching -  Quicker switching between tasks and a better ability to resume an application where you left off, after closing it.
• Game Center – Apple will introduce a centralized gaming service where players can connect to other players in a multiplayer network. This is similar to the Xbox Live and PSN.
• iBooks – This is a trickle down from the iPad.  In addition to reading your Kindle books, you can also buy and read your iBooks. Yes, you can download the books you already bought on your iPad too.
• 5x Digital Zoom – This is the ability to zoom in on a subject before you take a picture.  It is already available with applications such as Free Zoom, but it is nice to have it built into the main camera program.  Don’t confuse digital zoom with optical zoom.  Digital zoom is uses software to extrapolate what the camera sees and expand a certain portion. Optical zoom uses the lens to zoom in on the subject. As a result, it is very convenient, but the quality is not as good as with optical zoom. Most digital cameras have a combination of both optical and digital zoom.
• Bluetooth Keyboard – The iPhone will be able to use a wireless keyboard.
• Other – There are many other changes and enhancements to the operating system.  These are the ones I found most significant.

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch 4G

Unlike the new OS4 release, Apple has not announced the 4G.  Everything about it is conjecture with two caveats: 1) Apple has a history of announcing new versions of the iPhone in June and releasing them in July and 2) an Apple employee “accidentally” left a prototype of the iPhone 4g in a bar, someone found it and sold it to Gizmodo.

• Additional Front Facing Camera – for video chats.
• Improved Main Camera - on the back
• Flash for the Camera – for low light and night pictures.
• Micro SIM Card – Like on the iPad, instead of the regular SIM card found on the current iPhone. This is the card that you can slip from one phone to another and identifies it as yours, with your phone number etc.
• Improved Display – much higher resolution, clearer, crisper images.
• Secondary Mic – possibly for improved noise cancellation, e.g. better pick-up  & less feedback.
• Misc Body Changes – it looks like the physical casing of the phone and some of the buttons have changed, but it is really too soon to tell.

To get more information, you can go to Apple’s site, or do a Google search on Apple iPhone OS4 or Apple iPhone 4G.

I hope this helps you understand Apple’s planned new iPhone adn iPod Touch offerings.

Cheers,
Richard

But if you are like the large majority of us, you are wondering whether the more expensive 3G version is really worth the added expense. You are asking yourself, and your friends: “Should I get an iPad 3G?”

I have read many reviews and people’s comments on those reviews.  It is great to see all the controversy over the topic.  There are opinions, excuses, conjectures and insults.

But, in my mind the issue is really simple. What are your needs and how much is it worth to you?

First let me clarify what the 3G means:

Very simply put, 3G is AT&T’s cellular data network.¹  That means that the 3G version of the iPad will work anywhere that the AT&T cell phones will work, not just where there is wifi.  All versions of the iPad will be able to access the internet from your in-house/home wireless network, or anywhere there is free wifi access or you have the password for the wifi.  This includes Starbucks, coffee shops, hotels, airports, friend’s houses, and many other locations.  Wifi locations are almost ubiquitous, you can find them almost anywhere.

So why would you need the 3G version of the iPad.  Where would you use it?  That is the key question.

Ask yourself, whether you will be happy using your iPad in places that have wifi, as listed above, or do you want to be able to use it everywhere? Do you want to be able to get emails, surf the web, download movies, and get fast accurate maps while mobile, in a car, bus, or train; or while in the park, at a diner that does not have accessible wifi, etc?

If the answer is yes, you want total flexibility and freedom you then need to decide if it is worth the extra cost of the iPad and the monthly service.  Here is a breakdown on the pricing:

NOTES:

1. 3G Data Network – The 3G Data Network is the high speed data portion of the cellular network.  This is in comparison to the voice or phone service and the low speed data networks, such as Edge. All the major cell phone service providers, have 3G networks, however, AT&T is the only one that currently supports the iPhone and iPad.
2. Cost of 3G Data Plans – The cost of the data plans is very flexible.  You can sign up for the plan you need on a monthly basis, without any contract!  See Apple’s 3G Pricing for more details.

After all, for over 10 years now companies like Microsoft, Dell, and HP have introduced their own versions of a tablet PC and said it would revolutionize the PC industry. Why should Apple’s Foray be any different?

I even asked the question, where does the iPad really fit in to the line up and is it worth the money? See my post: Apple iPad – Coming April 3rd – Do you care?

Well, the answer as to why Apple’s tablet would be any more successful than other companys’ attempts is simple:It’s Apple!!

Apple clearly knows how to tie the whole package together.  They have an amazing sense of ergonomics and usability combined with hundreds of thousands of useful and fun applications specifically made for the device readily available.

First day sales topped 300,000 units.  According to Chitika Lab’s estimates, as of right now (only the 4th day) sales have 687,770 units.

First day application downloads topped 1,000,000.

It’s too soon to draw any real conclusions, but so far, Apple’s iBook ebook reader is preferred to the Kindle reader on the iPad.

So what is it?  I wanted to know why are people drawn to the iPad, so I stopped in an Apple store yesterday to check it out. Before I went, I was sure that it would be very cool, but that I did not need one because I have an iPhone and a Laptop and this fills only a small margin in the middle.

After playing with it for less than half an hour, I had to use all my restraint to not buy one on the spot.

The salesman started showing me what it is cable of, and I was sucked in.

• It felt great to hold, light weight, thin, smooth, etc.
• I already knew how to use it because of the iPhone and iPod touch and Apple’s super easy user interface.
• It was extremely fast and super responsive in everything it did.
• The display was bright, clear, crisp and easy to look at.  I’m not sure yet, how easy extended reading of a book would be, compared to the Kindle.  I’ll research that for a future post.
• I like the way I could flip through photos and albums with better previews and faster than on any other device.
• Apple’s iWorks Pages app was very easy to use and had much more power than I was led to believe it would have.
• I’ll be posting more of its features and feedback soon, so keep checking back.

When I told my wife about it, she had a great idea.  This would be a perfect device for our parents.  It has all the features they need and is self contained – so there are less maintenance/support issues. But need to decide if it is big enough for them, is the display right for them etc.  Hmmm, something worth considering.

Until next time,
Richard Lazovick

Here is just a quick update.

The iPad will become available on April 3rd, 2010.   If you are so inclined and just can’t wait, you can preorder it now on Apple’s website.

You will have two options:

a) Get your iPad on day one. Pre-order it from the Apple Online Store and have it delivered free on April 3.

Or

b) Reserve one to pick up at an Apple Retail Store on April 3.

But, I have a question for you.  Do you care?

Are you so excited to get the iPad that you just can’t wait?

Here is my opinion, and most of the people I have talked to agree:

I think the iPad is very cool.  It has the “Gee Whiz” factor that Apple is known for.  But right now it does not seem like it is worth the price.  Yes, it is great for viewing movies and surfing the web, but other than a larger screen and being faster, does it really offer more than an iPhone or iPod Touch?

I cannot carry it around as easily as my iPhone or iPod Touch, and it cannot do as much as my laptop.  Is it really worth $499 for the starting model or as much as $829 + celluar charges (3G data plan)?

If money were no object, I would definitely get one.  But for now, money is a consideration. So I am going to wait to see what new applications come out and read some other reviews before I get one.

What is your opinion?  Are you going to get an Apple iPad?

Cheers,
Richard

Okay, so you are probably asking, what the heck is an iPad?  Is it a new feminine hygiene product?

No, it is a new tablet computing device which is intended to be a cross between smart phone and a computer. (To me, that sounds like a cross between a Chiuaua and a Great Dane. )

Okay, so what is it?

Well, the iPad looks like an iPod Touch, but much bigger.

FEATURES:

We will be learning a lot more about the iPad overtime.  There are way too many features to discuss in detail now, but in the meantime, here are some of the main features of the iPad:

• An eBook Reader – very similar to and competition to the Amazon Kindle.
• A Web Browser – almost brings the web to life.
• Email – see and touch your email as never before.
• Photo Album – Instant access to stacks of photos.
• Watch videos, Organize YouTube videos, play your iPod music all with new  apps.
• 3 Online Stores – App Store, iTunes Store, and eBook Store.
• and More …

Basically, it has all the same features as the iPod Touch, and runs the same programs, but in many cases these are enhanced versions that run much faster and take advantage of the larger size display.

Also, not only can it run about 140,000 of the existing iPhone/iPod Touch applications, but it is capable of running new applications specifically designed to take advantage of the size and features of the iPad.

Please keep on the look out for additional updates from me on the Apple iPad.

Cheers,
Richard

It looks like they are trying to continue their dominance of the internet. The Android operating system and Nexus One were designed to make it easier to use smart phones to interact with web sites and services. I will be providing more details in the future, but here is some preliminary information:
- 4 GB memory, expandable to 32 GB
- Battery life 7 hrs talk, 250 Standby
- It’s 130 grams in weight and 11.5 mm in width, about the width of a standard #2 pencil.
- 5 MP camera with LED Flash (The iPhone has 3 MP camera, no flash)
- Has Wifi, GPS, and Voice Commands.
- Every text field is voice-enabled. Every time you speak, it will process your speech into text. It gets better and better the more you use it.
- Supports Multitasking. (The iPhone has very limited multitasking).
- Applications will not have to go through the same scrutiny and review process that they do with Apple for the iPhone.
- There are about 20,000 applications already available for phones with the Android operating system. (There are over 93,000 for the iPhone). The preliminary hub is that the Nexus One is the closet competition to the iPhone. Well, let’s not forget about the Blackberry.

If you have a Nexus One. Please let us know what you think about it.

Cheers,
Richard ]]> http://www.mpnspecials.com/google-nexus-one-takes-on-apple-iphone/feed/ 1 http://www.mpnspecials.com/save-100-ipod-nano/ http://www.mpnspecials.com/save-100-ipod-nano/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:21:05 +0000 rbl http://www.mpnspecials.com/?p=1642 Do you want an iPod, but don’t want to pay full price?

A friend just showed me a great deal, that is only available for a limited time.

You can save $100 on the purchase of an iPod Nano! Or, a Kindle, a GPS, or almost any other MP3 player.

Does it sound too good to be true?  It’s not.  Okay, there is a little catch.  This deal is not for everyone.  But if you like to listen to books while driving, running, taking a walk, or sleeping this is for you.

The catch is very simple.  Sign up for a subscription to Audible and you get $100 off any qualifying product.

Just click on this picture of an iPod Nano. It will take you to a new page. Scroll down to the Special Offers and Product Promotions section for details. I hope you find this useful. Please continue to let me know of any special deals you come across.

Cheers,
Richard