The American Museum of Natural History announced today that DINOSAURS: American Museum of Natural History Collections, the first science and education photo mosaic application for iPhone and iPod Touch, is currently available for download on iTunes. Free and easy to use, DINOSAURS lets paleontologists of all ages explore the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils with a tap of the screen.
Combining scientific research with over 800 stunning images from the Museum’s vast archives, this pioneering interactive mosaic provides dinosaur enthusiasts an entirely new way to discover the Museum’s premier paleontology collection—and to become experts in the process. Packed with information about six of the Museum’s most popular dinosaur fossils, including the famed Tyrannosaurus rex and the Barosaurus, DINOSAURS digs deep to bring amateur paleontologists the science behind selected fossils, stories about their discoveries, and profiles of the fossil-hunters who uncovered them. The images are enhanced with social networking functionality, enabling users to share favorite images with friends, post comments, and view comments left by others.
A veritable pocket field guide, DINOSAURS: American Museum of Natural History Collections can also be used while exploring the Museum’s famous halls to learn more about the fascinating fossils on display. DINOSAURS will be updated with new “stories” with in-depth information about additional dinosaur species, including such favorites as the Triceratops.
DINOSAURS is the first in a series of applications that will be published by The American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with 33Delivered, which provides digital stewardship and development services for institutions and companies, to highlight the Museum’s storied collections and bring its world-class holdings to a global audience.
For a demo of DINOSAURS: American Museum of Natural History Collections, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=407CU1491oE
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to explore and interpret human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-reaching program of scientific research, education, and exhibitions. The Museum accomplishes this ambitious goal through its extensive facilities and resources. The institution houses 45 permanent exhibition halls, state-of-the-art research laboratories, one of the largest natural history libraries in the Western Hemisphere, and a permanent collection of more than 30 million specimens and cultural artifacts. With a scientific staff of more than 200, the Museum supports research divisions in Anthropology, Paleontology, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology, and the Physical Sciences. In 2006, with the launch of the Richard Gilder Graduate School at the Museum, it became the first American museum with the authority to grant the Ph.D. degree. The Museum shares its treasures and discoveries with approximately four million on-site visitors from around the world each year. AMNH-produced exhibitions and Space Shows can currently be seen in venues on five continents, reaching an audience of millions. In addition, the Museum’s website, amnh.org, extends its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs to millions more beyond the Museum’s walls.
The new JVC XS-SR3 surround dock is a sleek, glossy black speaker tube with a curved design that allows the iPod to nestle between the speakers. The iPod holder rotates for viewing video in widescreen mode and comes with four clips to hold selected iPod models. The speakers’ powerful neodymium magnets ensure clean, crisp sound, while Dolby Virtual Surround creates the illusion of a wider sound field when viewing video content. Power output is five watts and the system features two audio inputs, one analog and one digital optical. A remote control is included.
In addition to its function as an iPod speaker dock, the XS-SR3 can also be used as computer speaker system.
The JVC XS-SR3 is available this month for $149.95.
In the recent return of Steve Jobs running the dog and pony show for the Designed in Cupertino company, Apple’s iCEO positioned the iPod touch, running the iPhone OS, as a gaming device more than just an iPhone minus the phone at last months iPod update gala. That said, there was no mention of taking games to the next level with a gamepad accessory that would just attach to that connector port on the iPod touch or iPhone. One will find a developer showing off their, excuse the pun, fruits in the tune of a video featuring the iControlPad playing a first-person shooter…via a jailbroken iPhone…with no availability date. Proof of concept but Scott Forstall of Apple did the same thing with the blood pressure slide at the iPhone OS 3.0 announcement, too.
But wait! There is hope. TomTom has a nice video on its site featuring a cradle for the iPhone that assists its iPhone GPS application that I told you about way back in March. My source at TomTom tells me that this cradle, which possess a GPS antenna and speaker, that uses the iPhone Connector will be out sometime this month. If this become reality, then TomTom will be the first application to speak to hardware via the iPhone Connector on the market. I would caution you not look for it at Best Buy anytime soon but it might just show up in your pillow case while trick-or-treating at the end of the month….at Best Buy, of course.
Hopefully we’ll see a flurry of hardware devices that will take advantage of Apple’s gateway to all-things accessories such as keyboards, gamepads, speakers, and maybe even monitors for video viewing (Virgin America are you reading this?!) I have to think that Apple didn’t just put an API into the iPhone to only let a good thing die. No, I think something wonderful is upon the horizon but gosh darn it, I want it now!
Altec Lansing, a division of Plantronics, Inc., today introduced the new MIX™ (iMT800) digital boombox for iPhone and iPod. The MIX features a retro audio rack-style design and a powerful built-in subwoofer to thump big bass from the heart of your scene. Compatible with both iPhone and iPod, the MIX also includes two top-mounted auxiliary inputs plus onboard FM radio and a seven-band graphic equalizer. Its towering volume, perfect clarity and heavyweight bass make the new MIX the ultimate sound system for any party.
“The MIX is the genuine ‘next generation’ boombox for the way music enthusiasts are playing their music today,” said Ed Benforado, Product Category Director. “With rugged style and high end sound, the MIX is perfect for those ‘unofficial DJs’ who like to start their parties with sound. They can ‘mix it up’ between three music player inputs – a 30-pin dock connector for the iPhone and iPod and also two front-facing 3.5mm jacks — so everyone can jump in with their jams. And we’ve included heavy-duty carry handles and battery operation to take the MIX on the road or around the house just as easily.”
Geared to keep the party jumping, the MIX drives your favorite music through specially engineered horn-loaded tweeters and mid-range drivers. The 5.25” side-firing subwoofer and 5.25” tuned passive radiator pump out natural roaring bass, further enhanced with XdB technology for extra heavy punch. A digital 7-band graphic equalizer allows music lovers to quickly tailor the sound to their preferred taste. True to its retro boombox roots, the MIX runs on AC or gives 30 hours of play time on 8 D-cell batteries, even sporting a built-in battery life display.
Made for iPod and Apple-certified to “Work with iPhone,” the MIX is engineered to be immune to GSM signals, therefore preventing the speakers from picking up potential intermittent noises emitted by the iPhone or other mobile devices. The music pauses and resumes play before and after taking a voice call without ever switching the iPhone to airplane mode.
The MIX also includes a clip-on carabineer remote control so you don’t lose it at the party. Between parties, a built-in cubby secures the remote so it can always be found.
Go to www.alteclansing.com/fallpk2009 for the full MIX “inspiration” story.
Features
Crystal-clear high end – Specially engineered horn-loaded silk dome tweeters designed for smooth, wide dispersion.
Full mid-range – Two custom-designed drivers push room-filling mids and mid bass.
Fierce bass – XdB bass-enhanced side-firing subwoofer and tuned passive radiator deliver formidable bass.
· Audio Alignment™ – Drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound.
Digital FM radio – Tune in to clean reception with telescopic antenna and four station presets.
AC or battery-powered – Plug in or lose the wires with up to 30 hours of play with 8 D batteries. Battery life is displayed on LCD.
Dual AUX IN jacks – Connect up to two additional audio players via front-facing 3.5mm jacks.
· Clip-on remote – Enhanced wireless carabineer remote provides song and playlist navigation.
Music Pause – Automatically pauses music when a call is received on the iPhone.
Interference Free – Unique design is immune to mobile phone interference, eliminating the need to switch to airplane mode.
· At-A-Glance LCD – Track, artist, album and station display.
Customizable EQ’s – Multiple EQ modes let you adjust your sound, including 7-band graphic equalizer, four EQ presets and separate Bass and Treble controls.
Onboard controls – Control most functions from the unit.
Universal dock for iPhone and iPod – Recharges while it plays your tunes.
Pricing and Availability
The Altec Lansing MIX (iMT800) is now available at Apple retail stores, BestBuy.com, Amazon and other leading consumer electronics retailers, as well as at www.alteclansing.com. MSRP is US$299.95.
For more information on the complete new Fall 2009 audio collection from Altec Lansing, visit www.alteclansing.com.
Contestants are now lining up around the U.S. to audition for Randy, Simon and someone other than Paula – but now anyone can audition before the entire world with iSing, the worldwide talent show via iPhone and iPod touch. iSing, created by games and entertainment producer Island Labs, enables anyone with an iPhone or iPod touch to record a 30-second audition, publish it, then watch their recording climb the charts as their “fans” vote for (or against) it in this worldwide competition for stardom.
“iSing is karaoke meets talent show meets social networking,” said Morgan Slain, CEO of Island Labs. “We are very excited about providing a fun, lively venue on the mobile web for people to sing, share and compete for fame on the iSing talent show.”
Upon launching iSing, users are presented with a list of song entries by iSing contestants. To listen to an entry, they simply tap on the thumbnail picture of the contestant, and use “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” buttons to vote. Users can also find entries by searching for the latest, best and worst of the current month, best and worst of all-time, or by location, which will present all the entries from a particular city.
Users can also search for specific friends and build their own network of iSing contestants.
Over time, they will be able to track which contestants soar to the top, and which sink to the bottom.
Competing in iSing is very simple, enabling contestants to record a 30-second audition with the tap of a button. After recording, the singer can review and re-record the song prior to being submitted to Island Labs for review. Once approved, the contestant will receive an email letting them know their audition is now “live” and they can share it with friends who will vote for it.
A video demonstration of iSing can be viewed at www.isingoniphone.com/video/intro. iSing is available for iPhone and iPod touch in the App Store for US$0.99.
Jeff Musa, the founder and former CEO of Cutting Edge Software, Inc (now operating as Quickoffice, Inc.), has launched a new company named One Moxie Ventures LLC. The new company is focused on developing quality mobile applications and web services for the education and lifestyle markets.
Mr. Musa’s previous company was a leader in business productivity applications for Palm OS powered mobile devices. The company’s core product platform, Quickoffice, earned numerous awards and served a user base of over 350,000.
One Moxie Ventures released its first iPhone application titled Math Flash Cards, which is available now (iTunes link) from the Apple App Store. The application has already broached the Top-20 list of paid-for educational applications.
The cool factor is Apple’s signature. Math Flash Cards combines rich graphics, a fun-to-use interface, and the educational outcome that parents are craving.
“The iPhone is a natural fit for education titles because kids are drawn to the crisp graphics and rich media on the device,” said Mr. Musa. “The cool factor is Apple’s signature. Math Flash Cards combines rich graphics, a fun-to-use interface, and the educational outcome that parents are craving.”
The company is in the process of developing several additional titles for the iPhone platform to be released throughout 2009.
If you’re in need for some protection on your spiffy new iPod Classic, or any other personal electronic device, but don’t want a large bulk case and don’t really have much faith in a pouch, then you may wish to look at InvisibleShield. We reviewed BodyGuardz, a similar product, for the iPhone two months ago and this review makes for a good side-by-side look at two products with the same purpose.
Out of the gates, we like the InvisibleShield but it did suffer from some irritating attributes. There’s no deal-killer here but just the same, read the review and make your own choice as to if this is the one for you.
It wasn’t too long ago that the average car radio would eat up cassette tapes to play U2’s Joshua Tree or your latest mixtape. A company called Fusion is taking that principal and applying it to the iPod. Yup, you shove your iPod into like you once did with Eddie Money’s No Control. Of course a modern twist applies here and the face falls down on the CA-IP500 to reveal a large hole off-center to the right. Using pieces of plastic to accommodate your particular iPod, called the sleeve, you’ll be able to use any iPod touch, 5th gen classic (30, 60, 80GB), 6th generation 80 or 160 GB as well as 7th generation iPods (straight from Fusion’s web page). All but the first generation nanos are supported.
Like pretty much any car stereo with iPod integration, you’ll be able to browse your genres, playlist, artists, and songs. Pretty much like any other car stereo with iPod integration, artist and song listings lag and are worthless if you have a lot of songs and artists.
The full dot matrix OLED screen looks pretty nice with two lines of information displaying artist and song information nicely. The 4 channel with subwoofer output, AM/FM, RDS, AUX input unit pumps out 50 MOSFET watts times four. SRS Wos sound shaping helps enhance the sound and two selectable colors helps you decide which is better for your mood.
Fusion’s “world first internal iPod dock” is an interesting addition to the growing number of iPod car stereos available and may start a new trend in after-marketing head units.
Dude, looking for a sweet deal on some groovy headphones? You know, bad economy but you gots to have your head covered with something for them ears? Cash low but tunes need to be high? Ya, we gottcha back, homie.
We just put the review for the iFrogz Custom Fallouts up. Good, round, sounding headphones for your iPhone, iPod, or computer. Heck, plug ‘em into your Denon and enjoy.
Okay, no more playing, go read the review and see if you want to nuke your old pair of headphones and enjoy some Fallouts today.
Resco, a leading provider of end-user mobile applications, announced today the release of its very first game for iPhone, iPod Touch – Resco Bubbles.
Resco Bubbles is an action puzzle game where the idea is to clear a grid of bubbles in order to advance to the next level. The player is given a sequence of bubbles, which should be quickly and efficiently popped. Numerous explosive, speed-up, slow-down and damage bubbles make the game play exciting and challenging.
Features:
* 50 challenging levels
* accelerometer support
* various surfaces
* calibration
* best score
* realistic ball-bounce feeling
“After establishing ourselves in the Windows Mobile, Palm OS and Symbian platforms the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch present yet another promising opportunity for our mobile solutions.
The iPhone platform with its successful design and revolutionary UI is both extremely popular with customers and very interesting for developers. Its standardized hardware environment, high-quality development tools and unrivalled distribution channel make for exceptionally easy development and distribution of applications. And we at Resco are going to use this potential,”
says Eduard Kirchner, Director of the Gaming Division.
After introducing Resco Bubbles, Resco will gradually introduce other games that scored commercial success in other platforms, while taking full advantage of the new platform’s potential.
Availability
A free LITE version of “Resco Bubbles” allows players to test the game out before actually purchasing the full version. It can be found at: http://www.resco.net/iPhone/Bubbles.