Read It Later Changes Name to Pocket, Updates Features and Goes Free

There are all sorts of competitive spaces out there in the mobile App world. One of those spaces is the “save something from the web and read it when you have the time space”. I’d call that the read it later space, but this post should explain why I don’t do that.  Currently there are a number of ways to save things you want to read at a later time, whether that reading be on a mobile device or on a desktop or laptop. Instapaper, Evernote, Readability, Apple’s Safari browser, and others have ways of allowing you to send what you’re reading to online storage for retrieval later. Some of these services plug into mobile RSS readers and applications like Flipboard and Zite, allowing you to clip from your mobile device as well. All have desktop and laptop browser add-ins or extensions to make it easy to clip and save. One not in the list above is the App Read It Later.

At least there was until today. Read It Later has gone through a major update and also a name change. The App (and service) is now called Pocket. The new Pocket is now completely free. Previously there was a free version and a paid “pro” version that gave you more features. The new free version contains all of the features of the previously paid pro version. It also offers a very nicely re-designed UI built for hi-res (read Retina) displays. and yes, that means seeing prettier pictures and prettier video.

I’ve included two pictures below of the reading list from the previous iPad version of Read It Later and now the iPad version of Pocket so you can see a comparison. The new version certainly feels very much like an iOS App. Sharing is easy and you have multiple destinations to share things to. you can also choose to favorite an article or video to make it easier to find if your reading list gets as long as mine. you can now do some bulk editing of articles with some features (trash, tagging, sharing). there are over 300 hundred Apps that can work with Pocket.

Pocket is making a big point about video and photos as there statistics say that 40% of items saved are not articles. they include video, photos, travel arrangements, and recipes. So, it appears that Pocket is a shift towards Evernote-like storing of information for later retrieval as opposed to just being competitive in the reading articles later space.

I’ve used all these services that are out there and continue to use them all. Some of the articles and info I save are things that I do want to hang on to for a longer period as opposed to just having it to read when I’m stall surfing. call me crazy, but for this kind of information I don’t want to just trust one service. So, if it is something I really want to keep around, I’ll save it to multiple services. you never know when a service will go out of business or get bought by another company in this day and age.

That’s not a slight at all against Read It Later Pocket. It has served me well in the past and the new changes look like they will offer me some new options in the future.

The gallery below includes screenshots from both the iPhone and the iPad versions.

iPhone Accessories That Boost Performance

There are many different iPhone accessories that are a great way to bring more functionality to your favorite cell phone. The most common add-on is course speakers. No matter what you like to use your cellular device for, adding speakers can make a more rich experience. The addition of iPhone speakers makes movies, games and music all more enjoyable and gives stronger and more immersive experience to each. this is the first and foremost used accessory for this great Apple device. There are plenty more to choose from so keep reading to learn about more accessories that can make your favorite digital device a lot more than a cell phone.

There are some cool accessories for those who love to use the camera and video camera on the phone. You can buy certain attachments to allow the iPhone to record audio at a higher level and also can help you take photos from longer away using telephoto lenses and more. these accessories can be expensive but add a lot of functionality for the photo buff instantly. There are only a few useful add-ons for the 3G the new iPhone 4 on the other hand offer a much higher quality camera and allows for real HD video recording, so most of these accessories are much more useful on this model.

As far as protective cases goes, we all know that there are many great cases and screen protectors available. There are many different types of screen covers, some are totally clear, some are mirrored and some have a directional viewing surface that allows only the operator to see what is on the screen. There is a huge amount of cases available for this phone too. Depending on what color and style you are after, there are plenty of choices and a wide variety of offerings to make sure that your phone lasts even after a nasty fall or drop. these cases can be one of the best investments you can make for your favorite gadget and insure that it is able to serve you well for years to come.

There are many specialty add-ons like sound jacks and other proprietary connection devices such as credit card readers available for this device too. Many of the most popular devices have not even been developed yet, as the programmers and hardware companies continue to innovate the sky really is the limit with what all can be done with Apples most popular phone.

Technology News: Reviews: ‘Bike Baron’ Is Massively Addictive Daredevil Dynamite

“Bike Baron,” a game from Mountain Sheep, is available for 99 US cents at the App Store.

I’m far from a huge gamer on iOS, but occasionally a great game will catch my attention in a cosmic crash of serendipity. In this case, I stumbled upon Nathan Fillion’s Twitter feed (that writer/detective guy paired with the smokin’ hot detective on the TV show “Castle”).

He wrote: “My latest game addiction? Download ‘Bike Baron.’ thank me later.” I’m guessing the guy has some downtime on the set of the show. In any event, I had briefly considered downloading “Bike Baron” a few days before, then saw this tweet, then tapped in my App Store password, and boom, here we are.

Basically, Bike Baron is one of those side-scrolling physics-oriented games. it features a cartoonish motorcycle daredevil rider who rides planks of wood, ramps and loop-de-loops of doom as he jumps over flaming kegs of explosives. It’s deceptively simple to play, full of crashes, fire and backflips, as well as death- and sometimes physics-defying motorcycle riding. to play, you tap a green go button and start zooming. when you jump, you have to lean back or forward with another set of buttons to make sure you don’t land on your head and crash.

The first 10 minutes had me wondering if I had just wasted a buck and 10 minutes of my life. I had a hard time seeing the ramps and planning ahead, and it seemed as if I was constantly wrecking and exploding things. But the sound of the motorcycle engine revving and screaming kept me in it (it’s been 34 degrees and raining for what seems like forever where I live, and that means I’m not riding my bike in real life).

After 10 minutes, your head starts getting the idea and you can half-way understand the ramps, ice and opportunities to bust out back flips. As you start tricking through levels, earning stars and unlocking new levels, the game starts firing all your addiction triggers, and you’re screwed because you’ll be playing for at least another half-hour, minimum.

When you finally put the game down to rejoin the world around you, you think for a moment that, “Eh, I did that. Whatever. Moving on.” except the next time you have a few minutes, what do you do? fire up “Bike Baron” and rev the engine.

And this time, guess what? The addiction has a chance to get stronger. Your basal ganglia have learned how to control the bike, and suddenly a self-satisfied smile slips out after you bust a 4x backflip and stick the landing. Yeah baby, that’s 1,440 degrees of flipping.

As for compatibility with iOS, the latest update makes it sweet for the new iPad and the pixel-dense Retina display. As for me, it runs great on my iPad 2. “Bike Baron” is also compatible with iPhones from the 3GS on up, as well as the iPod touch third-generation 32GB and 64GB models (the 8GB isn’t as smart, apparently, so if you’ve got one of those, sorry).

As turns out, Fillion and I aren’t alone. The developer, Mountain Sheep, says that “Bike Baron” has been downloaded more than 2 million times since October. In addition to a bunch of levels in the game, you can create your own levels … or go online to snag a four-digit code to download levels that other players have created. Mountain Sheep says that so far players have spent a total of 50,000 hours to build and share more than 100,000 custom levels for the game.

I’ve ridden a few custom levels but I haven’t built any. maybe I’m not truly addicted (yet). And as for all the levels in the game, I don’t know when or how I’ll get there. I’m still playing.

You should too. thank me later.

MacNewsWorld columnist Chris Maxcer has been writing about the tech industry since the birth of the email newsletter, and he still remembers the clacking Mac keyboards from high school — Apple’s seed-planting strategy at work. while he enjoys elegant gear and sublime tech, there’s something to be said for turning it all off — or most of it — to go outside. to catch him, take a “firstnamelastname” guess at Gmail.com.

Plantronics Bluetooth Earpiece – A Multitasker’s Dream

Bluetooth headsets are a wonderful thing to have for both safety and efficiency. With the wireless capabilities of one of these earpieces, you can multitask like never before. take calls while you work on the computer, cook dinner, or even drive. Strapped to your ear, a headset is virtually unnoticeable and perfect for all day wear. When a call comes in, you can answer it without the need to pick up your phone. Your phone stays strapped to your waist or tucked away in your pocket or purse.

One of the leading brands on the market comes from a specialty manufacturer. These Plantronics Bluetooth headsets have received many rave reviews from customers and professionals alike. known for quality construction and good sound, these units are both affordable and well built for power users.

You can find a Plantronics Bluetooth headset anywhere you have cell phone accessories. they can be purchased from your carrier in many kiosks and boutiques or can be ordered online from any electronics store. if you are looking to save money, Amazon has good deals on these as does eBay. even at retail, the top models cost less than $100. as long as your cell phone supports Bluetooth, most any earpiece will be compatible.

Using your headset for the first time requires a small amount of initial setup. you will want to first charge your earpiece with the included charger. after it is powered up, you can connect it to your phone by setting your phone in paring mode. Choose to add a new device and enter your pass code which is typically 0000. if the procedure was a success, your headset should blink to let you know it has been paired. each time you power down and back up, you will need to touch your device to your phone to connect it but you will not have to do the pairing routine again.

CarrierCompare: The iPhone app your carrier doesn’t want you to see

A screenshot of CarrierCompare, which measures the network quality of Verizon, Sprint and AT&T systems

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — A new app hit the iTunes store Friday morning that your carrier probably isn’t too thrilled about.

It’s called CarrierCompare. Developed by Boston-based startup SwayMarkets, it allows you to see which carrier offers the best service for your iPhone in any given location.

The crowd-sourced app is simple to use. After you touch the start screen, the app takes about 15 seconds to analyze your network for signal strength, response time and speed. It then compares your result with other nearby results on the other two national carriers’ networks.

The display is intuitive, telling you where your carrier ranks compared to the competition.

Sounds pretty simple, right? but iPhone carriers Verizon (VZ, Fortune 500), AT&T (T, Fortune 500) and Sprint (S, Fortune 500) have successfully kept that information out of the public’s view — until now.

Carriers rigorously test their networks and their rivals’ networks, hiring third-party surveyors to perform comparisons. however, those surveys are almost always performed under non-disclosure agreements.

Each carrier provides its own coverage map to customers, and some even offer a street-level view. (Here are the maps for Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.)

But that still doesn’t give users the kind of precise detail that CarrierCompare provides — and the carriers certainly don’t offer up direct, pinpoint comparisons against the competition.

"There is an imbalance of information out there," said Amos Epstein, founder of SwayMarkets. "each carrier knows its own network and hires people to drive around in trucks to measure its rivals’ service as well. but they haven’t gone as far to release data that’s tangible and useful to the consumer."

Carriers also get that data from apps they make handset manufacturers install on their devices. Sprint and AT&T use an app called CarrierIQ, which sends that kind of information — and more — back to the carriers.

After landing in the crossfire of a giant controversy around the secrecy of that data, CarrierIQ urged its carrier customers to release that information to consumers. So far, none have done it.

Calling CarrierIQ "a cautionary tale," Epstein said CarrierCompare is designed to make visible metrics that are typically hidden from consumers’ view.

The app tracks three data points.

"Signal" represents a granular, numerical interpretation of service bars, which gives a more accurate reading than a one-through-five bar graph representation.

"Response" measures how long it takes for the network to respond to a request. It’s an important metric for Internet use, such as Web browsing, posting pictures to Facebook and downloading apps. A lower response time indicates a better result.

"Speed" is in indicator of how much information the network allows your phone to download in a second. Good 3G service can be as fast as 2 Megabits per second during non-peak hours, and 4G service can be more than five times faster than that.

Here’s the catch: the app is only as good as its crowd-sourced data. SwayMarkets has a starting data set pulled in from its previously released NetSnaps app, but CarrierCompare will only become really useful if a critical mass of people adopt it.

Right now, the app only performs the one function — touch and compare. but within a few weeks, the SwayMarkets team said CarrierCompare will become much more dynamic.

When the second version is released, the app will allow users to collect network comparison data in the background, while other apps are in use. That will let the app detect network information throughout a user’s day and produce an analysis on the best carrier for that specific users, factoring in things like their typical commute route and work location.

That "set it and forget it" capability will also allow users to check in every once in a while and see how their their network is holding up

CarrierCompare is on sale for $1.99, and an ad-supported version is available for free. the app is only available on the iPhone for now, but the SwayMarkets team said Android versions are in the works. To top of page

First Published: April 13, 2012: 5:52 AM ET

iPhone 4 Cases – Heavy Duty for a Heavy Duty Lifestyle

It’s no doubt – there are a variety of different lifestyles that people choose to live. Some people spend most of their day being sedentary and others choose to be out-and-about all day long. whether or not your lifestyle is the one you have always dreamed of, it is what it is – and your iPhone 4 should be protected in the right way. Today, let’s look at the most popular iPhone 4 case that can support any type of rough-and-tough lifestyle – and do it with style

Otterbox Denfender for iPhone 4

This case is not new and there is a reason for that. the Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4 is one of the best selling iPhone 4 cases of all time. this case is tried and true, and surely won’t let any consumer down. With its hearty thickness, there is 0 percent chance that your iPhone 4 will be vulnerable to damage. People that live the on-the-go type lifestyle, usually also need their phone to be handy within a second’s notice. the Otterbox Defender makes this possible with its accompanying holster/belt clip. just clip this baby to your pant loop or belt and it will always be available.

Griffin Survivor SportClip for iPhone 4

Just released, the Griffin Survivor case for iPhone 4 has launched itself to the top of the best iPhone 4 cases list. It’s not hard to tell that this is Griffin’s version of the Otterbox Defender. it is a highly-durable grip case just like the Defender, and leaves no room for your iPhone to be exposed to damage. just to illustrate how strong this case actually is, the material it is made of actually surpasses the U.S. Department of Defense’s standards. this is the only iPhone 4 case to surpass such rigid standards. the Griffin Survivor is available in black and pink.

The overly-protective cases don’t stop with the iPhone 4. the newest trend in iPad and iPad 2 cases are re-invented designs of these popular iPhone 4 cases. There is now an Otterbox Defender case for iPad and iPad 2, as well as a Griffin Survivor case. just like your iPhone 4, your iPad is an extremely valuable device – which is enough reason to invest in one of these types of cases for it. if you do choose to go with a protective case for iPad, be sure that you recognize the added bulk it is going to add to the device. Some iPad users like to keep their iPad devices in thin case – to keep it true to the way it was designed.

Apple iPhone 3G White – Cheap and Affordable Apple Phone

The apple iPhone 3G white deals are in big demands nowadays. iPhone deals are available with all the network providers such as Vodafone, Virgin, O2, T-Mobile, 3 Mobile, Orange and with other networks. Within these deals it provides you eye catching gifts and services. Even some contract deals offers a number of worthy gifts such as Laptop, 42 inch LCD TV, Nintendo Wii, LCD TV, Xbox 360 Elite and many others. White deals also support GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi, blue tooth and USB.

This gadget is very light and sleek with dimensions of 12.3 mm deep, 62.1 mm wide and 115.5 mm high. this handset is of 133 in grams in weight with Wi-Fi technology. It provides 2 mega pixel of camera, iPod music player and also a A-GPS navigation with Google maps. the good thing is that this mobile comes in two flash memory sizes. One hand 8 gigabyte version memory phone is in glossy black color casing and on the other hand 16 gigabyte version we can find in glossy white or in glossy black color casing.

This phone comes with large touchscreen with measurement of 3.5 inches with full of QWERTZY key board features. People can also download high resolution graphics, pictures and games. its 3G HSDPA gives high speed 3G connectivity, broad band speed and internet accessibility. for high speed data transfer, it is incorporated with EDGE and GPRS features. the Apple iPhone 3g White Deals has ultimate Bluetooth wireless features. People can easily connect data with their PC or Mac. this user friendly gadget makes our work more fast and easy.

We can easily upload songs and videos and can share with our friends. Wi-Fi connectivity allows to maintain a wireless connection with world wide web and has HSDPA 850, 1900, 2100 worldwide network coverage.At the end of my article I want to say that its really a worthy gadget and you can add more effects while taking snap. for music lovers, it has strong iPod music player. this is cheap apple iPhone 4g Deals with a number of eminent features. so guys run and buy. It is in big demand and grab attention of every one around the world. People are literally crazy about it. It offers high speed connectivity.

Best Buy is the biggest retailer for the iPhone other than Apple

Sponsored links, if any, appear in green.

Apple iPhone 4SApple iPhone 4S

everyone pretty much knows that Apple has no trouble selling the iPhone, whether that be through online sales, or in retail stores. What people might not realize, though, is how much of that selling is done for Apple by best buy. a new study on recent iPhone sales says that among non-carrier retailers, best buy is second only to Apple itself in the number of iPhones it moves.

best buy first started selling the iPhone in 2008, with Apple’s blessing of course. Since then, it has expanded its distribution of the device to 1,100 stores, many of which are in areas that aren’t deemed worthy of Apple stores of their own. a new study by the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) claims that best buy accounted for 13 percent of the iPhone’s sold in the U.S. last quarter, compared to Apple’s 15 percent (the dominant sellers were AT&T and Verizon Wireless, at 32 and 30 percent, respectively).

the data shows that third-party retailers (mostly best Buy) are nearly as important to the success of the iPhone as Apple’s own distribution channels are. CIRP says there are four times as many best buy stores as there are Apple stores in the U.S., so best buy can reach a much larger audience that Apple can’t get to directly.

while best Buy’s selling of the iPhone certainly benefits Apple, it also benefits the big box retailer, as it gets people in its stores that may buy more profitable items such as car chargers and cases for their new iPhones (it is widely understood that the iPhone is profitable for Apple, but is not very profitable for retail stores that sell it because of its high cost). At this point, it seems that Apple needs best buy almost as much as best buy needs to carry the iPhone. [via All things D]

iPhone purchases by outletiPhone purchases by outlet

Iphone 3gs Gets Better Utilizing Every New Application

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the iphone 3gs cases add bit extra zing towards feel of carrying a lavish phone with a beautiful case. This means your iphone fails to recognize the SIM minute card of other online communities. Then drag together with drop the folder straight into Library/Themes. Some of this data will be your very own details or information you have for work or maybe education, while meanwhile various other information on it can be things with sentimental value just like photographs, applications (by using save states), diary entries and many others. Next, download the unlocking software and handle the installation so you are able to discover iphone easily.

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Poddities turns your iPhone into a money clip

One of the things I love best about myiPhone is that it single-handedly replaces a bevy of other devices. Alarm clock? gone. Digital camera and camcorder? gone. Reward cards? gone.

Now I can add one more item to the list: wallet.

The Poddities Money Clip for iPhone 4/4S adds a metal clip to the back of your handset, allowing you to keep cash, credit cards, and the like close at hand. It also gives you the option of hanging your phone from your belt or the top of pants pocket.

There are, of course, iPhone cases that have slots for credit cards and whatnot, but most of them add bulk ranging from a little to a lot. The Poddities is about the slimmest solution out there. It can hold up to three cards, according to the manufacturer.

The clip actually screws into the bottom of the iPhone. It comes with a dual-sided screwdriver so you can remove Apple’s special “pentalobe” screws and replace them with the pair included in the kit.

Neat idea, but the downside is that your sync cable will no longer lock into the connector (though it will still fit). plus, the Poddities will preclude your iPhone from working with some dock accessories.

That’s kind of a deal breaker for me, though more and more these days I’m using Bluetooth speaker docks, so a physical connection is a nonissue.

Actually, I’d be a lot more inclined to grab one of these if not for the price: $31.60, plus around $13 for shipping from Japan-based Strapya World. (Amazon has the Poddities Money Clip for $29.20, but here shipping adds $18.)

To my cheapskate way of thinking, this is more of a $10 item. that said, it’s exactly the kind of thing I’d like to pair with my iPhone, as I hate carrying a wallet around just for cash and credit cards.

What do you think? Have you found a better way of making your iPhone double as a money clip? Would you consider spending nearly $50 for something like this? (Think I can guess the answer to that one.)