Garage Inc. iPad Game Review

Garage Inc. by Breakthrough Entertainment is a time management based puzzle game that has a wonderful Gangster infused story. The game takes place during 1920’s when  the great depression and prohibition are just part of life.

Story:

The story follows an Italian immigrant in Chicago, Angelo Marito.  As he looses his job during the depression he struggles to take care of his family in the 1920’s.  He strikes a bargain with the Mob for a loan to start a car garage.  This ends up not going so well for Angelo as he learns quickly paying back loans to the mob is very costly.

Get a free video editor from Vimeo for your iOS device

If you are not willing to put down $4.99 for iMovie on your iPhone, iPad now there is a free alternative.
Vimeo is a video sharing web site that lets you upload and share high quality video with your friends.
I like video because I can let others download the videos in it native format.  Only downside is the free account only lets you upload 500MB as week.  I have not had a chance to try this video editor from Vimeo yet but will let you know as soon as I do.
Here is Vimeo's anouchment:


The Vimeo iPhone app is here! from Blake Whitman on Vimeo.









We've packed all the best parts of Vimeo into this baby. Now you can upload, edit, manage and watch your videos right from your iPhone.

The whole Vimeo experience:

• Watch and manage all your existing Vimeo videos and download them to your camera roll
• Easily upload your raw footage or edited creations in HD or SD
• Pause/resume uploads and get reminded when a video is paused
• Replace existing videos
• Edit title, description, tags, privacy and credits
• Share with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, WordPress, Email or SMS
• Add your clips to your Groups, Channels and Albums
• Stats on daily plays, likes and comments





An easy-to-use video editor:

• Capture video with focus control and grid alignment
• Combine, edit, and trim your videos
• Add transitions, titles, and effects
• Add music and recordings
• Control volume levels
• Save edited videos to your camera roll or upload directly to Vimeo



Lots to see:

• Watch videos from your Vimeo inbox, Watch Later queue, or videos you have liked
• Easily like, comment and add videos to your Watch Later queue
• Discover new and interesting videos in the Browse tab





This is just the beginning, we'll be bringing you regular updates with feature improvements. Search, AirPlay support, more effects and any other features you suggest are on the way. And if you like it, please rate it! If you don't like it or if there is something else you'd like to see, please let us know at iphone@vimeo.com or post feedback here.

Finally, one huge thank you goes out to our friends at Laan Labs, who did all the coding. They are amazing!

Love,

Vimeo

PS- Yes, we plan on building an iPad and Android app! First we want to get the iPhone version as stable and full featured as possible, then bring all that goodness to other platforms.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 comes to the iPad.

Tiger Woods PGA has been relased for all iOS devices, with the HD version for the iPad.
With its nice looking graphics and intuitive touch interface.  This looks like the Golf Game to get for the serious golfers.
Here is a preview video:

Description

iOS 4.3 battery drain caused by Ping?

There have been a few reports coming in about a battery drain problem after iOS 4.3 upgrade.
Some users reporting that due to Ping constantly running in the background they have been able to see a noticeable change in battery life by disabling it.

Ping is an iTunes social service that lets you communicate and share song recommendations with friends.  ( I have never used it)

Want to disable it; here's how:

Go into settings on your iPad -
 

Miniot Cover for iPad 2 Wood

I don't know if this case would work as well as it looks, but it does look beautiful.

I believe having a wood front would make this very protective of the screen.

But we still have the same problem of the other magnetic cases they just don't protect the back.

If anyone has tried one of the Miniot cases replay let us know how they work.

T-Mobile G-Slate Hands-On

Thanks to PhoneDog for this nice hands on with the T-Mobile LG G-Slate.

iOS Tips And Tricks

Thanks to AppAdvice for coming up with this very help full tips video.

They are pretty basic tips but I believe most may be able to get something out of them.

Real Racing 2 HD iPad Review - iPad 1 vs. iPad 2 Compare

I have been real curious on how the iPad 2 would handle graphics opposed to the iPad.

Well so far looks like the big thing that the games are using the extra power for is Anti-Aliasing.

I really think this is good due to iPad 2 not getting the resolution upgrade everyone expected. I am still looking forward to seeing how game developers will be pushing the iPad 2 for future games.

Motorola Xoom Wifi $599 coming March 27th

Reports are saying that the iPad 2 competitor the Motorola Xoom Wifi will be launching on March 27th.

Looks as if B&H Photo already has the Xoom Wifi up for pre-order.









Here is a good but Android favored iPad 2 vs Xoom comparison.

iPad 2 Tips and Tricks

Big thanks to www.howtogeek.com and

http://www.simplehelp.net for content and pictures.

iPad multi tasking:
iPad do sudo multi tasking but letting some apps run in the background but most go into a sleep mode saving what you have going on.  

1. Start out by “double-clicking” the iPad Home button (the large circular “button” at the bottom of your iPad – see the image below).
2. Your Home screen will ‘dim’ and a list of your currently running / open Apps will be displayed in a bar across the bottom of the screen. Tap the App you want to switch to, and it will be displayed.
3. If you’re running too many programs to be displayed on the bottom bar at once, just ’swipe’ your finger across that bar…
4. … and the rest of your currently running programs will be displayed.
5. That’s it! Now you can easily switch between open programs on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch – any time.

Close Running Apps:
There might be arguments about if applications running in the background are using any memory or CPU cycles or not but I have never seen this to be a problem.  But you may end up with an application that is not launching correctly and this is one way you may be able to fix this.

1. Start out by “double-clicking” the Home button on your iPad. The Home button is the one at the bottom of your iDevice, as illustrated in the image below.
2. This will bring up the ‘list’ of currently running Apps – by way of an “App bar” at the bottom of your screen. Tap and hold down on any one of the currently running Apps (even if it’s not the one you want to close).

Time Warner releases TV-viewing app for iPad

Now you can watch your favorite networks on your iPad in your home! If you are a Time Warner Cable video subscriber, the FREE TWCable TV™ app turns your iPad into another TV screen and lets you watch selected live cable TV channels with your home WiFi connection. Watch Bravo from your bedroom, take Food Network with you to the kitchen, or catch up on CNBC news from the breakfast table. Watch selected live streaming TV channels now, and stay tuned for future releases with additional channels and expanded app functionality from Time Warner Cable. 

iPad 2 enhanced games on iPad vs iPad 2

iPad 2 showing off its graphic muscles playing Real Racing 2, Dead Space, and Infinity Blade.

Thanks GameThingDaily for this video.

iPad 1 vs. iPad 2

Here is a really nice comparison between ipad 1 and ipad 2 from tapcritic.com.

Apple iPad 2 Video Review

Thanks to mobiletechreview for this really good video review.

Infinity Blade & Dead Space receive updates for iPad 2

Just in time for iPad 2 launch EA and Chair has released updates to some of they AAA games for the iPad.

Chair's Infinity Blade with its already stunning graphics powered by Unreal Engine, updated to get high resolution graphics for the iPad 2.
Chair "- Now optimized for iPad 2 – Includes high-resolution graphics that utilize the enhanced visual capabilities of the iPad 2."

EA's Dead Space on iPad has been hailed as another top notch game with even better graphics.  The just released update will not only include updated graphics but also look sensitive Y-Access so you can change your control to match your gameplay style. 
EA "** NOW WITH ENHANCED GRAPHICS FOR iPAD 2! Also featuring Look Sensitivity and Y-Axis Inversion! You asked for them, and we delivered! Download the NEW UPDATE and further customize your controls. **"

Selling your iPad?

Like many other iPad owners out there, I am contemplating selling my iPad to upgrade to the iPad 2.  There are a variety of ways to get the most money back for your expensive electronics.  Below are three avenues that should be considered before selling your iPad. 

Auction Websites: 
Ebay is one of the most renown auction sites available, but what can you expect when you take into account the hidden expenses and shipping fees?  Looking at some of the auctions as of 3/10/11, an iPad 16 GB ranges between $315 and $350.  But now remember ebay has a 9% auction fee that could cost up to $31 plus a $2 insertion fee.  You may also have to fork over the shipping expenses that could deduct an additional $15 from your profit.
BOTTOM LINE:  If you sold your iPad on ebay, be prepared to pocket about $302.00.

Online Buying Websites:
Gazelle.com is one of the largest sites out there and promises an easy sale and transaction of your iPad and other electronics.  With free shipping and upfront pricing, it seems that the process has removed all of the hidden fees and expenses found on other websites.  I priced out the iPad 16 GB in near perfect condition at $300, which includes free shipping. 
BOTTOM LINE:  Using the code ipadtoday, you add an extra 10% 5% to your sale, resulting with a net-worth of about $330.00 $315.00.

Online Classifieds: 
Craigslist might be one of the most popular online classifieds at present time and an iPad 16 GB WiFi in my area has resulted with prices that range from $300-$400.  While the concept of Craigslist works for some, I personally don’t have the time nor energy to conduct face to face transactions.  For those who do have the time, this avenue may yield the most lucrative results. 
BOTTOM LINE:  The price for an iPad varies and ranges between $300.00-$400.00.

Final Thoughts:
Taking into account the pros and cons that encompass each available option, I will most likely utilize an online buying website like Gazelle.com, as you get a pretty good chunk of change for your iPad, minus the hassles of hidden fees or shipping expenses. Ebay seems to have a plethora of fees and is too much of a gamble for me.  While Craigslist is a close second option, the hassle-free of an online buying website is too good to pass up.
Remember to wipe your data on your iPad after you back everything up before you sell.  Also prices are sure to change after iPad 2 is released tomorrow. 

Check back in the next few days for an update about my selling experience!

New iSwifter plays most flash videos on iPad for Free including Hulu

This is correct you can now download iSwifter for the iPad in the App Store and stream all the flash you would like for Free!

Update: I was mistaken saying this app was free. To unlock the full version you will need to pay $0.99. This is not a bad price but I don't like the way it was hidden. Trial version will let you stream for about 10 minutes.

I have done some hands on with this app and got to say it does work. It may not be perfect, videos seem to be pretty choppy (but watchable). Games are not really optimized for a touch interface.

I have tested site like Hulu, NBC, Comedy Central, Facebook and everything works. I will keep trying more but I am impressed. Ok again video quality is choppy but watchable.

Browsing experience is not great; its slow and choppy also doesn't render perfectly. I will be sticking to Safari for now for normal browsing. Also browser does not seem to cache any of your information so you have to login every time you launch the app and go to a site.

Give it a try its free. But I have held off from apps like Skyfire because doesn't play Hulu and its $5.

Some of the first iPad 2 reviews from around the Net!

I have been reading many of the iPad 2 reviews coming in and to be honest it all sounds good.  Seems as Apple has positioned the iPad 2 to remain on top due to size, price, apps, battery life, and quality.

Take a look at some of the reviews follow the link to read the reviews:

Engadget.com "It might frustrate the competition to hear this, but it needs to be said: the iPad 2 isn't just the best tablet on the market, it feels like the only tablet on the market."
Nytimes.com "But you know what? The iPad will still dominate the market, because it dominates in all the most important criteria: thinness, weight, integration, beauty — and apps."

Apple releases iOS 4.3

Apple has launched iOS 4.3 two days early.  iOS 4.3 brings new features as personal hotspot on 3G models, change the side switch functionality, iTunes home sharing, Safari performance boost, and AirPlay enhancements.

So go and update as soon as you can throuhg iTunes.

Infinity Blade Review for iPad

I was sceptical going into this game with the mixed reviews I have been reading.  But I was very pleasantly surprised when I did buy the game mainly just to really check out the graphics.  The game was fun and addictive.



Story:
The story begins with a worrier that must battle his way through the Dark Citadel to his final battle the evil God King.  Other then that the story is not very extensive.  But no worries if the God King kills you because in 22 years your Son with all your skills you have acquired will carry on to try and defeat the God King.  










Game Play:

Game play is pretty straight forward there is no real in game movement you click the flashing icon to move to your next opponent or objective.  The battle is where it all happens.  Your options are to doge, deflect incoming attacks, use magic or special skill.  Basically you have to doge or deflect incoming attacks a few times till your opponent leaves an opening for you to attack.  The battles stay pretty fresh because there are many different foes you will fight that have different fighting styles that will keep you on your toes.  The game play is not real deep but it has drawn me in and wanting to get to my next battle.

iPad 2 thoughts and updated vs comparison chart

I have updated my comparison chart enjoy I find this interesting.

My thoughts on the iPad 2.
Let me start of by saying I want one, but unsure if I will buy one.
The speed boost sounds very impressive twice the CPU power and 9x GPU power; wow.
I am almost on board with the iPad 2 with the slimming it down and loosing a little weight.
The other thing I really think is interesting is the new cover they have developed for it.  I like my Apple case and how it keeps it slim but this takes that a huge step forward.  Now if they start developing games that look 9x better that will only run on iPad 2 then it will be a buy for me.

Here are some reasons I may pass iPad 2 and wait what iPad 3 is.

iPad App Game Review Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction HD

I have been playing Splinter Cell games since the original Xbox so I was super excited to do some stealth kills on my iPad.  The game delivers but maybe not enough.

Story:
I always find Tom Clancy games as hard to follow as his books.  Not to say I don’t like them.  Again the game follows Sam Fisher.  Sam Fisher finds him self caught up involved with a corrupt secret agency to get his daughter back.  You will battle your way through highly secure builds to towns in the Middle East.  The story is good and keeps you involved.  Much more then most iPad games.

Game play:
This is a 3rd person action game. You will be running and gunning finding cover and taking out everyone. The controls on Splinter Cell Conviction I find to be very good.  I can easily sneak behind someone or run from cover to cover with no problems.  Aiming and shooting are similar to 1st person games the left side controller controls movement and anywhere on the right side controls looking/aiming.  Moving to cover is a easy as looking towards a place you can get cover behind and taping the cover button on the right.  This is a stealth game so ammo is limited and you will probably die if you just run in guns blazing.  But you can adjust the difficulty in the options between 3 different levels Cadet, Agent, and Splinter Cell.  The game play does get pretty repetitive as the game goes on.  You move from one room you just cleared all the baddies to the next to clear. They try to through in some differences by some sniping and one whole section you play as a military person helping to rescue Sam.  This section I thought would be a nice change by running and gunning, but I found I still didn't have enough ammo to do that.

Graphics & Sounds:

Motorola XOOM vs Apple iPad

Thanks to phonearena.com we have a good hands on comparison between iPad and Xoom.

Personally I am very happy how well the original iPad stood its ground with the Xoom here.

It really gets me excited for an iPad 2 vs Xoom comparison.

Apple's iPad 2 official information

Watch the iPad 2 video

Thinner, lighter, and
full of great ideas.

Once you pick up iPad 2, it’ll be hard to put down. That’s the idea behind the all-new design. It’s 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter, so it feels even more comfortable in your hands.² And it makes surfing the web, checking email, watching movies, and reading books so natural, you might forget there’s incredible technology under your fingers.

Dual-core A5 chip.
It’s fast, times two.

Two powerful cores in one A5 chip mean iPad can do twice the work at once. You’ll notice the difference when you’re surfing the web, watching movies, making FaceTime video calls, gaming, and going from app to app to app. Multitasking is smoother, apps load faster, and everything just works better.

Superfast graphics.
Go, gamers, go.

With up to nine times the graphics performance, gameplay on iPad is even smoother and more realistic. And faster graphics help apps perform better — especially those with video. You’ll see it when you’re scrolling through your photo library, editing video with iMovie, and viewing animations in Keynote.

Battery life keeps on going. So you can, too.

Even with the new thinner and lighter design, iPad has the same amazing 10-hour battery life.¹ That’s enough juice for one flight across the ocean, or one movie-watching all-nighter, or a week’s commute across town. The power-efficient A5 chip and iOS keep battery life from fading away, so you can get carried away.

Two cameras. And a big hello to FaceTime for iPad.

You’ll see two cameras on iPad — one on the front and one on the back. They may be tiny, but they’re a big deal. They’re designed for FaceTime video calling, and they work together so you can talk to your favorite people and see them smile and laugh back at you.³ The front camera puts you and your friend face-to-face. Switch to the back camera during your video call to share where you are, who you’re with, or what’s going on around you. When you’re not using FaceTime, let the back camera roll if you see something movie-worthy. It’s HD, so whatever you shoot is a mini-masterpiece. And you can take wacky snapshots in Photo Booth. It’s the most fun a face can have.

Watch the iPad
Smart Cover video

iPad Smart Cover. Designed for iPad. And vice versa.

iPad 2 and the iPad Smart Cover are made for each other. Literally.⁴ We designed the iPad Smart Cover to work side-by-side with iPad — and on top and underneath it, too. Smart magnetic technology built into each really pulls them together. The iPad Smart Cover falls perfectly into place and stays put to protect your iPad screen, yet doesn’t add bulk to its thin, light design. Open the Smart Cover and your iPad wakes up instantly. Close it and your iPad goes to sleep automatically. And here’s another smart part: It transforms into the perfect movie-watching, game-playing, web-surfing stand. It comes in 10 bright colors — including five in rich, aniline-dyed Italian leather.⁵ Choose your favorite, and your iPad will be smart all around.