WordCamp SF 2010

I can’t wait to attend WordCamp SF this weekend! If you love WordPress, you should be there! There’s an amazing line up of speakers and awesome WordPress schwag! It’s going to be a lot of geeky fun! I hope to see you there. Be sure to say hi if you run into me. :)

For more information, be sure to check out the official WordCamp SF 2010 website.

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This Week’s Bargain iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Apps!

Saving money is important but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your devices! Here’s a roundup of this week’s best bargain apps for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad!

Cocoto Kart HD Online – if you enjoy car racing games, here’s a great game that you can get for a bargain! Originally $4.99, Cocoto Kart HD Online (for the iPad) has dropped down to 99 cents this week. Race go-go carts with people online and earn your trophies. There are always races ready, so no waiting for players. It’s a definitely bargain, but get it before the price goes up again! (iPad Version for 99 cents)

Soosiz HD Lite – rescue the Soosiz! Their planet got destroyed by an evil monster. Help the Soosiz find all of his family members across the galaxy and battle the evil-doers along the way. Jump, hope, and run and watch your world turn upside down. Enjoy a few free levels in the lite version. If you like it, consider purchasing the full version for just $1.99 (Originally $4.99). (Free iPad version | Full iPad Version for $1.99 | iPhone Version for $1.99 | Free iPhone Version )

Words with Friends – this game is a bit on the pricier side but I can tell you it’s worth it. If you enjoyed Words with Friends on the iPhone, you have to see it on the iPad. You can see the entire game board on the iPad screen and chat with your buddies easily on it as well. Challenge your friends and expand your vocabulary! Also see our full review here.
(iPad Version for $2.99 | iPhone Version for $2.99 | Free iPhone Version )

Glee – Who doesn’t want to sing with their favorite Glee cast member? The app comes with 3 premium tracks to sing to — “Rehab”, “Somebody to Love”, and “You Keep Me Holding On”. Originally $2.99, the app is currently on sale for 99 cents, but only for a limited time. Additional songs can be purchased in the app for just 99 cents. (iPhone/iPad Version for 99 cents)

Bananagrams – Love word puzzles games? Get this little gem! It’s fun to play and fun to say! You’re given a set of letter tiles. Connect the tiles to form words. Race against the clock and make as many words as you can. It’s on sale for just 99 cents, originally was $4.99! Made for the iPhone, but it looks great on the iPad as well. (iPhone Version for 99 cents)

Doodle Jump – a must have for any iPhone/iPod Touch user. Tilt your device left and right to help guide the doodle jumper as high as you can! Jump on boards, springs, and grab a jet pack to jump as high as you can. It’s updated weekly, adding new themes and levels. Voted one of the best games in the iTunes store, and is only 99 cents. Free lite version is also available with plenty of levels to test out. (iPhone Version for 99 cents)

Finger Physics – if you enjoy puzzle and physic-based games, this one is a must. Very cute and short games that are perfect for playing when standing in line. The latest version has a special guest appearance by the Doodle Jumper! Game is only 99 cents. (iPhone Version for 99 cents | Free iPhone Version)

Air Hockey Gold – is an adorable game for the iPhone/iPod touch, but even better when you see it on the iPad. It’s like taking the air hockey arcade game and putting it right in your device. Play against the computer or even an opponent right on your phone or iPad. It’s fun and addictive, and will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. This is available for free (with minimal ads) or only 99 cents without ads. (iPad/iPhone Version for 99 cents | Free iPad/iPhone Version)

Chicktionary – unscrabble a set of letters and make as many words as you can. Instead of tiles, the letters are etched in front of hens! Spell correct words and the chickens will bawk. Spell made-up words and they’ll squeal! It’s a fun game that you must get for your iPad. Best of all, the HD version is free! For iPhone/iPod Touch users, the app is $1.99.
(Free iPad Version | iPhone Version for $1.99 | Free iPhone Version)

Babo Crash HD – if you love match-3 jewel games, this is a must-have! It’s like like Bejewled on steroids! There’s so much action going on and my favorite part is being able to change the direction of gravity. Tilt and turn the iPad/iPhone to get pieces to fall in certain places. The app is universal, making it beautiful on the iPad or iPhone. Get it now before they realize they should charge more than 99 cents. ;) (iPad/iPhone Version for 99 cents)

Enjoy! Let me know what your favorite bargain apps are!

This article was originally published in Beatweek Magazine.

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iPad Sleeve Review: ColcaSac

This is a hands-on review of the ColcaSac iPad Sleeve for the iPad.

ColcaSac iPad Sleeves are beautifully hand-made iPad sleeves that are both protective and environmentally friendly. The original ColcaSac, a favorite of the line, is made of a soft basket-weave hemp canvas the exterior and lined with a thick cream-colored 100% polyester sherpa fleece. The texture on the sleeve’s exterior helps you get a good grip on it, while the interior adds extra protection from bumps and scratches.

On the top of the sleeve is a flap that’s securely closes the sleeve with velcro. Also on the exterior is also a small pouch where you can put a cd, headset, and/or your iPad plug.

The interior fleece of this sleeve is a really warm, so if your hands get cold, it’s another good place to put them! The craftsmanship of this sleeve is very detailed, and I can tell it was made with a lot of tender-loving care.

If you want something more original than the typical iPad sleeve, try the ColcaSac! I bet you can find an outfit that matches your new sleeve as well. This sleeve reminds me of a rigid outdoors jacket.

You can purchase ColcaSac iPad sleeves at ColcaSac.com for $34.95. They come in a variety of colors including: Brown ColcaSac, Black ColcaSac, Passion Vine, Damask, and Red Delicious.

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iPad Sleeve Review: Kensington Reversible Sleeve

This is a hands-on review of Kensington’s Reversible Sleeve for the iPad.

If you’re looking for a simple look, yet durable protection for your iPad, try the Kensington Reversible Sleeve. Made of soft neoprene, this sleeves protects against any scratches and bumps your iPad may encounter. It’s super slim, so it’d fit nicely in another bag or case.

What makes this sleeve special is the fact that it’s reversible. One side is black and the other side is a light gray with black lining. It’s like having two sleeves for the price of one! The gray side does have two tags that you might want to cut off before using. This sleeve is also great for very small netbooks or even the Kindle.

The sleeve is very slim and form-fitting, so I don’t recommend having any other cases attached on the iPad. At most, a very thin hardshell snap-on backing case will fit fine.

You can purchase the Kensington Reversible Sleeve for just $9.99. For more information, see Kensington’s official website.

Disclosure: This product was sent by Kensington for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

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5 iPhone Apps to Celebrate Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! This should be an occasion to celebrate everyday and you can use the following iPhone/iPod Touch apps to do just that! Love Mother Nature and you’ll be surprised at how much she’ll love you back.

The Power of Green by Con Edison Here’s a beautifully made app that has great tips on how to save money in your home and office while going green! Tips include Weatherization, Heating, Cooling, Water Heating, Lighting, and Appliances. Included are 101 flashcard tips, 6 videos, and a checklist for you to keep your updates.

21st Office This app tests if you’re working in the 20th or 21st century! It asks you a series of questions in topics of Commuting, Business Meetings, and Reading. Then it examines your working habits and gives you a summary on what currently do, and how you can improve. There’s also a lot of great tips added by the community.

GoodGuide is an app that helps you find safe, healthy, and sustainable products while you shop. How does it work? Simply scan the barcode of the item with your phone and the product’s details will display. These details include ratings for health, environment, and their social responsibility.

The Lorax – Dr. Seuss is a wonderful ebook that’s perfect for Earth Day! It’s about a character who cuts down all the trees in the forest to make clothes. The Lorax warns him that his actions are hurting everyone, but he doesn’t listen. There’s a great moral to the story that will certainly engage young minds to help Mother Nature more. It’s a great story with beautiful animations and a narrator who reads to you!

iRecycle an excellent app to find your nearest recycling centers and green events. Simply type in the item you want to recycle and it will find the nearest location that would accept it. Links to green tips and articles from Earth911.com can also be reached within the app.

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iPad Case Review: Griffin’s Elan Passport Folio

This is a hands-on review of Griffin Technology’s Elan Passport Folio Case for iPad.

Although there are lot of cases in fun and bright colors for the iPad, you may still want to dress it up in a tux now and then. That’s where the Elan Passport Folio Case comes in. It’s a sleek case that gives your iPad a whole new professional look. You look like a businessperson carrying it and it’s perfect for taking into the office. Another benefit is that it conceals the iPad pretty well so people would not know that you’re carrying an iPad. This is good if you don’t want your investment to have “steal me” written all over it. It looks like a daily planner or small paper notebook when closed up.

Putting your iPad into the case is easy. Insert the iPad in on the right side first. The latches on this side do not stretch. The latches on the left side are flexible; stretch them so they hold the iPad in place.

The interior of the Elan Passport Folio is made of a soft gray microsuede lining the protects your iPad from scratches. Credit cards and business cards fit nicely in the 4 pocket inserts on the left flap. There is also a side pocket where you can insert larger sheets of paper into. The portfolio case is closed securely with a strap and insert on the outer front side of the case.

Beside being a great carrying case, I also found multiple uses for it. It could also be used as a digital photo frame, a TV stand, or even a desktop calendar. If you insert the iPad in and flip the covers inside-out, it will stand up. This allows you to display the iPad on your desk. If you use it this way, I would recommend putting a book or something heavy behind the case so it doesn’t slide too far back and fall down.

The Elan Passport Folio Case for iPad by Griffin Technology is available in black (with gray interior) and can be purchased at GriffinTechnology.com for $49.99.

Disclosure: This product was sent by Griffin Technology for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

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iPad/iPhone App Review: Words With Friends

If you enjoy word games like Scrabble and Boggle, then you’ll love Words with Friends. One of the first games to be released on the iPad App store launch day, it has become a popular hit among iPhone, iPod Touch, and now iPad users.

The object of the game is to make as many words as you can with the 7 tiles given to you. Each game is between two players, where each player takes turns creating words by putting their tiles on the board. The board is filled with bonus spots — Double Letter, Triple Letter, Double Word, and Triple Word, so be careful where you put your words! Play all 7 of your tiles in one move and you get an extra 35 point bonus. Get the most points at the end of the game and you win!

This is a causal game that goes back and forth between the two players. There is no time limit for a move and you are notified via push notifications when it’s your turn. A great feature in the game is the chat window, where you can talk to your opponent in an sms-like window.

Like with most games, there are some improvements that can be made. One would be to increase the amount of games you can have queued up. Players do not need to respond to moves right away, which can be good and bad. It’s good because there’s no pressure on either players. It’s bad because players may forget about the game and not respond for a few days, weeks, and longer. This wouldn’t matter too much except that you can only have 20 games going on simultaneously. So if you want to play with more active people, you may need to resign some of the games. By resigning, you also lose that match.

Another improvement that needs to be made is the speed of the server’s response. When you submit a move or update your games, the data takes a while to transfer. I believe it depends on how many transactions are made, which can vary at different times of the day.

Also, there’s currently no built-in dictionary in the game. But players can arrange their tiles on the board and when they think they have a word, hit submit. The move will be made if it is a word, and will alert an error message if it is not.

Overall, this game is highly addictive and so much fun to play. It’s a great way to keep in touch with your friends and build your vocabulary while you’re at it! Try the free version for the iPhone/iPod touch and see how hooked you get!

The various versions are compatible with one another so you can play Words with Friends with your friends, no matter which versions they’re using. The difference between the HD version and the iPhone/iPod Touch version is that the board fills up the entire screen and the chat and menu panels appear as layers over the board game. In the iPhone/iPod Touch version, a new screen shows up for each task. The free version is optimized for the iPhone/iPod Touch and has ads on top of the board and a bigger ad once you make a move.

Words with Friends for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad versions are linked below:

• Words with Friends (Free Version) for iPhone/iPod Touch / Free
• Words with Friends (Full Version) for iPhone/iPod Touch / $2.99
• Words with Friends HD (iPad Version) / $2.99

If you want to play sometime, my username is ‘daynah.’ :)

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Get Glee on your iPhone and iPad!

To my fellow Gleeks,

You can now sing your heart out with your favorite Glee cast member right on your iPhone or iPad! Smule has done it again, making another hit app that topped the charts right on launch day!

Can’t sing? Not to worry! With the new Smule technology in the app, your voice will be enhanced and the pitch will be corrected as you are singing! The app will also harmonize your voice in real-time, creating a second, third, and even fourth voice!

Just watch Nick, a Smule employee, demonstrate the app. It’s just all in a night’s work at the Smule headquarters!

The Glee app is currently on sale today for just 99 cents today (originally $2.99). It comes with 3 songs and other songs are in-app purchases for 99 cents each. You can purchase it in the iTunes app store.

For more information, see their official website.

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iBrite for your iPad!

If you’re like me, this iPad app will bring you back to the good old days of your childhood. Remember the Lite Brite toy? It comes in fancy designs now, but I remember the old rectangle version. Check out iBrite the app for your iPad. I like this version since there’s not tiny pieces you need to pick up when you’re done playing. ;)

The app will be available in the iTunes App store on Friday, April 23rd. For more information, please see iBriteApp.com.

iBrite Trailer

Lite Brite Commercial from the 80′s

And just for fun, here’s an old Lite Brite commercial from the 80′s:

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Alice in Wonderland iPad eBook

Have you ever read “Alice in Wonderland” like this? Tilt, shake, and tap your iPad to see what Alice and the Wonderland characters will do next. Try it out for free with the lite version on your iPad. If you like it, the full version is available for $8.99. It’s a fabulous way to read an eBook.. don’t you think? :)

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Hands-on iPad Review – Week Two

Now that I had the iPad for two weeks, I have a better understanding of when and where I like to use it. it’s still a bit heavy to hold but I think getting some sort or stand will remedy this. Here are a few points I’d like to address:

Applications. New iPad-only and universal apps are coming out daily and it’s getting hard to keep up. If there’s an application you need for the iPad, it’s probably available, or will be soon. Again, all iPhone apps that you purchased before will work on the iPad, but they do not make great use of the space. You’ll find yourself deleting most of these apps off of your iPad and waiting for an iPad version of it.

Landscape vs. Portrait. I enjoy holding the iPad in landscape mode a lot. It’s much easier to hold with two hands, especially when you’re playing a game. I also notice that a lot of the apps make better use of the space when it is in landscape mode. Take the official Mail app for example. In portrait mode, you only see the email and would need to tab over to the menu to see the list of emails. In landscape mode, you see both the email and the list of emails in one window. I like to see everything at once, but again, this is just my preference. What’s handy with the iPad is that there’s a switch on the right side (if you’re holding it in portrait mode) that allows you to lock the screen so it’s not switching on you as you move. Sometimes, I wish the iPhone had this switch!
Read more

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Dr. Seuss Lorax comes to the iPhone/iPad!

Earth Day is April 22nd and what better way to celebrate than with Dr. Seuss’ Lorax Garden? Oceanhouse Media has done it again, making three Dr. Seuss apps available for the celebration.

Oceanhouse Media’s Dr. Seuss eBook apps are universal, making them beautiful on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the iPad! And the best part is, you only need to purchase them once and you can enjoy them on any of your devices.

The new Dr. Seuss apps are:

• The Lorax eBook is available in the App Store for $3.99.
• Lorax Garden children’s game is $2.99
• Dr. Seuss Senders, greeting card sayings and quotes, is also $2.99.

Related Posts

• Dr. Seuss iPhone Apps now 99 cents!
• iPhone App Review: Dr. Seuss Camera
• iPhone App Review: how the Grinch Stole Christmas

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New Speck iPad Accessories

If you enjoy the design of Speck iPhone and iPod Touch cases, you’ll definitely love their new line of iPad products. Debuting exclusively in Apple Retail stores and on Speckproducts.com are the iPad versions of the CandyShell and Fitted Hard Shell Cases, SeeThru and SeeThru Satin Hard Shell Cases, and PixelSkin. They will be available later this month.

In addition to the new upcoming products, Speck also has the PixelShield carrying Sleeve, PixelSleeve Plus and ShieldView Anti-Glare Protective Screen Films for sale in Apple Retail stores and SpeckProducts.com.

Beatweek recently reviewed the PixelShield carrying Sleeve in our last issue.

For more information on Speck Products, visit their official website.

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Apple iPad FAQs

I’m demo-ing the iPad in a class later today and I asked all of you to help me come up with some iPad questions. It’s going to be a very basic sessions, so I didn’t pick all of your questions. But thank you again for helping out! I’ll use them in my advanced class. ;)

I made a handout for the class that I hope find it helpful as well.

Apple iPad FAQs

1. How is the iPad different from a computer or laptop?

   It’s much smaller, easy to hold, and very portable. It also has a touch-screen interface, making a mouse & keyboard unnecessary.

2. How is the iPad different from an iPod Touch?

   Hardware-wise, not much beside the bigger screen. But the experience of holding and using an iPad is hard to explain. Some activities just feel more natural on this device. The screen size makes a big difference when you’re watching a movie, reading a book, playing a game, or editing a document.

3. Should I buy an iPad instead of a laptop?

   It really depends on what you want to use it for. The iPad is best used as a media consumption device — to watch TV shows and videos, read books, browse the web, read emails, play games, and catch up on your social media websites.

   If you need to do a lot of writing, editing videos/photos, or other projects that require multi-tasking, a laptop/computer is probably a better choice since you can have multiple applications open.

4. I have an iPhone – should I also get an iPad? Is there a big difference besides the screen size?

   If you have an iPhone, you may want an iPad because you know what it’s capable of. Plus, new apps are coming out for the iPad which make better use of the higher screen resolution.

5. How do I connect to the Internet? Do I need a special plan?

   There are two types of iPads – wifi only and wifi / 3g connection.

   WiFi version – if you’re at a wifi hotspot, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi -> On -> Select your network

   3g/WiFi – You would need to purchase a plan from AT&T (similar to a cellphone). This will allow you to connect from anywhere. It’s $14.99 for up to 250MB of data and $29.99 for unlimited data. There is no contract, so you can cancel/activate on a month-to-month basis.

6. Can I email from the iPad?

   Yes! You can connect various accounts – Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, MobilMe, MS Exchange, etc.

7. Can I load my photos onto the iPad? Can I edit them or just view?

   Yes, you can load them by syncing them through iTunes. These photos need to be taken on a different device though, as the iPad does not have a camera.

   You can also edit the photos on the iPad using various Photography apps. It’s best to only do minor edits though.

8. What are apps? Do I have to pay for every app?

   ‘Apps’ is short for ‘applications’ which are small programs on your device. Each app does a special task such as displaying a book, game, video, etc.

   Yes, you need to purchase every app in the iTunes store. You need to create an iTunes account and add your credit card or gift certificate to it. Although you are ‘purchasing apps’, most are available for free.

9. How do you use it to read books/newspapers/comic books/magazines? What is the cost?

   You would need to download various apps for each and most are free. Some examples are:

   • Books
     • Apple’s main bookstore. You can purchase books or download free samples first (~2 chapters)
     • Kindle – Amazon’s bookstore. If you owned a Kindle, you can sync your Amazon purchases

   • Newspapers
     • USA Today – free app, free access
     • WSJ – free app, free limited access, subscribe for full news
     • NYT Editor’s Choice, free app, free access, ads

   • Comic Books – there are many, so here are a few
     • Marvel – free app, some free comics, others cost $1.99 each
     • Comic Zeal Comic Reader 4 – $7.99 app, have not tried
     • Panelfly – free app, iPad version coming soon
     • IDW – free app, some free books, others cost 99 cents each

   • Magazines – there are many, most are pay per issue
     • Zinio Magazine Newsstand – free app, magazines cost
     • Time Magazine – $4.99 app

   • PDF’s – how to read eBooks in PDF format?
     • GoodReader – 99 cent app, upload your pdfs into the app.

10. Can I do word processing on the iPad? Is there a keyboard accessory?

    Yes. There is an app called “Pages” just like on Mac OS (also similar to “Microsoft Word” for PC users). The app is available in the iTunes App store for $9.99.

    Yes there is a keyboard. These will be available for purchase later on Apple.com or your local Apple store.

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iPad App Review: Godfinger

Name: Godfinger
Written By: Ngmoco
Category: Games
Price: Free for iPad

Size: 13.9 MB (iPad)
Requirements: iPad
Version: 1.2
Rate: 4 out of 5 Stars

Build, grow, and cultivate your own planet with the touch of your finger, literally. Godfinger has finally been released in the US, but not for the iPhone/iPod Touch. Instead, they launched on the iPad platform first.

You start out with a plain round planet and one follower. You also get to play God, well your finger does at least. Drag and drop your follower on the totem pole so he can worship you, generating mana and XP points.

As you collect XP points and level, more and more followers will be added to your planet. Make them happy by constructing buildings and shelter for them, giving them rain and sunshine, and a place to relax and energize.

Drag clouds over the planet, then press and drag down to make it rain. This will make your planet much greener, growing grass, trees, and shrubs everywhere. You can also do the same with the sun. Press and drag the sun down to bring sunlight to the planet as well as grow flowers.

The gameplay consists of these point systems:

Mana – needed to perform Wonders (like rain or sunshine) and regenerates over time. Followers can speed up mana production process by worshiping at the totem, or you can purchase mana boost in the Awe store.

Gold – your followers earn gold for your by doing activities on the planet like farming. Use the gold to purchase building material for your followers. You can also exchange Awe for gold in the Awe store.

Awe – these can be exchanged for goodies in the Awe store. If you need more Awe, you can purchase them with real money from $2.99 to $29.99 as in-app purchases.

Godfinger looks fabulous on the bit iPad screen. With this new device, small popup notes and menus can be easily displayed on the screen, making game play intuitive and fun.

Godfinger uses the Plus+ social gaming network to connect to your friends. Once you unlock the “Galaxy Map” goal, you can use your fingers in a ‘pinch in’ gesture to zoom out. Doing so will show your planet smaller and smaller, and allow you to view all of your friends planets as well. Tap on your friend’s planet to see its information. You even have an option to visit their planet to see how things are going.

The notifications in the game are a bit excessive and it seems like your planet may need a lot of attention. I would suggest turning “Alert Notifications” off once you get the hang of the game. To have a healthy planet, check back frequently on your followers and their activities.

Overall, this game for the iPad is gorgeous. The graphics are bright and colorful and the sounds and animations are quite enjoyable. The gameplay took a while to figure out because there were a lot of popup screens to read. But once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy. Best of all, it’s free, and there is only a minimal display of ads in the app. If you have an iPad, be sure to put this one your must-have list. An iPhone/iPad version is will available soon.

Godfinger is available in the US iTunes app store for free and you can read more about the game on their official website.

This article was originally posted in Beatweek Magazine.

Video Trailer

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iPhone/iPad App Review: We Rule

Written By: Ngmoco & New Toy
Category: Games
Price: Free iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad

Size: 33.5 MB (iPhone) / 35 MB (iPad)
Requirements: iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad
Version: 1.2
Rate: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Love to build things? Now you can build your very own kingdom, one crop at a time. We Rule is a new social kingdom-building game for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and now iPad.

You start out with a small fort and some farm land. Plant crops to sell and get gold in return. Use the gold to purchase shops, more crops, trees, and decorations for your kingdom. The more you play, the more XP points you get. If the gameplay is not fast enough for you, you can use your magical bottle of mojo to speed things up. Mojo helps your crops grow faster as well as speed ups services from your shops. You get extra bottles of mojo every time you level, or you can purchase more via in-app purchases.

Your kingdom is alive. Add horse stables to your land and a horse will appear walking around. Add a pond, and a frog with a crown will hop around your land. Add a wizard tower, and you land will have wizards wandering around. It becomes a living and breathing kingdom that you get to rule and take care of.

The social aspect of the game happens when you visit your friends’ shops, and they visit yours. You can view all of your neighbor kingdoms and see what shops they have open. Click on their shops and order 20 Royal Ball gowns, or 10 science projects, or 1000 stone blocks, etc. You can purchase services and items from your friends, in return you get XP points.

We Rule uses the Plus+ gaming network to keep track of your friends, gold and XP count, awards, and achievements. Everything is saved on the servers, so if you were to delete the app, your content is still saved.

We Rule is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Since the game is graphic-intensive, it is not a universal app. Instead, a new iPad-only app is available. This app is different from the iPhone/iPod Touch version in that scrolling to see your kingdom is not necessary anymore. You can view your (or your friend’s) entire kingdom on the screen. You can also view your social map easily on the lower right instead of going to another screen. The new iPad app makes great use of the space available on the iPad.

Although the game is fun, creative and addicting, there are also some drawbacks. We Rule requires internet connection in order to play. There may also be some server downtime and some internet connection lost while you play. This happens now and then, but it’s not bad enough that you would want to stop playing.

All you need is a little dash of creativity, and you’ll find yourself checking your kingdom now and then to harvest your crops. Before you start, beware of how addicting We Rule could be!

We Rule is free and available in the iTunes App Store for the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. My Plus+ gamer name ‘daynah’ if you want to visit my kingdom! For more information on the game, see their official website.

Game Trailer

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iPad Sleeve Review: Speck’s PixelShield

This is a hands-on review of PixelShield for the iPad by Speck.

With the addition of the new iPad to the Apple family, Speck has been busy creating new and creative products for it. One of which is the new PixelShield. Light, durable, and soft to the touch, this sleeve makes carrying your iPad from point A to B a snap.

Simply slide in your iPad into the open pocket on top, pull the backing over your iPad and you’re ready to head out to your favorite coffee shop.

It has a sleek and clean design. The exterior has the texture of big pixel squares all over it. It’s also stretchable, so bend and pull it in as many directions as you like> But it doesn’t take that much effort to slide your iPad into the sleeve. Do this by putting your iPad face-down into the sleeve. The bottom side has a sturdy reinforced layer that adds more protection to the screen, and both sides have a soft micro-fleece layer to prevent scratches.

The PixelShield doubles up as both a protective sleeve and carrying case. Carrying your iPad in it it is quite fun! The handle is easy to hold and does not snag. You can carry it in your hand or arm comfortably for long periods of time.

The PixelShield is perfect if you’re always on the go, and also fits nicely in other bags as well. If you want extra protection, I would suggest complimenting the sleeve with a thin snap-on backing case like the ones at MacAlley. The sleeve is thin and light and won’t add much bulk to the bags you’re already carrying.

Speck’s PixelShield currently comes in two colors — red and black/gray. It is available for purchase at Apple.com as well as you local Apple store for $39.95. For more information, please see SpeckProducts.com

Disclosure: This is a review unit sent by Speck for review. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

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Streamy Awards 2010

The Streamy Awards 2010 Ceremony goes live in just a few minutes. If you’re not attending the event, you’d be happy to know that the award show will be streaming live.

What are the Streamys?

The Streamy Awards is the first and most prestigious awards ceremony devoted to honoring excellence in original web television programming and those who create it. The annual ceremony, and its live online broadcast, brings together top talent, decision-makers and influencers shaping the online entertainment industry. Awards are presented for the past years’ finest achievements in a variety of categories spanning multiple disciplines, including Performance, Directing, Writing, Editing, Visual Effects, Sound, and more.

Felicia Day’s acceptance speech was one of my favorites from last year. It was inspirational and embodied the reasons why talented people are making their own shows.. and not waiting for anyone’s permission.

You can watch the live show at Streamys.org or download the iPhone app and watch the Streamys right on your iPhone or iPad! Good luck everyone!

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Hands-on Review of the iPad

Now that I had a whole weekend to test play with my new iPad, I have to say I absolutely love it. Of course there are both pros and cons, but I’m willing to overlook some things especially when the device makes me forget what I thought was missing.

I couldn’t believe how thin the device was when I pulled it out of the box. I had envisioned it to be more fragile, but it’s pretty sturdy. The iPad comes fully-charged out of the box, with a new plug charger and cable. To get started with your iPad, simply hook the iPad up to your computer with iTunes. You can fill out the registration form and begin to sync your existing iPhone/iPod touch apps if you have any.

To truly experience the iPad, I recommend trying out the new iPad-only and universal apps. It’s just amazing how quickly developers worked to make the iPad launch day a success. There’s quite an array of apps to choose from. And keep in mind, most developers are seeing their apps on the iPad for the first time this weekend also.

The screen on the iPad looks beautiful. At the touch of a button, the screen comes on and it’s bright with vivid colors. And that’s where the magic starts. I loved handing my iPad to others and seeing their faces light up when the screen turns on.

The hardware is nothing without the software, so let’s dive into some of the iPad’s uses.

Reading. Heavily marketed as an eBook reader, the iPad turns out to be a great device for reading. The iBooks app is beautifully done, with animated page turns that seem very real and colorful illustrations. Turn the iPad in landscape mode and you’ll see two pages at the same time. In portrait mode, you’ll see one page. On the top right, you can toggle and change the font size and font as well. Every book in the store has a sample chapter that you can download before purchasing.

Comic book apps like Marvel Comics and Panelfly, like stunning on the iPad. Now you can see the artwork in its true glory. If you’re used to purchasing Kindle books, there’s also a free Kindle app you can use so none of your books are lost.

There are so many ways you can use the iPad as a reading device. But in doing so, there are some things you need to be aware of. I don’t recommend taking the iPad out in the sun. The glare on the screen makes it quite difficult to use. Also, holding 1.5lbs in your hands does feel heavy after a while, but then again, some hard cover books weigh a lot more than that.

Gaming Talk about a game changer. The iPad offers new ways for gamers to interact with their games. No longer do they have to use just two fingers to play, game play is now opened up to an abundance of finger gestures! Not to mention, the bigger screen enables new types of games to be created that were not possible or hard to implement on the iPhone. Board games bring back the good old days without any of the small pieces to pick up. Along with the bigger screen comes beautiful details that makes the gaming experience so realistic that you find yourself lost and immersed in the game. The more unique games for the iPad are the ones that allow two players to play on the the same iPad. Some examples include checkers, chess, or even air hockey.

Now that the device is much bigger, my hands are not covering up the speakers. This makes playing music games a real pleasure. But there is one drawback.

When I’m holding the iPad with two hands, I find that the Home button is too close to where my right hand is. So sometimes, I would accidentally turn off the game in the middle of playing it. It’s a little frustrating, but may be something I need to get used to.

Music and Audio The audio quality is surprisingly nice. The speakers are located at the bottom right side of the iPad (if in portrait mode). They’re also located much farther away from where your hands want to be, so the sound is not covered up while holding it in landscape mode.

On-Screen Typing There are a few ways you can type with this device. In portrait mode, you can thumb-type. It’s a little difficult if you have small hands, but doable. I wouldn’t suggest typing this way too long as the device feels heavy after a few minutes. You can also cradle the iPad in one arm while using one finger to type on the screen; this will work for both landscape or portrait mode keyboards. And lastly, you can set it down in your lap or on a table and type with both hands like a real keyboard. Any way you try it, you’ll just have to get use to it before your typing skills improve on the iPad, and one weekend is not enough time.

How to Hold the iPad There really isn’t a wrong or right way to hold the iPad, and sometimes that depends on the app you’re using. You may want to have it in your lap when typing a blog entry, or on a stand with a keyboard attached to it. You can also have it in one arm, or two hands.

Videos and Movies The iPad is like a portable tv. Pack it with all of your favorite videos, tv shows, and movies, and you’re ready to go on a long road trip! The videos are crystal clear. Small screen is perfect for entertainment while traveling in a car or plane.

Web surfing The new safari app is easy and fast to use. Although it’s not completely intuitive at first how to minimize the browser, you do quickly find out what the buttons on the top left mean by tapping on each.

After hours and hours on the iPad, returning to the iPhone feels really small and cramped. And you can begin to see how developers struggled with adding features to their apps on such a small screen. But on the iPad’s much bigger screen, you can see the efficient use of the space. You no longer have to click on various menus and pages. Instead, they’re smaller layers on top of the main app. The menus and navigation of the newer apps just make more sense. They’re also much more detailed, which makes them more visually stimulating. Apps for the iPhone were mostly about functionality. And now comes the iPad, where the graphics, design, and user interface of apps are just as important.

The are just not enough words to explain the iPad experience, so you may have to head down to the Apple store and try it for yourself. Once you have it in your hands, it’s hard to find reasons not to like it. Of course, there’s still is no camera or multitasking, but these features may be added in the next generation, or we can at least hope.

This article was originally published in Beatweek Magazine.

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Google I/O Gives out Phones to Attendees

Santa Google is delivering gifts early this year! Instead of being surprised at Google I/O’s keynote, attendees got an email this morning with a gift attached to it. Depending on the attendee’s country code, they will either receive a Motorola Droid or Nexus One phone as a gift.

Android will play a big role in this year’s Google I/O conference, so what better way to get developers excited than to give them an Android OS phone a month in advance. They’ll be able to familiarize themselves with the Android SDK way before the heading to the conference.

Google I/O would like the attendees to be put their new phones to work at the conference. A conference app will be available for download before May 19th, over 40 companies will be demo-ing their apps in the developer sandbox, so there will be more apps for us to test out, and they will continue the tradition of the SCVNGR game where attendees hunt and find hidden QR codes in the conference area.

More answers and questions about the Google I/O gift can be found here. And if you’re attending Google I/O 2010 in San Francisco, I’ll see you there!

Photo by Albertech.net, May 2009, Google I/O 2009

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