Snap underwater photos with the iPhone Scuba Case

If you are one that enjoys swimming below the water, and marvels at the sights to be seen, and would like to capture photos of your underwater adventures, and if you own an iPhone, there is now a case for your iOS smartphone that enables you to do so, and that case is called the TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case.

The TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case is brought to our attention by the guys over at Ubergizmo, and presumably is sealed to stop any water getting into your iPhone, and apparently features 3 strategically place buttons to allow the user to make use of the smartphone camera app whilst under water.

Of those three buttons, one operates the camera shutter, another is the home button and the third is to switch between video and still photos mode, but due to the design of the TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case, those wishing to use it under water would have to activate the camera whilst on dry land, as it doesn’t look as if the camera can be launched or being able to use the slide to unlock feature once your iPhone is in the case.

Apparently the TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case can be snapped together in under ten seconds, and can take photos when scuba diving up to 100 feet, when swimming, snorkelling, jet-skiing, surfing, white water rafting, skydiving, skiing, snowboarding and more.

For those iOS faithful out there that would like to make use of what the TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case offers, you can purchase the iOS accessory from Tat7 at a cost of $84.95.

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3D possibility for iPhone 5 camera

Just as we thought we’d heard every possible rumor and piece of speculation about the Apple iPhone 5, up pops another snippet of news to make us think again. The latest news is that there’s a possibility of 3D technology coming to the iPhone 5 camera but don’t get too excited just yet as this development may have come too late for the next iPhone.

 It’s fascinating stuff though and many tech sites are now reporting that the iPhone 5 could sport a 3D camera and it all stems from an Apple patent detailing how depth-detection sensors such as lidar and radar and cutting-edge luminance sensors could be used to make 3D images when a picture is taken. The patent is for iOS devices so could also be used for iPads and does seem like a natural progression for iOS devices when considering the growth of 3D TV’s and the fact that some other smartphones now feature 3D capabilities.

The patent was revealed by Patently Apple as reported by Cnet and as well as 3D picture images the patent also means that 3D models could be created on the device simply by scanning objects and the technology could also bring facial-gesture recognition. Meanwhile this report also tells how Apple is working on a 3D camera and says that it’s apparently being developed for other electronic devices apart from iPhones, iPads and Apple computers, so wonders if an Apple camera might be on the way.

The important question that many of you will be wondering is whether this has come soon enough to be included in the iPhone 5 and that’s certainly possible but of course we can’t confirm this. We’re informed that the Apple patent application was made in Q3 of last year so the wait might not be too long but it’s a case of wait and see for now. Another consideration is just how popular a 3D camera on the iPhone would be. Although we think many would enjoy this capability there are plenty of people who feel that 3D is more of a gimmick so we’d like to hear what you think about this.

If the iPhone 5 appears with 3D camera technology would this make you more likely to purchase it? Maybe the feature doesn’t appeal to you at all but you’d like the next iPhone all the same? Let us know by sending in your comments.

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Best iPhone apps and future development

 

The mobile space is becoming inundated with a huge range of mobiles applications, with the top app players being the Apple App Store and Google Play, offering a massive range of apps to the iOS and Android faithful out there. So what are the best iPhone apps available and what new mobile apps will arrive on the iOS platform with future development?

Well currently the number one iOS app in 99 countries shouldn’t really come as a big surprise, as the app is Angry Birds Space, which was released not too long ago and has already attained the number one slot in the App Store. I’m sure you all know about Angry Birds Space, it is the latest version of the highly popular game and Rovio recently announced Angry Birds Space hit the 10 million downloads milestone in just three days.

Another top iOS app is the Draw Something app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, which is the number one free app, number one paid app, and number one word game in over 80 countries. The Draw Something iOS app basically lets you draw something and will tell you what you have drawn, and has obviously become a very popular app.

As for future development of iOS apps, well we do know that there is a new iOS app in development by Warp 9, an e-commerce services provider and digital product development for mid-sized online resellers that has an agreement with J3L to develop an iOS app for the iPhone and Apple iPad called PrioritEZ, which is an iOS utility/entertainment app that will become available via the Apple App Store at some point in the future.

Of course unless you are deep into the app development community, it is somewhat difficult to comment on what new iOS apps will become available over say the next two years, so we’d like to take this opportunity to ask our readership a couple of questions concerning iOS apps.

Firstly we’d like to know what our readers consider the best iOS apps currently available to download, and also what apps you would like to see hit the iOS platform over the next couple of years.

Would you like future development of iOS apps to offer a better user experience, better gameplay, better graphics, a better interactive technology, or is there something else you would like to see happen with the future development of mobile apps? Feel free to let us know your views on iOS apps by dropping us a line to our comments area below.

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What the New iPhone (5) will look like

The Apple iPhone 5 continues to dominate tech headlines despite the fact that many other impressive smartphones will be released before it. We’ve told of rumored specs, features and much more about the new iPhone (5) but one thing we haven’t concentrated on much yet is what the device will look like.

Although we’ve heard all sorts of speculation as to what the iPhone 5 design may be like, nothing has been consistent and so far most of us have no idea about its cosmetic appearance. Different factors such as an all-glass design, teardrop shaped form factor, larger phone and much more have been discussed but the one thing we’re pretty sure of is that it will look different to the iPhone 4S. When the iPhone 4S came to fruition looking exactly the same as the iPhone 4 many thought it would dent sales. The iPhone 4S has still seen phenomenal sales though so that didn’t happen but we don’t think Apple will risk the same design yet again.

So let’s take a look at some stunning images of the iPhone 5 to make you drool. Unfortunately you may be disappointed as these are the latest concept designs and although we reckon many would like this to be Apple’s actual iPhone 5 design, Apple is (as usual) keeping that a closely guarded secret, for now at least. These images though are inspiring stuff and were brought to our attention by Concept Phones, sourced from ADR Studio.

Their vision of the iPhone for 2012 is a SIM-free device and the concept supports 4G LTE connectivity without the need for a SIM card. A new audio section and panel speakers are also incorporated and the controls are at the top and the edge. This mock-up has an aluminum unibody and even has three different screen strips, one showing notifications, the bottom one for apps and multitasking and the center serving as a desktop area. A motion sensor activates the Home button and an LED-powered edge could display who’s calling or the battery life of the iPhone 5 in a choice of different colors.

The display looks to be around 4.6-inches, as has recently been speculated for the real iPhone 5, although we feel it’s not likely to be quite as big as that, and the device is slimmer than slim. The images we’re showing here are from ADR Studios (link above) with wallpapers by Alessandra Cammarano and it’s also imagined that this concept iPhone 5 is running iOS 6 and features an 8, 10 or even 12-megapixel camera. We think many readers will agree that this iPhone depiction is absolutely beautiful. It’s sexy, sleek and sophisticated and we want one! Unfortunately that won’t happen but for now drink in these images and enjoy! We’d like to know what you think of the look of this new iPhone and would you like Apple to replicate it for the genuine iPhone 5? What are your favorite parts of this design?

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With iPhone app development, utilize the iPhone platform for your business

iphone App Development

An iPhone app is an essential part of your business now. Read on to know more. 

iPhone is the hot stuff at the moment that has created a new phenomenon of iPhone app development across the globe.  Apple has phrased “there is an app for that” as a punch line for its app store. With so many iPhone app development companies springing up it is affirmative that iPhone provides an important medium to brand your product and services. People across industries have shown immense seriousness to the iPhone that has invaded the pockets of many with a set of advanced technologies.

Globally more than 1 billion Smartphones will be put into use that will comprise of the iOS and android operating systems basically. The huge potential of this user base which is equipped with technologies like GPS, QR code reading etc. must be utilized to their fullest. Tech pundits are predicting that real time offerings especially services and events will be directed and coordinated with the help of dedicated mobile applications. Coming back to iPhone, the tech world sees this device as the trend setter. Infact most of the apps that are inspired by new ideas are always launched for the iPhone and then optimized for android and other mobile platforms. Deploying an app for iPhone means instant profits. It also strengthens the brand and creates a direct connection through the iPhone.

With the mobile internet usage increasing day-by-day, it becomes necessary to carve a niche in the world of Smartphones and iPhone app development can provide you with an optimal iPhone application for your business to go mobile. 

Openxcell Technolabs is a world class iPhone app development company. To know more about the company visit, http://www.openxcell.com/

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3M’s Mobile Projector for iOS Devices Is Amazing

 
Earlier this week, Brad Moon wrote an excellent piece justifying iPads for kids, full of reasons why iPads are great for kids. There were lots of good reasons, but what about when there are a bunch of kids and only one iPad? Well, 3M has a simple solution in the MP225a mobile projector, a powerful and inexpensive projector that was made to work with iOS devices. The MP225a is similar to other 3M projectors like the MP160, but with Apple-specific connectivity and the simplicity you expect from Apple devices.

Let’s say you’re on vacation and just got back to your hotel room after a day at the zoo or amusement park. You’ve been snapping photos and want to share them with the family. With the 3M MP225a, you can be sharing a slideshow inside a minute. You can also use the device to easily watch a movie in a backyard tent, project a presentation to a boardroom, or play a game for all to see.

The small projector is roughly six inches long, two and one-half inches wide, an inch tall, and weighs a little more than half a pound, making it very portable. It’s powered by a lithium ion battery that will provide two hours of projection (fully charges in three hours) and can also be run from the included AC adapter. Its 32 lumens might seem woefully underpowered compared to bigger projectors, but compared to other palm-sized projectors it is surprisingly amazing. Thanks to its use of LEDs, there are no lamps to replace and you’ll get an estimated 20,000 hours of life out of the device.


Picture size is impressive and can be varied by moving the projector closer or further away from the wall (or whatever you’re using as a screen). The tech specs from 3M say that the projector can deliver a screen size from ten to eighty inches, but I thought the picture looked decent from six to 120 inches. Its native resolution is 800 x 600 SVGA, but supports a number of other resolutions. Projected images look best in dark rooms, but can be seen in most situations, save a bright room.

Setup is incredibly simple, what you would expect if Apple had made the device themselves. While the MP225a carries some battery charge out of the box, it’s not much, so a charge might be necessary. After that, it’s just a matter of plugging the video cable into the projector and the iOS device. Turn the power on, find a dark room and a flat surface, and you’re ready to go.

 

The projector works out of the box with the native Photo app on iPads, Keynote and plays videos from Netflix or the video app that comes with iOS devices. With the addition of a 3M VGA cord and an Apple VGA adapter, you can use the mirroring ability of iPads 2 or later to project games, although the cord may be a little short for games that make extensive use of the gravity sensor.

The projector works with iPod Touches, iPhones, and iPads, and the optional VGA adapter allows you to hook up to a laptop or desktop, making for a nice portable presentation projector. What’s more, with a special composite cable, you can also hook the projector to DVD players or video game consoles. To help with projecting, the MP225a has a small stand, but more importantly, includes capability for a standard tripod mount, which is great for use with a Gorillapod or similar mini tripod.

There are few complaints with the MP225A, but one would be that its internal stereo speakers are weak and, depending on the volume, sometimes overpowered by the sound of the fan. Fortunately, the device has an audio output for headphones or external speakers.
Outside of the focus wheel, there’s no way to affect the picture and sometimes it’s tricky to get the picture proportionate, requiring some extra attention when setting up the projector. Finally, since the MP225a is billed as a portable device, it would have been nice to include a sliding cover to protect the lens.

Nevertheless, the 3M MP225a is a really great projector with ease-of-use hard-baked into its DNA. Its price tag is pretty reasonable in terms of smaller mobile projectors too, retailing at just under $300. While it doesn’t do very well in bright rooms, the MP225a still performs admirably in most rooms and exceptionally in dark rooms. With its versatility and simplicity, it makes for an excellent choice when considering small projectors.



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Want Siri? Don’t have an iPhone 4S? Try i4Siri! [Update]

Siri replacement application i4Siri has just been released to appease iPhone and iPad users who don’t have access to the official Siri application.

Apple’s release of Siri has been met with disappointment from many owners of many Apple devices. Why? Because they can’t use it. Only the iPhone 4S ships with Siri or can be officially updated with it, leaving owners of older iPhones and the iPad (even the new iPad 3) out of luck.

 Of course, it was only a matter of time before the feature was unofficially hacked onto other devices. That time has now come thanks to an app called i4Siri. Better still, the people behind the hack have a website with fairly decent instructions about how to install it.

As you might imagine, this won’t work on an Apple device that’s still under Cupertino’s control. You will first need to jailbreak your device. A few quick steps later and – tada! – you have Siri on your previous generation iPhone or iPad.

Like any hack, you may run into problems. The app uses a different server than the Apple version and some people have reported problems connecting to it. The developers swear they’re not logging personal data sent to their server. It’s up to you to decide if you trust them.

You can find instructions for installing i4Siri at the developer’s website. It is free, but donations are encouraged.

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How To Develop A Simple iPhone App & Submit It To iTunes

The process to develop an iPhone app is not as hard or as simple as one might think.  I am not a programmer, but wanted to see if I could teach myself how to develop an iPhone app.  The news features all sorts of articles about kids as young as 9 that can make them.  If they can do it, surely the rest of us can, too?

Like cooking, there is a bit of a process involved in “cooking” up an app.  This article isn’t about your style of cooking, per se (i.e programming), but just the general steps necessary to get it from your head and into iTunes.

Creating an app isn’t entirely free, so it is important to know up front that, at some point in this process, you will be shelling out $99 (USD).  Also, it is important to know up front that you will need to use a Mac at some point, and will need to use specific Mac-happy code to create your app.

Now that we have all seen the fine print, here are the exciting steps to app happiness!

  Step 1: Craft A Brainy Idea

Have a unique idea for an app?  There are, as you probably know, a trillion (OK, may not a TRILLION) apps out there.  So what makes an app stand out?  Why would anyone want to use your app?  Why would they pay money for it if you are going to charge? 

Be sure to check that there aren’t other apps that do the same thing that you are proposing. Or if you want to create something better than an app that already exists, think about how your idea will be better.  Draw it out on paper or on the computer.

Step 2: Get A Mac

The iPhone is an Apple product and uses a variation of the Mac OS.  Currently, the iPhone development tools are only available for Mac users (even though there is evidence of designing in jail break mode on a PC), but in order to get it up in the App Store, you will eventually need a Mac to get it there.  You can buy a Mac mini relatively cheaply if you don’t have a Mac at your disposal.

 

Step 3: Register As An Apple Developer

To work with the Mac tools, you will need to become an official Apple Developer. Registration is free so you simply have to give them your information and agree to their terms.  You only need to register once, and you are able to use the same username and password used for your iTunes account.  Once you are an Apple Developer, you can develop iPhone Application for any of the Mac products.

Step 4:  Download The Software Development Kit For iPhone (SDK)

Once you are an official developer, you can download the SDK for iPhone.  The version you need depends on the OS you are currently running.  This download is HUGE because it comes with all sorts of documentation, sample codes, and all sorts of things you will be glad to have later on.  It could take a few hours, so you might want to start the download, put in a good movie, and wait.

ManiacDev is a really great site with TONS of information geared to both uber-newbies like me and tech gurus.  Just start with the first video, watch and take notes as you go.  Really and truly, these are the best tutorials I have found!

Step 5: Download XCode

If you don’t already have it, download XCode.  According to Apple, “Xcode is a complete, full-featured IDE built around a smooth workflow that integrates the editing of source code, with the build and compile steps, through to a graphical debugging experience – all without leaving the view of your source code.”  This is another huge download, so you might want to rent a second movie.

 

Step 6: Develop Your iPhone App With The Templates In The SDK

Once you have your app drawn out on paper or in Photoshop, you can start designing it with the templates provided in the SDK.  This is where that HUGE amount of download time will be a huge benefit.  You will have lots of templates to choose from, and there are a lot of great YouTube clip tutorials on how to use the templates effectively.

Step 7: Learn Objective-C For Cocoa

If you love programming languages, you will love Objective-C.  If you don’t know how to program, this is the part that can get pretty sticky, so you might want to find a programmer friend or hire someone.  It really does help to get a book, too, for reference.

 

Step 8: Program Your App In Objective-C

Once you at least understand the basics of Objective-C (or at least know how to find answers to programming questions), you are ready to program your app.  It helps to take screenshots as you go along so you can remember what you tried.  Some apps can take just a few hours to program while other Apps can take months. Only you know how much detail you want out there for its maiden voyage in the App Store!

Step 9: Test The App In The iPhone Simulator

The SDK comes with a lovely iPhone Simulator.  You will need to load up your app and do your own testing.  You should try to work out as many bugs as possible and think about all the ways someone might use your app.

 

Step 10: Host A Bake Sale

Remember when I told you in the fine print that you would have to raise some cash?  This is that moment.  Sadly, loading an app into iTunes costs a one time member fee of $99 (USD).  There is no way out of this fee, but you might earn it back in triplicate if your app is worthy!  Truly though, you DO get a lot for your $99. For one, you get access to some of the coolest people on this side of Pluto!

Step 11: Have Others Test Your App

Once you pay your fee, you will be able to have others in the app community test your app and help you work out final bugs.  This is a great community, and testing new stuff is lots of fun.  If you are a newbie like me, you will be in awe of the kings and queens of geeky stardom.  Depending on the nature and complexity of your app, this process can take some time.

Step 12: Submit Your App For Approval

After testing your app in the community and working out all the bumps, you can submit the app to iTunes for approval.  You will be able to upload it right from the community.  The process of approval can take some time, so be patient!

Step 13: Watch The Dough & Traffic Roll In!

If you created a paid app, just wait for the money to roll in to shore.  If you created a free app, watch the traffic!

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Google+ mobile site takes cues from Android, iPhone apps

The new design looks quite similar to those found in Android and iOS, but don't expect to find a native iPad application for Google+ just yet.

Although Google has yet to deliver the native iPad app for which Google+ users have been hoping, the company offered the next best thing in an update yesterday.

Google+ users that head over to the service's mobile Web site from their browser will find that it comes with a new design that closely resembles native applications running on the iPhone and Android-based devices. The new site lets users flip through content in their stream, find out what others are writing in their posts, and share their own updates.

According to The Verge, the browser-based version lacks some notable features found in native apps for smartphones, including the ability to upload images from the app. However, just about all the other functionality one would expect from Google+ is present.

For current Google+ application users, the improvements probably won't do much to make them want to try out the new interface. iPad owners, on the other hand, might be pleased with the improvements, since they don't have a native application that they can access from their device. Instead, they've been forced to use Google+ from the browser or download the iPhone app, which only doubles in resolution on the iPad.

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New iPhone app makes it easy to go green in Europe

I have fond memories of my journeys during the guidebook era, when virtually every traveler lugged around thick, dog-eared editions of Lonely Planet or Fodor's. There was a sense of adventure that came along with combing the pages for places to eat, sleep and see. I'm a bit sad to admit that the days of those bulky destination encyclopedias are in the past.

Today, online peer-created travel guides and travel-related smartphone applications make it much easier to plan a personalized itinerary and then change it on the fly if necessary. Practical smartphone tools like GPS locators make it possible for people to find necessities such as gas and food without having the fear getting hopelessly lost in an unfamiliar city. And using information created online by like-minded travelers, rather than relying on the opinions of a single guidebook author, can lead to a much more personalized trip.

Green-minded travelers can find information online or on their iPhones to help them create an eco-friendly itinerary. Unfortunately, information is scattered all over the Internet and some of it is less than trustworthy. It seems that lots of hotels, restaurants and other travel services use "green" as a keyword to drive customers to their websites, even if it is not an apt description of their operation. 

Enter Good & Green Guides (http://www.goodandgreenguides.com/), a small series of guidebooks that offer a comprehensive listing of eco-friendly attractions and activities. Unfortunately, this brand began with a limited scope, covering only the Netherlands, with editions focusing on Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague in addition to a countrywide guide. Paper versions of the guides are widely available in shops across Holland. However, the books were not something that U.S.-based travelers could simply pick up on Amazon for a little pre-trip planning.

That has changed now that Good & Green has gone high-tech. An iPhone Application Development that contains all the information found in the paper guides is now available for the Netherlands and for the cities mentioned above. The electronic version of the guides is comprehensive enough to create some positive buzz for Good & Green. Each place's listings are divided into five categories, each with its own subcategories. The Eat and Meet section, for example, lists green restaurants, cafes and nightspots. There are also categories for shopping, accommodations, attractions and transportation. The Getting Involved section is an ideal resource for people who want to create an even more socially and environmentally conscious itinerary. The information in this category can help travelers who are interested in dropping in on aid organizations, visiting with social or environmental activist groups, and seeing the cities' eco-friendly features firsthand.

A free version of the Good & Green app is available from the iTunes app store. It contains only about 10 percent of the information published in the standard guides, but might be a good introduction to the service, especially for skeptics. A full version from the app store costs $11.99. The app will also work on iPads.

But what if you have no interest in going to the Netherlands? These apps seem like a great idea that will fill a much-needed niche, but they cover only a small corner of the world. Good & Green has announced the launch of a London guide, which will hit the app market ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. That is an interesting addition for the brand, especially given the number of people who will be in the UK for the Games and the organizers' hopes for a super-green Olympics.

It appears that the guides' developers will try to grow their brand further in Europe in the coming years. The Good & Green website lists additional cities slated to get their own guides in the near future. These include Barcelona, Spain; Bristol, U.K.; Budapest, Hungary; Copenhagen, Denmark; Freiburg, Hamburg and Munster in Germany; Oslo, Norway; Paris; and Stockholm.

The Good & Green guides do have editorial content and are thus somewhat objective (though there are high standards for what gets included). However, the guides give users the tools to look further into possible attractions so that they can measure the green factor for themselves. Each listing includes information about sustainability and also mentions the eco-certifications and awards earned by the venue. This will give users the tools to do further research should they choose, and gives the app more transparency than the average online travel guide.

Another reason to be excited about the release of the Good & Green iPhone version is its tech specs. Some of the more impressive features include integration with social media like Twitter and Facebook, GPS location and mapping so that users can find green attractions based on their current location, and rankings of attractions based on their overall eco-friendliness.

The Good & Green brand is still a ways away from being a universal tool for green globetrotters, but the in-depth nature of these guides and the company's expansion plans mean that environmentally minded travelers can expect the green travel guide niche to improve dramatically in the coming years.

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iPhone Application Development

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/12/2689412/new-iphone-app-makes-it-easy-to.html#storylink=cpy

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iPhone app tells others where you are

Toronto - Looking to find new friends or business partners among the hundreds of people you encounter each week? A new app may help.

The iPhone app Development called Highlight aims to transform how people meet by alerting users when they are physically near people with whom they share a connection such as mutual friends, similar interests or the same home town. 

"Nothing affects our happiness or influences our lives more than the people around us. But the way we find or learn about them, is - and always has been - completely random and inefficient," said Paul Davison, the founder of Highlight.

"Take San Francisco as an example. It's a city of 800 000 strangers. We sit on the bus and stand in line next to each other. But you don't know anything about anyone that you pass by. That doesn't seem weird, because it's always been that way. But if you think about it, it's kind of ridiculous," he said.

The Highlight app runs in the background on users' devices. When it makes a connection it sends each user the other's profile, including information such as names, photos, mutual connections and interests. It can include companies where they work, or neighbourhoods where they live, if the information is provided on their Facebook profiles. 

The app displays each user's current location on a map, within an accuracy of 35 to 50m.

Davison said the evolution of social technology during the past decade has shown the natural urge to share information about ourselves and our curiosity about the people around us.

It is for these reasons that he thinks apps like Highlight, which have been defined as "people discovery" or "ambient awareness" will be embraced despite security concerns from critics. 

Creepy

He cited Facebook, Foursquare and Twitter as examples of how users have embraced technology that had raised privacy concerns, according to Davison.

 "You see this pattern repeat over and over again. When they first launch, a lot of people look at it and say, 'That's weird, that's creepy, why would I do that?'"

"But then a small subset of people give it a shot and find out that it's really fun and rewarding. Over time, more and more people see them having fun, and they hear good things about it, and they decide that the social benefits of being part of this thing and participating in this ecosystem outweigh the cost of the additional privacy they're giving up." 

Davison added that all participants opt-in to using the app.

He said the company will have a heavy focus on security and adding more intelligence. For example, they will increase the ways in which Highlight identifies and makes a connection, depending on circumstances.

"If you and I are friends and both live in San Francisco and are three miles apart, that's not that interesting. But if you and I are both in Kansas three miles apart - and didn't travel there together - that's really interesting," he said.

Similar people discovery apps include Glancee, Sonar and Banjo. 

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New App To Help Diabetics Manage Disease

The Sanofi iBGStar blood glucose monitor (BGM)

The glucose monitor, being rolled out at Boots stores, attaches to the Apple iPhone and iPod touch and allows sufferers to check their blood sugar levels at any time.

The device, called the iBGStar, comes with a free diabetes manager app that makes it possible to store, track and analyse medical data.

Accurate monitoring of blood glucose is essential to the management of diabetes, which affects 2.9 million people in the UK.

It is especially important for people with type-1 diabetes, an auto-immune disease that can lead to dangerous rises in blood sugar level.

High blood sugar can lead to serious complications including damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.

Traditional blood glucose monitors (BGMs) are palm-sized devices that test tiny drops of blood obtained by pricking the skin.

iBGStar works the same way but is just one inch long and plugs straight into an iPhone or iPodtouch. Software carries out the analysis and flashes the results onto the screen.

It also allows users to follow changing trends and variations, and factors in information such as carbohydrate intake, insulin injections and exercise.

TV presenter Dominic Littlewood, who is helping to promote the device and was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes as a teenager, said: "I lead a hectic lifestyle and so keeping an eye on my blood glucose levels is challenging.

"iBGStar gives me the reassurance of knowing that I can get accurate blood glucose results using my iPhone, which I carry around anyway."

Sarah Johnson, from the type-1 diabetes research charity JDRF, said: "Good blood glucose control is vital to reducing the long-term effects of diabetes, but it can be difficult and demanding to achieve.

"As such, we welcome all developments in technology that can help people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes take control of their condition."

Dr Andrew Hockey, medical director for diabetes at the pharmaceutical company Sanofi, which produces the iBGStar, said the device was a "huge step forward".

"It harnesses the power of the latest technology to empower people with diabetes to manage their condition on a day-to-day basis," he added.

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Breaker breaker, check out these walkie-talkie iPhone apps, over and out

Is 2012 primed to be the year of the walkie-talkie app?

As a guy who couldn’t stand hearing loud conversations on the bus back at the height of the Nextel two-way days, I kind of hope not. But a recent story from TechCrunch that notes investors are lining up to throw money at the Voxer Walkie-Talkie app has me nervous already.

What sets the free Voxer app apart from the other walkie-talkie apps available is that it does a little bit of everything. It works like a live walkie-talkie, as the name suggests, but it also lets users send text and photos. It even supports group chat. And it works over 3G or Wi-Fi, so you don’t have to be connected via Bluetooth to reap the benefits. In short, it’s a fairly serious contender for someone looking to recreate the Nextel experience.

Voxer isn’t the only app bringing about this renaissance, either. It might be the hot app in the news right now but there are several other walkie-talkie apps that are vying for a piece of the market, too.

Blip.me walkie-talkie (free) also supports group chat, allowing you to send and receive voice messages to large groups of people. But unlike Voxer, Blip.me’s walkie functions are more akin to trading voicemails back and forth and not as instantaneous as its competition.

If you’re interested in having conversations with two-way radio operators in the HAM & CB world, Hollr ($0.99) is an interesting option. The app promises to let users communicate with other two-way radios using a USB radio gateway. While not an app for the casual user, it would certainly come in handy if you need to communicate with a specific radio system.

For something a little simpler, TiKL (free) offers one-on-one, instant, push-to-talk voice chatting over one of the most ordinary looking interfaces you’ll ever see. Of course, it’s hardly relevant if the app itself looks a little boring as long as it works. TiKL offers free Wi-Fi, 3G, EDGE and GPRS push-to-talk service across multiple phone platforms with no SMS or voice minutes required.

Meanwhile, Walkie Talkie – Wifi & Bluetooth (free) lets you use your Bluetooth connection to communicate with any other nearby walkies, though there is a two-person maximum. The app also supports Wi-Fi, but both iPhones must be on the same network to communicate with one another.
Sure, Voxer may be the lead dog today, but the walkie-talkie app field isn’t likely to lay down and concede defeat. If you’re into loud two-way conversations, this is one battle worth keeping an eye on.

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Find Local Wine and Spirits With New iPhone App

   

Need some wine, but unfamiliar with the area? The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board released an app for iPhone users that brings Fine Wine & Good Spirits to your pocket.

In the greater Media area, residents probably have a good working knowledge that state stores are located near the Regal movie theater in Edgmont Township or on Baltimore Avenue in Media Borough.
However, the searchable features from the app will tell you there are nearby shops at 1991 Sproul Road in Broomall, 3486 Concord Road in Aston and 5035 Township Line Road in Drexel Hill. Better yet, the app gives you the ability to call those stores directly or map directions to get there.

The app, which is free and available on iTunes for those older than 17, also includes:

• Product browsing of the wine and spirits catalogs
• Real time pricing and inventory
• Product search capabilities
• Bottle scanner to identify product

Hosted by Apple's third party site allows users to rate it. So far, 23 people have weighed in, with fairly favorable views, reading like this one: "Finding the nearest Wine and Spirits store is so clutch!"
One negative review said: "Just one more reason to get rid of the government-run booze business. We get to see how many wines and spirits we can't buy in PA and how over-priced products are."

Reason against privatization?

With the iPhone app (a Droid one is on the way), and frequently updated Facebook and Twitter pages, the Liquor Control Board is getting into the 21st century.
However, proponents of privatizing the state's liquor stores said in a Philadelphia Inquirer article that the technology hardly changes their views. Leading Republicans interviewed said the tech push was nice, but can't compete with private companies who already have apps and social media.
Still, the state's LBC said the app is a work in progress and will continue to innovate.

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