DiTechite

Prowl: A way to see your Mac’s Growl notifications on your iPhone or iPod Touch

kennethbolido — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:05:00 +0000

Many Mac (and some Windows) users use Growl to get notifications for many pieces of software, such as: Skype, Firefox, most torrent clients, Limewire and Frostwire, and more. This is great, but what about if you leave your computer? How can you find out if you missed some Skype calls, or how can you figure out if your torrents finished downloading, etc? This is where Prowl for the iPod Touch and iPhone come in.

For those who don’t know what Growl is, it is a multi-application supported notification system for your computer (Mac or PC), which basically tells you new information about what’s going on with the supported applications you are running, without having to switch out of the application you are currently in.

Now, if you would like to see these notifications on the go, you can go download Prowl from the App Store, which is a Growl client for your iPhone or iPod Touch that enables you to see Growl notifications, from your computer, on a device running iPhone OS 3.0. Setting up the Prowl-Growl notification system is pretty easy (official Mac installation tutorial here, sorry PC users). It involves registering a username and password for an account on the Prowl website, then using your account to connect your computer, via a Prowl plugin for Growl, to the Prowl website, where it will sync your notifications to a web server. From the web server, your iPod Touch or iPhone running the Prowl app andiPhone OS 3.0 can sync and grab your computer’s notifications. In that way, your device can receive Growl notifications from your computer. But getting it to work with your current Growl setup can be a little annoying, involving some fiddling with Growl System Preferences pane.

The functionality is the first reason for why I like this app. Prowl serves as a great companion to Growl, especially if you use your computer enough to actually need to see your Growl notifications on the go. All Growl supported applications (which by the way is a lot!) naturally send notifications to Growl, which sends them to Prowl, where your iPod Touch or iPhone can receive the Growl notifications. This means that Prowl can pretty much help you monitor some, if not most, of the activities happening on your computer. While most people would just work with the Prowl push notifications, Prowl app itself shows all of the notifications that were sent from Prowl, from your computer.

The other reason I like this application is, because iPhone users can take full advantage of this application. Because the iPhone is basically on the internet every-time it’s on, notifications can be sent to the iPhone anywhere its located, as long as the computer you are intending to monitor is still on and connected to the internet. Prowl also takes advantage of the new iPhone OS 3.0 feature, push notification, which allows individual Growl notifications to be seen when Prowl is not running on the iPod Touch or the iPhone. Also, because there aren’t many social networking clients on the App Store don’t have push notification, you can simply use this application as workaround in order to get push notifications for social networking and instant messaging sites and accounts (via your computer-Prowl web server) on your device.

Overall, it’s a great app, though the price can be a bit questionable. I cannot really tell you if it’s worth it, though I did come up with a way to help you decide if it’s a must have. To see if you should get it, ask yourself these questions:

“How much do you use your iPhone or iPod Touch?”. - If you don’t use it that much, you probably won’t need it.
“If you are an iPod Touch owner, how many WiFi hotspots do you have access to?” – It’s very simple: iPod Touch + no WiFi access = no internet
And finally, “Do you really need it.” – Pretty self-explanatory. In other words,”Do you really need to recieve notifications for missed Skype calls, or for instant messages on your computer, or see if your torrents are finished downloading, etc.?”

Overall, Prowl is a good application that runs great, and does what it’s made to do, but for a simple application, a price of $2.99 on the App Store) can be debated to be rightly priced, or overpriced, depending on what you will use it for. I personally would recommend Prowl to computer geeks who definitely need new and instant Growl notifications on the go (for torrent clients, Firefox, FTP clients, etc), and to those who communicate a lot: on the computer (using applications like Skype, Adium, some Twitter clients), and on the iPhone and iPod Touch, where they may rely on push notification on their portable device to help them manage all their communication when they are away from the computer, and basically who manages to get literally tons of Growl notifications on their computer should get this. Casual users can get this application, but you may not need it. If you don’t use your computer often, especially to social network, or just don’t get that many Growl notifications on your Mac or PC, I really recommend you not buy this app.

Prowl, again, is available from the App Store for $2.99 USD. [iTunes Store Link]

What? 1.5 Billion already

kennethbolido — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:12:00 +0000

Yes readers, you heard right, remember 3 months ago when Apple announced that they have near 1 Billion apps downloaded from the app store? Well, now they’re at it again. In 3 months another .5 Bilion apps have been download and Apple announced it today. Can we expect to see another give away and can that same kid win twice? In one year 65,000 Apps from 100,000 iPhone App Developers have been made. Tough for other company to catch up.. Jobs had this to say.

“The App Store is like nothing the industry has ever seen before in both scale and quality,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “With 1.5 billion apps downloaded, it is going to be very hard for others to catch up.”

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/07/14apps.html

Black Wii looks fantastic

kennethbolido — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Ok, well we all know that this is just a black version of the original packaging of the Wii but it still looks incredible. And with that Aug 1st release date in Japan who can not wonder when this fantastic looking piece of cardboard will be in the states. It makes the Wii even more irresistible. Now only if the Wii 2 would be black, we would be in business.

Google Chrome OS

kennethbolido — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:32:00 +0000

If you guys love Google products and software, you will love their latest official announcement. Google had announced the Google Chrome OS, yes you read right. Well, apparently it is slated to targeted to, and to be sold with netbooks sometime in 2010. The Linux based OS will be compatible with most x86 and ARM chips meaning that you can put it on to any basic computer. While there were no pics, or anything to show off the OS, there were some fakes posted at Engadget (via an external source).

This whole concept is totally outside Android, Google’s mobile platform, and while we did see Android running on a few netbooks, this is just taking it to another level. This was also bound to happen, because anything is possible with Google. Not only do they run the most popular web browser, they bought the world’s most popular video site (Youtube), they made a very edgy browser (Google Chrome), and they made a very successful mobile platform (Android). I feel that because the name, Google, is on the OS, it may automatically launch itself to popularity. As I always say, we’ll have to wait to see what happens.

[Read]

Hey guys, follow me on Twitter!

kennethbolido — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Hey, I am starting to get more involved on Twitter. Find me @boly on Twitter. What do you get when you follow me? Well you will get heads up on articles, Youtube vids, and more. Go check it out, and if you lose this post, it is on the sidebar under my name on the “The DiTechite Team” portion of the sidebar.

Sony Ericsson Rachel Android device leaked – so is a video of its UI

kennethbolido — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:47:00 +0000

The video above is [supposedly] for the previously leaked Rachel Android phone by Sony Ericsson. It appears [obviously] to be a custom Android build, similar in concept to the HTC Hero’s Android build, as opposed to than the “Google Experience” shown in the G1 and MyTouch3G. The UI does look incredibly sweet, with its 3D effects and “somewhat” easy functionality. The phone itself, shown below, does not feature a physical keyboard, meaning that it relies on a virtual one. We did get a glimpse at the keyboard in the above video, and it does look a little cramped. Hopefully its not as small as it looks in the video.

As for the looks of the phone, Rachel is probably the best looking Android phone we’ve seen. Not only does it not have big clunky buttons in the front, but this also allows a large screen to occupy the face of the phone. I wish we had more for specs, but we will have to wait for the official PR in order to see what Sony has in store for us.

[Via Engadget]

Palm Pre heads to O2 and Movistar this holiday season

kennethbolido — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Palm officially announced they are releasing the Palm Pre across the pond to carrier O2 and Movistar, or UK, Ireland, Spain, and Germany by the holiday season.

What’s even better news? O2 Germany is slated to “officially” release the GSM version of the Pre in the fall. No word on GSM Pre pricing yet.

PR:

PRESS RELEASE: Palm Pre to Launch in Europe with O2 and Movistar
Palm webOS Phone to Arrive in UK, Ireland, Germany and Spain on Local Telefonica Networks

WINDSOR, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 07, 2009–
Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) today announced that the Palm(R) Pre(TM) phone is scheduled to be available initially in the UK, Ireland and Germany exclusively on the O2 network, and in Spain exclusively on the Movistar network, in time for the holidays. Palm Pre, the first phone based on the new Palm webOS(TM) mobile platform, brings your information from the many places it resides — on your phone, at work or on the web — into one simple, integrated view.(1)

“Europe continues to be an important region for Palm, and we’re proud to work with O2 and Movistar to spread the excitement Palm Pre has already ignited in North America,” said Jon Rubinstein, Palm chairman and chief executive officer. “Since we showed Palm Pre at Mobile World Congress in February, there’s been a great deal of anticipation for an announcement about European availability, and that day is here.”

“We are fast becoming the home of the smartphone with the addition of the hotly-anticipated Palm Pre to our already extensive portfolio,” said Matthew Key, chairman and chief executive officer, Telefonica Europe. “Our customers will be the first outside of North America to experience one of the most successful mobile devices of the year.”

In its first weekend of availability in the United States, Palm Pre broke Sprint’s previous first-weekend sales records. Palm Pre also is scheduled to debut in Canada with Bell Mobility in the second half of 2009.

Palm Pre introduces a breakthrough user interface and hardware design that makes it one of the most integrated and user-friendly mobile phones on the market. Featuring a smooth, elegantly rounded ergonomic design and a physical keyboard that slides out only when needed, Palm Pre is engineered to feel natural in your hand and comfortably small in your pocket. When closed, Palm Pre is ideal for phone calls, web browsing, music, photos and videos; when open, Palm Pre is optimized for email and text messaging. It provides an exceptional experience for phone calls, whether held to your ear, over speakerphone or via Bluetooth.

With its curved slider and gesture-controlled touch interface, Palm Pre fuses exquisite design with the revolutionary webOS software for fast access to content on the device or web. Invented exclusively for mobile use, webOS offers an instinctive user experience that seems to anticipate your needs.

Key Features and Benefits of Palm webOS

Palm Synergy(TM), a key feature of the new webOS, brings your information from all the places it resides into one logical view. You don’t have to worry about tracking multiple calendars, contacts and messaging applications — Synergy seems to think ahead to bring you a more comprehensive and truly representative view of your life.

– Linked contacts — With Synergy, you have a single view that links your
contacts from a variety of sources, so accessing them is easier than
ever. For example, if you have the same contact listed in your
Outlook(2), Google and Facebook accounts, Synergy recognizes that
they’re the same person and links the information, presenting it to you
as one listing.

– Layered calendars — Your calendars can be seen on their own or layered
together in a single view, combining work, family, friends, sports teams
or other interests. You can toggle to look at one calendar at a time, or
see them all at a glance.

– Combined messaging — Synergy lets you see all your conversations with
the same person in a chat-style view, even if it started in IM and you
want to reply with text messaging. You can also see who’s active in a
buddy list right from contacts or email, and start a new conversation
with just one touch.
By smartly integrating your information, webOS seems to think ahead for you to keep you on top of the things that happen in your life, but that’s just the first step. The platform’s unique interface brings your information to you with the ease that only Palm can offer.

– Run multiple applications at the same time — Palm’s revolutionary webOS
lets you manage multiple activities more effectively than any other
mobile platform today. It lets you keep multiple activities open and
move easily between them like flipping through a deck of cards. You can
rearrange items simply by dragging them; when you are done with
something, just throw it away by flicking it off the top of the
screen.(3)

– Information at your fingertips — Finding what you need is easy with
universal search — as you type what you’re looking for, webOS narrows
your search and offers results from both your device and the web.(4)

– Intuitive and unobtrusive notifications — When important things come up
or new updates arrive, you’ll receive notifications with a diplomacy
that’s a radical departure from other mobile platforms. For example, if
you receive a text message or email, a scrolling notifications bar at
the bottom of your screen lets you address it right away or leave until
later. webOS alerts are one step ahead, ensuring that you never miss a
thing, but never lose your place or train of thought.
Palm Pre Specifications

– HSDPA/UMTS with EDGE/GSM

– Integrated GPS(5)

– Large 3.1-inch touch screen with a vibrant 24-bit color 320×480
resolution HVGA display

– Gesture area, which enables simple, intuitive gestures for navigation

– Slide-out keyboard (QWERTY in UK, Ireland and Spain, QWERTZ in Germany)

– Email, including support for corporate servers with Microsoft Exchange(2)
as well as personal email support (POP3, IMAP)

– Robust messaging support (IM, SMS and MMS capabilities) (3)

– High-performance, desktop-class web browser

– Great multimedia experience and performance (pictures, video playback,
music), featuring a 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and extended depth
of field, and a standard 3.5mm headset jack

– Bluetooth(R) 2.1 + EDR with A2DP stereo Bluetooth support

– 8GB internal memory (7GB user available)(6)

– USB mass storage mode

– MicroUSB connector with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed

– Proximity sensor, which automatically disables the touch screen and
turns off the display whenever you put the phone up to your ear

– Light sensor, which dims the display if the ambient light is dark, such
as at night or in a movie theater, to reduce power usage

– Accelerometer, which automatically orients web pages and photos to your
perspective

– Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g(7)

– Ringer switch, which easily silences the device with one touch

– Removable, rechargeable battery

– Dimensions: 59.57mm (W) x 100.53mm (L, closed) x 16.95mm (D)

– Weight: 135 grams
An array of compelling accessories also will be available for Palm Pre, including the first inductive charging solution for phones (sold separately). Simply set Palm Pre down on top of the elegantly designed Palm Touchstone(TM) charging dock without worrying about connection, orientation or fit. Palm Pre is active while charging, so you can access the touch screen, watch movies or video, or use the speakerphone.

Availability and Pricing

Palm Pre is scheduled to be available initially in the UK, Ireland and Germany exclusively on the O2 network, and in Spain exclusively on the Movistar network, in time for the holidays. Pricing for the phone has not yet been determined.

Customers who would like to register to receive additional information about Palm Pre and be notified when it’s available can register at:

– UK and Ireland: http://www.palm.com/uk-pre-notify

– Germany: http://www.palm.com/de-pre-notify

– Spain: http://www.palm.com/es-pre-notify

[Via Engadget]

LG reveals next-gen Chocolate – sorta

kennethbolido — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:40:00 +0000

The very popular LG Chocolate was very known for its design, ease of use, and mass popularity. Well LG just teased the second generation LG Chocolate. Seen above, it supposedly has a screen with a revolutionary [about] 3 inch, with a 21:9 aspect ratio (like the one seen in the 56 inch Philips Cinema HDTV), and a 800 x 345 resolution. We’ll find out more in August when LG will officially announce the phone.

[Read]

Vaio W – Sony’s second netbook now official in the US

kennethbolido — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:29:00 +0000

Seeing how much the Vaio P costs, and how crappy the specs were, this release does not come at a surprise. The new Vaio W [which is officially called a netbook] features 1.6GHz Atom processor, 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM, Windows XP, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, VGA out, two USB ports, Ethernet, webcam, and MemoryStick / SD card readers. It also features software that streams your media to your PC and PS3. These specs don’t come as a surprise to us, because it features the typical netbook features. It seems that Sony may market this netbook as an “in-home” product, seeing how there is no solid state drive option or 3G.

The price may not be amusing, because it is going to be available for $499, which is very pricy considering how much competing netbooks cost.

Mass order of cameras/iPod cases with camera hole hint at iPod cameras

kennethbolido — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:41:00 +0000

This morning TechCrunch is claiming that a “massive number of camera modules” have been ordered per information provided by a source in Asia.

One of our sources in Asia say that Apple has placed an order for a massive number of camera modules of the type that they include in the iPhone. These are inexpensive cameras, in the $10 range. And the size of the order, our source says, means they can only be used for one thing – the iPods.

If thats not enough evidence for you, TheAppleLounge shows proof of a third-gen iPod Touch case with a hole for a center mounted camera (shown above). You can also [probably] expect a large hardware upgrade, similar to what was done with the iPhone 3GS, specifically a processor bump and graphics upgrade.