Technology and Gadgets : iPresents

iPhone App - Guitar Toolkit

2008-07-20T11:09:00.008+01:00

As a guitar player the Guitar Toolkit iPhone App looks very useful. It's a paid for piece of software, but even at £5.99 ($9.99) it seems like excellent value. Especially when you compare the cost of buying a real tuner, let alone a metronome, pitch pipes and chord dictionary.

Guitar Tuner

I really like the user interface for this app. Great visual display, which reminds me of high-end pro gear and a useful "L.E.D" to show you when you've got it right. Featuring a chromatic tuner, the iPhone's built in microphone will easily pickup an acoustic guitar. An un-amplified electric may be a little too quiet to be heard though. Possibly holding the iPhone on the body of the guitar might work though. In use, this tuner is one of the best I have ever tried. The tuner works in three different modes: all notes, standard tuning (EADGBE) and alternate tunings, from which you can select from an array of really useful tunings, such as Eb (Hendrix) or Double Drop D. Fantastic, and very easy to use. Excellent.

Tones

Another useful and well implemented utility. Tones shows the six strings of a guitar (EADGBE), which when you pluck them emit a useful ear tuning reference. A useful and easy way to tune an electric by ear. You can even strum the strings together which is cool. Tones - Like pitch pipes but without the spit.

Metronome

This is a really useful metronome, perfect for practising with. Nice varied sounds, adjustable tempo and also a tap tempo mode which will analysis any beat you tap into it. You can also set "No Time Signature", 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4" time signatures, and also enable "Flash on ticks" if you like your beats in a visual way.

Chords

The Chords section includes over 260 chord diagrams for helping you find useful chords and shows the fingerings.

Guitar Toolkit Conclusion

A very useful toolkit for any guitarist. . The Guitar Toolkit somehow transcends any other tuner, metronome, pitch pipes and chord dictionary that I have ever owned. It's also more environmentally friendly, creating less clutter than a case of dusty old gizmos which are often misplaced. Fantastic.

Like Shazam it shows the potential that the iPhone holds for iPhone App developers and is a great example of a well designed iPhone App.

Learn more from the Guitar Toolkit Official Site.

iPhone App - Shazam names that tune

2008-07-19T11:33:00.004+01:00

Like many others, I have been waiting for the Apple iPhone 2.0 software upgrade. No, it didn't bring copy and paste functionality to my phone, but it turned it into a computer. Sure, technically it has always been a computer, but now with the introduction of the Apple App Store, mere mortal iPhone users can actually browse, search and download apps straight to their iPhone. Like all good cheapskates I tried a few of the free apps first, and many are just a complete waste of time, but some, drum roll, Shazam, just completely blew me away.

Meet Shazam

The idea is that you play music at your iPhone from any source: computer, radio or anything else that produce an audible sound. Shazam will listen for 30 seconds, then send it to the Shazam HQ, where it will return with a neat listing of the song.

From there you can tag the song, with images, or even take a picture of the location of where you first heard the song. You can even email it to a friend, to share the experience.

Shazam is not an app, it's magic for your iPhone.

What is really great is that this app even works when you try and show it to someone. Unless the song is from an underground radio station, and playing at a different tempo than originally - Shazam will find it.

Conclusion: Shazam, a free but essential music app for your iPhone.

iPhone in the UK

2007-11-05T20:48:00.000Z

Steve Jobs announced a new product on the 9th January 2007, the Apple iPhone. Not just a phone, it was an emailer, an iPod music, image and video player, it could log into the internet using Wi-Fi and over the phone network, can take pictures, hold your addresses, get youtube, Google Maps and runs on Mac OS X.

Clarkson likes it.

Jeremy Clarkson already owns one. Mind you, he also owns a Lamborghini. He loves his iPhone, it's apparently as good as Sky+. I, and my fellow citizens of the UK (apart from Jeremy Clarkson) will have to wait till 02 minutes past 18 hours on Friday 9th of November 2007 to see if we are smitten too.

I will probably be waiting outside my local Apple Store at least several minutes before lift off. Just in case Santa, misses my note as he is playing with his iLapland edition of the iPhone.

Merry Christmas

(well it will be if 02 are as good as Vodafone...)

Apple iPhone Christmas Decor Centres

Elgato - EyeTV Diversity

2007-01-14T15:01:00.000Z

My wife recently got a 24inch Apple iMac, so we thought it was time to ditch the old TV from our bedroom, and use the lovely iMac as a TV. We first tried the Elgato 250, but I was rather disapointed with that. So I sent it back, and brought Elgato's newest TV device - the EyeTV Diversity.

This is an extremely compact USB device, complete with 2 cool mini antennas, and a rather clunky remote. Picture quality is good, using the two antennas. These can be used separately with the Diversity's dual tuners, or combined together in areas of weak signal strength. I use the Diversity in the second way, with them both about a foot apart, where they sit, magnetically clamped to the top of the iMac. I live in an area of poor reception, and the picture with FreeView is pretty good, although a couple of channels arn't too good. Overall, I am very pleased with how it works. It integrates with FrontRow, so when you press your Apple Remote and hold it down the EyeTV software comes to the front in full screen mode (and with EyeTV running in the background.)

I think it is interesting that Apple have recently intoduced the Apple TV, which will wirelessly stream iTunes content to your Widescreen TV. The Elgato Diversity works the other way round, and turns your Mac into a television.

Capable of receiving DTT or DVB-T on either of it's dual tuners. Picture quality is good, and while at the recent MacExpo one of the Elgato demonstration team, told me that HD signals would be possible at a later date, when Elgato had finished the codec.

Rewind

One of the great things about having a TV in your Mac, is of course the Mac! So with it you can rewind your TV, even if you haven't recorded the programme.

Record

You can also record and schedule recordings straight to your Mac's hardrive.

TV Guide

The Built in TV guide, is actualy a free year's account with a TV schedule provider. There is a slight problem with this on my setup, some of the programmes are acually labelled in German, some, not all.

Works with the Apple Remote

The included remote is functional, but really does not look right next to a recent Apple computer. More like a cheap TV/DVD player remote. So instead you can use your existing Apple Remote and holding the "Menu" button depressed for a little while, brings up the EyeTV, and you can flick through channels, record and view the TV schedule. All good.

One problem I have found is that late at night, I have finished watching TV, and I want to put the computer to sleep, I have to get up out of bed. I haven't found a way of doing this with the Apple Remote. So this is an Apple Remote issue, not specific to EyeTV.

Edit: This is simply not true, see below for instructions.

How to put your Mac to sleep with Apple Remote

"Simply hold down the Play button for a few seconds and the screen will dim an show you the icon. The snoring Apple Remote Control icon lets you know that your Mac is about to go to sleep. Keep on pressing the play button if you want this to happen, or release it if you want your Mac to stay awake. "
See here for more info.

Elgato EyeTV Diversity Conclusion

Overall I really love this product. It works well, and is nicely designed (apart from the remote) and I like the two little magnetic antennas. I have now only a Mac in my bedroom, and can now say goodbye to my old TV. Great stuff.

Elgato EyeTV Diversity Homepage

Apple TV - iTunes on your TV

2007-01-14T12:46:00.000Z

Apple, Inc, as they are now known, introduced another new product besides the Apple iPhone at MacWorld on the 9th of January 2007. The Apple TV will display your iTunes content from your Mac or PC on your Widescreen TV.

Which of course now means movies, as well as your music, photos and podcasts. This cute little box, will sit alongside or instead of your DVD player, and instantly brings your iLife into your living room, wirelessly.

How the Apple TV works

According to Apple:

Download music videos, video podcasts and more from iTunes.
Sync wirelessly from your Mac or PC.
Watch everything on your widescreen TV.

Seems pretty easy.

Apple TV Specifications

Apple TV Processor and storage

Intel processor
40GB hard drive for storing content locally
Up to 50 hours of movies and TV shows
Up to 9,000 songs
Up to 25,000 pictures

Apple TV System requirements

Mac or PC
iTunes 7
Mac: Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
PC: Windows XP Home/Professional (SP2)
AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless network6 (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n), or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network

Apple TV Ports and interfaces

HDMI (video and audio)
Component video
Optical audio
Analog RCA stereo audio
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
USB 2.0 (for service and diagnostics)
802.11n wireless networking
Built-in IR receiver (works with included Apple Remote)

What's in the box?

Apple TV
Apple Remote
10 iPod Universal Dock Adapters
Power cord
Quick Start guide

Looks very promising, and unlike the iPhone, is available to buy now for 299 USD or £199.

Apple TV Press Release

"Apple TV is like a DVD player for the 21st century - you connect it to your entertainment system just like a DVD player, but it plays digital content you get from the Internet rather than DVDs you get from a physical store. Apple TV plays the same iTunes content that users enjoy on their computers and iPods, so now they can even watch part of a movie in their living room, and watch the rest later on their iPod."
Apple CEO - Steve Jobs

Apple TV has a 40GB hard drive to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each and is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output. Apple TV is easy to connect to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV can auto-sync content from one computer or stream content from up to five additional computers right to your TV without any wires.

Apple TV Links

Apple iPhone - Have Apple reinvented the phone?

2007-01-12T17:15:00.000Z

Apple Computer Incorporated's CEO Steve Jobs announced a new product on Tuesday 9th January 2007 at MacWorld, that could be as revolutionary as the Apple Macintosh or the Apple iPod. 1984's Macintosh certainly changed personal computing, but the new Apple iPhone could revolutionise your whole life.

The Apple iPhone is not just a phone. It is the world's first wide-screen iPod; it runs Mac OSX, it switches views from landscape to portrait automatically when you swivel it; it displays your photos; it takes photos, it is a contact manager. It is the natural convergence of everything digital, the ultimate smartphone.

Smartphone

It does proper push email like the Blackberry but instead of tiny plastic keys, Apple have created their take on the touch screen. It seemed to work well with Steve Job's keynote and I like the way it works with the iPod too. This is the point Apple have created a device, pointed to by David Siegel in 1999. This new iPod, is first and foremost a great communicator. It can send and receive emails, host conference calls, dial and receive telephone calls, when the phone rings, your music stops, when you end the call, it starts again.

Safari built in

If it is as good as a phone as a Nokia, then Apple surely have created a winner. A really fantastic, portable device. Available in 4 or 8GB versions, this looks like being the must-have gadget for 2007, especially at Christmas, and Santa, I know what's on my list. Do you want it now?

Apple might just have reinvented the phone

If it works, as well as it looks, I believe Apple Computer International may have just, as they claim, reinvented the phone. We will know come June in the USA, Europe in Q3, and Asia in 2008 for ourselves if Apple have cracked it. I think it is significant that Apple have reinvented their name too. From Apple Computer International to Apple, Inc. I like to think this will allow them new possibilities.

Apple iPhone Resources

Hydrogen Fuelled Racing Car

2006-10-30T23:27:00.000Z

Formula 1 is something I have been at times quite fanatical about, particularly so when Ayrton Senna was on the circuit. A couple of weeks ago I got the opportunity to attend a Caterham Track Day round Brands Hatch's full on and legendary Grand Prix circuit, and learnt that I might not have quite as much natural talent for it as I used to think, but I loved it all the same. I used to own a 100cc Racing Kart, and was convinced that only my financial situation stopped my inevitable progress to the upper echelons of Formula 1 motorsport.

Back to reality

The thing is, I have to balance this with the needs of the planet. Sure, I love motor racing, even as a spectator, but, what about our planet?

God's Little Acre is, we are told, going the way of Elvis and emissions is something we should all be looking to reduce. Hydrogen Fuelled Racing Cars, there only emission being water, seems like a great compromise. Sure, I would miss the sound and smells of a multi-cylinder petrol guzzling beast, but maybe hydrogen could give us something really fast?

Ok, this is not a full size car, my dreams of Formula H20 maybe just a dream, but why not?

Formula H20

According to Gadget Stuff

"The genius boffins at Horizon have come up with the world's smallest hydrogen-powered fuel cell car which has been nominated for the Intel Environmental Award in Silicon Valley's Tech Museum ? a grand honour for those of you who are not so technically inclined! The H2 Racer has all the notches on its belt, design, engineering and most importantly is as green-friendly as you can get without being a tree! This wicked little racer comes as a kit so it's perfect for those of you who fancy themselves as being ?good with your hands', or just those of you who have some serious time on their hands! "

"Full instructions are included of course."

Note: I haven't tried this yet!, but after the demise of Airfix, this looks like a great kit, erm for my daughter of course! lol

Buy the Hydrogen Fuelled Racing Car from Gadget Stuff

BlackBerry 8700v

2006-10-16T23:08:00.000+01:00

What to buy?

I was in need of a new mobile phone. My existing Sony Ericson had been a reliable companion, and worked perfectly with my Mac OS X Tiger apps - iSync, AddressBook and Salling Clicker.

I wanted a Mac compatible phone, one that would sync with my AddressBook and iCal. I also wanted to be able to send and receive e-mails and do a little web browsing. I looked at the Nokia E61, which looks cool especially the WiFi connectivity, but the BlackBerry was meant to be the king of e-mails, so no matter how tempting the Nokia was, I went for the BlackBerry 8700v

So far, so good

I downloaded PocketMac for BlackBerry V4, and via a USB lead (which also charges the phone), my AddressBook and iCal calendar all synced up perfectly to the phone. I would prefer to have been able to sync wirelessly via BlueTooth, but syncing is fast as you like with good old USB.

Web browsing was quick too, although many sites are not very friendly to small devices, but it is still very useable and the screen is gorgeous

Unfortunately, it won't let me send SMS messages via my Mac, nor will it let me use it as a modem when I travel. (If you know different, please let me know). What it does do though, it does extremely well. It has good battery life, it is great ergonomically and the Qwerty keyboard is very addictive. I am now mastering some keyboard shortcuts, and can get rid of spam and the like with just a couple of deft strokes. Email on the go is very cool and it works great with my .Mac email.

BlackBerry 8700v conclusion

All in all, this is a great piece of kit, and one that is growing on me the more I use it. Ok, it doesn't take photos and won't sync wirelessly (yet) but it is solid, reliable and well designed, and I am on top of my emails and messaging, which can't be bad.

i360 iMac Turntable

2006-03-15T14:12:00.000Z

iMac i360 Turntable Review

When you think of turntables, possibly images of Technics 1200 or Fat Boy Slim form in your head. The i360 is a different type of turntable. It is designed for the Apple iMac and will work with all G5 and Intel Core Duo iMacs and 20 and 23inch Apple Cinema Displays. The idea being that this new base will allow your iMac or Cinema Dispaly to turn easily. Allowing you easy access to the rear mounted connectors or to share the screen with a friend or colleague.

How does the i360 work?

You fit the i360 to the base of your iMac or display, which is a nice and easy task, the hardest part being deciding on which particular piece of included "eye candy" you should choose. Once installed you can easily turn your iMac, through 360 degrees, although this would tangle up your leads.

The i360 is quite a weighty piece of kit, but this weight gives your iMac or Display plenty of stability. My partner has a 20inch G5 iMac and the i360 has proved very useful for her. Plugging in digital cameras, iPods and other accessories, is now extremely easy.

i360 Verdict

The i360 is a well made and well designed piece of kit which could prove extremely useful for owners of 17 or 20 inch Intel or G5 powered iMacs or Apple Cinema Displays (not 30inch) who wish to share their screen or just gain easy access to the ports. It looks like it is part of the machine and the included eye candy allows you to customise your iMac.

Where to buy the i360

We have a few i360 stands left in our UK shop (hurry - while stocks last) , International shoppers can buy from here.

iPod Tube Map

2006-03-08T14:53:00.000Z

London Underground Map

If you can't afford a chauffeur and you want to travel in London, you will more than likely make use of the London Underground. Thanks to Harry Beck you can easily find out where you want to go.

In 1931 Harry was unemployed but that didn't stop him creating the London Underground Map. It ditched scale and confusion for clarity and ease of use, drawn more like an electronic diagram than a map, it made it easy for anybody to find their way underground.

It took Mr. Beck two years to persuade a reluctant London Underground to publish the map, when they finally did it quickly became a hit with the public, and became a design icon for other Tube and Subway networks to copy.

It has only been comparatively recently that Mr Becks acheivement has been finally recognised by the London Underground, when they erected a plaque in his honour at Finchley Central Tube Station and a Beck Gallery in the London Transport Museum.

iPod Underground and Tube Maps

In 2004 I had the idea of making a text version of the underground map, so that people could download it on to their iPods. I gave up about half way through compiling the project. Now that we have iPods that can display pictures, an iPod Tube map is now made possible again and alot easier to use than my text version. Thanks to iSubwaymaps.com you can now download a London Underground Tube Map onto your iPod (requires a iPod Video or Photo iPod). They have many different iPod compatible Tube and Subway maps available. So if you are in Tokyo, Melbourne, San Francisco or anywhere else check out their fantastic free iPod Map downloads.

Mac mini Intel

2006-03-07T14:55:00.000Z

Introducing Mac mini Intel

The Mac mini, Apple Computer's affordable and compact PC for your living room, has been given a great big, Father Ted style "kick up da arse". Apple have squeezed Intel Duo Core chips, Frontrow, Bluetooth, Airport and of course iLife '06 into this new digital hub.

It costs more

The only negative thing I can find about the Mac mini is that it costs more than it's Motorola G4 powered ancestors.

It does a lot more

The Mac mini is a BYODKM: Bring your own monitor, keyboard and mouse (or buy new ones). You will get Wireless Bluetooth and Airport, audio in and out (analogue and optical digital), four USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire 400, Gigabit ethernet, and an Apple Remote. It also supports up to 2GB of RAM on 2 slots.

This little Mac is 4 times as fast as before and it's bundled software; Mac OSX 10.4 (Tiger), iLife '06 and Front Row make it an ideal hub for your digital lifestyle. Watch and edit movies, build web pages, create music, listen to music - hey it's a Mac remember, what ever you want to do, it'll do with style.

Mac mini Intel Conclusion

This is a great entry level computer or wonderful digital hub. It will do pretty much anything you would want to do with a computer at a fair price.

Mac mini resources

Google Earth

2006-01-26T16:18:00.000Z

"Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery and other geographic information right on your desktop. View exotic locales like Maui and Paris as well as points of interest such as local restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more."

Google Earth is something you just have to try. It is the world in 3D and is quite breathtaking. Warning: Google Earth is more addictive than crack, but it is a wonderful way of wasting time.

What a wonderful world

The imagery is for the most part stunning. Some parts of the World are a little lacking in detail. But where else can you fly from Saddam's Former Palace to Nelson's Column, to Lhasa, Tibet so easily, affordably and quickly? This is a world without jetlag and pollution. It still is a world without true freedom though.

It's a funny world

From flying cars to Saddam's Weapons of Mass Destruction there is a lot more to Google Earth than the average atlas. It is this interactivity that has created a whole biosphere of Google Earth users. The Google Earth Community is a good place to find out more about Google Earth.

Jammin' the G4 till I can afford a G5 QUAD

2005-10-21T01:40:00.000+01:00

Memory is a good thing, without it we would, erm what was I talking about?

Memory is important to computers too. This is R.A.M as defined by the google.

The definition I liked best...

"Random Access Memory, the volatile memory used to temporarily store information for processing. This is the fastest type of memory for the computer, and the most expensive."

A revised and more appealing definition of memory...

"Up to 16GB of memory (RAM) provides ample bandwidth to compose using an unprecedented number of tracks."

It can also support up to eight 23inch monitors - far out!

Rich Man, Poor Man

Man, I can't afford a new Apple PowerMac G5 Quad. I want one so bad, but they cost just a Rizla short of £2300

Jammin' my PowerBook G4

My PowerBook G4 struggled with iPhoto and Photoshop open at the same time. What to do? I had 1GB of RAM, didn't think having 2GB would make a lot of difference - I was wrong, a big mistake.

After undertaking a remarkably simple procedure of buying two 1GB memory sticks, undoing 3 phillips screws, my G4 showed 2GB of memory and now everything is a little quicker. Some things are a lot quicker.

I have just bought Logic Pro, and hopefully next week I will have a chance to see how Logic runs on my slighty greying, but Viagra popping G4 PowerBook - 'Kundun'. Which has been given a good kick up the arse (Father Jack style) by it's new found maxed out RAM.

Feck Off! lol

Peace

Memory and RAM linkage

iGo iMac Desk

2005-09-05T11:54:00.000+01:00

Rain Design's iGo iMac desk is a fantastic accessory for your iMac G5. Now you can buy a desk which enhances the iMac's minimal styling and poise. It has an adjustable keyboard stand, suitable for left and right handers. The sitting model can be pushed around on it's wheels, so if you fit an airport card, you can work wherever suits you. It's also a lot more compact than most computer desks, so it'll take up a smaller footprint than a regular boring desk.

Gorgeous iGo

It comes complete with a iMac turntable so you can spin your display to exactly the right angle, great for working with others. Also your wrists will rejoice at the matching white gel filled wrist pad. Although it does show the dirt, it can be washed in warm soapy water. It also has a 'halo' lamp fitted beneath the computer which makes it glow in the dark - great for impressing your mates. It has a 'digital hub panel' which could also be described as a lightweight shelf and also has cup/speaker holders, depending on what is more important to you - caffeine or your audio.

iGo a Go-Go

The only thing that really lets down the iGo is the lack of space for books, paper, scanners etc. If like me you like to surround yourself with manuals and books, it may not be the desk for you. However if you clear your clutter and prefer a zen-like clear working space, then the iGo is a perfect mobile platform for you and your iMac. It will produce envious looks from friends and family and has a certain wow factor that I have yet seen to be matched. It is available in 2 versions - sitting and standing. The standing model has no castors but is perfect for a showroom or a designer reception.

Rain Design

iLap Laptop stand

2005-09-02T11:29:00.000+01:00

The iLap laptop stand is unique among the vast array of stands available for laptop computers. The iLap's cool design, keeps your laptop cool, and at the same time, lets you work comfortably on your lap as well as your desk. Making your laptop computer run cooler, elevate it to a better ergonomic position and protect your lap from heat and radiation.

iLap for your desk

The iLap is crafted from lightweight aluminium which helps your laptop or PowerBook run cooler. This is extremely useful for anybody working with audio, helping null any distracting fan noise, which is particularly invaluable while recording. The iLap also raises your laptop screen higher to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. My laptop is a 17-inch Apple PowerBook G4, which I use with a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display. So the brushed aluminium looks as cool as it works in this configuration. It is available in different sizes from 12-inch iBooks and PowerBooks up to 17-inch for 17-inch PowerBooks. If you have a PC, then chances are the standard 15-inch model will be ideal for your Dell, Toshiba, IBM etc.

iLap for your Lap

This is where the iLap really excels. It sits on luxury velvet cushions, the front one is removable for desk use (if preferred). Which makes the iLap sit comfortably on your lap, while your checking your mail on the sofa. It lifts the height of your laptop which is helpful ergonomically and could even help with your sex life. Studies have concluded that using a laptop on your lap, could be potentially damaging to your crotch area. The heat can also make it very uncomfortable. So the iLap will help alleviate this heat from your lap, making the laptop run cooler, which has a number of benefits, including increased battery life.

iLap Criticisms

My only problem I have encountered with the iLap is that the removable velvet front cushion gets in the way of a front loading CD/DVD drive, like on the PowerBook. Not a big deal in real-life use. It is also quite expensive, but I wouldn't like to put a price on my sex life, and the way it works is just so elegant and useful; It easily justifies this expense.

Macidol iLap Review, Rain Design