Tons of 'Up'!

The #1 movie in America is also one of my favorite films of all time, and definitely of this year: Up! And, seeing as it's so successful, there is a ton of news about it:


/Film has a great article about all of Pixar's amazing and classic easter eggs within Up. It covers A113, the Pizza Planet Truck, characters from future and past Pixar films, and more! Read it now!



Above is a short video of Tom Myers and Michael Semanick, and is all about the sound behind Up.


Partly Cloudy is now available for purchase on iTunes for $1.99. And, although I think it is the worst Pixar short so far, I still enjoy watching it, and I will definitely download it.


Upcoming Pixar has a great review of The Art of Up. I am definitely going to get a copy of it, and you probably will too after reading the review.



From Stitch Kingdom, above is an iPhone commercial that features everyone's favorite 2009 animated film!


On a slightly separate note, here is the first official Toy Story 3 image from Disney!

So, there's all there is to know about Up right now, but I'll keep you up-to-date as new news about the film comes out (awards season, any one?).

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iPhone 3.0 Details Announced [UPDATED]

Today Apple had an invitation-only event where they gave up all of their secrets regarding the next iPhone update: 3.0.

Here is a quick run-down of what to expect from the new software update coming out this summer:

• Copy/Paste: This is the most exciting. Copy/Paste should have been offered from 1.0, but, little matter, because we are getting it this summer! Apple says that it will be used by touching and dragging small "grab points" with a pop-up offering cut, copy, or paste. This functionality also includes the ability to copy and paste photos, as well as "shake to undo".
• MMS: This is another function available on the simplest of handsets that Apple has oddly been ignoring, but now they are including it in the iPhone's various functionalities. You will be able to send and receive photos, audio files, contacts, and more, although this functionality is only availabl on the iPhone 3G due to "hardware limitations" on the 1st generation.
• A2DP stereo Bluetooth: All this means is now you can connect headphones and speakers via bluetooth rather than the headphone jack. A very nice feature.
• Spotlight Search: A screen to the left of your first home screen which will allow for a universal search of your phone.
• Tethering: The ability to make your iPhone a modem has been put into the 3.0 update, although the carriers will have the final say on whether or not it will be present, as well as pricing plans regarding this.
• P2P: Peer-to-Peer meaning that you can connect to other iPhones to transfer files or play multiplayer games without the need of a Wifi network; both iPhones will be able to automtically connect with one another with no set-up required.
• Push: This is also an overdue feature which will allow instant messaging apps and other apps like them to receive messages and alert you to that fact without having to be open.
• Turn-by-Turn GPS: Apple is finally allowing developers to release apps with turn-by-turn directions; a feature that has been holding people back from calling the iPhone a true GPS device.
  

The update will be free to all iPhone owners "this summer", and will cost iPod Touch owners $9.95.

Engadget has a nice complete list of some other small things added by Apple, but these are all of the big ones. All we're missing now is the ability to record video and Flash. Anyway, I am pretty pleased with these new features; they add almost all of the features that the iPhone needs to become a truly great smartphone (although it is already, in my opinion, the best phone available).

UPDATE: Here is a nice 90-second video of the most exciting portion of the Apple event:

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The G1 Review for the iPhone Owner

We received our G1 today, and its awesome. Here are the unboxing shots. It is officially released this Wednesday, but most people who pre-ordered on the first day they became available are receiving their phones today. Keep in mind that over the course of the review, I'll constantly be making comparisons to the iPhone, seeing as I have one, and the two phones are now competitors. Now on to the review!


Hardware: At a glance, the G1 is big. It is significantly larger than the sleek iPhone 3G. The G1 weighs almost 1 ounce more, and is much thicker. This is a trade-off, however, for the physical keyboard that is a must have for many users. The G1 features a brilliant screen that is slightly smaller than that of the iPhone, but is still bright and very user-friendly. The keyboard feels sturdy, as the rest of the phone. Another thing worth mentioning is that the camera on the G1 is 3-megapixels, compared to the iPhone's 2-megapixels. Another major difference between the G1 and the iPhone is that the G1 has a removable battery, when the iPhone doesn't; this is a major inconvenience for iPhone users, and it doesn't really make sense to me that Apple would do this... Our reviewing unit is Black, but it also comes in White and Brown. Overall, we give hardware a 8/10, due to some nuisances while typing on the keyboard, and the bulkiness of the phone. Oh, yeah, and no headphone jack!



Software: This is the main difference between the iPhone 3G and the G1. The G1 is Open-Source, iPhone is proprietary. This is a fancy way of saying that Apple has locked up all of their units so they can regulate what is put on them, where Android doesn't regulate anything, and doesn't care. This is an awesome thing because it makes the phone extremely customizable and allows any apps to be installed. And, although it isn't fully integrated into the apps yet, the G1 features an accelerometer similar to that of the iPhone. The G1 does beat iPhone in 2 more major ways: all applications can run in the background, and MMS is included. The G1's tight integration with Google applications is another nice feature. Another place that the iPhone beats the G1 at is the iPhone's UI and multi-touch capability. No-one can compare with Apple's clean design and intuitive controls. They are flawless and are beautiful. The Android's UI is nice, but its nowhere near Apple quality. Also, one of the main features of the iPhone is its multi-touch functionality, which allows for the "pinch zoom", etc. Multi-touch is incredible to use, but is nowhere to be seen on the G1. We give the software a 9/10 because of its openness and cleanliness (but Apple's UI still kicks butt).



Final Thoughts: The G1 is a great phone. It comes packed with great apps (Go, Compass Mode!), and more apps can be added through the ever-growing Android Marketplace. Although it is chubbier than the iPhone, it makes up for this with physical keys and a removable battery. The Software is also revolutionary in the sense that it is completely open source, which is great for functionality and customization. But the software, as of right now, lacks the basics of an accelerometer, multi-touch functionalities, and an Apple-level User-Interface. Overall, we give the G1 a 7/10, and the iPhone 3G an 8/10.


The G1 does beat the iPhone in many ways, but the iPhone beats the G1 in more ways: multi-touch capabilities, sleek design, smooth UI, and the overall awesome feel of using Apple's cellular platform. So, I think I'll stick with my iPhone 3G for now, but definitely swap it out for a G3 or G4 after the basics are added, the UI is worked on, and the kinks are worked out.


Here is a comparison chart between the iPhone 3G and the T-Mobile G1 made by Fortune:


(Now that you've read the review, check out the unboxing!)

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T-Mobile G1 Unboxing

Here's our G1 that arrived via UPS today! Here are the unboxing photos, and a review should be up very soon.










Keep checking back for a comprehensive review of the G1!

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T-Mobile G1 Announced

The highly-anticipated Android is having its first debut. It will come in the form an HTC phone made for T-mobile. This phone is called the T-Mobile G1, and is supposed to be the first real competition for the iPhone.

The G1 will be available in late October and will cost around $180. Here are the specifications:

• HSDPA 1700 / 2100 plus quadband EDGE
• WiFi
• 3D graphics acceleration
• 1GB integrated storage plus microSD expansion
• 3-megapixel camera
• Android Market for on-device app purchases
• Amazon MP3 app for on-device music purchases
• Push Gmail support with full HTML client
• Bluetooth (but no A2DP)
• Google Maps with Street View
• No Microsoft Exchange support
• No desktop synchronization -- it all happens over the air

There are some great upsides to this phone. 1st, the biggest, is that it is open source. This means you can do whatever you what to it, as well as upload any apps to the "Android Marketplace" with no restrictions. This is good so that you'll never be in need of an app, but is also somewhat bad because you'll have to sort through thousands of garbage-apps before finding one worth keeping.

Another great thing about the T-Mobile G1 is its integration with Google. It has a GTalk app, a Gmail app, among others. It has a touch screen, slide out keyboard, and expandable memory.

There are some downsides however:

• It runs on the very scarce and spotty T-Mobile 3G network.
• No headphone jack!
• You'll have to sort through some worse apps before finding keepers, due to a lack of restrictions and rejection processes.
• The memory is expandable to only 8GB.
• The Android marketplace used to install apps is, for now, very flawed and glitchy.
  
• It is larger and heavier than the iPhone, with a smaller screen.
• No video support, as with the iPhone.
• No multi-touch functionality
• No desktop or 3G syncing or downloading, wirelessly with WiFi is the only way.
  
• Since its the first-generation, things will be a little bit slower and less stable than in later models.
• UPDATE: The data, while being advertised as unlimited, may be capped off at the minuscule amount of 1GB.
  

That's about all there is to say about the T-Mobile G1, Android's first phone. Its open source, with a large app marketplace, a decent camera, and a physical keyboard. But I think that a lack of a headphone jack, a truly comprehensive 3G network, lots of memory, and the bulky size will prevent some users from buying the G1, but I am sure that the G4 or G5 will be near-perfect, and will be worth ditching the iPhone for. But, for now, I believe that the iPhone is superior to T-Mobile's G1.


Links:

• Official Site
• Gizmodo
• Engadget
• PC World's iPhone vs. T-Mobile G1
  

Updates: Here is a really good hands-on video with the G1 that I stumbled upon:




Also, Gizmodo pointed out something very interesting; the main promotional image for the T-Mobile G1 has inconsistent clocks with different times. Click on the link, or here is the image:


And yet another update! The ad for this phone is funny, and somewhat pokes fun at Apple. They call it "Funnerer" and "Connecteder". Here's the commercial:

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Apple News Updates

I'm sure you've heard about this, but Apple has made many announcements in the past week, and mostly on last Tuesday. These include (with links and pictures!):

1. A new, fancy iPod Nano with a tall screen, 9 color options, video support, and a neat shake-to-shuffle functionality.


2. A new installment of the iPod Touch, with a new shape similar to that of the iPhone 3G, as well as other minor changes.


3. And, finally, a 2.1 update for iPhones everywhere, which includes Genius Playlist creation on-the-go, as well as improved signal strength and battery life, as well as numerous other "bug fixes".

The new nano is a great improvement over the last model (which looked like it was run over by a car). The new iPod Touch looks better than its predecessor, and I am very excited about the 2.1 update, who's "bug fixes" are sorely needed. Although the event on Tuesday went great, and the products are a success, as usual, this event wasn't quite as epic as usual, due to a lot of leaks before hand. Oh well, Apple remains the king of media players, and the owner of the best smart phone on the market.

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The 30 Best iPhone Applications

The App Store is great. It adds so much more functionality, depth, and fun to the already awesome iPhone. One thing that the App Store is without, however, is a “try before you buy” demo-type system. Due to the lack of this, a list of my favorite free and paid apps will be listed here so you won’t need to waste your money or time on bad apps. There is a link after each app description, this link leads directly to the iTunes Store.

My 15 favorite free iPhone apps:

Shazam- A truly great song recognition application. If you hear a song playing that you enjoy, hit the “tag now” button, it takes about 20 seconds, then you get the album art, artist, and album. You are also given a direct link to watch the YouTube video and a link purchase the song in the iTunes Music Store. It works great for me, perhaps my favorite app for the iPhone. Get it.


BubbleWrap- A fun little game where you get to pop bubble wrap. Great sound effects. Get it.


Cookie Bonus Solitaire- Just normal solitaire for the iPhone. Pretty flawless for being free. (Screen shot is that of desktop version, no chat in iPhone platform). Get it.

Cube Runner- A game where you are simply an arrow flying through a 3D world of cubes. You steer around the cubes using the accelerometer. Multiple difficulties. Very fun. Get it.

The Dark Knight: HaHaHa- Add Joker make-up and phrases to your pictures. This app could use some work, but, afterall, it is free. Get it.

iPint- The little “bonus game” on this one is the most fun. Turn your iPhone into a mug, fill it up, and make it seem like you are actually drinking out of it! Really neat app to show off your iPhone. Get it.


PhoneSaber- A lightsaber for your iPhone. Multiple color choices, awesome sound effects, and an excellent use of the accelerometer. One of my favorites. Get it.


Pandora- A great radio for the iPhone. Plays songs based on your favorite artists and styles. Get it.


More Cowbell!- This app is really funny. It is based on the SNL skit with Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell. There is a picture of a cowbell, and then Walken yells, “I need more cowbell!” you touch the cowbell, it makes noise, and when you stop, Walken yells some more. Pretty dumb, yet awesome. Get it.


Remote- Awesome app that allows you to control your iTunes library from your iPhone. Get it.


Google Mobile- Quick searching, as well as other features, all optimized for the iPhone. Get it.


Jott- I used this long before I got an iPhone. Speak into the mic, select a contact, and then that contact receives your voiced message as text. Includes other features as well. Awesome. Get it.


Talking Spanish Phrase Book- What more can I say?... Get it.


Yelp- Uses your location to find businesses near by. Includes reviews, descriptions, etc. Get it.


myLite- A simple tool to turn your iPhone into a flashlight, strobe light, and multi-colored light. Get it.


My 15 favorite paid iPhone apps:
Lumina- $1.99. ‘Simon Says’ for the iPhone. Good UI and sound effects. Very fun and cheap. Buy it.


Crash Bandicoot Nitro Cart Racing- $9.99. A fun cart racing game. It may be a bit pricey, but the fact that it has Crash makes up for that. Buy it.


de Blob- $7.99. A fun game that has a lot of depth. It combines the accelerometer and multi-touch flawlessly. Buy it.


Labyrinth- $6.99. A maze with obstacles. You navigate through it using the accelerometer, very fun, and very smooth game play. Buy it.


Texas Hold’em- $4.99. Just what you’d expect. Texas Hold’em Poker with great graphics and multiple levels. Buy it.


Tic-Tac-Touch: FS5- $1.99. One or two player Tic-Tac-Toe. Easy and fun with multiple difficulties. Buy it.


Touch Tennis: FS5- $1.99. Like a modern version of ‘Pong’ with good sound effects and smooth game play. Buy it.


Quordy- $2.99. A Boggle-type game for the iPhone. Utilizes the accelerometer and the wide touch screen. Has a vast dictionary of words and is very fun. Buy it.


Trism- $4.99. A puzzle game that reminds me of Bejeweled, but is better. Uses the accelerometer and the touch screen. Multiple modes and levels. Buy it.


Super Monkey Ball- $9.99. A bit pricey, but has great graphics, lots of levels, and uses the accelerometer very well. Buy it.


Band- $9.99. Multiple instruments for your iPhone. Buy it.


Sketches- $7.99. Drawing app, add shapes, lines, etc. to existing pictures or a blank canvas. Buy it.


Scrabble- $9.99. Classic Scrabble game made by EA Games. A bit too expensive, though. Buy it.


South Park Imaginationland- $9.99. Help Butters get through Imaginationland! Pretty expensive and simple, but you gotta love South Park! Buy it.


Etch-a-Sketch- $4.99. Drawing app. Use your fingers or knobs, and shake to erase. Buy it.


Now you know what apps are worth your time and money. If I come across any other truly great apps I will write a brief post about it so that you can make sure you have all of the highest of quality apps available.

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