News Archive for 07/10/12

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TuffWraps for new iPods

10/12, 6:20pm

TuffWrap cases for new iPods debut

XtremeMac has announced the TuffWrap Plus line of protective silicone cases for all current iPod models as well as the iPhone. All cases include protection for the display and controls. The new TuffWrap Plus line is now available for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPod classic and includes a removable belt clip that doubles as a kickstand to allow for video viewing. They also include built-in protection for switches, a protective door for the dock connector and side ridges for a secure grip. The iPod nano versions include a removable hard plastic screen protector and a carabiner that easily attaches the case to a backpack or purse.

iPhone-like MS patent

10/12, 3:40pm

MS applies for iPhone-like interface patent

Microsoft has filed a continuation application for an existing patent describing a user-interface similar to the one used by Apple's iPhone. Microsoft's application, titled "Extensible, filtered lists for mobile device user interface," aims to provide an improved user interface for mobile devices by providing access to data as well as services from multiple software applications through a group or list of items. "Each group or list can include multiple items, which can be associated with data or tasks from multiple applications," the patent filing reads. "The set of groups of items can be both customizable and extensible to allow users to locate and utilize data and tasks relevant to the particular user. The set of item groups can provide users with a filtered view of content available through the mobile device, enhancing access to subset of data and tasks available on the mobile device."

Syphone beta released

10/12, 11:30am

Syphone beta archives iPhone SMS messages

Micromat has released Syphone beta, a public test version of its freeware utility designed to work with Apple's iPhone. The application does not need to alter the iPhone in any way, but allows users to view as well as save and back up SMS text messages. Syphone beta supports archiving and viewing SMS conversations, including those already deleted from the iPhone. The software allows users to import/export SMS text messages, view messages offline in an iChat-like interface with a variety of colors, open Address Book contacts, and view the number of sent/received messages for each contact on multiple iPhone handsets. Syphone beta is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

iPods to hold on to HDDs

10/12, 9:35am

Industry: iPods to hold on to hard drives

At least some iPods will continue to feature hard drives for a while to come, according to commentators. Research firm iSuppli yesterday described Apple's iPod classic as a "stopgap" player, built only because it is currently more economical to use hard drives for mass storage than flash, which is found on every other iPod. This view is opposed by Dave Reinsel, program director for Storage Research at the analysis firm IDC. Reisnel notes that demand for HD video and other memory-intensive content is bound to increase, and that there is simply no alternative to hard drives for users who want to carry a lot of media with them.