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	<title>GigaOM &#187; Apple</title>
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		<title>GigaOM &#187; Apple</title>
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		<title>Logitech uses the sun to power new iPad keyboard case</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/logitech-uses-the-sun-to-power-new-ipad-keyboard-case/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/logitech-uses-the-sun-to-power-new-ipad-keyboard-case/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 14:13:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kevin C. Tofel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Logitech]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom.com/?p=517292</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You won't be replacing batteries on Logitech's newest iPad keyboard case. As its name implies, the $129.99 Solar Keyboard Folio uses light -- either indoors or out -- to maintain its battery life, which is two years on a single charge, claims Logitech.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=517292&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/logitech-solar-keyboard-folio-row-1.jpg"><img  title="logitech-solar-keyboard-folio-row-1" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/logitech-solar-keyboard-folio-row-1.jpg?w=210&h=105" alt="" width="210" height="105" class="alignright  wp-image-517301" /></a>You won&#8217;t be replacing batteries on<a href="http://blog.logitech.com/2012/05/03/invest-in-your-ipad-with-something-more-than-a-case-2/"> Logitech&#8217;s newest iPad keyboard case</a>. As its name implies, the Solar Keyboard Folio uses light to maintain its battery life, which is two years on a complete charge, claims Logitech. Two small solar panels integrated into the Folio use either indoor or outdoor light to keep the Bluetooth keyboard juiced up.</p>
<p>The solar cells are on the outside of the cover, so they&#8217;re not in your way when using the wireless keyboard. When using the folio to prop up an iPad at one of two angles, the cells face outward to capture any available light. The bottom keyboard row of the Solar Keyboard Folio works as dedicated music and volume control keys when used in a specific angle for media consumption.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-us/tablet-accessories/keyboards/devices/solar-keyboard-folio?wt.mc_id=global_redirect_news_solarfolio">Logitech is taking pre-orders now for the $129.99 setup</a>, which isn&#8217;t too bad when you factor in the convenience of never buying or replacing any batteries for it. The product works with either the iPad 2 or the new iPad and features the same instant off/on as Apple&#8217;s own iPad cover. The two-year battery life claim is based on two hours of daily use, so if you&#8217;re an all-day typer on the iPad, you&#8217;ll surely see the battery run down faster. Unless you live in a cloud-free region near the Equator, that is.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=517292+logitech-uses-the-sun-to-power-new-ipad-keyboard-case&utm_content=kevintofel">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/09/what-amazons-new-kindle-line-means-for-apple-netflix-and-online-media/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=517292+logitech-uses-the-sun-to-power-new-ipad-keyboard-case&utm_content=kevintofel">What Amazon&#8217;s new Kindle line means for Apple, Netflix and online&nbsp;media</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/08/what-the-google-motorola-deal-means-for-android-microsoft-and-the-mobile-industry/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=517292+logitech-uses-the-sun-to-power-new-ipad-keyboard-case&utm_content=kevintofel">What the Google-Motorola deal means for Android, Microsoft and the mobile&nbsp;industry</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/07/mobile-q2-smartphone-growth-surges-ipads-rule-continues/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=517292+logitech-uses-the-sun-to-power-new-ipad-keyboard-case&utm_content=kevintofel">Mobile Q2: Smartphone growth surges; iPad&#8217;s rule&nbsp;continues</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=517292&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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			<media:title type="html">Kevin C. Tofel</media:title>
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		<title>Brydge keyboard turns iPad into a MacBook Air clone</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/brydge-keyboard-turns-ipad-into-a-macbook-air-clone/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/brydge-keyboard-turns-ipad-into-a-macbook-air-clone/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:14:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kevin C. Tofel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brydge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[keyboard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kickstarter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MacBook Air]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom.com/?p=514398</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are no lack of Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad, but the newest one Kickstarter is impressive. Called Brydge, the wireless keyboard makes the iPad look like a MacBook Air. Backing starts at $150 and for $30 more you can get a Brydge with integrated speakers.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=514398&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are no lack of Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad, but the newest Kickstarter project is most impressive. <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/552506690/brydge-ipad-do-more">Called Brydge, the wireless keyboard makes the iPad look more like a MacBook Air</a> than anything I&#8217;ve seen yet. Backing starts at $150 and the project will fund if it tops $90,000 by June 4.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/552506690/brydge-ipad-do-more/widget/video.html" frameborder="0" width="480px" height="360px"></iframe></p>
<p>Unlike other keyboard cases, Brydge appears more secure: It uses a patent-pending hinge to secure an iPad and allows the entire setup to open up a full 180-degrees. This also allows the iPad to tilt in a myriad of positions instead of being fixed to a few. A nice addition is the option for stereo speakers. You&#8217;ll pay at least $30 more for that luxury, but&#8217;s a small cost to upgrade from the iPad&#8217;s single internal speaker.</p>
<p>The team behind Brydge says the product will work with both the iPad 2 and the newest iPad. Battery life is going to vary greatly due to speaker use, but the Brydge will easily recharge over a microUSB connection. Apple-specific keys are also part of the QWERTY setup, which should come in handy.</p>
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<p>I was recently enamored by the <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad/">$99 Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover</a> for iPad, but I may hold off and back the Brydge instead. The addition of speakers is a big draw, for starters. But on the flipside, the Brydge will add 1.28 pounds to an iPad. As a result, the iPad will not only look like a MacBook Air, but weigh nearly as much as one too!</p>
<p>While the Brydge looks Apple-like, I wouldn&#8217;t count on Apple bringing a similar product. Earlier this week, Apple CEO <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/apples-chiefs-offhand-comment-spawns-internet-tribute/">Tim Cook said (in reference to convertible tablets)</a>, &#8220;You can converge a toaster and refrigerator, but these things are probably not going to be pleasing to the user,&#8221; so I don&#8217;t expect an iPad to officially converge with an Air.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=514398+brydge-keyboard-turns-ipad-into-a-macbook-air-clone&utm_content=kevintofel">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/ces-2012-a-recap-and-analysis/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=514398+brydge-keyboard-turns-ipad-into-a-macbook-air-clone&utm_content=kevintofel">CES 2012: a recap and&nbsp;analysis</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/09/what-amazons-new-kindle-line-means-for-apple-netflix-and-online-media/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=514398+brydge-keyboard-turns-ipad-into-a-macbook-air-clone&utm_content=kevintofel">What Amazon&#8217;s new Kindle line means for Apple, Netflix and online&nbsp;media</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/07/mobile-q2-smartphone-growth-surges-ipads-rule-continues/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=514398+brydge-keyboard-turns-ipad-into-a-macbook-air-clone&utm_content=kevintofel">Mobile Q2: Smartphone growth surges; iPad&#8217;s rule&nbsp;continues</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=514398&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>15</slash:comments>
	 <go:thumbnail>http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/brydge-1.jpeg?w=130</go:thumbnail> 
		<media:thumbnail url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/brydge-1.jpeg?w=210" />
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			<media:title type="html">Kevin C. Tofel</media:title>
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		<item>
		<title>Logitech pairs a smart cover and keyboard for Apple&#8217;s iPad</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:43:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kevin C. Tofel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[keyboard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Logitech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart cover]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom.com/?p=512148</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Logitech introduced its newest iPad keyboard / cover combo on Wednesday and if you could imagine Apple designing such a product, this is what it would look like. The $99 accessory works with the iPad 2 and the new iPad, pairing a smart case with Bluetooth keyboard.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=512148&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/logitech-ultrathin-keyboard.jpg"><img  title="logitech-ultrathin-keyboard" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/logitech-ultrathin-keyboard.jpg?w=210&h=140" alt="" width="210" height="140" class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-512161" /></a><a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-us/172/9884">Logitech introduced its newest iPad keyboard / cover combo on Wednesday</a> and if you could imagine Apple designing such a product, this is what it would look like. The $99 accessory works with both Apple&#8217;s iPad 2 and the new iPad, pairing a smart case with Bluetooth keyboard. Logitech says if you use the keyboard for two hours per day, the batteries should last for six months.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve never even entertained the thought of a keyboard accessory for my iPad, mainly because I don&#8217;t type long prose on it, but given the look and functionality <a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-us/tablet-accessories/keyboards/devices/ultrathin-keyboard-cover?wt.mc_id=global_redirect_news_ultrathinkeyboard">the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover</a> provides, I&#8217;m tempted to get one. I&#8217;d likely use the iPad more often as a result.</p>
<span style="text-align:center; display: block;"><a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad/"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/zsIJUiTlrGI/2.jpg" alt="" /></a></span>
<p>Aside from the Apple look-and-feel, Logitech made good use of the iPad&#8217;s internal magnets. Closing the case puts your iPad to sleep and of course, opening the case will wake your tablet. Magnetic hinges, similar to those on Apple&#8217;s own Smart Cover, keep the iPad attached to the case. For keyboard use, you simply place the iPad in a slotted grove above the keyboard&#8217;s top row of keys: A simple but elegant looking solution.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=512148+logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad&utm_content=kevintofel">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/09/what-amazons-new-kindle-line-means-for-apple-netflix-and-online-media/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=512148+logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad&utm_content=kevintofel">What Amazon&#8217;s new Kindle line means for Apple, Netflix and online&nbsp;media</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/08/what-the-google-motorola-deal-means-for-android-microsoft-and-the-mobile-industry/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=512148+logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad&utm_content=kevintofel">What the Google-Motorola deal means for Android, Microsoft and the mobile&nbsp;industry</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/07/mobile-q2-smartphone-growth-surges-ipads-rule-continues/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=512148+logitech-pairs-a-smart-cover-and-keyboard-for-apples-ipad&utm_content=kevintofel">Mobile Q2: Smartphone growth surges; iPad&#8217;s rule&nbsp;continues</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=512148&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
	 <go:thumbnail>http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/logitech-ultrathin-keyboard.jpg?w=130</go:thumbnail> 
		<media:thumbnail url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/logitech-ultrathin-keyboard.jpg?w=210" />
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			<media:title type="html">logitech-ultrathin-keyboard</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Kevin C. Tofel</media:title>
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		<title>Hands on with OnLive Desktop: Windows works surprisingly well on the iPad</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/hands-on-with-onlive-desktop-windows-works-surprisingly-well-on-the-ipad/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/hands-on-with-onlive-desktop-windows-works-surprisingly-well-on-the-ipad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:29:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Darrell Etherington</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[@CNN]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[onlive]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom2.wordpress.com/?p=470269</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes Windows is just what the doctor ordered, and with OnLive's new Desktop app for iPad, I suspect it'll be the prescription I'm looking for much more often. Here's a look at what the fresh new Windows virtualization app for iPad offers.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=470269&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img  title="OnLive Desktop icon" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/screen-shot-2012-01-13-at-12-28-00-pm.png?w=604" alt=""   class="alignright size-full wp-image-470393" />I like my Macs, but I also won&#8217;t turn my nose up at Windows. Sometimes it&#8217;s just what the doctor ordered, and with the new OnLive Desktop app for iPad, I suspect it&#8217;ll be the prescription I&#8217;m looking for much more often. OnLive Desktop brings Windows 7 to your iPad, streamed remotely from powerful servers. Here&#8217;s a detailed look at what the fresh new Windows virtualization app for iPad has to offer.</p>
<h2>The price tag is the best part</h2>
<p>Somehow, OnLive Desktop is free. It doesn&#8217;t cost a dime to download the app from the App Store, and there&#8217;s no subscription service to sign up for. The app also doesn&#8217;t require you to own a copy of Windows, as do Mac virtualization apps like <a title="VMware Fusion 4 now available with Lion-specific features" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/vmware-fusion-4-now-available-with-lion-specific-features/">Parallels and VMware</a>. Windows 7 is already set up and running on OnLive&#8217;s remote servers. All you have to do is sign up for a free OnLive account (or use an existing one if you already signed up for OnLive&#8217;s gaming service) and connect.</p>
<h2>Better than remote desktop apps, local virtualization software</h2>
<p>Despite OnLive Desktop is working over an Internet connection talking to servers miles away (likely hundreds of miles in my case), it performs better than any remote desktop apps I&#8217;ve used on my own local Wi-Fi network. There&#8217;s very little lag; apps open and close speedily; and documents, spreadsheets and presentations are already setup by default to save to a synced folder, which auto-syncs at regular, frequent intervals.</p>
<p>In terms of setup time and ease of use, OnLive Desktop beats out both remote desktop apps and virtualization software running locally on Macs, in my opinion. This is especially true if your intended use is light editing of documents you need to access right away when away from home, since you can download from and upload to a web interface at <a href="http://files.onlive.com">files.onlive.com</a> for your specific synced OnLive Documents folder.<br />
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				   </script>&nbsp;<div id='gallery'><ol><li><img width="610" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop11.jpg?w=610" alt="" /></li><li><img width="610" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop3.jpg?w=610" alt="" /></li><li><img width="610" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop4.jpg?w=610" alt="" /></li><li><img width="610" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop2.jpg?w=610" alt="" /></li><li><img width="610" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop1.jpg?w=610" alt="" /></li></ol><div id='gallery-nav-outer'><div class="loader" id="gallery-loading"><span>Loading</span></div><span id='gallery-next' class='nav' title='Next Image'>Next</span><span id='gallery-prev' class='nav' title='Previous Image'>Previous</span><div id='gallery-nav-inner'><div id='gallery-nav'></div></div></div></div><div id="gallery-meta"><div class="count">Picture <span id="gallery-count">1</span> of 5 </div><h5 id="gallery-title">That's a Windows desktop, on your iPad.</h5><p id="gallery-caption"></p></div></p>
<h2>Limited in scope, but should hit the right notes for most</h2>
<p>OnLive Desktop has some limitations your own local installations of Windows won&#8217;t, however. Any changes you make to app or system settings won&#8217;t be there the next time you log in, for instance; OnLive does this to ensure speedy connections and easy jump-in, jump-out functionality for all users.</p>
<p>You also can&#8217;t install new programs or access anything beyond what OnLive provides, so this definitely isn&#8217;t a solution for Windows-based gaming. Still, those pre-installed apps include Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2010, as well as Windows Media Player and some basic utilities. You can&#8217;t access Internet Explorer, which would be a nice touch for people working remotely who have to access IE-only enterprise dashboards, for instance.</p>
<p>Finally, there&#8217;s the issue of not being able to use the iPad&#8217;s own software keyboard. Instead, you&#8217;ll get the Windows 7 on-screen keyboard. It pales in comparison to the Apple version, but it&#8217;s usable nonetheless. Also, know that if you exit the app mid-edit, you won&#8217;t be able to save your document when you jump back in, even if it resumes with the document open.</p>
<p>Despite those limitations, OnLive probably provides what the vast majority of its target audience requires: a quick and easy way to edit Office docs on the go. The extremely high-quality Windows Media Player streaming playback and other perks like the ability to use the touch-optimized Microsoft Surface Collage app, are just are icing on the cake.</p>
<h2>Microsoft&#8217;s Office iPad apps are here</h2>
<p>With Bluetooth keyboard support and the ability to connect over 3G (OnLive disconnects you after 10 minutes when connected this way, but that&#8217;s plenty of time to accomplish minor edits on the fly), I see little reason to go elsewhere for Office-compatible document editing. Plus, if this app eventually gets an upgrade to the tablet-optimized Windows 8, it should be even more touch-friendly.</p>
<p>Rumors occasionally crop up that Microsoft is working on <a title="iPad reportedly getting Microsoft Office in 2012: Do we need it?" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/ipad-reportedly-getting-microsoft-office-in-2012-do-we-need-it/">dedicated Office apps for the iPad</a>. With OnLive Desktop, I find myself happy to wait for Microsoft to take as long as it wants to get its act together.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=470269+hands-on-with-onlive-desktop-windows-works-surprisingly-well-on-the-ipad&utm_content=etherin">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/12/2012-data-spectrum-and-the-race-to-lte/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=470269+hands-on-with-onlive-desktop-windows-works-surprisingly-well-on-the-ipad&utm_content=etherin">2012: Data, spectrum and the race to&nbsp;LTE</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/forecasting-the-tablet-market-over-366-million-units-by-2016/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=470269+hands-on-with-onlive-desktop-windows-works-surprisingly-well-on-the-ipad&utm_content=etherin">Tablet market to hit over 377 million units by&nbsp;2016</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/ces-2012-a-recap-and-analysis/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=470269+hands-on-with-onlive-desktop-windows-works-surprisingly-well-on-the-ipad&utm_content=etherin">CES 2012: a recap and&nbsp;analysis</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=470269&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
	 <go:thumbnail>http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop2.jpg?w=130</go:thumbnail> 
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		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop2.jpg?w=186" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">A taste of Surface on your iPad? Pretty fun.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/188039e12983eb749171a75cfd01378d?s=96&#38;d=retro&#38;r=PG" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">etherin</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/screen-shot-2012-01-13-at-12-28-00-pm.png" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">OnLive Desktop icon</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/screen-shot-2012-01-13-at-12-28-00-pm.png?w=140" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">OnLive Desktop icon</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop11.jpg?w=186" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">That&#039;s a Windows desktop, on your iPad.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop3.jpg?w=186" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Word 2010 works just like you&#039;d expect it to.</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop4.jpg?w=186" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">You can even take advantage of Windows 7&#039;s Aerosnap feature to quickly split windows side-by-side.</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/onlive-desktop1.jpg?w=186" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">HD streaming video looks great played in Windows Media Player.</media:title>
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		<title>Games for the weekend: Super Stickman Golf</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/games-for-the-weekend-super-stickman-golf/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/games-for-the-weekend-super-stickman-golf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:48:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Geoffrey Goetz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foursome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[game center]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Golf]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[stroke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the PGA tour]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[video games]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom.com/?p=465429</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<em>Super Stickman Golf</em> is a sports game that plays more like a platformer. Scoring is the same as in golf, but each golf course is designed more like a level from a Mario game than something you'd see on the PGA tour.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=465429&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Games for the Weekend is a weekly feature aimed at helping you avoid doing something constructive with your downtime. Each Friday we’ll be recommending a game for Mac, iPhone or iPad that we think is awesome enough to keep you busy until Monday, at least.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/super-stickman-golf/id397049430?mt=8"><img  title="Super Stickman Golf" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf.jpg?w=85&h=84" alt="Super Stickman Golf" width="85" height="84" class="alignleft  wp-image-466010" /><em>Super Stickman Golf</em></a> ($0.99 Universal) is a sports game that plays more like a platformer. As in other golf games, you use your club to hit a tiny little golf ball into a hole that is so far away you need a flag in order to see where it is located.  The big difference here is that each golf course is designed more like a level from a Mario game than something you&#8217;d see on the PGA tour.</p>
<p><img  title="Super Stickman Golf" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf-1.jpg?w=604&h=481" alt="Super Stickman Golf" width="604" height="481" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-466052" />The scoring system is familiar as well, since it works just like golf. Get the golf ball into the hole in less than par for the entire course, and you&#8217;re awarded by unlocking various power ups and additional courses. If you do either get a little impatient or come up against a frustrating level that you can&#8217;t get past, you can always go to the Pro Shop and purchase unlocks for all courses and power ups. What you can&#8217;t buy are all of the seemingly impossible Game Center achievements, like scoring less than zero on a given hole.</p>
<p><img  title="Super Stickman Golf" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf-2.jpg?w=604&h=457" alt="Super Stickman Golf" width="604" height="457" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-466055" />You only have one club, but you choose the angle and direction you want to hit the ball in, and then choose the power applied to the stroke. Power-ups earn you special golf balls. For example, with the super ball you can make those extra long shots, and with air brakes you can stop a flying shot mid-air and have it drop straight down onto the green.  Without learning when and how to use the power ups you earn, even attempting to achieve par on some courses would be impossible.</p>
<p><img  title="Super Stickman Golf" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf-3.jpg?w=604&h=457" alt="Super Stickman Golf" width="604" height="457" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-466060" />In multiplayer mode you can challenge your Game Center friends, or play against someone on the local network or over Bluetooth. You can either start a new foursome or choose to join one that already exists. As the host, you can accept or reject players that want to join your foursome. Another perk of hosting is that your choose which course to play.  Each player can play through at their own pace, and the game will keep score for you.</p>
<p><img  title="Super Stickman Golf" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf-4.jpg?w=604&h=409" alt="Super Stickman Golf" width="604" height="409" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-466054" />With over two hundred unique holes to play, Noodlecake Studios has committed to keeping the game fresh by investing in new content. That should help ensure the game stays fresh in the longer term.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=465429+games-for-the-weekend-super-stickman-golf&utm_content=ggeoffre">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/trends-challenges-and-chances-in-the-rising-mobile-deals-space/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=465429+games-for-the-weekend-super-stickman-golf&utm_content=ggeoffre">Opportunities and challenges for mobile&nbsp;deals</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/07/connected-consumer-q2-digital-music-meets-the-cloud-e-book-growth-explodes/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=465429+games-for-the-weekend-super-stickman-golf&utm_content=ggeoffre">Connected Consumer Q2: Digital music meets the cloud; e-book growth&nbsp;explodes</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/07/mobile-q2-smartphone-growth-surges-ipads-rule-continues/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=465429+games-for-the-weekend-super-stickman-golf&utm_content=ggeoffre">Mobile Q2: Smartphone growth surges; iPad&#8217;s rule&nbsp;continues</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=465429&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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	 <go:thumbnail>http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf-3.jpg?w=130</go:thumbnail> 
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			<media:title type="html">Super Stickman Golf</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf.jpg?w=142" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Super Stickman Golf</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Super Stickman Golf</media:title>
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		<media:content url="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/super-stickman-golf-3.jpg?w=604" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Super Stickman Golf</media:title>
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		<title>5 tips for using your Apple gear to stay fit and healthy in 2012</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:32:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dave Greenbaum</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Losing weight is on a lot of people's minds post-New Year, so this is a perfect time to revisit tips and tricks about how to use Apple technologies to help you get healthier in 2012. Attitude, food and activity monitoring can contribute to a healthier you.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=462524&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Losing weight is on a lot of people&#8217;s minds post-New Year, so this is a perfect time to revisit tips and tricks about how to use Apple technologies to help you get healthier in 2012. Music, food and activity monitoring all contribute to a healthier you, and can be tracked on your Mac or iPhone.</p>
<h2>1. Get the right tunes</h2>
<p>Whatever music source you use, get in the groove during your workouts. My favorite right now is Pandora radio, since I find variety an excellent motivator when working out.<br />
<a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012/sport_corded_product_01/" rel="attachment wp-att-462727"><img  title="Sport_Corded_product_01" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/sport_corded_product_01.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-462727" /></a> A good set of Bluetooth headphones is also probably a wise investment, since they prevent cords from getting caught during activity. My favorite right now is the <a href="http://www.jabra.com/sites/mobile/na-us/products/pages/jabrasport.aspx">Jabra Sport.</a> Not only does it do audio and voice, but it also does FM so I can tune into the TV audio at the gym.</p>
<p>I also recommend <a href="http://www.yurbuds.com/">Yurbuds</a>. You send Yurbuds a picture of your ear and they match a product for a near perfect fit. The plastic molding is grippy and stays in your ears even while sweating. They also channel the sound directly into your ear and block out some of the background noise.</p>
<h2>2. Track what you eat</h2>
<p>Start with small steps tracking what you eat simply by taking a picture. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meal-snap-calorie-counting/id425203142?mt=8">Mealsnap</a> is great for this. Being aware of what you eat and making it a habit is a great place to start.</p>
<p>When you’ve got that habit and want to start counting calories, the Lose It! app is a good choice. While I’m still a big fan of <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-tracker-livestrong.com/id295305241?mt=8">Livestrong’s calorie tracker</a>, the excessive ads and upsells on their website became a turn off. Lose It! is free and has a clean, simple interface. It also can give you reminders if you don’t log meals.<br />
<a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012/log/" rel="attachment wp-att-462729"><img  title="Log" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/log.jpg?w=211&h=300" alt="" width="211" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-462729" /></a><br />
Another key feature of Lose It! is that it can interact with other devices, such as the <a href="http://www.withings.com/">Withings WiFi Body</a> scale and the Fitbit (more about that later).</p>
<h2>3. Track what you do</h2>
<p>Eating is only one side of the weight loss equation. How much you burn (or don’t burn) in a given day is the reason why the person next to you eats so much and stays slim, while you just even look at a bagel and gain three pounds. Both Lose It! and Livestrong Calorie Tracker will allow you to enter exercises, but don’t take into account more passive daily activities. While a pedometer will help, why use analog when digital is more fun?</p>
<p><img  title="charger" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/charger.jpg?w=300&h=219" alt="" width="300" height="219" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-462733" />The FitBit tracker ($99) is at heart a pedometer, but with added features. It tracks how many steps you take and uses your basal metabolic rate to determine how many calories you&#8217;re burning. The FitBit also uses gamification techniques, such as badge rewards you can tweet and share on Facebook, to keep you motivated. It can also be used as a clock and a stopwatch to track your workout routines.</p>
<p>I also like the fact you can get instant readouts to check your goals with the Fitbit; when you see you&#8217;re a few steps short of your daily goal you might decide to take that far away parking spot, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Best of all, FitBit integrates with Lose It! so that way your activities and food log are shared between the two programs, giving you much more accurate results.</p>
<h2>4. Break through the plateau with monitoring</h2>
<p>Often, people attempting weight loss will hit a plateau. I faced that simply because my body adapted to the changes in my routine. The way to break through is not to look simply at your level of activity, but also at how hard your body is working.</p>
<p><a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012/010-11786-00_hr_1002/" rel="attachment wp-att-462735"><img  title="010-11786-00_HR_100(2)" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/010-11786-00_hr_1002.jpg?w=300&h=300" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-462735" /></a>The new <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=103887">Garmin ANT+ adapter</a> for the iPhone along with the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garmin-fit/id446196700?mt=8">Garmin Fit App</a> is a great way to do that. ANT+ is a widely adopted standard for monitoring devices, and in particular heart monitors. Some trainers have them, or you can purchase them independently. With a heart monitor you can determine exactly how hard your exercises are, and set accurate goals regarding heart rate and calories burned. That digital readout on the treadmill or elliptical is only an estimate, while a heart monitor combined with data you provide it can give you a much more accurate accounting of how hard you&#8217;re working.</p>
<p>The Garmin iPhone app keeps data for each session so you can compare. Some days I focus on distance, or pace on others, and always try to keep my heart rate in the zone. As I became more physically fit, I had to push myself harder to keep the same results. Gamification of weight loss through statistics helped me quickly punch through the plateau by changing my workouts.<br />
<a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012/fit_10242/" rel="attachment wp-att-462736"><img  title="fit_1024[2]" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/fit_10242.png?w=300&h=300" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-462736" /></a></p>
<h2>5. Get a good night&#8217;s sleep</h2>
<p>Let’s face it, if you don’t get a good night&#8217;s sleep, you don’t feel like tracking your food and you don’t feel like working out. Your Mac can help with that.</p>
<p>The free program <a href="http://stereopsis.com/flux/">F.Lux</a> will dim your Mac’s monitor to match sundown and sunrise, thereby giving you visual clues it’s evening. Bright light says “wake up” while gentle reduction in brightness says “it’s time for bed.” I also wrote about how to use <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/how-to-turn-mac-parental-controls-into-productivity-boosters/">parental controls</a> to keep you on task, and force you to stop working at a specified period of time. If you really want to focus yourself, turn off the Internet on your Mac at a scheduled hour.</p>
<p>For tracking your sleep, you can see my round-up of hardware devices <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/roundup-iphone-accessories-to-help-you-get-a-better-nights-sleep/">here</a>. The FitBit also tracks sleep. You can then use the sleep data to help you focus on why you had a “good” or a “bad” day.You can then modify your eating habits and workout schedule to achieve better sleep results.</p>
<p>You can also use apps like <a href="http://pzizz.com/">Pzizz</a> to help you feel mor restful. The software generates unique “sound journeys” to help you transition from hectic day to gentle night.</p>
<p><img  title="SP4BX-model500" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/sp4bx-model500.jpg?w=300&h=259" alt="" width="300" height="259" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-462737" /></p>
<p>If your sleeping partner doesn’t want to hear these sounds, there&#8217;s a solution. First you need some <a href="http://www.sleepphones.com/">SleepPhones</a>. This soft headband includes a set of integrated speakers and can plug directly into a headphone jack. Then attach a <a href="http://www.miccus.com/products/blubridge-mini-jack-rx">BlueBridge mini-jack RX</a> to the SleepPhones. Now you&#8217;ve got an effective wireless solution for nighttime audio that won&#8217;t endanger your partner&#8217;s rest or your Apple gear.</p>
<p>Got any tips of your own for using your Apple devices to meet your fitness goals? Let us know in the comments.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: This isn’t medical advice, just one Apple enthusiast&#8217;s perspective and vendors mentioned provided items for review. Always check with your medical professional before starting an exercise program.</em></p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=462524+5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012&utm_content=calldrdave">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/ces-2012-a-recap-and-analysis/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=462524+5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012&utm_content=calldrdave">CES 2012: a recap and&nbsp;analysis</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/11/connected-world-the-consumer-technology-revolution/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=462524+5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012&utm_content=calldrdave">Connected world: the consumer technology&nbsp;revolution</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/trends-challenges-and-chances-in-the-rising-mobile-deals-space/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=462524+5-tips-for-using-your-apple-gear-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-in-2012&utm_content=calldrdave">Opportunities and challenges for mobile&nbsp;deals</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=462524&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Apple&#8217;s 2012: What the year in iDevices and Macs will look like</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/apples-2012-what-the-year-in-idevices-and-macs-will-look-like/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/apples-2012-what-the-year-in-idevices-and-macs-will-look-like/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Darrell Etherington</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[2011 wasn't really a year in which we saw a lot of big changes on the hardware front from Apple, even though iOS 5 and iCloud made big splashes in software. But I think we can expect a lot of device changes in 2012.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=463121&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img  title="mac-family-feature" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/mac-family-feature.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-409086" />Apple had a huge 2011 according to the numbers, thanks in large part to the success of the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S. But it also wasn&#8217;t really a year in which we saw a lot of big changes on the hardware front, even though iOS 5 and iCloud made big splashes in software. That&#8217;s part of why I think we can expect a lot of changes in terms of devices in 2012.</p>
<h2>iPhone</h2>
<p>Apple&#8217;s next iPhone is one many probably feel we&#8217;ve already seen in previews, since the rumor mill prior to the release of the iPhone 4S was focused more on the <a title="IPhone 5 reportedly supports HSPA+ “4G” speeds" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/iphone-5-reportedly-supports-hspa-4g-speeds/">so-called iPhone 5</a>. A lot of what was said about that device should probably come to pass when we do get a new iPhone next year, which Apple could well call the iPhone 5.</p>
<p>A release in fall is probably in the cards, since Apple would gain little by releasing a new iPhone in the early summer so soon after unveiling the iPhone 4S, so it&#8217;s hard to pin down anything definite about the device at this point; a lot can change in mobile in nearly a year, after all. But there are a few safe bets regarding Apple&#8217;s next smartphone.</p>
<p>First, expect an A6 processor, <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/apple-reportedly-taps-samsung-for-a6-chip-despite-patent-issues/">possibly quad-core</a>, powering the device. Also, a larger screen and a new physical case design are almost guaranteed. I don&#8217;t think Apple would go the route of the Android-makers with anything gigantic, but a respectable 4-inch display seems likely. And while LTE still isn&#8217;t a guarantee, it&#8217;s a good bet for 2012. <a title="Why Apple could help kick-start NFC next year" href="http://gigaom.com/2011/11/23/why-apple-could-help-kick-start-nfc-next-year/">Near-field communication (NFC) </a>is less certain to make the cut, since that tech still has a long way to go before (if) it goes mainstream.</p>
<h2>iPod</h2>
<p>Making predictions about Apple&#8217;s iPod line is definitely tough. The media player got virtually no changes in 2011 compared to 2010, and its impact on Apple&#8217;s overall revenue picture continues to dwindle. The iPod touch is still an important part of the lineup, but even its future might become a question sometime in the next couple of years.</p>
<p>In 2012, I see Apple finally putting its iPod classic to rest, and maybe the shuffle, too. The iPod touch will likely get the spec bump it missed this year, bringing it closer to the current iPhone 4S in terms of wireless radios and processing power, and possibly a physical redesign, too. The real question mark, and maybe Apple&#8217;s greatest opportunity to shake up the media player market, is the iPod nano.</p>
<p>Users have been looking for an update that brings <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-20025889-82.html">Bluetooth on-board with the diminutive nano</a>, making it compatible with wireless headphones (better when worn on the wrist) and possibly enabling a live data connection between it and the iPhone. I suspect that Apple skipped a proper update for the nano this year because it&#8217;s actually working on making the nano the perfect connected companion for the iPhone, thanks to <a title="What the future of Apple’s wearable devices could look like" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/what-the-future-of-apples-wearable-devices-could-look-like/">Bluetooth 4.0 tech</a>, but we&#8217;ll see in 2012 whether or not that&#8217;s the case.</p>
<h2>iPad</h2>
<p>Rumors about the <a title="Apple reportedly using new display tech for iPad 3" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/apple-reportedly-using-new-display-tech-for-ipad-3/">iPad 3 are already swirling</a>, since it seems on track for an early 2012 release. I think we&#8217;ll see it arrive around the same time as last year&#8217;s iPad 2, so between February and March, complete with the <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/12/30/unverified_photo_may_show_pre_production_ipad_3_retina_display.html">Retina Display</a> users have been looking for since the iPhone 4&#8242;s release.</p>
<p>What else will the iPad 3 offer? That&#8217;s a good question, and one that hasn&#8217;t really been addressed all that much in early reports. Its features will be dictated largely by what the market demands, which shouldn&#8217;t be much judging by the current tablet market picture. In 2011, Apple ruled the tablet market without a real competitor in sight. In 2012, it will have low-cost alternatives nipping at its heels, but it still isn&#8217;t looking at any competitors who are truly shaking up the space.</p>
<p>As a result, I&#8217;d expect to see an iPad 3 that resembles its predecessor in most regards, with the aforementioned improved screen, as well as a slimmer design and maybe a longer lasting battery. Apple has the right recipe for success in other regards, and the iPad 3 isn&#8217;t really crying out for camera improvements or additional wireless tech. Adoption of <a title="The secret payload of the iPhone 4S: Bluetooth 4.0" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/the-secret-payload-of-the-iphone-4s-bluetooth-4-0/">Bluetooth 4.0</a> is probably also on tap, as well as an upgraded A6 processor, but I wouldn&#8217;t expect much else.</p>
<p>Instead of making dramatic changes or additions to the iPad, expect Apple to offer a low-cost option in the form of the iPad 2, likely limited to either 8 or 16 GB of onboard storage. And as much as I and <a title="4 reasons Apple should make a 7-inch iPad" href="http://gigaom.com/mobile/4-reasons-apple-should-make-a-7-inch-ipad/">Kevin admire the smaller, 7-inch form factor</a>, I think Apple might keep that one in reserve for at least another year.</p>
<h2>Macs</h2>
<p>In 2012, iDevices won&#8217;t be the only devices getting big upgrades. Apple&#8217;s Mac division is still a big revenue driver for the company, and in the new year I expect them to focus on the products that will have the biggest role in the future of computing. The MacBook Air is the crucial device here, but iMacs, too, should be in for big changes.</p>
<p>The MacBook Air is Apple&#8217;s most forward-looking Mac, and it has plenty of room to grow. In 2011, the 11- and 13-inch form factors got even better thanks to much-needed processor upgrades and the addition of Thunderbolt tech. In 2012, I expect Apple to expand the line as it moves to push aside the MacBook Pro in terms of its importance to Apple&#8217;s notebook offerings. So a <a title="15-inch MacBook Air reportedly on track for Q1 2012" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/15-inch-macbook-air-reportedly-on-track-for-q1-2012/">15-inch Air is likely</a>, as well as more substantial improvements to the 11- and 13-inch devices, aimed at shoring up their remaining weaknesses: battery life and storage. <a title="Retina Display MacBook Pros in 2012? Why it could happen." href="http://gigaom.com/apple/retina-display-macbook-pros-in-2012-why-it-could-happen/">Higher resolution displays</a> are another definite possibility.</p>
<p>As Apple&#8217;s strongest desktop product, expect iMacs to get significant updates in 2012, both externally and on the inside, too. The current iMac case design is getting a little long in the tooth, and is overdue for an update. Intel has new processors that will likely make their way into Macs in the works, and we should <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2011/12/04/intels-next-gen-22nm-desktop-processors-for-imacs-and-minis-splayed-and-delayed/">see them in the second quarter of 2012</a>, so expect new iMacs around then, too. Other changes might include high-res displays like those that could make their way to the notebook line, and solid state storage as the default option on some models.</p>
<p>As to the rest of the Mac line, I&#8217;d expect to see upgrades for the Mac mini, but not necessarily any big improvements for the Mac Pro. Apple is clearly focusing on consumer products, and it could let its more powerful desktops languish again as a result.</p>
<h2>Apple TV</h2>
<p>It&#8217;s the last big question mark for Apple&#8217;s 2012 plans, the mythical iTV. I think we&#8217;ll see Apple make its move here, and <a title="Supply chain report points to 32- and 37-inch Apple iTV in 2012" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/supply-chain-report-points-to-32-and-37-inch-apple-itv-in-2012/">introduce a television set late in the year</a>, complete with a full App Store, Siri controls and iCloud support. Whether or not we&#8217;ll see its set-top Apple TV gets a similar upgrade strikes me as less certain, but since it could act as a gateway device the way the iPod touch does for the iPhone and iPad, I think we&#8217;ll see that, too.</p>
<p>This is the rough roadmap I see in place for Apple&#8217;s 2012 product plans. Predicting Apple&#8217;s plans is likely a fool&#8217;s game, but that doesn&#8217;t mean it isn&#8217;t fun. Let us know what you think is coming out of Cupertino in the comments.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=463121+apples-2012-what-the-year-in-idevices-and-macs-will-look-like&utm_content=etherin">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/11/connected-world-the-consumer-technology-revolution/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=463121+apples-2012-what-the-year-in-idevices-and-macs-will-look-like&utm_content=etherin">Connected world: the consumer technology&nbsp;revolution</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/08/flash-analysis-steve-jobs/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=463121+apples-2012-what-the-year-in-idevices-and-macs-will-look-like&utm_content=etherin">Flash analysis: Steve&nbsp;Jobs</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/12/2012-data-spectrum-and-the-race-to-lte/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=463121+apples-2012-what-the-year-in-idevices-and-macs-will-look-like&utm_content=etherin">2012: Data, spectrum and the race to&nbsp;LTE</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=463121&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Quick tip: Use a Bluetooth headset with your iPad for making calls</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/quick-tip-use-a-bluetooth-headset-with-your-ipad-for-making-calls/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/quick-tip-use-a-bluetooth-headset-with-your-ipad-for-making-calls/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:13:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Geoffrey Goetz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FaceTime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Voice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[google-inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[headset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jawbone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile computers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skype]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technologyinternet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video chat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VOIP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom2.wordpress.com/?p=461458</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Previously, we told you how you can use your iPad as a telephone. Using a Bluetooth headset with your iPad makes that idea even more practical. The Jawbone ERA is the one I happen to use, but others should work just as well.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=461458&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Previously, we told you <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/your-ipads-a-telephone-with-google-voice/">how you can use your iPad as a telephone</a>. Using a Bluetooth headset with your iPad makes that idea even more practical. The Jawbone ERA is the one I happen to use, but others like the <a title="Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth headset review: Great push-up partner" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/jaybird-freedom-bluetooth-headset-review-great-push-up-partner/">Jaybird Freedom we recently reviewed</a> should work just as well. Here&#8217;s how to get set up, and a few apps to help.</p>
<p><img  title="Bluetooth Pairing" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/bluetooth-pairing.jpg?w=604&h=470" alt="Bluetooth Pairing" width="604" height="470" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-461500" /></p>
<p>To get started, you need to pair your headset with your iPad. In the Settings app, navigate to &#8220;General&#8221; and select &#8220;Bluetooth.&#8221; Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on, and at that point initiate your headset&#8217;s pairing mode. With the Jawbone ERA, you perform what is referred to as a &#8220;Double ShakeShake&#8221; to activate the pairing mode (a single &#8220;ShakeShake&#8221; is two quick successive shakes of the device), but you other headsets use different methods, like a long press of the power button. Once paired, you&#8217;re ready to use your headset with almost any audio app on the iPad. Here are four popular choices:</p>
<p><img  title="Bluetooth Talking Apps" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/bluetooth-talking-apps.jpg?w=604&h=199" alt="Bluetooth Talking Apps" width="604" height="199" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-461509" /></p>
<p><strong><img  title="FaceTime" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/facetime.jpeg?w=70&h=67" alt="FaceTime" width="70" height="67" class="alignleft  wp-image-461495" />FaceTime.</strong> This was the first app I tried out and it worked perfectly on the first attempt.  The Bluetooth headset is treaded similar to  AirPlay devices, in the sources list. The only issue is that I noticed that I could not do was answer and hang up the call with the controls on the headset.</p>
<p><strong><img  title="Skype" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/skype.jpeg?w=70&h=67" alt="Skype" width="70" height="67" class="alignleft  wp-image-461496" />Skype.</strong> With Skype, the Bluetooth headset once connected will be enabled by default. Call quality was good on both ends in test calls. The added advantage of using Skype over FaceTime is that you have access to all of your Skype contacts, and you can place traditional &#8216;land line&#8217; calls to any plain old telephone number if you have a paid account.</p>
<p><strong><img  title="Talkatone" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/talkatone.jpeg?w=69&h=67" alt="Talkatone" width="69" height="67" class="alignleft  wp-image-461497" />Google Voice (via Talkatone).</strong> With Talkatone, you can make calls using your Google Voice account and the Bluetooth headset worked like a charm.You can also use Google Voice to place calls to any traditional phone number. The difference here is that you can&#8217;t make video calls.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, you can&#8217;t answer calls with a Bluetooth headset using any of the apps above, even when they can receive calls running in background mode. Still, it definitely beats holding your iPad to your ear or always using speakerphone mode when talking to people through iPad voice and video chat apps.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461458+quick-tip-use-a-bluetooth-headset-with-your-ipad-for-making-calls&utm_content=ggeoffre">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/04/survey-enterprise-mobility-perceptions-among-it-decision-makers/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461458+quick-tip-use-a-bluetooth-headset-with-your-ipad-for-making-calls&utm_content=ggeoffre">Survey: the next wave of enterprise&nbsp;mobility</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/07/connected-consumer-q2-digital-music-meets-the-cloud-e-book-growth-explodes/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461458+quick-tip-use-a-bluetooth-headset-with-your-ipad-for-making-calls&utm_content=ggeoffre">Connected Consumer Q2: Digital music meets the cloud; e-book growth&nbsp;explodes</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/03/the-future-of-workplaces/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461458+quick-tip-use-a-bluetooth-headset-with-your-ipad-for-making-calls&utm_content=ggeoffre">The Future of&nbsp;Workplaces</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=461458&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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			<media:title type="html">Bluetooth Pairing</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Bluetooth Talking Apps</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">FaceTime</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Talkatone</media:title>
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		<title>Two Belkin add-ons for iOS cameras, but only one is hot</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/belkin-liveaction-camera-grip-remote-iphone-photography/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/belkin-liveaction-camera-grip-remote-iphone-photography/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:08:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Darrell Etherington</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[apple inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple iPhone 4 Smartphone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple iPod Touch Portable Audio Device]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[camera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital single-lens reflex camera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iOS device]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPod]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPod Touch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[itunes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ITunes Remote]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[multi-touch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[portable media players]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Single-lens reflex camera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartphones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technologyinternet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://gigaom.com/?p=461762</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Apple's iPhone is no doubt a heavy contributor to the death of point-and-shoots at the hands of smartphones, but it still lacks some niceties of dedicated cameras. New accessories from Belkin, collected under the LiveAction brand, aim to narrow the gap even further.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=461762&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Apple&#8217;s iPhone is no doubt a heavy contributor to the <a href="http://gigaom.com/2011/12/22/smartphones-killing-point-and-shoots-now-take-almost-13-of-photos/">death of point-and-shoots at the hands of smartphones</a>, but it still lacks some niceties of dedicated cameras. New accessories from Belkin, collected under the LiveAction brand, aim to narrow the gap even further. I looked at the Belkin LiveAction Camera Grip and Remote to see how much value they add to the iPhone&#8217;s already considerable mobile picture-taking chops.</p>
<h2><a href="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/f8z888_hires.jpg"><img  title="F8Z888_HiRes" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/f8z888_hires.jpg?w=300&h=265" alt="" width="300" height="265" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-461846" /></a>Belkin LiveAction Camera Grip ($49.99)</h2>
<p>The <a href="http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=588161">Camera Grip</a> is a simple slide-on accessory that basically makes the iPhone a little more usable as a traditional camera by adding a more grippy, larger hand-hold for iPhone 4/4S and iPod touch owners, as well as dedicated photo and video shutter buttons. There&#8217;s also a standard 1/4-inch tripod adapter in the bottom of the grip, and a dock connector that allow the hardware shutter buttons to communicate to Belkin&#8217;s LiveAction camera app.</p>
<p>Cleverly designed with a spring-loaded bracket to hold iPhones snugly, even when they&#8217;re in a protective case or skin, the Camera Grip definitely succeeds at its goal of making it easier to hold your iOS device like a camera and snap photos. But it comes with some limitations that might seriously disappoint mobile photographers. The shutter buttons only work in the LiveAction app, for instance, which means you won&#8217;t be able to use Apple&#8217;s own camera app, Camera+ or the photo taking part of Instagram.</p>
<p>Also, while it&#8217;s nice that the Camera Grip doesn&#8217;t require any batteries and is relatively small, it adds a significant amount of bulk to the iPhone or iPod touch, and also isn&#8217;t so small as to be able to be stowed comfortably in a pocket. In short, it adds a lot of the downsides of a point-and-shoot while offering few advantages, especially now that iOS 5 supports using the volume up button as a hardware shutter. The tripod mount is nice, but other accessories, like <a href="http://www.studioneat.com/pages/glifoptions">the Glif</a>, do the job cheaper and with a smaller footprint.</p>
<h2>Belkin LiveAction Camera Remote ($49.99)</h2>
<p><a href="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/f8z896_hires-1.jpg"><img  title="F8Z896_HiRes (1)" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/f8z896_hires-1.jpg?w=235&h=300" alt="" width="235" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-461847" /></a>The <a href="http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=588162">Remote</a>, on the other hand, offers a pretty unique set of features for iPhone photographers, and in a package that&#8217;s remarkably well-designed for mobile-minded users. It features a Bluetooth-powered remote shutter control unit, with a clever support stand that fits neatly into the remote unit for easy storage. The two-part design manages to still be small enough that it doesn&#8217;t feel cumbersome in the front pocket of a pair of jeans.</p>
<p>Again, the Remote works only with the Belkin LiveAction app, but in this case that&#8217;s not as much of an issue, since you&#8217;ll be using the remote in cases where you&#8217;re taking a self-portrait, night shot or some other situation where speed isn&#8217;t key, but properly setting up the shot is.</p>
<p>Since the Remote uses Bluetooth, it also doesn&#8217;t necessarily require line-of-sight, as do many IR-based DSLR camera remotes. That makes it very handy, since you can keep the remote itself out of shots when taking pictures you also happen to be in.</p>
<p>Remote capabilities definitely expand the scope of the iPhone&#8217;s potential as a camera significantly; combined with things like the <a href="http://www.olloclip.com/">Olloclip</a>, for instance, you can take pretty excellent macro photos without worrying about shutter shake. Also, there&#8217;s a dedicated video shutter button, so switching from a distance between still and moving picture recording is a breeze.</p>
<p>One last thing I liked about the Belkin LiveAction Remote: it works as a play/pause remote for music playback on your iPhone or iPod touch when the LiveAction camera app isn&#8217;t active. Comes in handy when you&#8217;ve got your iPhone docked in your home stereo.</p>
<h2>Both getting and missing the point</h2>
<p>The LiveAction accessories are then a mixed bag. On the one hand, the Camera Grip seems to miss much of what makes mobile photography fun; it adds bulk, reduces portability and offers little additional functionality in return. The Camera Remote, on the other hand, is exactly what iPhone photographers are looking for: a product that addresses a functionality gap without affecting the iPhone&#8217;s general mobility or necessitating a camera bag. Your needs may vary, but for my money, the LiveAction remote paired with a Glif, <a href="http://joby.com/gorillamobile/original/">GorillaMobile</a> and Olloclip is hard to beat in terms of a mobile photography kit that covers all the bases.</p>
<p><strong>Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:</strong><br />Subscriber content. <a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461762+belkin-liveaction-camera-grip-remote-iphone-photography&utm_content=etherin">Sign up for a free trial</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/12/2012-data-spectrum-and-the-race-to-lte/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461762+belkin-liveaction-camera-grip-remote-iphone-photography&utm_content=etherin">2012: Data, spectrum and the race to&nbsp;LTE</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2011/11/connected-world-the-consumer-technology-revolution/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461762+belkin-liveaction-camera-grip-remote-iphone-photography&utm_content=etherin">Connected world: the consumer technology&nbsp;revolution</a></li><li><a href="http://pro.gigaom.com/2012/02/trends-challenges-and-chances-in-the-rising-mobile-deals-space/?utm_source=apple&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=waterfall?utm_source=apple&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=auto3&utm_term=461762+belkin-liveaction-camera-grip-remote-iphone-photography&utm_content=etherin">Opportunities and challenges for mobile&nbsp;deals</a></li></ul><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=461762&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth headset review: Great push-up partner</title>
		<link>http://gigaom.com/apple/jaybird-freedom-bluetooth-headset-review-great-push-up-partner/</link>
		<comments>http://gigaom.com/apple/jaybird-freedom-bluetooth-headset-review-great-push-up-partner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:55:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Darrell Etherington</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bluetooth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fitness accessories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[headphones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAYBIRD MANUFACTURING INC.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water-resistant solution]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Finding good Bluetooth headphones is a pain, and even big names with strong reputations in audio won't necessarily come through for this category. But niche headphone maker Jaybird has done a terrific job with its Freedom headset, which combines good audio with gym-friendly features.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=gigaom.com&#038;blog=14960843&#038;post=458846&#038;subd=gigaom2&#038;ref=&#038;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img  title="Screen Shot 2011-12-21 at 4.32.53 PM" src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/screen-shot-2011-12-21-at-4-32-53-pm.png?w=300&h=211" alt="" width="300" height="211" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-458913" />Finding good Bluetooth headphones is a pain, and even big names with strong reputations in audio don&#8217;t always come through for this category. But niche headphone maker Jaybird has done a terrific job with its <a href="http://www.jaybirdgear.com/jf3/">Freedom headset</a>, which is most at home in the gym, where we might all be spending a lot of time in a couple of weeks working off turkey dinners and fruit cake.</p>
<h2>Workout advantages that work well in any situation</h2>
<p>The Jaybird Freedom is designed to be used during strenuous physical activity. That&#8217;s why they&#8217;re sweat-proof, a claim Jaybird backs with a lifetime warranty. That&#8217;s also why they feature unique, removable silicon cushions to prevent in-ear shifting. With three sizes of ear buds, three sizes of silicon cushions, and even a pair of over-ear loops, you&#8217;re bound to be able to come up with a combination that suits your ear shape.</p>
<p>For me, the largest buds and in-ear cushions were what worked, and they worked very well. Once secured in my ears, the Freedoms weren&#8217;t going anywhere, either on the treadmill or bundled up and out for a brisk winter run with the dog. I&#8217;m very picky about the fit of in-ear headsets, and the Jaybird manages to satisfy my needs in terms of security and comfort, in a package that also doesn&#8217;t make you look like a total weirdo.</p>
<p>Both the stability and the water resistance are awesome features in and out of the gym, and alone already make the Freedom one of the better choices among stereo Bluetooth headsets in general.</p>
<h2>Good sound for music</h2>
<p>The other component the Jaybird Freedom has that isn&#8217;t necessarily true of the competition is very good sound for music playback. There&#8217;s a surprising amount of <del datetime="2011-12-22T21:44:34+00:00">base</del>bass for a Bluetooth headset, but with rich sound overall, without venturing into muddy territory as some sport-oriented headphones can tend to do in pursuit of more pulse-pounding sound delivery.<br />
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<h2>Not so great call quality</h2>
<p>Audio when using the headset for calls with an iPhone wasn&#8217;t great, particularly on the receiving end. I suspect that&#8217;s because of the mic&#8217;s location (it&#8217;s on the right pod very close to your ear &#8212; and far from your mouth). Even though it couldn&#8217;t compete with wired headsets in this regard, or with the Motorola S9-HD (which I choose for comparison over the S10-HD, which has sound quality issues in general), which I&#8217;ve used while riding a bike and still been perfectly understood, it isn&#8217;t bad enough that the Freedom is unusable for making calls. Since the Freedom is more about providing a wireless, water-resistant solution for taking to the gym, sub-par call quality doesn&#8217;t greatly bother me.</p>
<h2>Good battery life and connectivity</h2>
<p>The Jaybird Freedom may not beat the competition when it comes to call quality, but it does over decent battery life (at around six hours per charge) and better-than-average Bluetooth connectivity. When used outdoors, Bluetooth can be tricky with a handset stowed in a pocket and ear phones worn on the head; indoors it has lots to bounce off of, making connections easier. In wide open spaces, it might have trouble connecting, especially if there&#8217;s a big chunk of human meat in the way.</p>
<p>Luckily, I found that with the Freedom I could keep my iPhone in my front pocket and still have it connect pretty much constantly to the headset. The same couldn&#8217;t be said for the S9-HD, since its Bluetooth transmitter is in the neckband of the device, behind your head. The Jaybird is better designed for general use, but if you ever do run into trouble, say in a gym in a large open space, using a right arm-mounted iPhone strap when working pretty much guarantees a solid connection. They also work great with an iPad mounted to fitness equipment with the <a title="FitRAIL review: Get an early start on that New Year’s resolution" href="http://gigaom.com/apple/fitrail-review-get-an-early-start-on-that-new-years-resolution/">Scosche fitRAIL</a> I reviewed earlier.</p>
<h2>Controls take some getting used to</h2>
<p>The controls on the Jaybird Freedom aren&#8217;t intuitive for iPhone users; the call answer button does indeed start and pause playback, but double tapping it won&#8217;t skip tracks. That&#8217;s handled by a long press of the volume up button instead. Holding volume down likewise goes back a track. Volume up/down works on the headset, independent of the iPhone, which is actually a plus in my book.</p>
<p>You can use Siri with the Freedom, the same way you would on most other headsets, by holding down the play/pause/answer call button for a few seconds. It works well enough, although the sub-par mic quality I mentioned above affects Siri&#8217;s ability to accurately understand requests.</p>
<p>Overall, I&#8217;d say the Jaybird Freedom is arguably the best Bluetooth headset available right now, especially for an MSRP of $99. The one really annoying thing about them is that Jaybird uses a proprietary USB cable to charge the device, since the port on the right earbud it plugs into has to be small to ensure everything fits in the space available. Considering how much I enjoy the headphones themselves, that just means I&#8217;ll have to be extra careful not to lose that particular component, but you can bet I&#8217;ll buy a replacement if I do.</p>
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