The iPod Nation

We have known for some time that the second generation iPod Touch is the fastest iPod that is perfect for gaming. Well Konami wants to take advantage of that gaming platform. Konami announced their next project to be Metal Gear Solid Touch for the Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. The game is scheduled for release in March 2009 and it will continue where it left off from Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. The original release will include eight levels with additional levels to be released at a later time. Gamers can unlock wallpapers and images when they gather enough points. In addition to MGST, Konami also plans to release Dance Dance Revolution, Silent Hill The Escape, and Frogger later this month. With this announcement, it shows that video game developers are considering making games for the iPod Touch and iPhone. It shows the power that the iPod Touch and the iPhone has in regards to the video game market. I am pretty sure gamers are happy to hear this news.

- Geoff

[Source: EdgeOnline]

There are plenty of chess applications out there for the Apple iPod Touch/iPhone. But nothing is as intriguing as this version of the chess game. It is called Samurai Chess. Instead of using the English style of chess, Conit Co. Ltd., who developed the application, created their own version of the chess game by bringing it back to Japan’s civil war era. Now many of you may think this is just another chess application, but this app has new features not found in other chess game applications. The first obvious difference is the reference to Samurais. The application also has a network match mode in which you could play with other users from around the world. Additionally, the application features fierce Samurai battle scenes to showcase the action. The game is available at the Apple App Store for $1 (limited time).

- Geoff

[Source: MarketWatch]

When Apple introduced the second generation iPod Touch, they dubbed it the “funnest iPod ever”. Well not a new application just might make it the most useful iPod ever. Truphone has released their new application for the iPod Touch that will turn it into a “mobile phone”. Basically its an iPhone without the 3G network. The best thing about it is the application is free, there is no need for a SIM card, no contract, and even the calls are free (well most calls at least). With the application, and a microphone adapter (which is available at the Apple store), it will allow iPod Touch users to make free calls anywhere in the world to other iPod Touch users, as well as Truphone’s Internet telephone users and Google Talk instant messaging users. The Truphone application uses the Wi-Fi connection and includes the following features:

Types of FREE call that can be made:
– iPod touch to iPod touch
– iPod touch to Truphone (some Nokia handsets)
– Truphone (same Nokia handsets plus iPhone) to iPod touch
– iPod touch to Google Talk PC user

Features coming soon:
– Making and receiving calls to and from landlines (PSTN) at low cost (simply set yourself up with a Truphone account)
– Instant messaging to Skype and MSN (free)
– Calling to Skype users (free)
– Calling to MSN users (free)
– Check and set facilities for Twitter (free)
– Check and set facilities for Facebook (free)

Requirements:
– A second generation iPod touch (i.e. current model)
– A free download of Truphone for iPod touch
– A headset and microphone like those for the iPhone. These may be bought at high street electronics retailers or from an Apple Store
– Friends also using Truphone!

Again this isn’t a replacement for a mobile phone. Just gives you the option of making phone calls using your iPod Touch.

- Geoff

[Source: MarketWatch]

Remember those Tech Decks? Those miniture skateboards that you use to skate with your fingers. Well there is a new application at the Apple App store that transforms your iPhone or iPod Touch into a Tech Deck. The name of the application is Touchgrind. The application has a skateboard in the middle of the screen and you use your fingers as legs and try to grind rails and do kickflips. It contains tutorial videos, competitions, and jam sessions. In addition, when you rack up enough points, you would  be able to unlock different boards and bonuses. According to Gizmodo, the application is very responsive and the graphics and sound effects are great. The only flaw is that it is difficult to see where you are going because the skateboard takes over the entire screen. The application is available at the Apple App Store for $4.99.

- Geoff

[Source: Gizmodo]

Here in the United States, it is all about Facebook and Myspace. But apparently in Europe, it is all about Netlog. Netlog is a social networking site that has over 35 million registered users. Well the Netlog social networking site is getting its own application for the Apple iPhone and the Apple iPod Touch. Similar to the Facebook application, the Netlog application will allow users to connect with new people, send messages, upload photos, check and sign guestbooks (similar to Wall), and update their shouts (similar to status). Netlog’s CEO Lorenz Bogaert released the following statement:

“Our aim was to combine the strength and popularity of the Netlog platform with the flexibility of the iPhone and iPod Touch. This takes us fully into the mobile age, and opens up the network to a wider range of on-the-go opportunities.”

The application comes in a variety of foreign languages, which include German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish and (Simplified) Chinese. This free application is ready for download at the Apple App store.

- Geoff

[Source: IntoMobile]

Ever had those moments where you just want to go to Las Vegas. Well Freeverse has just released a new application that brings Las Vegas to you. It is called Burning Monkey Casino for the Apple iPhone and the APple iPod Touch. The application has seven games that include Blackjack, Slots, Video Poker, Money Wheel, Pachinko, Scratch-N-Win Lotto, and 3 card Monty. The application takes advantage of the hardware features of the iPhone and iPod Touch by allowing users to spin the Money Wheel with a swipe and scratching the lotto ticket with a finger. The best part of the application is that there is a lounge area as well as a stand up comedian! The application is available at the Apple App store and it will only cost you $0.99.

- Geoff

[Source: MarketWatch]

Apple may have been harsh to outside iPhone Application developers, but they are trying their hardest to be open to 3rd part Apps. Apple has just announced their iPhone Developer University Program that will allow higher education institutions to offer classes on iPhone and iPod Touch application development and programming. With this program, iPhone developers would be able to take a class on iPhone programming and at the same time work within the constraint of Apple’s iPhone SDK non-disclosure agreement. Apple released the following statement:

The University Program provides a wealth of development resources, sophisticated tools for testing and debugging, and the ability to share applications within the same development team. Institutions can also submit applications for distribution in the App Store.

In addition to Apple’s iPhone Developer University Program, Stanford University is also jumping into the mix. Stanford has also announced that they are working on a project that makes several of their web-based services as iPhone applications. Stanford released the following statement regarding the project:

A suite of five software applications developed by students is now being tested on campus. Two of them, for managing course registration and bills, are intended for students. The other three will allow access to Stanford’s searchable campus map, get team scores and schedules, and check listings in the university’s online directory, StanfordWho.

Here are some screenshots of Stanford’s iPhone applications:

- Geoff

[Source: MacRumors]

Great artice on some fresh ideas/features for itunes 8. Check it out:

While iTunes 8 won’t cause customers to flock into Apple retail stores like the new iPods probably will, it is arguably one of the most important releases we heard at Apple’s “Let’s Rock” event yesterday. As the epicenter of Apple’s media ecosystem, iTunes is (mostly) in charge of everything that moves between your media collection, the iTunes Store, iPods, iPhones, and Apple TVs. We’ve had some time to spend with iTunes 8, so let’s take a look at what’s new and notable.
Apple’s Genius enters your living room Read the rest of this entry »

Do you remember back in the day a game called Mattel Football? The game was first introduced back in 1977. Well more than 30 years later, it makes it comeback to the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game is entitled LED football, and it is available at the Apple App store for a dollar. This football game application sports the same features as the original Mattel Football, such as rudimentary beeps and blips, and each football team is represented only by dashes. The application has also an information page that looks similar to the back of a gaming console with a battery pack and instructions, just like the original Mattel Football had. The game seems very easy and not that complex. Looks fun and interesting.

- Geoff

[Source: MacWorld]

Hey golfers!!! Have you always wanted to keep track of your distance, your swing, or your handicap in a more organized way? Are you tired of using that old pencil and paper on the fairway? Well now here is your chance. Fairway 1.0, a virtual golf caddy application is making its debut today on the App Store. This new virtual caddy will allow golfers to keep track of various aspects of the game, such as swings, clubs, bags, and distance. There is also a feature in which the golfer can keep notes. But the main feature of the application allows the golfer to drag a golf ball to determine the distance from the pin, and then select which part of the course the golfer is in. The application would then be recommended a club with several swing options. Will this lower your handicap? I don’t know, but the application sounds awesome. The price tag of the application is $10.

- Geoff

[Source: iPodNN]