Mickey Papillon

iHound for iOS 4 Review
Earlier this year, I posted my review of the iHound application for the iPhone. Since then, iHound has been busy putting together its latest version that now runs in the background on the phone.  This means that if your iThing is ever lost or stolen, you can track it in real time through the iHound website.  The software used in this review was provided by iHound.  It can be purchased from the iTunes app store for $2.99, which includes the first 3 months of service. Additional subscriptions are available for 2 years at $19.99, 1 year for $10.99, 6 months for $5.99 or 3 months for $3.99.  It runs on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.  Here are some of the features in the new version:

• The app checks-in with iHound every 10 minutes, and sits in an idle state otherwise to conserve power.  This means that at any given time, you can see the location of your iPhone without having to do anything.  Here is what it looks like as I am sitting at home.  Every 10 minutes, picking up the location.  I have been all over the house, and into the back yard.  It’s pretty accurate, but still has some difficulty keeping the exact location when inside.  I was never in the neighbors house, even though it shows me there.
  

• Once you determine your phone is missing, simply go to the iHound website, turn on Full On Tracking, and your device’s location is tracked constantly in the background.  You can see instantly where your iPhone is, and keep track of it while the app runs silently in the background.
• If someone turns off your phone, then iHound launches and reports your location when the phone is turned on.
• Siren: Plays a siren alarm on your device. It will not quit until you shut it off from the website.

Of course the website interface still allows for sending of alerts to the device as well, which may assist in the return of the device:

Finally, the Security Dashboard has been updated, and now shows more information about your device when you log into iHoundsoftware.com.  You are also able to initiate Full On Tracking to start immediate tracking of the device.  This would come in handy if you expect your device was stolen.

Overall, the update to coincide with the iOS4 is much needed.  iHound is definitely a piece of software that should be used by anyone that cares about keeping tabs on their phone.  You never know when it will go missing, and with iHound, you stand a much better chance of getting your device back with the power of being able to track it anywhere, anytime.

Click through on each of the pictures (2 times) to see the full quality of the iPhone 4 camera.  There are multiple shots at multiple angles, lights, distances and objects.

Here are some photos of my iPhone 3GS.  It is for sale, so please contact me if you are interested.

Slacker Radio 2.0 for the iPhone Review

It’s no secret that I am a huge Slacker Radio fan, and tout the service any chance I get.  As other platforms like the Blackberry gain station caching functionality, i knew it wouldn’t be too long before it came to the iPhone.  Well, the wait is over, and version 2.0 of Slacker Radio for the iPhone has just been approved by Apple and can be downloaded through iTunes on your computer or Apple device.  Users of other Operating Systems can also listen to Slacker through dedicated apps, as the company has support for 5 different OS’s.

The new Slacker 2.0 now enables station caching, meaning you can save content from up to 25 stations on the internal drive of your iPhone, iPod or iPad.  This allows you to listen to the music you’ve saved, even if your device doesn’t have an internet connection.  You must have a $4/month Slacker Radio Plus subscription to take advantage of station caching, but a 14-day risk free trial is available for those that want to take it for a test drive.

Setting up a cached station is easy.  Find a station you’re interesting in caching, then click the arrow on the top right of the screen.

The app will tell you how many stations you have space, though it appears 25 is the max.

The app then says the station has been marked.

Then, head over to your station list to see all your stations, including the ones you have for caching.

Click on Refresh Cached Stations

Then click on Refresh Now

Click yes on the warning

And there they go!

Once completed, the stations will show a green check mark in the upper right corner of their icon.

You can easily refresh the stations through this screen, or by going into the settings of the app, and click the Refresh button.

Decide you don’t want a station anymore?  No problem, just click Uncache This Station, and it will delete the data from your device.

While testing out the service, I found that caching worked best over WiFi (naturally) and with the phone plugged in.  When you have the phone only using battery, the WiFi connection drops each time the phone’s screen goes to sleep.  Once this happens, the caching slows down, and will take significantly longer to finish.  While on WiFi though, it seemed that a station would cache in about 5-10 minutes.  It’s best not to add a number of stations at the same time, as then you’ll have to wait as the phone works to update them (seeing as the app has to be open while this process is occurring.)  Playing a cached station appears the same as all other stations.  It does however change to the next track much quicker, due to the fact that it isn’t having to download any data.

Bottom line, if you are a music fan, Slacker is one of the best streaming services out there.  With a Slacker Radio Plus subscription, you can get unlimited skipping of tracks, leave the ads behind, and gain the use of caching on a wide variety of devices, including Apple’s iPhone, iPod and iPad.

Sprint Blackberry Bold 9650 Review

In July of 2009, CDMA Blackberry users finally received a Blackberry that stood up to their GSM counterparts. The Tour brought with it a lot of great enhancements over the previous CDMA Blackberries, but was quickly overshadowed by the announcement of the new GSM Bold in late 2009.  Sprint and Verizon customers had to wait, but finally have a Blackberry that they can be proud of, with the Bold 9650.  Just released on Sprint for $200 with 2 year contract and mail-in rebate.  The Blackberry Bold used in this review was provided by Sprint.

In the Box

• Blackberry Bold 9650
• 1 Standard 1400 mAh D-X1 Lithium Ion Battery
• 2GB MicroSD card
• Sprint SIM card
• MicroUSB AC Charger
• 3.5mm Stereo Headset with microphone
• MicroUSB Sync/Charge Cable
• Leather Holster
• Various guides and CD’s

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A with GSM/EDGE/HSPA world roaming capabilities
• Frequencies: 850/900/1800/1900/2100
• Weight: 4.8 oz
• Size: 4.4″ x 2.4″ x 0.6″
• Cubic Volume: 6.33”
• Screen: 480 x 360 (HVGA+)
• Camera: 3.2MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm

Features (from RIM)

• BlackBerry® service supports up to 10 business and personal email accounts, plus BlackBerry® Enterprise Server support for corporate email installations
• 3.2 MP camera for picture and video capture with flash, variable zoom, image stabilization and autofocus
• 512 MB Flash memory
• Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g)
• 2 GB MicroSD Card included, with support for cards up to 32 GB
• Operates globally on CDMA EV-DO Rev. A, and 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks where Sprint has international roaming agreements. Sprint customers can make or receive phone calls in more than 185 countries, and access BlackBerry data services, including email, apps and Web browsing in nearly 150 countries
• Features built-in GPS for mapping your location, conducting local searches, receiving audible and visual turn-by-turn driving directions, and utilizing the E911 emergency location services where available
• Speaker independent voice dialing for hands-free calling
• Speakerphone for hands-free operation
• Features an advanced media player for listening to music, viewing pictures and watching videos, plus there’s a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
• Bluetooth® 2.1 enabling hands-free, short-range wireless communication using a Bluetooth headset and wireless uploading/downloading to or from a computer. Also, supports Bluetooth Stereo capabilities
• DataViz Documents To Go suite preloaded, for editing Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files from anywhere
• View and update your calendar, schedule appointments, check your task list and more while on the go. Also includes a calculator, alarm clock and memo pad

Phone/Data
From 1998 through 2003, I was a loyal Sprint customer, and had relatively few issues with the network. Since then, I have moved a few times, and now find myself with poor Sprint service at both my house and office here in Phoenix, AZ.  This makes testing out devices from Sprint interesting, as it really shows if the phone is going to be able to stand up to areas of lower service. When i initially received the 9650, I found the phone’s reception  to be quite poor. Constant bouncing between 1XEV and 1X, regular switching between Sprint service and Roaming, and very slow data service.

Then, after a week of using the phone, Sprint came out with a software update to version 5.0.0.699, and while not specifically mentioned, the radio software appears to have received an upgrade. Service is now fairly solid, even in these fringe areas. As a side, the update to .699 seems to have fixed some initial laggyness with the phone, something that I find occurs with most Sprint Blackberries upon launch (prior to an inevitable upgrade within a month of the phone’s launch).

One positive of the Bold 9650 is the Global Roaming capabilities. With both GSM/EDGE in a quad-band configuration, and single-band 2100mhz HSPA 3G, the phone can literally be used almost anywhere in the world. This feature makes the phone much more attractive to those that want to have CDMA service here in the US, but want to take their phone with them when they travel. The phone does come with a Sprint SIM card, and comes unlocked for use with almost any SIM in the world.

In fact, I was able to use both Truphone and AT&T SIM cards in the device to make test calls here in the US. Note though that you can not force the device to use GSM networks here in the US with the Sprint SIM, but calls can be made and received with non-Sprint cards.

This did get me thinking of a scenario that may be beneficial to some folks that want to use the Bold 9650 and have a GSM account as well.  It’s obvious that you could use the 9650 on GSM networks in the US if you are OK with EDGE data speeds, but what if you want to consolidate 2 phones into one? The power of Google Voice can help you with this. First, set up your 9650 Sprint phone number, and the number on your SIM card in Google Voice, and make sure to choose the option that rings other phones before going to voice mail. Next, install your AT&T, T-Mobile or other SIM into the device and force the device to GSM to verify that you are able to make and receive calls.

Now, you can switch back and forth between each network quickly by going to Options, Mobile Network, and choosing either 1XEV or GSM/UMTS depending on which phone number you want to make and receive calls from. Calls received other the other phone number will automatically roll to the active number, and keep you going without missing a call.

Hardware

The Bold hardware looks much like the Tour 9630 with the one notable physical change being the addition optical trackpad in the place of the trackball. Under the hood, the Bold has upped the amount of memory from 256MB to 512MB, giving the user over 300MB of space to install apps and store media. Also new to the 96xx series is the addition of WiFi. This helps augment the user experience when you may not be able to get great Sprint service, or just want faster speeds for media streaming or browsing.

Front

Left side. The Bold has an external speaker and left convenience key.

Top side. Bold has a lock button and mute button.

Right side. Bold has the 3.5mm headphone jack, volume rocker buttons, right convenience key and microUSB charging and syncing port.

Bottom side. Just the microphone port

Back side. Bold has a 3.2MP camera with LED flash.

There is also a release switch to remove the plastic cover for access to the battery, SIM card and microSD card.

For comparison purposes, here are 3 different Blackberries together so you can see the differences. From left to right, the AT&T Pearl, Verizon Curve 8530, and Sprint Bold 9650.

Software/Features
The Tour comes with the latest 5.0 version of the Blackberry OS. As I mentioned above, a software update was released from RIM bringing the current version to 5.0.0.699

Along with the standard PIM applications you expect on every smartphone, the Bold comes Word To Go, Sheet To Go and Slideshow To Go from Documents To Go. These applications allow you to open and view your Word, Excel and Powerpoint files.

Instant Messaging applications have been added to the suite of messaging functionality with AOL, Google, ICQ, Yahoo and even Windows Live Messenger. Blackberry Messenger is still of course on the phone, one of my personal favorites.

Sports and Entertainment icons are grouped in a separate folder, giving you access to some of the hottest content around with Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, NFL Mobile Live, Sprint TV, Sprint’s Music Store, Pandora, Pocket Express and more.

Social Networking is now integrated into the standard applications, with quick access to Facebook, Myspace and Flickr.

The Media Player is typical of all Blackberries, with Music, Video, Ringtones, Pictures and Voice Notes. Music sounded great, and the videos played smoothly on the screen.

Downloads pulls all your 3rd party apps together.  You can easily move them out of this area if you are looking to have them sorted different, or have them in a more convenient spot.

Maps is a great built-in program to take advantage of the GPS capabilities of the phone. Sprint Navigation is also a very good program that does a good job of getting you where you want to go using the data connection of the phone to pull down maps online.

The Setup Wizard helps get you going on WiFi, Email and Bluetooth

RIM’s App World is still one of the easiest ways to get applications on to your Blackberry. By heading to blackberry.com/appworld users can now download the application to their device that allows them to load applications easily and quickly to the device.

A few notable ones that I installed to test were Slacker Radio and CaptureIT. Of course I wanted try out the Slingplayer client as well on the device, but unfortunately, the Bold does not have support from Sling yet and the application will not download from the Slingmedia site. However, as the hardware is essentially the same as that of the Bold 9700, an industrious user would be able to download this version, and get it working on the device.

Here are some of the other applications that I used on the device:

Twitter

Enhanced Gmail App, allowing you to archive, star, spam or move emails to various labels on your Blackberry.

The 3.2MP camera on the Bold has great quality, and takes similar photos to those of the Tour. The auto focus definitely assists in the resolution, and in both light and dark conditions, and can replace a point and shoot for those looking to gain some pocket real estate.

Overall
The Blackberry Bold 9650 from Sprint is a great piece of hardware. It has more memory, a faster experience, and a cleaner UI than it’s predecessor, the Tour. I feel this is the best Blackberry currently available to CDMA users, but it may not be enough for some to make the change over from their less than 12 month old Tour. Also concerning is that with the latest in hardware from Apple and the various Android devices, RIM is starting to slip in its appeal for those looking to do more with their phones.  Bottom line, RIM is in business to make money, and the devices they create are geared towards a specific customer.  Blackberry fans will appreciate the enhancements, and love using the newest piece of hardware out from the Canadian smartphone maker.

Zaggsparq 2.0 Review

Constantly on the lookout for things that make my life easier, it seems that with every new gadget I buy, it makes things more complicated. Charging is one of the primary issues I find when traveling, and try as I might, I just can’t seem to find a way to have fewer cables in my bag. USB charging always seems like a great idea, but then you either need to have a laptop with you to charge from, or some sort of alternative. When Zagg came out with the ZAGGsparq, a battery block of sorts that allows for 2 items to be plugged in and charged simultaneously, I was encouraged by the concept. However, issues with the first generation ZAGGsparq slowed it’s rollout earlier this year. The new ZAGGsparq 2.0 is now out, and for $99.99, this may be the right portable power solution for you.

Description
The ZAGGsparq 2.0 plugs into a standard outlet and provides two USB ports for charging mobile devices. Unplugged, the ZAGGsparq 2.0 carries up to four complete recharges for most smartphones. The Sparq also works with everything from gaming systems to the new iPad.

Features

• Portable power: ZAGGsparq 2.0 carries multiple charges for almost any personal electronic device that can charge over USB.
• Size: About the size of a laptop AC cord brick, the ZAGGsparq is easily carried with you while you travel.
• Compatability: ZAGGsparq 2.0 works with most USB charged device, including cell phones, handheld gaming systems, and digital cameras (adapters for mini-USB to USB sold separately)
• Charge multiple devices: ZAGGsparq 2.0 provides twoUSB charging ports: Optimized and General
• Optimized: The top USB charging port is optimized for smartphones and other devices that are capable of taking an optimized charge, including Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod family of products.
• General: The bottom port uses the standard USB specification and will charge devices that do not utilize the optimized USB charging specification.

Specs

• 6,000 mAh Lithium Polymer
• 4 yellow lights indicate power level, 25%-50%-75%-100%
• Has the ability to charge multiple USB devices simultaneously
• Max output: 2000mA @ 5V
• Power Source: 100-240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
• Physical Size 3.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches
• Weight .54 lbs.
• http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggsparq.php

Real World Use

In some real world use while traveling recently, i decided that the ZAGGsparq would be my primary charging source along the way.  With me, I had 2 Blackberries and 1 Treo that charged over microUSB via the general port, and the iPad and iPhone 3GS that charged over the optimized port.  I quickly found that although I was able to charge each device, i still didn’t have enough ports to charge everything I had with me.  However, the Sparq does charge quick enough to make the shortage of ports bearable.  I found myself charging up the iPad only every few days, so the iPhone found itself plugged in overnight each night.

While using the ZAGGsparq, you are able to keep it plugged into the wall to charge simultaneously, but due to the weight, the block can easily fall out of the wall.  I found myself wrestling with keeping it plugged in, and even found it some mornings had not held it’s charge due to coming out of the outlet.

ZAGG advertises the Sparq as having a 6000 mAh battery and can charge up to 4 iPhones before needing to recharge.  In my testing, I found it to come up a bit short of this claim, but also found that I was using my devices while charging, which certainly leads to additional discharge.  However, I was able to plug in all of the devices at the end of the day, and even while not plugged in, get them all topped off within a few hours.  This flexibility is key for those that need to power up while on the go.

Unlike some battery charging solutions, the ZAGGsparq continues to trickle charge the device connected to it when charging has completed.  For me, this is key.  Using both the iPad and a Sprint Treo Pro to provide a wireless hotspot, I was able to keep them charged up continuously without having to look for an outlet for the entire day.

Overall

Version 2.0 of the ZAGGsparq is definitely an improvement over the prior version of this unique charging solution.  If USB power on the go is what you’re looking for, then this is your answer.

Last year, we looked at the sleek Impact Series cases from the great folks at Otterbox for the iPhone and Blackberry Curve. Now we’re taking a look at the new Commuter Series for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. OtterBox makes high impact cases known as their “Defender” line to protect your device from just about anything you can throw at it. Combining the durable elements from the Defender line and the sleek looks of the Impact series created the Commuter. Available for $34.95 at www.otterbox.com for a wide variety of smartphones.

Features and Design
The OtterBox Commuter™ Series has three slim, yet sturdy layers of protection. With a slim form factor and smooth outer layer, this case slides easily in and out of a pocket, purse or bag. The package comes with a screen protector, rubber membrane, and rigid plastic shell.

Front of the case

On the left side, there is a cutout for the ringer switch, and cover for the volume rocker buttons. Also notice where the plastic shell wraps around where your hand typically rests

Right side of the case

On the bottom, there are cutouts for the speaker and microphone ports, as well as a flap for the 30-pin dock connector.

On the top, a flap for the 3.5mm headphone jack, and cover for the sleep/wake button.

On the back, a cutout for the camera, and apple logo. Note there is no protection inside these cutouts, so a key or other sharp object could in inadvertently scratch the camera lens, or back of the phone.

Compared to the InCase for the iPhone.  Note, it’s a tad thicker.

Overall
At under $35, the Commuter Series of cases from OtterBox is about half the price of their more expensive Defender line. The overall quality of the case is fantastic, and after 2 weeks (and a couple of drops), it still looks great. As a fan of the mantra “slimmer is better” this case keeps the rugged protective nature of a case, without sacrificing size.