Blackberry Playbook

Research in motion has just released some details about their new tablet called the Playbook. As suspected, the Playbook is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions. The 7 inch Wi-Fi device is priced to compete with the iPad2, matching the same prices per GB of storage, but is smaller than Apple's 9.7 inch device. It might be a tough entry into the market for RIM trying to catch up with Apple and the proven success of its iPad models. From what I've read, the Playbook doesn't contain a dedicated email, contacts or calendar, as the iPad does.


Further concern for both RIM and Apple, might be Samsung's 8.9 inch Android Honeycomb Tablet, which will be selling for less than the two previous devices. Or, matching Rim and Apple's price, the 10.1 Galaxy Tab is larger and thinner yet!

Just as the smartphone industry competition started heating up a couple of years ago (with iPhone, Blackberry and Android) now the tablet market is doing just the same. It's interesting how RIM, Apple, Google and others are able to create a device and the competitive market so quickly!

Research In Motion - Tablet

Research In Motion is expected to announce this week when they will officially be launching their new Tablet. Recently, RIM's Blackberry has lost market share to other smartphones such as Apple's iPhone and smartphones operating on Google's Android OS.

RIM is expecting to gain back some high-tech market share with the introduction of the Tablet to compete directly with Apple's iPad2, with similar features, memory and price.

We are still waiting for the details but it looks like the Tablet will be offered in 16, 32 and 64 GB versions.

Stay tuned...

RunKeeper Pro

I've blogged before about some iPhone apps that combine the latest technology with sports, such as skiing, biking or running. I've recently been playing with an App called RunKeeper Pro (available on most smartphones) that is one of the best sports app products I've seen recently.

Like many other apps, this one will measure distance travelled (using the iPhone's GPS) and run timing in many different ways. It includes all the goodies like audio cues based on time or distance and it can display current pace or speed, or average pace or speed. There is also a timer feature, interval setting and the ability to show calories burned during each activity.

At first I was a little hesitant when it required me to generate an account by entering my email and a password, but after a little investigating I found out why. The app features a section called "sharing settings" whereas you can share your activities and route maps via RunKeeper Live, Twitter or Facebook - or all three! You can easily check past activities for comparison.


Another couple of neat features are a few icons displayed allowing you to set the orientation of the device and take photos. the app also connects to your iPod part of the iPhone for playing music. It really is an all-in-one program making this a real Kick Butt iPhone application.

I recall seeing the app for $9.99, but it's currently on sale for 100% off - free is good!

Geiger Counter

With the recent events in Japan and the concerns of radiation leaks from their nuclear reactors, it got me wondering if there were any good iPhone applications applicable to the topic. I realize it wouldn't be possible to turn your iPhone into a Geiger Counter, but I was hoping to find a good app that would at least show radiation levels drawn in real-time from stations around the world.

I didn't have much luck finding an iPhone app that fit the bill of what I was looking for. There are a couple of good websites that show this though. Check out AggNuke for a representation of radiation levels within Japan, and RadNet for levels within North America. I'll keep looking for other worldwide locations. They both count CPM (radiation counts per minute) which is quite simplified. Anything over 100 is considered an alert phase.

I did find a gag app for the iPhone that looks and acts like a Geiger Counter that you control by tilting your iPhone. Just tilt your device and trick your friends into thinking they might be radioactive. Geiger Counter - Radiation gag is available at the iTunes store for just $0.99


I have a friend or two this will be worth using on!!!

I've commented about some other great iPhone games and applications offered before by Fluik Entertainment, and like those, Gunner Galaxies is worth downloading. This iPhone app is free at iTunes. Instead of paying for a good quality app with fantastic graphics, the game is offered for free (which is a great game just on its own) and there on in-game purchases available for those who want more out of the experience.

What I like about this is the ability to play the game for free and see first hand whether I want to buy extra features or continue playing an already fun, fast-paced, addictive game.

I found a great review of the game here, at 148 Apps. They have some other great articles and reviews too!

Fluik Entertainment is the same company that developed Cool Spell, Gunner and Bubble Rainbow. Fluik also teamed up with Big Fat Simulations to bring the already successful Airport Madness series of games to the iPhone and iPad platforms.

$999.99 iPhone App

It's so easy to make an iPhone app purchase for $0.99 and think nothing of it. It's less expensive than a coffee even. Getting a couple little apps and songs each week might add up, but considering the cost of the iPhone and plan, it really isn't that much more.

Surfing the iTunes store, as I do on a regular basis, I came an iPhone application that was a little more pricy than most out there. BarMax is designed to help students pass the bar exam. No, not the drinks serving kind, but the LAW kind. It's loaded with questions from previous exams and on the iPhone makes a neat little platform for studying.



I must have looked at it too quickly because all I saw at first was the 99 cents and I was all too willing to buy it. I was a little shocked when I noticed the iPhone application was actually $999.99. Wow, a grand for an app!

Texting mistakes

We've all made the occasional typing mistake in an email or text message, and usually the iPhone is great at catching these and changing anything close to the word into the proper spelling. This is a good thing... most of the time. Sometimes, it's quite disastrous.

If you mistyped a message to your sweety and your text to her came out as "you are such a sweaty!" she might not get the warm fuzzy feeling. Neither would she like a message saying you'd "like to die with her tonight," as opposed to "dine" with her.




These are a few examples of some iPhone text mistakes you can find at DAMN YOU AUTO CORRECT which has many hilarious mistakes for your reading pleasure. I bet you can't read much without laughing historically... I mean hysterically.

I've never done anything quite that bad on my iPhone yet, but I've had a few silly ones!