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iPad Apps: Things, Square, Sketchbook Pro, Warpgate, Magic Piano
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Not true. A Lexus ECM doesn't share the same settings as a Cooper. They don't use the same engine displacements, they don't even use same transmission gearing. Valve timings are different, suspension technologies are also not the same. Engine compression ratios are completely different and last I checked, Lexus doesn't even offer a 4 cylinder engine.
iPad/iPhone/iPod use the same exact core OS, API and other related functions. They use the same radios for 3G, minus the iPod of course, same graphics chip, and the same Cortex processor. They even share the same amount of RAM. In other words, the iPad is in reality just an oversized that iPod Touch that will very quickly distance itself from its smaller siblings and grow over time.
i wonder if you can merge layers that are complete so you open up the possibility to build more layers that way. it does look really great. i want to wait for 2nd gen, but as i see the apps i'm already drooling over it. it's only 2 days later. after a month... i need to stop looking for every video on the web.
some of these, it's a giant touch, while yes the tech is, no, the power isn't!! the books and text book companies signing on, i've heard many more "mainstream" app developers are working on apps too. i think where this thing would truly be most useful is to college students. i wish i had one when in school. a much lighter backpack, notes i could actually read!! i saw a text book demo that blew me away. embedded video, links, highlighter, and the ability to take note and "clip" them to the book page. the battery life is awesome too. it would be pretty great if all you wanted it for at all your textbooks and school work. but you can play games, listen to music, watch movies on a nice sized hd screen, surf web, draw, and do most of the things you can do on a computer. only limitations are developers, but they seem to be jumping on board rather fast. in steve i trust!!
Things looks like something I would use for many...things. I haven't been real happy with the "list" apps I've tried previously, I went back to using paper more often. 
But I'm not lugging & propping an iPad up in a shopping cart, while I do that with my iPod easily.
This new idea is going to take some time to suss out.
But I'm not lugging & propping an iPad up in a shopping cart, while I do that with my iPod easily.This new idea is going to take some time to suss out.
Indeed. I'll definitely be getting it when it comes out for the iPod touch.
I can't believe Ambrosia still hasn't ported an Escape Velocity game to the iPhone OS. I seriously wasted 1000+ hours playing all three versions of EV.
Cool. I would like to see a stylus in use more often. Fingers are good for some stuff, but a writing implement is more effective in many situations.
Eh, still not impressed, sorry. The iPhone has already proven that multitouch is a losing technology for games (excluding games with static elements, like puzzle games and board games), as physical buttons are essential for the best experience; Warpgate is a good example. Moving on, the drawing app shows how lame it is you can only use a finger for drawing instead of a stylus. "Professional grade?" Yeah, right. I'm sure Wacom will be coming out with a whole line of tablets for using your finger, because that's the ideal way to go. What professional wants the fine control, pressure sensitivity, and visibility of their drawing contact point provided by a stylus?
The most misleading of these videos was the top one, which shows text being entered at, like, 90 wpm--obviously being done via a physical keyboard hooked to a development kit. Again, it just underlines how that is the ideal way to enter text, and how lacking the iPad is in that respect.
Basically, these videos are just multitouch pr0n that show a novel, but not better, way of doing things. They are for the multitouch fanboy--and that seems to be the iPad's target consumer.
I'm all for having fun with multitouch, but just as long as you're honest that you're spending $500+ to have fun with multitouch, not because the iPad is actually going to help you do anything better.
The most misleading of these videos was the top one, which shows text being entered at, like, 90 wpm--obviously being done via a physical keyboard hooked to a development kit. Again, it just underlines how that is the ideal way to enter text, and how lacking the iPad is in that respect.
Basically, these videos are just multitouch pr0n that show a novel, but not better, way of doing things. They are for the multitouch fanboy--and that seems to be the iPad's target consumer.
I'm all for having fun with multitouch, but just as long as you're honest that you're spending $500+ to have fun with multitouch, not because the iPad is actually going to help you do anything better.
Square - Mobile credit card processing. Get a free reader for signing up.
Square - Mobile credit card processing. Get a free reader for signing up.
Exactly.....how do I know their phone is not jalibroken and made to scan and keep my card numbers, how do I know the software on their phone is legit. How do I know these people are not some scrupulous evil conman trying to get all my personal information and storing my card #'s and pin #'s on their phone? What protection or security can one expect........ As far as I'm concerned NO PERSONAL INFORMATION should ever be transmitted or received in the clear without encryption. I'm sorry in today's world you just cant trust the average man, let alone business. They need some sorta of encrypted method of verifying the 2 users exchanging funs are indeed using legit phones with legit software and not recording each other's personal info without involving the other users phone.
Simply put, anyone who uses this is at risk of IDENTITY theft.
Not so much on that square software... hmm sure stranger you can swipe my credit card no problem
Things does look kida cool.
Square - Mobile credit card processing. Get a free reader for signing up.
Exactly.....how do I know their phone is not jalibroken and made to scan and keep my card numbers, how do I know the software on their phone is legit. How do I know these people are not some scrupulous evil conman trying to get all my personal information and storing my card #'s and pin #'s on their phone? What protection or security can one expect........ As far as I'm concerned NO PERSONAL INFORMATION should ever be transmitted or received in the clear without encryption. I'm sorry in today's world you just cant trust the average man, let alone business. They need some sorta of encrypted method of verifying the 2 users exchanging funs are indeed using legit phones with legit software and not recording each other's personal info without involving the other users phone.
Simply put, anyone who uses this is at risk of IDENTITY theft.
The answer, my friend, is you don't know. You either trust the system/person/etc or you don't. Every time you use your credit or debit card, you put yourself at risk for identity theft. In fact, recent history has shown you don't even have to use your card for your personal information to be compromised. (A number of breeches have garnered headlines the last couple years).
Have you ever purchased from a vendor at a festival or trade show? Sure, their equipment may look legitimate, but do you really know if they are as they seem? Most likely you don't. However, you trust that they have a certain level of integrity. While I can understand that you may be somewhat hesitant because this a new product, I personally see no difference.
Keep in mind, this tool is perfect for someone running a small business at a flea market/swap meet or perhaps a garage sale. What if you made your own jewelry or artwork or perhaps you were a handy man of some sort who does repairs of some sort. This gives you the opportunity to accept payments almost anywhere. I'm sure you understand the concept, but I am also trying to illustrate how useful and, I think, needed this device can be.
Watch out for Things..
I have to caution people on buying into the Things suite. I used it from the Alpha to the Beta and bought both the iPhone and desktop versions with my student discount. Ever since the applications inception they (Cultured Code) have promised through the air syncing but it never arrives while all the competitors have a solution. It will leave you frustrated if you want to work seamlessly between your Mac and phone. You have to open each app and press sync which is so annoying.
I think it's funny that a company that makes a GTD app can't get the most requested feature done. They deliver a continuous stream of minor updates for niggling bugs but can't get it together to provide through the air syncing after 2 years.
I found the best solution is that 2do app which syncs through the air to Toodledo.com. Want to try Omnifocus but it's a bit pricey but I see they have an iPad version.
I have to caution people on buying into the Things suite. I used it from the Alpha to the Beta and bought both the iPhone and desktop versions with my student discount. Ever since the applications inception they (Cultured Code) have promised through the air syncing but it never arrives while all the competitors have a solution. It will leave you frustrated if you want to work seamlessly between your Mac and phone. You have to open each app and press sync which is so annoying.
I think it's funny that a company that makes a GTD app can't get the most requested feature done. They deliver a continuous stream of minor updates for niggling bugs but can't get it together to provide through the air syncing after 2 years.
I found the best solution is that 2do app which syncs through the air to Toodledo.com. Want to try Omnifocus but it's a bit pricey but I see they have an iPad version.
Balconycollapse, Cultured Code are now working "full speed ahead" on cloud sync (see their new status page). And, as mentioned in their recent blog postings, it will be released very soon.
In the meantime, WiFi sync works perfectly well between devices. So if you are considering purchasing Things, don't let any of that put you off. It's a great app, I use the Mac and iPhone apps every day.
I have a bigger issue with Square than whether it's viable as a "personal payment app"...
Giving your phone's UDID to anyone can be a serious security breach. You shouldn't be giving that to anyone. Ever.
Why does Square require your UDID to function?
I currently use a secure banking app. With that app, I can check balances, make payments, transfer funds, etc. I can do all of that, and it didn't require sharing my UDID.
Why does Square require it?
I'm passing on that one for that reason alone.
Giving your phone's UDID to anyone can be a serious security breach. You shouldn't be giving that to anyone. Ever.
Why does Square require your UDID to function?
I currently use a secure banking app. With that app, I can check balances, make payments, transfer funds, etc. I can do all of that, and it didn't require sharing my UDID.
Why does Square require it?
I'm passing on that one for that reason alone.
Curious. What is the security risk? I thought the UDID was essentially your phones serial number...
I could be wrong, but I think you're mistaken. My hunch is they're asking for the UDID during the beta testing phase. http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/08/iphone-101-find-udid-with-a-single-click/
Square: I signed up for the notify me when available email list. I've heard nothing for months. Anyone knows exactly what's going on? I won't get an iPad till the 3G's come out and the current app is iPad only. I'm dying to try this out with my costumers. I really need the card reader though, Square take a larger % when you key in a CC number according to their FAQ.
it doesn't. that was for the beta where they had to generate an adhoc for people.
it's a free download on the app store now.
arn
Warpgate looks pretty kick ass; as with Sketchbook, I'm still working on making it accurate; then I can work on being able to draw.
Also got Square; looks cool and works; the video looks outdated since it didn't require me to input anything related to my UDID.
Also got Square; looks cool and works; the video looks outdated since it didn't require me to input anything related to my UDID.
Honestly, I would only consider something like Square if it was run by Paypal or Amazone Checkouts.
I don't know much about Square, but one thing is certain, credit card processing fees go from tolerable to ridiculous. From my experience, swiping a credit card is cheaper than manually keyed transactions, which always cost more. Pin Pads are your best bet if you want to keep your costs as low as possible. Amex and Rewards Cards that give consumers miles, money back, points, etc... usually have the highest fees that tend to hover +/- 4%. If the fee's bother you or affect you margins, you should consider padding the additional cost of the CC fees on to your product or service prices.
I got interested in this since this could be another alternative to POS terminals in some countries where terminals are connected to fixed phone line.
According to their website, their product is PCI Level 1 and PA-DSS certified. Wish they can maintain this certification since, I think, this needs to be renewed/reviewed annually.