miércoles, 19 de septiembre de 2012

iPad By Davis: “Countdown to an exciting event with Can't Wait for iPhone and iPad review” plus 13 more

iPad By Davis: “Countdown to an exciting event with Can't Wait for iPhone and iPad review” plus 13 more

Countdown to an exciting event with Can't Wait for iPhone and iPad review

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 12:49 AM PDT

Counting down to an important or exciting date like Christmas, you baby's due date, or the iPhone 5 launch? Then Can't Wait is for you! Can't Wait is an iPhone and iPad app that has a single purpose -- to keep track of the number of days until or since important dates in your life.

There are two main screen views in Can't Wait: a list of all your events and each event's individual page. When adding an event to your list, you select one of 10 colors, give it a title, indicate whether it's and event you "can't wait" for (countdown) or an "unforgettable" event that's already passed (count up), and select that date.

The Events screen will show the list of all your events. Shown with each event is the number of days until or since the event and it's title, date, and color. You can sort the list by nearest, farthest, name, or color. You can also swipe to delete individual events or tap the little arrow to the right of an event to edit its information.

If you close the Events page, you'll be take to the individual screens for your events. Each event's page is very minimal and shows only the numbers of days, the event name, and the associated color. The numbers are displayed nice and huge and for coundown timers, the event name is in a small font at the top, and for past events, the names are at the bottom. If you tap the Twitter icon in the lower left of the screen, you can send out a Tweet that shares the info on that screen. For example: "5 more days until iPhone 5 launch". Unfortunately, Facebook integration has not been added, yet.

On thing I've noticed about Can't Wait is that it counts down different than I would. For example, if it's currently Tuesday, I would say that there are 3 more days until Friday. Can't Wait says there is 2 days. I'm not sure if this is cultural thing, because I have encountered other apps the have similar countdown methods. I think there should at least be an option to pick if you want "0 days" to mean the day before a date or the date itself.

The good

  • Count down number of days until a specific date (like the launch of the iPhone 5)
  • Count up the number of days passed since an important date (like your wedding date)
  • Gorgeous UI
  • 10 colors
  • Share to Twitter
  • Universal for iPhone and iPad

The bad

  • Some colors are associated with a bolder font giving the illusion that those dates are more important
  • Countdown considers the day before the event as 0 days instead of 1 day
  • Can't share to Facebook (hopefully that changes with new Facebook integration in iOS 6

The bottom line

Can't Wait is an extremely simple app -- which is precisely what makes it so great. It's clear that a lot of effort went into the overall design with the pastel colors and beautiful, yet, minimalistic UI. The folks at Romly have found the perfect balance between design and function with Can't Wait.

$0.99 - Download Now

First iPhone 5 reviews

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 06:54 PM PDT

Those major media outlets, technology sites, and journalists who had early review units of the iPhone 5 have now posted their reviews. Here are the links and a snippet of their takes.

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop says Apple has another winner on their hands:

I can't think of any good reason why anyone wouldn't upgrade or purchase the iPhone 5.

M.G. Siegler of TechCrunch says Apple has chiseled the smartphone to near perfection:

I've had the opportunity to play around with the latest iPhone for the past several days. I won't beat around the bush: it's fantastic.

John Gruber of Daring Fireball says the iPhone 5 is really nice:

The question everyone who hasn't yet pre-ordered wants answered: Should you upgrade? My answer is simple. If you can afford it, yes.

There's a reason why, just as with all five of its predecessors, it just says "iPhone" on the back. The iPhone 5 is all new technically, but it's the exact same thing as an idea. Apple is simply improving upon that idea year after year in infinitely finer detail, like a fractal. It's nice.

Tim Stevens of Engadget says the iPhone 5 is the device people were asking for:

Still, the iPhone 5 absolutely shines. Pick your benchmark and you'll find Apple's thin new weapon sitting at or near the top. Will it convince you to give up your Android or Windows Phone ways and join the iOS side? Maybe, maybe not. Will it wow you? Hold it in your hand -- you might be surprised. For the iOS faithful this is a no-brainer upgrade. This is without a doubt the best iPhone yet. This is a hallmark of design. This is the one you've been waiting for.

Vincent Nguyen of SlashGear says it's love at first swipe.

Right now, the iPhone 5 has the best balance of everyday usability and performance, without the distraction of functionality that is clever but unintuitive. It's an area in which Apple excels, and it's the reason the iPhone 5 is one of the best smartphones on the market today.

Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal says Apple has taken an already great product and made it better, overall.

The world's most popular smartphone becomes significantly faster, thinner and lighter this week, while gaining a larger, 4-inch screen—all without giving up battery life, comfort in the hand and high-quality construction.

David Pogue of The New York Times says it's not a compelling update for existing iPhone 4S users...

But if you've had the discipline to sit out a couple of iPhone generations — wow, are you in for a treat.

Ed Baig of USAToday says the iPhone 5 is in front of the smartphone pack:

People have always had lofty expectations for the iPhone 5, especially as the competition stiffens. In delivering a fast, attractive, LTE-capable and larger-screen handset, Apple has met those expectations with a gem.

Scott Stein at CNET says the iPhone 5 is an excellent, well conceived phone.

The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It's absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe.

Stuart Miles of Pocket-Lint says the iPhone 5 is the must-have phone of the year:

The iPhone 5 is a phone that makes you feel safe. A phone that you know exactly how to use as soon as you take it out of the box and that is perfect for a huge number of people.

Peter Nowak of the CBC says the iPhone 5 isn't innovative but is a smart package:

The iPhone 5 may not be terribly innovative, but it does deliver that package better than any previous Apple product, and better than just about any other smartphone.

Luke Peters at T3 says the iPhone 5 isn't as compelling given the alternatives.

Given that iPhone 4S users can upgrade to iOS 6 and do just about everything the iPhone 5 can do, and that Android users can get similarly impressive handsets for less dosh, we reckon the smart money won't all be going on a new iPhone this year, even if the mass market can't get enough of it. It's good, very good. But it's no longer the best around.

Shane Richmond of The Telegraph says the iPhone 5 is a marvelous piece of design:

The iPhone 5 is a great smartphone made even better. It's fast, lightweight and backed by the largest application store for any device. It's also probably the most beautiful smartphone anyone has ever made

Patrick Gross of TechRadar says the iPhone 5 is the most important launch since the original iPhone:

But, in truth, Apple will be well aware that it doesn't need to reinvent the wheel to succeed and, in this case, it has yet again provided a fine phone that will keep it battling at the top of the charts for another year.

Mark Prigg of The Daily Mail says the iPhone 5 is simply the best smartphone ever made:

The level of care and engineering that has gone into the handset is unprecedented, and while iPhone owners are no doubt already reaching for their wallets, for anyone who was on the fence, Apple most definitely has the upper hand in the smartphone wars.

So there you have them! Go forth and read whichever interest you, then hurry back and give us your early assessment -- your review of the reviews.

Netflix for iPhone and iPad updated with new interface, can you tell the difference?

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 06:12 PM PDT

Netflix for iPhone and iPad has been updated with an updated interface and varied improvements on playback, AV sync, and subtitle handling. The new interface isn't a complete overhaul, but very minor. In fact, what I notice most about the interface is that it's actually rather sluggish with horrible scrolling, a bit clunky, and you still can't edit or view your mailing queue or view or leave reviews.

What's been your experience with the latest Netflix update?

Free - Download Now

How to transfer data from your old Android or BlackBerry to your new iPhone 5

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 05:42 PM PDT

How to transfer data from Blackberry or Android to an iPhone 5

Switching to an iPhone 5 from an old Android, Windows, BlackBerry, or webOS phone, and not exactly sure how to transfer your data? Transferring old iPhone data is as easy as restoring from iCloud or iTunes, but crossing platforms can seem like a bigger headache. Here's the good news -- it doesn't have to be. There are lots of services available to help you get your data from one device to another.

There are two main ways to move all your data over to your new iPhone 5: desktop sync via iTunes and cloud sync via Google, Yahoo!, Exchange, etc.

Music and media

How to re-download movies, music, and tv shows on your iPhone iPad or iPod touch

Depending on where you bought, or how you put your music, TV, movie, and video library together, you have several options available to you for getting it on your iPhone 5.

iTunes

If you're already an iTunes user, it's easy to sync your information over to an iPhone. You can transfer large quantities of media from iTunes desktop over USB or over Wi-Fi sync, to your iPhone 5. You can also use iTunes in the Cloud to download specific media files directly to your iPhone over-the-air (OTA).

If you don't use iTunes, you can still move you music over that way. Just drag any DRM-free MP3 files into iTunes, and then sync away. If you have a very large library, you can even sign up for iTunes Match and move all of it into Apple's cloud locker.

You can sync multiple iOS devices (if you already have an iPad or iPod touch) with one iTunes library or set up multiple iTunes libraries to keep things extra neat and tidy.

Amazon, Google, etc.

Amazon and Google both have their music apps available for the iPhone, so if you've bought music from either of them, just download the appropriate app and you're good to go. Amazon Instant Video is available for the iPad, but not yet for the iPhone.

Mail, contacts, calendars, and data

mail contacts calendars iphone

Whether you use Gmail, Yahoo!, Hotmail, Exchange or another mail service, setting up your e-mail shouldn't be an issue. If you store your contacts, calendars, and other important data with Google Sync, Exchange, or Yahoo! syncing services, we can help you pull that over too. If you don't, you can still most likely import that data within iTunes as a last resort.

Google Sync

Here is a way to use Gmail or Google Sync to transfer your data. If you're already using a Gmail or Google Account to sync your mail, contacts, and calendars, this process is dead simple. Just make sure you've done a sync on your current BlackBerry, webOS or Android device.

  1. On your new iPhone tap Settings and go to Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
    2. iphone_settings_mail
  2. Tap on Add Account...
    3. iphone_mail_accounts
  3. Now tap on the Gmail option.
    4. iphone_mail_choices
  4. If you want full push, you can also set Gmail up as Exchange as well. Visit Google's Exchange page for instructions on setting up this way.
  5. After your account is verified, you can simply choose to sync what items you would like to sync by turning those options On.
    6. sync options for gmail
  6. If a message pops up asking what you'd like to do with the data, choose to replace your iPhone data or merge data. Whichever is appropriate to your situation.

After you've done this you can continue using Google Sync if you'd like or disable it and use iCloud going forward. Just delete the Gmail account or disable it. If asked what to do with the data on your iPhone, just choose to keep it on your device. Then sign in with iCloud and it will now sync everything up and everything new from here on out.

Note: Google may have issues syncing your contacts unless they are in the "My Contacts" category in Google. He had some contacts listed in other groups and they wouldn't come down. So make sure all your contacts are filed under the general "My Contacts" group if you're having issues with your iPhone syncing into your Contacts app from Google.

Yahoo! Sync

To perform a sync with Yahoo!, you are essentially going to repeat the same steps you would for Google sync (see above), except you'll choose Yahoo when you choose your new account type. All the options should be identical when it comes to syncing contacts, calendars, and email accounts. And again, when you're done you can choose to continue using Yahoo! Sync or use iCloud.

Exchange and Hotmail

If you're using Exchange at work, and/or Windows Live Hotmail at home, again the instructions are the same as above just choose Exchange ActiveSync as your account type, or hit the new iOS 5 Hotmail button and you're set. (If you have problems with a work Exchange account, check with your IT department for the proper settings).

iTunes data transfer

If you don't use any Google, Yahoo!, Exchange or any online service and you're just looking to transfer your contacts to your iPhone, you can do that too. Whether you have Windows or Mac, you can transfer contacts from your current smartphone to your iPhone pretty easily.

  1. Plug your old device into the computer and sync them with either Outlook, Exchange, or Mac Address book. This process is pretty easy but varies from device to device, so you may need to refer to your specific device instructions in order to do this. If you still have an issue doing this, head on over to the iMore Forums for some expert switcher advice and help.
  2. Once your contacts are already on your computer, you can plug your new iPhone into your computer.
  3. Open iTunes and click the Info tab under your iPhone sync settings.
  4. You will see a Contacts option. Select that and choose what contacts you would like to be synced to your phone.
  5. Click sync and wait for iTunes to do its thing. When complete, your contacts should now be on your new iPhone.

Note: You may have noticed iTunes has native options to configure Yahoo! or Gmail sync. You are more than welcome to use these options as well. They are just as easy. You can also choose to sync calendars via iTunes as well. Use whatever process is going to be more convenient for you on an ongoing basis.

Photos

Transfer photo data

The iPhone is super easy when it comes to photos. Regardless whether you use a Mac or a PC, all you've got to do is get pictures off your old device and onto your computer. Your iPhone and iTunes can do the rest.

PC users

  1. Simply sync or transfer the photos from your old device into your photos on your Windows PC. Whether you choose to do this with your actual device, or from removable storage like an SD card is your choice.
  2. Plug your new iPhone into the computer and open iTunes and navigate to the Photos tab.
  3. Navigate your way to where you save your photos to your PC when choosing what photos to sync and make sure to choose the pictures you'd like on your phone.
  4. Click sync and wait for iTunes to finish. Your photos should now show up in the Photos app on your iPhone.

Mac users

  1. Plug your old device into your Mac and open iPhoto. (If iPhoto doesn't recognize your Android, webOS, or Blackberry phone, simply transfer the pictures from the removable storage in your device, if you have that option.)
  2. Your device should show up in the left navigation pane of iPhoto.
  3. Name your album and import the photos. Alternately, you could select just the photos you'd like on your new device if you want.
  4. Open iTunes and go to the Photos tab. Select the albums or events you'd like to sync to your new iPhone.
  5. Click sync and wait for iTunes. After the sync is complete, you should see your new Photos in your Photo app on your iPhone.

Next steps

The iPhone is a pretty easy device to transfer data to. Once you've gotten all your data from your other device into a cloud service or on your computer, it should be easy as pie. If you guys have any issues doing any of this, feel free to check out the iMore forums for answers to many questions.

Additional Resources:

Contest Winners: Pad & Quill cases and the Jot Touch stylus from Adonit!

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 05:14 PM PDT

 

If there's one thing iMore loves even more than iPhones and iPads, it's giving cool iPhone and iPad accessories and apps to our awesome readers. This week we have...

Pad & Quill iPhone and iPad cases: Labor Day giveaway!
blackthirteen
ddsmyers
kritter217
SirVancelot

Jot Touch pressure sensitive Bluetooth stylus
Kevin Iombie

 

Congratulations to all the winners! You will be contacted during the week with information on claiming your prizes.

Sprint to discontinue the iPhone 4 in-store, will continue to sell online

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Sprint to discontinue the iPhone 4 in-store, will continue to sell online

Sprint is getting ready to discontinue in-store sales of the iPhone 4 following the launch of the iPhone 5. Leaked internal documents show pricing for the iPhone 5 as well as discounted pricing for the iPhone 4S along with a note about the iPhone 4 being discontinued.

If you were planning on snatching up an iPhone 4 at your local Sprint store, you may have to order it online instead. A Sprint spokesperson confirmed to CNET that stores will no longer carry the device but customers will still be able to order it online.

"iPhone 4 will become a Web only device effective on September 21. We will certainly still be selling it,"

With the iPhone 4S starting at only $99, it will most likely sell very well across all carriers as a better priced option to the new iPhone 5. The leaked documents showed that the iPhone 4 would be removed from planograms as of September 21st. After that date you'll have to order the iPhone 4 online through Sprint. No pricing has been given but we'd assume it would replace the iPhone 3GS as the free iPhone spot as it will on other carriers. The only difference is that you'll have to sign up for service online as opposed to in the store.

Source: 9to5Mac via CNET

Net Neutrality complaint to be filed against AT&T for blocking FaceTime over cellular

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Net Neutrality complaint to be filed against AT&T for blocking FaceTime over cellular

AT&T's recent announcement that they'd be blocking FaceTime over cellular unless you're on one of their new mobile share plans has put them at odds with many of their customers. They are now facing a net neutrality complaint as a result.

Free Press, Public Knowledge, and the New America Foundation's Open Technology Institute will be filing a complaint with the FCC in regards to AT&T blocking FaceTime over cellular to customers that aren't on a specific data plan on the grounds that it violates net neutrality. AT&T released a statement recently that argued they weren't in violation since net neutrality only covered third party apps and not built-in apps.

Policy director Matt Wood from Free Press issued the following statement in regards to the suit:

"AT&T's decision to block FaceTime unless a customer pays for voice and text minutes she doesn't need is a clear violation of the FCC's Open Internet rules. It's particularly outrageous that AT&T is requiring this for iPad users, given that this device isn't even capable of making voice calls. AT&T's actions are incredibly harmful to all of its customers, including the deaf, immigrant families and others with relatives overseas, who depend on mobile video apps to communicate with friends and family."

While Apple could easily release FaceTime as a standalone App Store app in order to circumvent the situation, it would probably put them at odds with the carrier. Either way, if you're on a tiered data plan you pay for data just the same and this seems like a move on AT&T's part to push people towards their more pricier data plans whether they want or need them.

Source: Giga Om

iPhone 5 packaging caught on camera

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 12:54 PM PDT

iPhone 5 packaging caught on camera

If you're wondering what your iPhone 5 will come packaged in, here's your answer. In traditional Apple fashion, the box will be simliar to previous versions with nothing but an angled photo of the iPhone 5 on the front and writing on the side.

iPhone 5 packaging

The folks over at Redmond Pie managed to snag a few pictures of what not only the outside packaging looks like but what's included in the box. You can hit the link to view an image of what comes in the box. The contents include a separately packaged pair of Apple's new EarPods, a charging block, and the new Lightning connector.

Source: Redmond Pie

Cool Things: FACET Pyramid iPad Stand

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 09:06 AM PDT

FACET Pyramid iPad Stand

The FACET Pyramid iPad Stand is yet another Kickstarter project that has grabbed my attention – as I really like the concept of this clever iPad stand:

Facet is a multi-angle magnetic iPad stand. Each side of the pyramid is a different angle: 35°, 55°, and 75°. When holding up an iPad, Facet is barely visible from the front. We also wanted Facet to be a sexy object on your desk when it's not being used.

It's compatible with the iPad 2 and the new 2012 iPad, and the embedded neodymium magnets are the same as those used in the Apple iPad Smart Cover.

(...)
Read the rest of Cool Things: FACET Pyramid iPad Stand (142 words)

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Twitter for iPad Updated to Version 5.0

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 08:10 AM PDT

Twitter iPad app

The official Twitter app for iPad (and iPhone) has been updated today, to Version 5.0. The iPad app in particular has had a major design refresh. Here's the full change list for the new version:

- New Twitter for iPad
- New profiles with header photos
- Photo streams on profiles and events
- Other improvements, polish, and fixes

I've only spent a short while with the new version of Twitter for iPad, so I really don't have much to say by way of first impressions as yet. I don't think it matches Tweetbot as yet, but it is good to see the app get a little more ambitious update than it has had in quite a while.

I wish Twitter would change their stance on no longer updating their Mac app, and also on their policies that seem dead set against 3rd party Twitter apps. I'm definitely in the camp that believes 3rd party apps have been a huge part of Twitter's success and they should be looking to increase their support for them, not erode it.

For those of you who have updated to this new version of Twitter for iPad, what do you think of it? What's your favorite iPad Twitter app?

Here's an App Store link for Twitter for iPad; it's a free app.

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Deal of the Day: 33% off the Krusell Luna Tablet Pouch for The New iPad and iPad 2

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 07:21 AM PDT

 

Today Only: Buy the Krusell Luna Tablet Pouch for The New iPad and iPad 2 and save $9.99!

The Krusell Luna Tablet Pouch is a slim, elegant case that holds your iPad safe and secure while keeping a professional design. The inside of the Luna Tablet Pouch features a soft padding that keeps the front and back side of your tablet safe from scratches. The dimensions of the interior are 242x186x10 mm, and the front of the case features a silver Krusell emblem.

List Price: $29.99     Today's Price: $20.00

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Fox Five reports on iPhone 5 lines in New York, then tells viewers it has a laser keyboard and holographic display

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 06:24 AM PDT

I'm sure you have all heard the old saying, "never let facts get in the way of a good story", well Fox News has certainly done just that. During a report by Fox Five which is aired in New York, a reporter was telling the story of how lines were already forming outside of the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in anticipation of the iPhone 5 launch. Fox Five then inexplicably cut to a video showing an ultra-thin device which was actually a concept done way back in August 2011 and nothing like the iPhone 5 that we all saw announced last week. The report then goes on to explain some of the new features of the iPhone 5 and again they are all amazingly incorrect.

"Staring at $200, the iPhone 5 is sleeker, has a laser keyboard, holographic images and other cool new features."

The laser keyboard is again from the same concept video as the ultra thin iPhone and the holographic display ability just beggars belief. I really can't understand why a news network like Fox can't carry out some simple research on a product prior to reporting on it to a huge audience. All they had to do was read our fantastic iPhone 5 everything you need to know post and they wouldn't be looking quite so silly this morning!

You can see the news report from Fox in the video above, the misinformation starts to pour out around the 42 second mark, sit back, relax and laugh loudly!

Source: YouTube via 9to5Mac

Twitter for iPad gets new, completely, sliding-panel free redesign

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 06:00 AM PDT

Twitter has finally -- finally! -- updated the iPad interface to the new look and feel both Twitter.com and the iPhone interface have had for a while now. While it's good to see Twitter hasn't abandoned the iPad the way they seemingly have the Mac app, the update is also more of a mixed bag of hurt.

For mainstream users, the ones we've discussed many times before, who have very few followers, follow hundreds of celebrities, don't direct message, but use tons of TV #hashtags, it's likely an good, more consistent and accessible interface. But it's not a great one. To use Apple's term, this is the smartphone app stretched out to tablet size. It doesn't make use of the additional size of the iPad's screen. It just stretches and spaces to fill it. The information density compared to the previous version is way down, and even if arguably that was too much for regular users, this is too little.

For those of us geeks who grew up with Twitter, and with Tweetie before Twitter bought it, and with the bold, innovative interface Loren Brichter created for the iPad app... it frankly sucks. While not everyone liked the sliding panels of Brichter's iPad interface, the skill it took to design, implement, animate, and get the look and feel to that level was inarguably impressive. It was one of the first apps to truly think differently about interactions on the bigger iPad screen. And now it's gone.

Give it a year and few will remember the old Twitter iPad interface. Millions more will have bought iPads, big and maybe small, and started using the new, awkwardly designed, if more consistent new iPad app.

Twitter deserves credit for recognizing their changing user base and transforming with it. The good of the many outweighs the good of the geeks, including this one.

Hopefully it's just a beginning and Twitter will spend some time iterating on this and update again with something that better matches the potential of the iPad with the realities of their new user space. I won't count on it, but I won't count them out. The decisions being made at the top might be vexing for what amounts to legacy Twitter users and developers, but they've got some amazingly talented people there working on this stuff.

The new Twitter for iPad is live now in the App Store.

Free - Download now

And if you try it and it doesn't suit your fancy, may I suggest:

$2.99 - Tweetbot - Download now

Free - Twitterrific - Download now

Zooka Bluetooth Wireless Speaker review

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 05:24 AM PDT

Zooka is a wireless Bluetooth speaker system made by Carbon Audio for the iPad but usable with the iPhone, iPod touch, and any other BT enabled phone, tablet, computer, or gadget you might wish. It began as a Kickstarter project but can now be found in the Apple Store, which is a good indicator of the quality of their design, manufacturing, and general all-around cleverness.

The reason the Zooka is idea for the iPad is because it was built to be. It has a groove running through the middle of its tube-like design that intended to slide onto the iPad and stay snuggly in place. Because of its rounded shape, the Zooka needs a stand to remain upright. It does make for an extra set up step, and I'm not usually a fan of separate pieces that might get lost, but Zooka mitigates this somewhat by making the stand easily store-able right inside the Zooka itself. Just slide in when you're not using it, slide back out when you are.

If you're gaming rather than watching video, you don't need the stand and you can just rest the Zooka down flat and it angles your iPad perfectly for gaming.

For a laptop with a thin enough screen, like a MacBook, simply invert it and place the groove on top of the screen ridge. For your iPhone, iPod touch, or other devices, just treat it as you would any other Bluetooth speaker system. Forget the groove, put it somewhere close by and convenient, pair over Bluetooth, and let your sound loose.

The construction is great. The Zooka is made out of medical grade silicone, so not only does it look and feel great, it's tough enough to last but not so tough as it might scratch your iPad, table, or anything else you value.

The overall design of the Zooka is fun and that makes it great for parties, watching movies or gaming at home, or any other, similarly casual use. Because of the bright colors and more whimsical design, however, it might look out of place in professional settings like meeting rooms or business functions.

When it comes to sound quality, portable Bluetooth speaker makers have done an exceptional job in recent years overcoming the limitations of the technology to produce really good audio --- for portable Bluetooth speakers. The Zooka is no exception. It's really good audio -- for portable Bluetooth speakers.

If you don't have Bluetooth or you just don't want to use it, there's also a 3.5mm stereo in port. That does remove wireless from the audio equation, but it doesn't make the speakers any bigger. That said, it's so much better -- let me repeat -- so much better than the tiny iPad speakers that you'll be so busy actually enjoying audio again to notice the distortion at really loud volumes.

You charge the Zooka over USB and Carbon Audio's claims of an 8-hour battery life are pretty accurate. There's easily enough juice here to get you through a party, several movies, or a monster gaming session.

The good

  • Designed perfectly for iPad, also works with other gear
  • Fun looking but durable
  • Good sound quality for small Bluetooth speakers

The bad

  • My not suit conservative, professional settings
  • Some distortion at louder volumes

The bottom line

I love the Zooka. It's perfect for families and kids who want to rock out together, watch movies together, play video games together, and otherwise enjoy much, much, better music together in a fun, convenient, compact system.

$99.95 - Buy now
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