Over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend, I had the chance to visit the county fair. And allow me the opportunity to set a mental landscape before entering this review full steam. Imagine the smells of cotton candy filling the air, funnel cakes, the unfortunate waft of an elephant (ew!) and popcorn by the ton. Visualize the brightly painted and extremely lit signs announcing oddball tests of strength and dexterity that you will probably never encounter in real life.

That is, not unless you get the 2K Games Carnival for your Apple iPhone or Apple iPod Touch. Best part, there’s no elephant smell either.

Carnival Games has the typical odd assortment of games from a test of strength, bumper boats, shooting galleries (shoot out the center of a star, shoot the ducks with the targets on their sides and a Wild West shooting game) and even a milk bottle game that you can actually win – much unlike in the real life cheating gosh darn game.

The graphics are great, simple, extremely clean and bright and in good looking 3D. Upon your first start up, you will create a character, I decided to make mine look like me… sorta. You can unlock many items and add them to the look of your character. In fact, my little cherub like avatar is now sporting a pair of x-ray glasses that I won by ringing the bell in the test of strength three times. And speaking of which, 2K Games actually worked it out where if you have to slide your finger up and down in order to build your strength for the test of strength, you actually have to rub your finger up and down – staying in one place won’t suffice. I found that actually cool that they used the iPhone’s touch screen in that manner.

You move around the screen using an virtual joystick and while it’s easy to get around, you cannot control the camera at all. The way the game is laid out, you have to walk around from place to place to where the carnival games are located. While I don’t mind the controls in that aspect, you can find yourself walking into corners or behind the game stands. Just walk around them and you’ll be fine.

I was one of the few that did encounter some random crashes; however since the 1.01 update in the last few days, I can easily state that I’ve been crash-free and enjoying this game to the point of having to charge my battery multiple times in a day. Easy to pick up, totally fun to play with, 100% addictive. I’ll have to give the Nintendo Wii version a spin later on too.

A definite must-buy in my book: 5 out of 5 (Highly Addictive)

[ Link: Carnival Games on iTunes, Carnival Games ]

Ever since my review of Bento 3 for the Apple iPhone and Mac OS X platform, life has been that much more organized for me. And I’ll admit, I was one of those “structured yet unstructured” dudes. I knew where everything was at, lord forbid anybody that would try to follow my organized chaos.

Announced today, Filemaker has released a free Contact & Customer Manager template via the Bento Template Exchange – a free exchange of templates for Bento 3 that extends the living daylights out of Bento 3 from just an easy way to interface a deceptively simple yet powerful database that arranges notes, recipes, meetings, contacts, even contracts and invoices to an even more powerful application.

FileMaker, Inc. today announced the Bento 3 Contact and Customer Manager, a customized set of three new templates that make it easy for Mac users to organize all their contacts and customer details in one place – the perfect solution to a very popular New Year’s resolution. The Bento 3 Contact and Customer Manager includes a free 30-day trial of the popular Bento 3 personal database for Mac, plus three professionally designed, ready-to-use templates including customer and client contacts, sales receipts, and sales opportunities.

The Bento 3 Contact and Customer Manager also works with Bento for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, so customers can organize their contacts and business activities on an Apple iPhone or iPod touch and then synchronize the information to their Mac.

“Customers and prospects can tell if you are organized – or not. By tracking notes from past meetings and conversations, upcoming to-do items, completed phone calls, and important e-mails you’ll be ready when your customers are.” said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, FileMaker, Inc. “With the Bento 3 Contact and Customer Manager, we’re providing an easy and affordable way for customers to get instant access to complete contact and customer details—fully integrated with iCal Tasks and iCal Events—so they have a central hub of information that lets them stay more organized and productive.”

And yes… I’m that excited about a database program. Don’t have Bento for Apple OS X? Download a free trial here. And if you have Bento, the Contact & Customer Manager Template is free.

Thanks Beth and Carleen for the scoop and info!

[ Links: Bento 3 Contact & Customer Manager, Bento 3, RTL Bento 3 Review ]

Macally has introduced its portable stereo speaker IP-A111 designed for iPod products and other mini-audio players. This thumb-sized speaker supports up to 8 hours of battery life with an AA battery.

Link to the original article…

Blinkcase [ site here ] is offering 30% off on all of their fashionable Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch cases and accessories via the coupon “BLACKFRIDAY09“.

I’d jump on it guys if I were you… nothing like a good case for cheap.

Believe it or not, I’m not usually chained to my computer and computer desk like I’m auditioning for the next upcoming “Saw” movie; however when I’m out and about I’m sometimes clueless about what concerts are nearby until either it’s way too late or the door charge makes me lose any interest instantly. With that said, Concertfinder, LLC has released Concertimatic that lets you know what concerts are happening in advance.

Imagine never missing your favorite bands when they come to your area again. With one tap, Concertimatic reads your iTunes® music library and automatically tells you when your favorite bands are playing near you.

The application eliminates the labor and time of searching through sites like Pollstar, Jambase and others, automatically letting you know about shows you’re interested in.

All for the low price of 99 cents via the Apple iTunes Music Store for your Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch. Rock on!

[ Concertimatic ] [ Related: TuneUp Media ]

Edutige [ site here ] launched its high-sensitivity mini condenser microphone ‘ETM-007′ dedicated to iPhone, iPod Touch/Nano/Classic, and MacBook products. Equipped with high-sensitivity omni-directional microphones, the ETM-007 delivers ultra-high sensitivity -23dB.

Link to the original article…

The original Bower & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod Dock – shown above in the back – was perhaps one of the few Apple iPod docks that probably came with a hernia warning in the instructions. It was huge.

So B&W has just released the Zeppelin Mini… which looks just fine as-is; even though it’s still a bit on the big side. But… it’s all the better to pump out your tunes in high-quality my dear!

Zeppelin Mini attains the same high standards in sound quality and design set by Zeppelin, but in a more compact form. It is reduced in size, not in sound, and has amazing volume levels for such a diminutive package. It’s ideal for lounges just like its larger sibling, but it can easily be slotted into a bedroom, kitchen, or student digs.

Key differentiating features include an updated docking arm. On the original this innovative solution worked incredibly well, allowing hassle-free mounting of any iPod, and easy access to Apple’s user-friendly interface. These qualities remain, but the addition of USB connectivity allows Zeppelin Mini to bypass the analogue output stage of any iPod, providing access to the very best digital sound an iPod has to offer.

Thanks Erika for the tip!

[ Bowers & Wilkins ] [ B&W Zeppelin Mini ]

Thanks to the people at Eos Wireless, they sent over an Eos Wireless iPod speaker system and dock for review just in time for Summer.

While other offerings claim to be “wireless”, such as the Marantz IS301, you will still need wires to get the speakers to play some sound. Not the EOS Wireless system where the speakers have built in wireless receivers and amplifiers built into the speaker – just supply a power socket and no other wires.

Mind you, I live on a relative big patch of land (28+ acres in total) and in some areas if I wanted music, I’d have to have concert level speakers (and noise) in order to feed my dogs which are about an acre away. I’m not in the mood to pay for disturbing the peace however I do have power that runs down there next to the dog’s lot since I might have to do work in that area. And despite being rated only for 150 feet, these speakers worked at about an acre (212 ft/~65 m) away. And clearly too, I might add.

However, the Eos Wireless system though is a mixed bag – more good than just “okay”.

The build quality is actually very nice, with thick, black plastic and a very tight fit being the norm and per usual, the finger print magnet black plastic that basically will keep cleaner business going basically forever. The remote control is perhaps the smallest thing I’ve seen in ages. Smaller than a zippo lighter, but still tactile enough to keep me using it in the near future without discomfort.

The sound… this is where it gets good.

If you’re expecting enough boom to shake the change in your pockets loose; it’s not gonna happen. But the sound from these little speakers (5.75 in x 9 in x 5 in) has some of the clearest midrange and treble, even matching in clarity my much more expensive Paradigm speakers that comprise part of my game room stereo. The speakers do include SRS WOW! technology that kills any harshness and mellows out the mids easily. Simply put, you can hear very clearly the vocals, the high hats and cymbals in each and every song you own.

The bass, while not spectacular, it present enough to let you hear songs with enough range to keep you satisfied. Hiphop and jazz fans won’t be overwhelmed with the bass, but at least this does not bottom out as easily as the Mint DS 220 speaker system I had reviewed a while back.

The design of the speakers was hit or miss for me. The look is pretty darn cool complete with the prerequisite blue LED, but the plug portion was troubling for me. Anytime there is a sticker that says “Push down hard” I get scared and think of how I can break things. The cool part is that you can leave the plugs in without having to “push hard” down on them to disengage them and plug them straight into the wall and let them hang there like a towel on a hook. Despite the “push down hard” label, I still liked how the plugs were worked into the back of the speaker.

The controls on the main unit, which has speakers of its own, are simple enough. Ever used an Apple iPod? Then you’ll have no problem whatsoever with this. Serious… it’s that easy. And that’s a very good thing.

Back to the wireless part. I hooked up the base and plugged up a speaker in a different room. On the top of the speaker, there’s a volume/power knob and another push button with a status LED. When there’s a connection, it’ll stay on solid and blink if there’s any disconnection. Pulling the speaker out all of the way to the dog lot in my backyard, plugging it into the power that’s back there and having it sync up easily was surprising yet the audio was still very clear.

And speaking of transmitting wireless tunes, the Eos Wireless system promises to not interfere with wifi, bluetooth and cordless phones. I can also confirm this is entirely true – works great, didn’t interfere with anything my house at all. Phone calls came and went without that annoying interference noise or lose of quality.

All in all, the Eos Wireless System is great for whenever you’re outside and want to add extra speakers without having to bust through some walls or run wires all over for people to trip over and break things. It has a very good sound that’s not entirely devoid of bass and a clarity that would make you and others think that it should cost more than $249. While testing around, I got the attention of my friends that truly enjoyed them and were curious about them as well.

So far, it seems like you can buy them only at their website, but with 3 payment system via Paypal as well as credit cards, there are a few ways to pay for this cool product. Only bad part of this system to me was the unlocking mechanism for the power plugins. I’d really recommend this system for the people that do any kind of entertainment for others while outside. Just don’t get them wet – they’re not waterproof.

If you’re that type of person that wants your tunes outside or in other rooms, then this system is perfect for you. In fact, the Eos Wireless iPod System gets Remove The Labels (RTL) very first 5 out of 5 (A must buy).

[ Eos Wireless ]

The iSkin touch Vibes delivers the complete protective benefits of a
durable soft case, adds an ultra-clear screen film and protective docking port
insert, and wraps it up in a rich color finish lightly accented with a unique
inner pattern that shimmers. The result is everyday protection against
everyday hazards in a fun, stylish and fashionably aware bodyguard. Also
featuring an included adapter for the Apple Universal Dock, the iSkin touch
Vibes is available in Reflex (blue), Blaze (red), Carbon (black), Rave
(purple) and Pure (clear), and retails now at http://www.iskin.com for $29.99 US.

I would say that the development of Skype for the iPod Touch will only be a matter of time. The iPhone Skype software will need a few modifications to function in the iPod Touch environment, but if the hardware capability exists, you can bet people are going to make use of it. Depending on how easily other mobile Skype software can be adapted to the Touch, I would say that we could see it within the next six months.

People have been speculating about this sort of thing for over a year, but it is the next generation Touch that has made it an inevitability. There were hacks to incorporate a microphone on the original Touch, but to get the mainstream support that would motivate developers to produce the software, it needs to have native capability – as that provides the potential market to make it worthwhile. Voice over IP capability would be a selling point in its own right and would attract buyers that might not otherwise be prepared to buy an MP3 player, or for that matter, an iPhone. [Various Sources]

Link to the original article…

Master Lock, makers of the well-known locks that’s been shot, flamed, boiled, frozen and still worked – are now entering into the land of the Apple iPod case makers. Yes, a Master Lock inspired case; nothing short of a Fargo Wells entry might actually prove to be safer.

iPods have quickly become some of the most popular and widely used portable media devices by people of all ages, with over 170 million sold worldwide since its introduction in 2001. Their frequent use while people are on the go and potentially less attentive to their surroundings have made them an easy target for would be thieves on campus, in urban areas, on city transportation systems, and in many other public environments.

Master Lock, www.masterlock.com, the innovative industry leader in locks and security products, recognizes the importance of the personal and financial investment iPod users have made in their media players, and has now made protecting these devices more convenient with the introduction of the first-of-its-kind iCage™, a family of locking skins for iPod players. The iCage includes a durable, lightweight protective skin, set-your-own 3-digit combination lock for keyless convenience, flexible cable for lock-down security, and three (3) invisible shrink wraps for screen and body scratch protection. Best of all, the device remains fully functional in the new locking skin with access to all ports for the user.

With the massive proliferation of personal digital audio players, experts agree that the devices have contributed to increases in violent crimes. In major urban areas like New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco and Los Angeles, crime statistics compiled between 2004 and 2007 show a substantial rise in iPod and cell phone robberies.

“So many people have made their iPod an essential part of their lives and that means more, and often easier, opportunities for theft. The iCage™ maintains the ease of use of these devices while keeping them more secure,” said John Heppner, president and CEO of Fortune Brands Storage and Security, which includes Master Lock. “The iCage locking skin enhances the iPod user experience by making security possible wherever and whenever people are using them.”

The new iCage is available for the 4GB and 8GB iPod nano; and the 30GB, 60GB, 80GB or 160GB iPod classic. It has a suggested retail price of $14.99 for the nano models, and $19.99 for the classic models. For more information about Master Lock’s new iCage™ and other security tips to keep you and your belongings safe, visit www.masterlockitup.com.

My hate for wires still continues – feel free to read my other rant about wires right here. Enter the Digital Signature Mint 220.

Coming in under $180.00 USD, it offers:

• The Mint 220 Digital Music Station offers the highest fidelity digital audio, using Texas Instruments’ PurePath Digital audio amplification for optimal performance.
• Wireless 2.4GHz lossless audio streaming from your Mac or PC with the included Mint USB Wireless Transmitter
• Mint’s Di-Fi™ digital-sound is delivered from your PC or Mac wirelessly, with no loss of fidelity, up to 45 feet or 15 meters
• Careful craftsmanship, acoustic engineering and sealed enclosure design offer precise audio usually found only in much pricier systems
• Two 3.5” full-range Peerless® transducers for big speaker sound and compact, mini-speaker versatility.

What catches my eye is Di-Fi™. I’ve heard of wi-fi, just like everybody else… but Di-Fi is a promise that your already compressed mp3 music – or the uncompressed FLAC type(s) of music filetypes – will sound just as good over the air as it does in your headphones.

Hop down to your local Best Buy or hit up the MintDS (Mint Digital Signature) website for more information.