Since the beginning of October, I've had a constant companion -- a Fitbit Ultra fitness tracker. It's been tracking my activity (or lack thereof), my sleep, and the number of flights of stairs that I go up and down. But until earlier this week, I had to visit the Fitbit website to enter in other information such as what I was eating, how many glasses of water I've had to drink, etc... Now Fitbit has released an iPhone app to give Fitbit owners a way to track or enter fitness and nutrition data on the go.

To use the app, you need to have a US$99 Fitbit or Fitbit Ultra registered with the Fitbit service. Unfortunately, the app does not let your iPhone or iPod touch communicate directly with the Fitbit -- for that, you still need to be within 30 feet of the charge/sync dock to have the device transfer information. It would be nice if Fitbit would figure out a way to get the device to communicate directly with the iPhone so traveling users don't have to lug around a laptop and the little dock in order to transfer the fitness info.

What I like about the iPhone app is that I'm much more likely to track my food and water intake when I have the app at my fingertips rather than needing to grab a computer to enter the info. You can also see how many steps you've taken, how many calories have been burned so far today, how many calories you can ingest for the rest of the day, and how much water you've had to drink. It's also nice to see a history of your weight, although I prefer using WeightBot ($1.99) for that.

Gallery: Fitbit App for iPhone

This first go at a Fitbit app is quite well done, and it's a must for all Fitbit owners. Be sure to check out the gallery to get an idea of how the app works.
Fitbit releases iPhone app for fitness tracking on the go originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jawbone's fitness-obsessed wristband appears to be closing in on the retail finish line. The Up pairs with what appears to be an iOS app, (no news on whether an Android version is in the pipeline), and will pile on the guilt about your disgustingly sedentary lifestyle. You can have the luxury of feeling like a weight loss reality show contestant by scheduling "get up and move" reminders when you've succumbed to watching back-to-back mediocre sitcoms with a Doritos family bag chaser. There's also a sleep tracker and a challenge tab to plot your amazing weight loss journey (or descent to an early demise) against friends and family. It'll monitor what you eat, and even tell you which foods "help you feel your best." (We think it's cake.) No word on price or arrival date just yet, so you'll just have to put up with Autom until we hear more.

[Thanks, Luke]

Jawbone's Up wristband warms up at AT&T store, wants you faster, stronger originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Since that whole Revue thing didn't go over so swimmingly, it looks like Logitech's going back to its accessory roots, with a manic hope that tablet add-ons are the future. The company just announced a fold-out keyboard for the iPad 2 that's pretty much what it sounds like: a keyboard split in two whose halves flip out and connect to form a full QWERTY. As you can see in those shots below, you can still use your magical, candy-colored Smart Cover when your iPad is docked. At $129.99, it's hardly a cheap doo-dad and frankly, we would have hoped for higher quality. In our brief hands-on, the keys felt unstable and stiff -- an ideal combination for anyone who thought their iPad needed more chintz. Pre-order it at the source link if you must, though you might do just as well gawking at our pics below.
Gallery: Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad hands-on
Logitech announces $130 fold-out keyboard for the iPad, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Got a pair of Macs laying around, but don't want to shell out for two Apple Cinema Displays? We don't blame you, those things are expensive. A little company called Kanex has a solution for you though, the SnapX. SnapX is, at it's heart, simply a port switcher that lets you connect two DisplayPort-equipped Macs to a single Cinema Display. But, the glossy $70 adapter does have a few neat features, like USB pass through for firing up the iSight camera and a clip for securing it to the base of the monitor. The SnapX is available for pre-order now and starts shipping to Apple devotees in September. One more pic and some PR await after the break.
Continue reading SnapX lets your Macs share a single Cinema Display
SnapX lets your Macs share a single Cinema Display originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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M.I.C.'s Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case doesn't just protect your iPad2 screen, it also has a bluetooth keyboard like a few other iPad cases. But what sets this one apart is that the outer casing is made of aluminum. More »

 
The DRACO IV is a gorgeous aluminum, handcrafted bumper for the iPhone 4, that protects your device while providing an unmistakable anomalous design that stands head and shoulders above the usual status quo.  The folks at Draco Design use industrial grade aluminum to create a product that is not only lightweight but also stands up to the demands of everyday iPhone use.
 

What makes the DRACO different?
Design is the bottom line.  The DRACO IV is truly a thing of beauty.  There is no mistaking this aluminum bumper for others on the market today.  The curvaceous construction rests nicely in your hand, while not adding excessive weight or unwanted bulk.  DRACOdesign and Co-developing partner Dëff, worked together to create a high-tech refined product with exhaustive attention to detail.  It all starts with a 5-axis CNC machined piece of aluminum.  However, it doesn’t stop there.  Handcrafted isn’t a pitch phrase for DRACOdesign—each aluminum bumper is hand polished, anodized, and laser curved by hand.  This is clearly evident in the final product.  You immediately see the quality of the bumper when you assemble it around your iPhone 4.
 

 
What you get
There are four main colors to choose from–blue, black, red, and gray.  There are also limited edition gold and silver versions as well.  My testing unit was gray, and I found it to be an excellent compliment to the black iPhone 4.  The aluminum bumper comes in two pieces that are assembled together with two tiny allen screws (allen wrench is provided as well).  Also included in the set-up are three buttons and a small switch that are placed in form-fitting holes machined especially to receive them.  These loose pieces take a little time to line up exactly with the corresponding volume, mute and power off buttons residing below them, but once they are lined up correctly, they seemed to perform admirably during my time testing them.
 











 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Access / Daily use
In addition to the aforementioned “floating” volume, mute, and power off buttons, there are custom machined openings for the SIM card slot, headphone jack, speaker, microphone, and 30-pin dock connector.  Your iPhone 4 can be charged while the case is installed with a standard Apple power cord that ships with your iPhone 4.  In addition, I was able to use it with other accessories that allowed for the added bulk of bumpers or cases.  The bumper extends slightly past the edge of the screen, so with care, you can place it on a flat surface without the glass touching.  However, this was such a modest extent, that I left my BodyGuardz screen protector on the back of the phone.  It is important to note the bumper I tested was designed for the AT&T iPhone 4.  Fortunately, they also offer a Verizon version as well.
 


 
Final Thoughts
The DRACO IV Aluminum bumper for the iPhone 4 is an aluminum bumper after all.  What does that mean to the consumer with regard to reception?  Are there any downsides to using a bumper made of aluminum?  Without getting technical–in my experience with testing the DRACO IV bumper over several weeks, in many different scenarios, reflecting my typical use from day to day, I found it to perform very effectively.  This was especially true in areas where I had “good” signal strength to start with.  This is party due to the fact that the inside of the bumper has pieces of form fitting rubber in the corners that separate the aluminum from the iPhone.  This essentially prevents direct contact with the bumper.  When I did experience signal strength decline I was in self-confirmed areas of “poor” to no service, and my loss of signal strength appeared to be exacerbated by the bumper rather than caused by it.
Overall my experience with the DRACO IV was a very positive one.  I really appreciated the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into this product.  I found it to be a very elegant compliment to my iPhone 4.  If you are in the market for a stylish, innovative, and quality bumper for your iPhone 4 you really need to give DRACOdesign a look.  The DRACO IV retails for $99.99 at participating outlets.

The DRACO IV handcrafted bumper for the iPhone 4 was provided for review on iSource.com by DRACOdesign.  For further information regarding our site’s review policies, please see the “About” page.

Apple's Smart Cover is a great, versatile screen cover for your iPad 2. It allows you to stand your tablet up, prop it up for typing in landscape and more; it even turns the iPad off automatically when you close it. But it leaves the back of the iPad 2 exposed, and as beautiful as it is, that metal can get all scratched up pretty quickly without some protection.

So, here's a roundup of all Smart Cover-compatible back cases we could find.
Continue reading iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible cases: our roundup (Updated)
iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible cases: our roundup (Updated) originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iPad 2 owners looking for a classy case that works with the Smart Cover can stop searching. Aviiq's Smart Case for iPad 2 is just what you were trying to find.

I first heard about this case back in the beginning of April. After receiving a review case to try out, I'll be buying one of the US$49.99 Smart Cases for my iPad 2. It's lightweight -- just 4.1 ounces. It's strong -- made of thin aluminum to keep the back of your iPad 2 scratch-free, with a gray plastic material protecting the sides. It is easy to install -- some of the cases I've reviewed recently have actually taken tools (a plastic spudger) to get on and off, while the Smart Case just pops on and off with little effort. It works with the Smart Cover (not included). And best of all, the colors of the Smart Case compliment the Smart Cover.

The colors on the Smart Case and Smart Cover aren't a perfect match, since it's difficult to exactly match colors on two completely different materials. But they're close enough that it looks as if the two products were made in the same factory.

Aviiq made sure that the Smart Case didn't add a lot of thickness to the package. The aluminum casing is only 1.5 mm thick, so you're not stuck holding a big wad 'o case. According to information I received from Aviiq prior to the release of the Smart Case, they made sure that the shell didn't block Wi-Fi or 3G transmissions, which explains the plastic material around the sides of the iPad 2.

With the Smart Case and Smart Cover combination, your iPad 2 is totally protected and looks great as well. Kudos to the Aviiq team on a well-done product. Check out the gallery below for some details and shots of the Smart Case in action.

Gallery: Aviiq Smart Case for iPad 2

Aviiq Smart Case is sweet protection for your iPad 2 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Fling joysticks for the iPad are fantastic little contraptions. Two suction cups, a conductive joystick, and a cleverly designed plastic spiral all work in perfect harmony to provide a tactile gameplay experience that is absolutely incredible in dual stick shooters. (Or, really, any other game with a virtual joystick.) Also, it seems like every time I post about this we get comment threads full of naysayers. To that I say, if you have any doubt about the Fling, you really need to give 'em a try at any Apple store.

With that out of the way, ever since we originally posted about them for the iPad, gamers with iPhones and iPod touches have been asking when there will be a smaller version for their devices. That day, apparently, is today. The Fling Mini is currently available for preorder. A pair will run you $24.95 and they should start shipping in mid to late July.

We'll have a hands-on of the Fling Mini at some point next week. With all the WWDC and E3 insanity, I'm not entirely sure when we'll have that hands-on, but it's very high on my list of things to check out.

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Of all of the bloggers here at TUAW, I probably see more iPad cases than anyone else. I've reviewed both the ridiculous -- a case I refused to write up after it literally ripped apart as I was installing it -- and the sublime. The Blackbox Case for iPad 2 (US$99) is one of the latter, and if you're looking for a unique and beautiful iPad 2 case for yourself or as a gift for a friend, you should consider this product.

I am a person who appreciates the fine details of well-made products, and for that very reason I fell in love with the Blackbox Case the moment I opened the package. Each case comes wrapped in a burlap bag, with a hand-numbered certificate welcoming you to the family attached with twine to the outside. Just opening the case is an experience, with the rough burlap a complete contrast in feel to what's inside the bag.

Within that burlap is an iPad 2 case that works both with and without a Smart Cover. The case is handmade of bamboo, with a felt lining to protect the iPad, a leather strap with a metal snap to restrain the iPad, and a company "brand" burned into the bamboo. A unique ID number is stamped onto the leather strap, and it is the number that is on the certificate that you'll want to keep. There's no manual needed to install this case; you just slide your iPad 2 into the felt-lined slot and snap the strap shut.

Gallery: Blackbox Case for iPad 2

Continue reading Blackbox Case for iPad 2 is beautiful, unique and tactile
Blackbox Case for iPad 2 is beautiful, unique and tactile originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 28 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Last night I sat in front of an arcade machine in a darkened room of my house and played '80s arcade games until well past midnight. More »

We met up with Seagate last week to get a sneak peak at its brand new wireless mobile storage drive, the GoFlex Satellite. It’s a battery-powered external hard drive, though it’s not just a traditional drive — it can also stream any and all content wirelessly over Wi-Fi to any iOS or Android device, or even any Wi-Fi device with a browser. The premise is that since most mobile devices are limited in storage, you can load only what you really need on your iPad, for example, and have your entire music or photo collection (or both) loaded up on the external drive to be accessed only when you need something. To get content onto the drive, you just use one of the GoFlex connectors such as the included USB 3.0 connector (there is a ThunderBolt connector coming this summer), and either use the company’s Media Sync software to automatically add content, or use the drive like a normal external drive and manually load on your data. More after the break.

The iOS app worked reasonably well in our tests, and the app we used wasn’t even the final version. The GoFlex Satellite can support and stream to three devices simultaneously, and we saw 1080p video played wirelessly on an iPad with zero stuttering — even skipping to the middle of the movie didn’t result in any playback issues, it just a couple seconds to catch up with the stream — non-1080p content played back with even better results. Battery life is around 5 hours of video streaming playback. The device itself isn’t bulky, but we’d have liked to see something even more portable. While a 2.5-inch drive offers capacity, we can’t help but think a 1.8-inch drive would have been a great additional option for a smaller unit. If you’re in the market for a brand new external hard drive, the Seagate GoFlex Satellite is a great option, though if you’re not the type of person who has room to carry a drive with you at all times, you might be better off with a smaller, normal external hard drive. The GoFlex Satellite is available starting next month, but is available for pre-order now from Best Buy and Seagate’s website for $199. Here is Seagate’s full press release:

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. — May 16, 2011 —Seagate (NASDAQ: STX), the leading manufacturer of hard drives, today announced GoFlex Satellite™ mobile wireless storage, the first battery-powered external hard drive to wirelessly extend the storage capacity of any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device. With 500GB and Wi-Fi access over 802.11 b/g/n , theGoFlex Satellite mobile wireless storage provides the ability to carry an entire library of video, music, pictures and documents with you. The GoFlex Satellite wirelessly streams content to an iPad®, iPod touch™, iPhone® or other Wi-Fi enabled devices without the use of the Internet or a cable.  To allow seamless access to the GoFlex Satellite from an  iOS device, Seagate has provided a free app available for download from the iTunes app store. GoFlex Satellite mobile wireless storage is now available in the U.S. for preorder from Amazon.com and Seagate.com for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99. For the U.S. market, the new mobile wireless storage will also be available from Best Buy in June and is planned for global availability later this summer.



“With the incredible growth of the tablet and iPad markets and the insatiable desire to devour larger volumes of media by consumers, there is a clear need for access to content that is not burdened by the limitations of  Internet streamed video,” said Patrick Connolly, vice president and general manager of Seagate’s retail group.  “The unfortunate fact is that these popular new mobile devices are hampered by their limited storage capacity while one of their primary functions is that of media consumption.



With the GoFlex Satellite mobile wireless storage, we wished to create an elegant solution that provides real value to the multitude of iPad users out there by delivering a seamless connection to local storage. No longer will a consumer feel as though it is a compromise to purchase a lower capacity tablet or iPad. With GoFlex Satellite, people will be able to carry their entire media library with them without the need for wires or the web at a fraction of the cost of adding 3G or purchasing the 64GB iPad.”



Streaming over the Internet has enabled video access for tablet owners, but the quality is at the mercy of the Internet connection, be it over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G. With more connected devices per hotspot, it’s rapidly becoming difficult to watch video without choppiness or pixilation. Rather than rely on a buffered stream from a distant provider, GoFlex Satellite mobile storage wirelessly serves up media content as a local attached storage for up to three devices at the same time. With a stand-by battery life of up to 25 hours, the powerful lithium-polymer battery delivers up to 5 hours of continuously streaming video. To help with extending battery life, the free the GoFlex® Media app provides a progressive download feature, which temporarily loads the video on to the iOS device it is being streamed to.



GoFlex® Media App

Initially available for Apple iOS devices, such as: iPad, iPhone and iPod touch; the GoFlex Media app provides a seamless way to connect the mobile wireless storage to your iPad or iPhone. The Android app is expected to be available by this summer. Those that currently use an Android smartphone or tablet can access content on GoFlex Satellite through the device’s browser.



Media Sync software

The easy-to-use Media Sync software, also included free with purchase, makes grabbing media from a Windows® PC or Mac® OS X computer a breeze. Wherever the files are stored, whether that is a file structure of your own creation or in an iTunes library, the Media Sync software will load all of your desired music, videos, photos and documents on to the GoFlex Satellite.  Media Sync is easily configured to only place files on the drive that are compatible with your iOs device.  Even music and videos purchased through iTunes can be loaded to the GoFlex Satellite and will play on all authorized devices.



Loading Media

For rapid loading of media content, the wireless mobile storage  comes equipped with the superfast USB 3.0 cable to get files from your computer to the GoFlex Satellite. The USB 3.0 cable will also continue to work with USB 2.0 ports and is easily removed for portability.  In addition to the USB 3.0 cable the GoFlex Satellite drive comes complete with a car charger and a compact wall charger.

The makers of the G-Form iPad Sleeve claim you can drop an eight pound bowling ball on the sleeve (with iPad inserted) from a height of three feet, and the iPad will still work afterwards. And assuming all is honest in this video clip, the proof is in the pudding. The sleeve will cost $60 when it's available on May 1. [G-Form via 9to5Mac] More »

Like most people, I thought the iPad Smart Cover was pretty cool, but it bothered me for two reasons. First, I think it's too expensive, especially in leather, and second, it didn't really protect the iPad, just the screen.

I knew it was a matter of time before there were options, and this week I was sent a Yoobao Products Executive Leather case from US distributor Xengadget. The case sells for US$34.95, which is a reasonable price given how the case works.

The case is real leather, protects both the back and front of the iPad 2, and it even has the magnets that allow the iPad to shut down or turn on when the case is closed or opened. The case comes in three colors: black, red and light brown. It has a built in kickstand, and you can orient the case for a low or steeper angle for use.

Gallery: Yoobao Executive Leater Case

Continue reading A fully protective iPad 2 case that emulates the Apple Smart Cover
A fully protective iPad 2 case that emulates the Apple Smart Cover originally appeared on TUAW on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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At first glance, the LifeProof iPhone case just looks like a no-frills scratchguard for your do-everything lifeline. What you don't realize is that it is mil-spec rated—meaning it is water-, dust-, snow-, and shock-proof. Most cases that carry out similar functions are considerably more bulky than this one appears to be. More »

You've seen the sleek machined aluminum mobile accessories from Element Case here on TUAW before. Now the company has announced a new addition to the Vapor case line; the US$149.99 Vapor Pro FE.

Using a proprietary aerospace polymer in the frame, the Vapor Pro case has been designed in such a way to eliminate detuning of the iPhone 4's antenna, also known as the "grip of death." As with the all-aluminum Vapor case, the Vapor Pro is bundled with a machined installation tool. The first offering of the case will feature a special FE "First Edition" symbol, a removable carbon fiber back plate and a zipper case for those rare times you want your iPhone 4 to go naked.

The Vapor Pro FE is also coming with a special two-tone electrolytic hard coat finish that is much more resistant to abrasion than anodized metal. The initial version is only for the AT&T (GSM) model of the iPhone 4, while a Verizon (CDMA) edition is in production and will be available soon. Once the Vapor Pro FE is sold out, a variety of optional back plates in different finishes and colors are expected, with pricing to be announced later.

The Vapor Pro has wider access ports at the top and bottom than the Vapor case, and the fastening bolts are now located on opposite corners of the phone. The SIM card slot is perforated and features unique accents.

We're going to be giving away a Element Case Vapor Pro FE to one lucky TUAW reader. To enter, just leave a comment below telling us what you'd like to protect your iPhone 4 from with an Element Case Vapor Pro FE. We'll randomly pick one winner soon.



Here are the rules for the giveaway:

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
To enter, leave a comment telling us what you'd like to protect your iPhone 4 from with an Element Case Vapor Pro FE.
The comment must be left before Friday, February 25, 2011 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.
You may enter only once.
One winner will be selected and will receive an Element Case Vapor Pro FE valued at $149.99.
Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Good luck! If you're not feeling lucky or would like to check out more details of the Vapor Pro FE, visit the web page for the case after midnight PST tonight or buy one (also after midnight PST) at the Element Case Store.






Element Vapor Pro iPhone 4 case: Exclusive first look and giveaway originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iPad 2 rumor posts have been done to death by now—we get it! It's coming very soon!—but this one could actually save you a bit of coin should you want to keep your current iPad, so, enjoy. More »