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Who will buy the iPad 2, Google Instant Previews, PGA Tour 12: US Update
Pocket Legends for Android outperforms iOS revenue
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 demo out for Xbox 360 and PS3
Google adds instant previews for iOS and Android
ZAGGmate with keyboard for iPad 2: the ultimate keyboard stand
92 percent of iPad owners will keep the original or buy the iPad 2
Philips AirPlay speakers, 10 unbelievable iPad mods, Samsung Galaxy S 2 delayed: Teatime Tech
10 unbelievable iPad mods
JBL On Air: another AirPlay-toting iPod dock officially outed
Philips AirPlay speakers: Fidelio Soundsphere

Who will buy the iPad 2, Google Instant Previews, PGA Tour 12: US Update

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 06:08 PM PST

Bringing it to you fresh and direct this fine Wednesday morning it's your daily dose of tech news. In today's US Update we reveal how many iPad owners plan to purchase the iPad 2 at launch, introduce the ZAGGmate with bluetooth keyboard, show off Google Instant Search for mobile and more.

According to a survey by pcmag.com, nearly 92 percent of all original iPad owners plan to keep the original iPad or purchase the iPad 2. Only 8 percent plan on leaving iOS for the Android competition, shocking? The ZAGGmat with keyboard for iPad 2 looks to be the slickest solution to protecting the new iPad while adding loads of functionality. The stylish aluminum case only adds a 1/4 inch of thickness, but keeps your gadget safe and sound.

Google has introduced instant previews on iOS and Android. If you currently use Android 2.2 or higher, or an iOS device with version 4.0 or higher, head to your browser and enjoy visual search today. The Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 demo is now available on both Xbox 360 and PS3. The demo brings the new TPC San Antonio Oaks Course to the mix with the first five hole playable. You can also finish the 18th hole from Augusta National playing as Tiger Woods to win his fifth Green Jacket.

Last up this morning is a shocking revelation for mobile game developers. Spacetime Studios, creators of Pocket Legends, has revealed Android revenues during the first 30 days were 30 to 50 percent more than iOS. Could high quality Android games be the next mobile gold mine?

That wraps up the morning in tech. As always I'm Nick Marshall and I'll see you again tomorrow.

Pocket Legends for Android outperforms iOS revenue

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 05:57 PM PST

Still under the assumption you can't make an honest buck selling an Android game? Spacetime Studios, creators of the infamous Pocket Legends, has debunked this myth. The studio claims the game is downloaded roughly 9,000 times a day on Android compared to 3,000 to 4,000 on iOS. With 30 to 50 percent more revenue coming from Android users, Spacetime Studios has its sights set on Android as its primary development platform.

“We've just been blown away. Android has become our primary interest,” said Spacetime CEO Gary Gattis.

Pocket Legends has enjoyed great success on both Android and iOS. It currently resides on our Top 100 'Best Android apps of all time' list and we'd be lying if we said we didn't spend at least a some of hour free time playing. According to Spacetime Studios, Pocket Legends daily activity on Android is double that of iOS. With the majority of profit coming from in-app purchases, daily activity has become synonymous with sales for the developer.

Certainly the results for Spacetime Studios do not reflect the entire market, but for this developer Android has proved more profitable. With considerably less applications, especially high-quality games, available on Android — titles like Pocket Legends could be the next app goldmine.

Out Now | Android Market

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 demo out for Xbox 360 and PS3

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 05:01 PM PST

Xbox and Playstation gamers the day has come. The free demo for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 is out and we've got the details. Be one of the first to play Augusta National's par-4 18th and the first five holes at TPC San Antonio Oaks Course, the newest course in the franchise.

Let's break down the new demo. When you fire up Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 you'll begin at TPC San Antonio where you'll play holes 1-5. After you complete these five holes, you'll automatically qualify to advance straight to the amateur series in the full version of PGA Tour 12.

The 18th hole at Augusta National is the next step of the demo. On this par-4 you'll take control of Tiger Woods and chase for his fifth Green Jacket with the new commentary team of Jim Nantz and David Feherty. Now for some important tidbits.

While you are playing the demo you'll be able to accumulate XP points which will be transferred to the full version of the game. Also, the Playstation 3 version supports the Move controller and the demo can be played in True View mode – a first-person vantage point that is new to the PS3 and Move. There's loads of other new features such as a caddy mode, but we recommend you just head to your console and download the demo now.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 is still on track to launch March 29th in North American and April 1st worldwide.

Coming Soon | EA | TBD

Google adds instant previews for iOS and Android

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 04:32 PM PST

Google Instant Previews is the next level of interaction with search results. Much like the desktop version, Instant Previews allows you to visually compare search results from webpage snapshots. In the end, finding your desired website is faster and easier than ever before. If you currently use Android 2.2 or higher or iOS 4.0 or higher, read on.

Efficiency in search is a constant battle due to content farms overwhelming search engines. The sole purpose of these websites is to produce vaguely relevant information which scores high, usually on the first page, of Google. To identify high value results, user curating is required.

Google Instant Previews helps to accomplish this goal by providing a webpage snapshot. Rather than navigating back and forth in your browser, wasting precious minutes, finding the desired result visually. Search just got a whole lot more interesting on mobile.

Out Now | Google

ZAGGmate with keyboard for iPad 2: the ultimate keyboard stand

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 04:08 PM PST

Virtual keyboards are nice, but nothing replaces the physical keyboard of a laptop — especially when you hammer out 100+ words per minute. To bridge this gap, ZAGG created ZAGGmate for iPad. This bluetooth keyboard stand could be the perfect accessory for your shiny new iPad 2.

With the Apple iPad keyboard dock not yet available, the current solution has been to use to a bluetooth keyboard when typing long messages on the iPad. Sure, you could use one of Apple's cases in combination with Apple's wireless keyboard, but it simply lacks polish. Enter, ZAGGmate with keyboard for iPad 2.

ZAGGmate is built from aircraft-grade aluminum with a bead-blasted, anodized finish to match your iPad. With military grade high-density padding for drop protection and an innovative hinge for typing, ZAGGmate offers exceptional protection and functionality. The built-in bluetooth keyboard completes the package. With dedicated buttons for music control, volume control, slideshow, home, and search, you can quickly navigate the iPad without touching the screen. Overall ZAGGmate with keyboard for iPad 2 only adds an additional 1/4inch to your tablet.

According to the company, "ZAGGmate pre-orders for the Apple iPad 2 will ship no later than March 31, 2011. You will receive a shipping confirmation email when your item(s) ship."

Coming Soon | Zagg | $99.99

92 percent of iPad owners will keep the original or buy the iPad 2

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 01:22 PM PST

A survey is currently underway (compliments of pcmag.com) which hopes to find out how many existing iPad owners will be upgrading to the new iPad 2. We must caution that these results are based on 5,309 votes and those surveyed did not verify ownership of the original iPad. With that being said, 92 percent will continue to ride high with Cupertino.

When Apple unveiled the iPad 2 on March 2nd, many in the tech community found the improvements modest — finding the iPad 2 to be evolutionary more than revolutionary. Much the same way the iPhone 3GS improved on the iPhone 3G, the iPad 2 did not deliver 4G connectivity or a Retina display. From an engineering standpoint, shedding 15 percent weight and 33 percent thickness while maintaining the same 10 hour battery life was significant.

Based on the 5,309 votes from pcmag.com's survey, 33 percent of current iPad owners plan to do nothing this Friday. Another 28 percent will hold tight while they wait for the iPad 3. So what percentage of iPad owners plan to purchase the iPad 2? 32 percent in total: 14 percent are selling their original iPad and 18 percent are keeping the original.

With all of the tablets announced at CES 2011, many are wondering how many iPad owners plan on jumping ship for the Xoom or Galaxy Tab 10.1. Surprisingly only 8 percent. With the remaining 92 percent of those surveyed either buying the iPad 2, waiting for the iPad 3 or just staying put with the original iPad, it appears Apple has very loyal customers.

via PCmag

Philips AirPlay speakers, 10 unbelievable iPad mods, Samsung Galaxy S 2 delayed: Teatime Tech

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 09:53 AM PST

For most of us the working bit of Tuesday is almost over, but before you skate out of the office for your bus/train/tram/bike home, take a minute to cast your eye over the top tech news from this afternoon. It's teatime, it's tech time… it's Teatime Tech, er, time.

First up we've got a rumour for you: the Samsung Galaxy S 2 might be coming later than expected. Both Play.com and Expansys have shifted their release dates from March to May (boo!), although Play.com also knocked £50 off the price (yay!).

Then there's the freshly launched Philips Fidelio Soundsphere speakers, which come with a big side order of AirPlay love – in other words, they can wirelessly stream from your iOS device or iTunes-toting computer. Lovely.

Finally, ease yourself into the evening by checking out our line-up of 10 unbelievable iPad mods, in which creative people take Apple's glorious tablet and work it into something a bit different.

Need more news? Head over to the homepage and check out the rest of the day's stories.

10 unbelievable iPad mods

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 07:50 AM PST

Apple doesn't do open source. The internet, however, does, and as this collection of bizarre hacks and mods for your iPad shows, there's no shortage of creativity out there. Not to mention the time and expertise to turn a "magical and revolutionary" product into a walking robot, a skateboard, a typewriter, and even some classic Apple computers from days gone by. Check them out for yourself, and let us know if you could do any better.

1. iPad Typewriter
2. Maya Sprocket
3. iPad Macintosh Classic
4. iCade
5. iPad Skateboard
6. iBook iPad
7. iPad Walking Robot
8. iPad Guitar
9. iMac G4 iPad
10. iPad Reading Stand

1. iPad Typewriter

Like the iCade, this mod was actually sold, though this was just a one off at Etsy. The typewriter works as a keyboard for your iPad, with a toggle key allowing you to access keys like F1-F12, escape, control, etc., adding some real writerly flair to your missives, even you're just forwarding YouTube clips. For more info check out www.usbtypewriter.com.

2. Maya Sprocket

Back in the bad old days, cyclists had to signal with their arms. Well not any more, thanks to the team at Maya who came up with this ingenious way of using the iPad to do it for them. Well okay, it's useless. You have to sit up to signal a Stop sign on-screen, then you lean left or right to bring up a turn arrow, but by the time you're turning it's a bit late telling anyone. But we do like the idea of strapping it to the back of the front rider on a tandem and watching a movie while you go for a spin.

3. iPad Macintosh Classic

It was only a matter of time before Mac fanboys started inserting the iPad into a host of classic Apple products, but this is our favourite. It has a slot cut into the left side that you slide your iPad into, and then… well, you can use a Bluetooth keyboard and pretend you're working back in the eighties. Maybe you could fax something.

4. iCade

We're guessing this wasn't what Apple had in mind when they talked about games for the iPad. Made by the pranksters at ThinkGeek as an April Fool's jape, it garnered so much attention they made it for real. The iCade connects over Bluetooth, so doesn't need an official Apple connector, and it's partnered with ION and Atari, bringing classic arcade thrills to your iPad. If the sight of those controls isn't giving you a pang of nostalgia, you're made of sterner stuff than us.

5. iPad Skateboard

Host of Fuel TV's Built to Shred, Jeff King, and pro skater Chad Knight fitted wheels to a brand new 64GB first gen iPad and took it to the skate park to see how it'd fare on a half pipe. As soon as it was stood on the screen smashed, perhaps unsurprisingly, but after a bit more tweaking it did work as a functional, if very expensive, skateboard. And not as an iPad any more.

6. iBook iPad

Yes, some modder went and installed an iPad in place of the screen on the classic Apple laptop. And the coolest thing about it is the keyboard actually works, so you can use your iPad a bit more like a proper computer. Whether or not you can close the thing without damaging it all is another question.

7. iPad Walking Robot

Stick a couple of planks of wood under your iPad, wire them up with all kinds of knowhow, add a pair of cartoonish eyes on the screen, and you've got yourself a walking iPad. It stands up! It walks! It lies back down again! There’s even a version for the iPhone 4, if you think a walking iPad is a bit too much. It’s the brainchild of the chaps at PachimonDotCom, whose other work includes a dancing iPad nano. And in case you were wondering, yes, they’re Japanese.

8. iPad Guitar

Here's one mod that's overshadowed in terms of cheek-slapping incredulity only by its inventor. When he's not VJing or being a multimedia designer, Franz Keller is reviewing music tech and apps, and when he's not doing that he's turning his iPad into a guitar. Named the Mantaray iTar, it's got a Kaoss Pad, apps like the Aurora Sound Studio, and all adds up to quite a strange beast. And if that wasn't enough, Keller made a second generation model named the Hammerhead Axepad, that glows in the dark. Nuts.

9. iMac G4 iPad

Rusty Sha had an old, dead iMac G4, and a new, working iPad. So what did he do? Put the two together in what you see here, a hybrid of the old and new. It's quite amazing how close a fit the iPad is to those old Mac screens, not just on this but on the Macintosh Classic and the iBook as well. A reminder of just how small monitors used to be.

10. iPad Reading Stand

Beats having tired arms from reading iBooks in bed, we suppose, but we’re not sure if we'd be able to sleep under this for fear of the iPad hitting us in the face. Made by Japanese-based Resound, it was actually designed for notebooks and portable DVD players, but then the canny company realised it'd be compatible with the iPad as well, which seems a much better fit all round.

JBL On Air: another AirPlay-toting iPod dock officially outed

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 07:48 AM PST

First there was the B&W Zeppelin Air, then the iHome iWL and only today the Philips Fidelio Soundsphere, and now there's another AirPlay-equipped speaker dock on the way: the JBL On Air.

As with the devices mentioned above, the ring-shaped JBL On Air uses Apple's AirPlay tech to stream music wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or a computer running iTunes.

There's also a traditional docking port, as well as an FM tuner and alarm clock, plus a built-in colour LCD screen to show off album art (and presumably to help with the AirPlay setup, which will require the JBL On Air to connect to your home Wi-Fi network.

We don't yet know when the JBL On Air is out, and how much it'll cost, but we'll update you when this is revealed. In the mean time, check out my Denon CEOL RCD-N7 review to see what I thought of of AirPlay in action (hint: I liked it).

Out TBC | £TBC | JBL (via Engadget)

Philips AirPlay speakers: Fidelio Soundsphere

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 07:13 AM PST

Philips has announced its Apple AirPlay equipped speakers today, which look more like something out of a David Attenborough wildlife documentary or the back of the Star Trek props cupboard than a set of speakers. Click through for more pictures of the bulbous Philips AirPlay speakers.

While those pictures might make the speakers look a little threatening, leaning as they are in your direction, they are designed to pump out better sound. The Philips AirPlay speakers are called Fidelio SoundSphere speakers, and that floating globule is the tweeter, which should mean that interference is minimised, and the sound is broad and crisp.

The Philips Fidelio SoundSphere AirPlay capabilities mean you can hook up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to the speakers and control and stream your iTunes connection (from a PC or Mac) over your home Wi-fi connection.

There’s no pricing on the Philips Fidelio SoundSphere for the UK yet, but Euro pricing guide chalks it up at €799 (£687).

Out May 2011 | €799 | Philips

Do you like the look of these digital triffids? Shout out in the comments!