Bringing Apps to your TV

For more than ten years I have been using computer technology in some form or another as a television. I am still using a Windows XP machine in my office to record video using BeyondTV from Snapstream. Even though it appears Snapstream has completely redirected all resources to commercial offerings, the consumer-targeted BeyondTV is still a compelling experience for television. I enjoy being able to record video to unprotected, standard formats that I can easily move to my iPod, iPad, iPhone, or another computer when needed.

Unfortunately, outside of television functionality the computers I've attached to my TV screen have provided a substandard, difficult experience - especially when navigating between various content types (i.e. television, movies, DVDs, music). Windows 7 and OS/X both include media center functionality, but you have to pretty much commit to staying within their software universe for content.

My Samsung Blu-Ray disc player includes an Internet connection which allows you to install apps for streaming content or even playing games, but the games are utterly lame. Streaming from Netflix or Amazon seems to work ok, but if I try streaming from my media center PC the voices are out of sync with the video. Seems like this problem should have disappeared ten years ago or more, yet it still persists.

Apple TV worked well, although it was very limited in the types of content you could bring in and largely not extensible to the average consumer. It played well with anything in iTunes but, again, if you wanted to venture out of that ecosystem you had very limited options.

Google and Apple appear poised to bring their solutions to getting content on the living room screen by the end of this year. Google announced the Google TV project this year to embed their software into new televisions. I don't really relish replacing the flatscreens that recently replaced the tube sets, but apparently Logitech will be offering Google TV in an add-on box.

Apple is rumored to be announcing an update to Apple TV next week that sounds like it will bring iOS (the operating system powering the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad) to your television. This sounds very exciting for a number of reasons:

• Huge, available app ecosystem
• Easily extended via apps
• Already in-place e-commerce through iTunes
• Familiar interface

If Apple can bring the iPad/iPhone experience to the television they may have a hit on their hands. You will still be in the Apple ecosystem, but the iOS ecosystem allows for content providers to create new experiences outside of iTunes if they want.

It's strange that my TV has been limited so long when my phone has become a killer content consumption device. I'm hopeful that by the end of this year that situation will change and my TV can really enter the 21st century.

My new favorite iPad stand

Wired magazine's Gadget Lab reports on using a Gorillapod (the awesome tripod from Joby) as an iPad stand. Ironically, my Joby has been sitting on my desk for months next to where I sit my iPad. As soon as I read this I tried it out and now I'm getting dual-use out Joby's super-flexible tripod. If you haven't used a Joby, I highly recommend it. I had poor luck with the Joby suction cup, but if your camera can accommodate a screw mount I highly recommend it for your next vacation, especially if you like taking low light photos or use the camera timer as the Joby gives you the ability to set your camera up almost anywhere.

And now as a bonus I can show off my fabulous photos in the evening with my Joby-supported iPad. And I see on the Web it now comes in more colors!

In defense of Facebook

Lately the media seems to have decided it is time to pile on Facebook for its privacy issues. One of my favorite podcasters, Leo Laporte, made a big public deal of canceling his Facebook accounts. He said he was uncomfortable with their changing privacy policies and didn't want to encourage people to use Facebook.

I have to say I feel a bit betrayed by Leo on this issue. He is the guy sharing purchases on Blippy. Sharing his location on Foursquare, Latitude and other services. Sharing information willy-nilly with Google by using their products (including the Android Smart Phone). Sharing his weight. What exactly was Leo posting on Facebook that made him so uncomfortable?

I think Leo and the media have gone a bit overboard in condemning Facebook. Most users are smart enough to know what they are willing to share. And many people don't care if the world knows they have Herpes, like fetish videos, or knows a variety of details that some people would consider intensely private.

What the Facebook critics are missing is that in all likelihood people who reveal what the media consider "too much information" on services like Facebook know full well what they are doing and don't really care.

I know from the time I started using Facebook I assumed that any and all information could become public. After all, if I share the fact that I have developed a nasty case of crabs or enjoy sex in airport bathroom stalls or just ate a grilled cheese sandwich with my friends then it would stand to reason that I am aware this information could possibly travel beyond the intended audience. Facebook is just a way friends can learn about and propagate this information if I let it into the public. And quitting Facebook doesn't immunize me. I don't have to be a member of the site for someone to post crazy photos or videos of me at a bar last Saturday night.

I'm more concerned with corporations like Google watching my every browsing habit. After all, the Web sites I go to I never expect to be made instantly public for any reason. My Facebook status can be re-tweeted, screen-captured, or otherwise distributed instantly by anyone who I've chosen to "friend." To that end, I've made an effort to "spread it around." I now use Bing as my default search engine. Google email. Apple hardware. Evite for parties. Facebook for friends. Linked In for work. At least then I avoid an easy concentration of information, although this is probably effectively not doing much for my privacy.

So to Leo - you quit Facebook but advocate the use of Google products without much warning. Yet the information Google does or does not collect about me while I use their search, their phone, their new OS, and receive their ads worries me a lot more than the Facebook information I post. After all, if I post it I know it could be shared beyond my intended audience. Just as when I tell a friend something in confidence I run the risk that they may share information with others without my permission. The social world never had the control Facebook critics seem to assume it did. Granted, the information can spread farther and faster via the Internet. But that risk exists regardless of whether I belong to a site like Facebook or not.

Just asking for a reality check here to keep it real. I still love Leo. I still use Google. And I still enjoy the value provided (free of charge!) by Facebook. But I'm a bit over the overreaction on the part of the media around this subject.

My iPad Case Solutions: Dodocase in the Nude

In my review of Apple iPad accessories, I mentioned some of my dissatisfaction with Apple's iPad case. Well, this week my iPad has changed for the better. First, I received the iPad Nude from SwitchEasy. The nude is an invisible case that covers the back of the iPad like a glove. It also comes with a clear screen protector, but most reviews of the iPad indicate that such a screen protector is not needed (or even recommended), so I didn't bother putting that on (anyone want a slightly used Apple iPad case and a screen protector?).

The nude also arrived with a microfiber cleaning cloth as well as a black and a white plastic stand for the iPad that works perfectly. Not a bad value at $29.99, especially if you want some protection without sacrificing the iPad's form factor or design aesthetic.

The Nude is a highly unobtrusive way to protect the back of the iPad from scratches, adding negligible weight to the device. With the iPad in the Nude you can't fit it into any of my cases, but for my around-the-house iPad activities it is perfect for me. I like the negligible form-factor increase as well as the ability to sit my iPad down on any surface without worrying about scratches. I've located the two stands at typical hangout locations so I can also set my iPad down in style.

I have also received a new Dodocase. This is by far the classiest addition to my iPad. It is hand-built in San Francisco, lightweight, and fantastic to hold. Carrying it around it looks like a nice moleskin journal. I plan to make it my "iPad on the road" accessory, formalwear for my iPad. Highly recommended! I ordered the case on May 4th and it arrived on June 5th, so be prepared to wait for your Dodocase to leave the nest.

I think my iPad case search has ended. Now my iPad can lounge around at home in the nude or hit the town in the classy Dodocase.

AT&T Capping iPhone/iPad Mobile Data Plans

AT&T has announced data plans next week with a pretty big catch: there is no longer an unlimited data plan for the iPhone or iPad. But for some people the plans may offer a cheaper option.

I've used the iPhone for a year now so I have my billing history to examine my data usage on the iPhone. With that data I can see if I might want to take advantage of the cheaper plan or stick with my current $30/month unlimited iPhone data plan.

Looking through my data usage for the last year, I was surprised to discover that my usage maximum for a month was about 550MB. The new data plans have a 2GB cap for $25, so I should be safe with this number for the time being. I could probably get by with the $15 plan, as most months I average 150MB. AT&T promises to be generous with plan changes, allowing retroactive plan changes for the month if you find yourself going over the 250MB cap, but for $10/month I would go for the larger cap and have less to worry about. AT&T also has made overage data charges more reasonable so perhaps this is just a legacy feeling I have based on the high overage charges mobile operators generally charge for their services.

Checking my iPhone's data counter (available in the iPhone's Settings panel) I see that for the life of my iPhone (approaching 1 year) I have used a grand total of 1.8GB over the cellular network.

So for now, given my current iPhone use patterns, I could save $5/month with the 2GB plan and leave plenty of breathing room for future use. Considering the bulk of my iPhone data use is over Wifi, with my current habits I won't be effected by the new plans.

I still worry, however, at the way in which these capped data plans may stifle some innovation as AT&T will be less inclined to increase network capacity as new technologies emerge. Also, the new multitasking features of iPhone OS 4.0 will make streaming and other applications more interesting which will probably increase my mobile data consumption habits.

Don't have a history of data usage to look at when considering which plan to buy? AT&T has a Data Calculator utility to help estimate your potential bandwidth use.

iPad Accessory Roundup

I've been living with the iPad since the first day it became publicly available and have owned all of the Apple-offered accessories to date except for the keyboard dock. Now that I've had almost two months with the iPad and its Apple entourage here's my review of current iPad accessories.

Apple iPad case

Apple describes the neoprene case as "the perfect way to carry around your iPad." By far it is the accessory I have used the most as I leave the iPad in the Apple case most the time, and all of the time when traveling.

The Good: The iPad is fairly easy to put in and remove from the case. The case has convenient options for folding so that you can stand the iPad in a variety of positions. It is lightweight and doesn't add a lot of bulk.

The Bad: Most any case cannot work with any of the docking stations. Fortunately, you can fold the case so that the iPad stands up and connect it to the dock connector directly. The case shows a lot of dirt and smudges, but can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. The worst thing about it, though, are the edges. They are somewhat "sharp" and not comfortable against the hand.

The Verdict: The case has been decent but I'm not particularly excited about it. I have ordered a hand-built California original, the DodoCase, which should keep me ahead of the unwashed iPad owners of the world. I've seen other case solutions as well, notably the InCase convertible, which seemed to get the job done but aren't particularly exciting to me. Without seeing the DodoCase I'd probably still go with the Apple case, but would not have purchased the iPad Dock since I rarely use it. More on that later.

Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit

The iPad Camera Connection Kit includes two connectors for the iPad dock: one a Secure Digital card reader and the other a USB connector. This is a very useful travel accessory, as now I can travel with my iPad and my camera and offload content from the camera to the iPad without having to drag around a laptop. When you get home you can easily sync the iPad to your computer and move the photos off the iPad. It works easily and if you need this functionality is great. The USB connector can also connect to my iPhone and offload photos as well quite easily. In addition, the USB connector supports USB keyboards, headsets, and some other devices. This is a "bonus" feature that isn't documented. I use a standard headset/mic with a 3.5mm connector so it isn't as useful to me, but kind of cool.

The Good: Works easily, as advertised.

The Bad: Won't work if you forget to bring them. Not too useful at home because I transfer photos to my desktop computer.

The Verdict: If you travel with a camera and want a way to offload photos without a computer, perfect. Otherwise, might not be a must have accessory.

Apple iPad Dock

The iPad Dock seemed like a must-have accessory when I got my iPad, but I rarely ever use it. It connects to a standard dock cable so that you can put your iPad in it. Unfortunately, it only holds your iPad in a portrait orientation and cannot accommodate an iPad in a case. If you plan to use a case with your iPad I suggest you avoid this accessory.

The Good: Doesn't fall over. Works with a dock-to-computer or dock-to-VGA or dock-to-power or dock-to-whatever connector, but the VGA connector only supports landscape mode (1024x768) so some programs will require you to tilt your head to use this. Has an audio output port so might be useful to connect an uncased iPad to a home stereo.

The Bad: Only works in portrait orientation, won't work with a case. Easier to just use the iPad case to hold the iPad up and connect the USB-dock cable directly.

The Verdict: Avoid this. Very few people would find this useful. If you plan to use an iPad case just rely on a standard dock cable and the case. Email me if you want mine. For under a dollar you can buy a business card holder from Office Depot that can hold the iPad and then use the included charger to hold the iPad in both portrait and landscape with or without the case. You can also use a stand up case and the charger and forget about a dock. Or just prop your iPad up on a pillow or something else. I've just ordered a very pretty stand from Twelve South that looks pretty and promising because I love the look. I do not recommend the iPad dock.

Apple iPad 10W USB Power Adapter

This is almost the same power adapter that comes with the iPad, but includes a longer three-prong power plug cable if you want to cover more distance than a typical USB-to-dock cable. Any standard USB-to-dock cable will work with this.

The Good: Longer cable than included for charging the iPad. Reliable and quick iPad charging.

The Bad: Does as advertised.

The Verdict: Since the iPad is very finicky about power adapters, this might be a good add-on, although you can save a lot of money with a power-to-USB solution like the Belkin travel adapter. Beware, though, that the iPad's increased power demand means that you should only use one USB port at a time on the Belkin as adding a second charging device will cause the iPad not to charge. A bit expensive compared to the Belkin without as much flexibility, but I'm happy to have a second one in my living room for reliable charging.

Apple iPad Keyboard Dock

I don't own this, but based on my experience with the regular dock and the wireless keyboard I would avoid this at all costs.

The Good: Keyboard connection without Bluetooth power consumption, same benefits as the iPad Dock above. Has a couple of iPad-specific keys to make a few things easier without having to leave the keyboard to touch the screen (but many of the Apple Wireless Keyboard functions work as well, without the dock).

The Bad: Same negatives as the iPad Dock above, but now your keyboard is limited to portrait-only operation. This sucks for many programs.

The Verdict: Avoid! The one accessory from Apple I didn't buy, don't regret, and cannot recommend for any reason. Buy a wireless keyboard and use any of the dock options outlined in the verdict of the iPad dock above.

Apple Wireless Keyboard

I already had this for my iMac, but had replaced it with the full-sized USB keyboard from Apple for a numeric keypad so it was sitting in a closet gathering dust. The iPad makes me so happy I have it!

The Good: Great wireless support for the iPad. Works as you would expect. The DVD-eject button in the top right allows you to bring up the screen keyboard when needed.

The Bad: Missing a few iPad-specific keys and labels of the dock keyboard above.

The Verdict: Very useful. I use this quite often and its small size is great for travel. To get use out of this you need a dock of some type or a stand. Luckily there are a ton of stand options for you, from free to extravagant.

Apple iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter

When this arrived, it was the most disappointing accessory for the iPad I received. It does not mirror the iPad display and only works in Landscape mode (at least for all the VGA-supporting programs I tried). It only works with programs designed for VGA out, and even in those programs does not show the iPad screen but some other view. When I first got it, it only worked with video playback in the Youtube app and selected movies (movies I ripped, not movies purchased from iTunes- DOH!). It worked very well with the iPad Keynote application. That was about it. The lack of general browser support meant my iPad was pretty much useless for presentations as I always combine my Keynote presentation with some views from the Internet through a browser.

In two months, this has changed. The iTunes store has a variety of new browser options to output to the VGA adapter (I use a program for the iPad called "Expedition" which has gone from sluggish to very fast and useful for outputting a browser to VGA). The following applications I use with the VGA output successfully:

• Autodesk Sketchbook Pro: draw live on the iPad and see it live on an external VGA display.
• Keynote: Show presentations on a VGA display
  
• Expedition: Show the browser on a VGA display
• Youtube/Videos: Show videos externally (but not purchased content from iTunes).
  

There are a few other applications available with VGA support, and probably more to come.

The Good: Gets VGA output from applications that support the connector. Seems to work well.

The Bad: Only displays in landscape and only with supported applications.

The Verdict: For business presentations this makes the iPad good for Keynote, browser and sketching applications. Ok for videos but since protected videos won't output is a bit limited for entertainment. This is not very useful for a lot of people but for my business presentations is just what I needed.

iPad - AppleCare Protection Plan

Since I was buying this as an early-adopter I decided to splurge for the $99 AppleCare plan to hedge my bet. If the iPad is durable as my iPhone it is probably overkill.

The Good: Protects my iPad for 2 years against defects/failures and allows me quick easy access to Apple's support for that time.

The Bad: A touch expensive at $99.

The Verdict: I was on the fence about buying this, and probably wouldn't have if I had bought the low-end model. But at $699 decided to go for the two-year protection.

An alternative, more flexible iPad charger

I've been loving my iPad, but found that nothing beats charging it using the included charger. I spent the $29 for an extra charger, but since then tried out my Belkin Mini Surge travel surge suppressor/3 outlet/2 USB port adapter using one of the USB ports. It works great! My iPad charges perfectly using a Dock-to-USB cable into one of the USB ports on the Belkin device.

Since I already travel with the Belkin to handle the limited outlets in most hotels, it is good to know that the cable I already travel with to charge my iPhone will charge the iPad instead. And at under $15 on Amazon.com this is a cheaper, more flexible option for traveling with a charger for my iPad.