Is it possible for the iPad developers to design outstanding apps by simply using a simulator? Well, it’s virtually impossible, so great, functional apps may be a far reality for now.

Some iPad potholes

More than two years ago, the original iPhone shipped with just a total of 16 applications, with all of these applications having been created by Apple. This measly number is quite difficult to comprehend, now that the total number of applications has already reached thousands, and Apple has no qualms about using the statistics to its benefit. For quite some time, Mac’s software catalog has been accused of being less extensive than that of Windows, but now it is clear that the tides have turned. The recent generation of mobile computing relies on functional apps for almost everything. With the release of the iPad however, some potholes are to be expected, especially with the ability of the iPhone apps to run on the new gadget.
 
Steve Jobs released a demo on the iPad on January, and during this time he showed how the 140,000 applications of the iPhone will run on the iPad. However, the apps do not run as perfectly as expected. If you run the apps in actual size, you will have to deal with a surrounding frame of black space. However, if you choose to blow up the size, doubled pixels render the screen into an almost comical appearance.
 
The crux of the problem

Now the crux of the problem is brought to light. It is almost impossible for developers to design great, functional applications when they have barely tried out the device for themselves. How will they be able to verify on the functionality of these apps if they are unable to run them on a real functioning iPad?

This was never the case with the iPhone, since everyone had become familiar with its features when the App store finally came into the picture, which was one year after the device was introduced into the market.
 
It is important to take note moreover that with the iPad’s touch interface, you are actually presented with more space for software interaction, and not simply for information display. Apple allowed the iWork office suite to run on the iPad, prompting developers to capitalize on the device’s bigger control surface.

However the central problem remains. Even though it is possible to run the iPhone apps on a virtual simulator, it remains impossible for developers to duplicate the actual experience derived from using an iPad, for the simple reason that nobody has ever used one yet.

Three options are currently presented.  The first is to create a twisted version of an iPhone app and second, for the developers not to produce any app until they have tried the device for themselves. A third option has been offered by developer Marco Arment, and that is for Apple not to allow third-party apps on the first day.

The mobile operating system showdown is entering into a new level of competition as the iPhone, Windows Phone 7 Series, and Android platforms all take the stage to battle it out.  The Android has been quite a resounding success, despite the seeming monopoly of Apple and the iPhone.  Android is a Linux-based mobile operating system that is now owned by Google.  Since its first release in 2007, Android has garnered much success and acclaim, especially due to its open-source, free nature.  It has gotten much support from application developers.  In this article, we will cover some of the best apps currently available for the Android mobile operating system.

ASTRO File Manager

In practically any gizmo or gadget that deals with file structures and large amounts of data, a file manager is one of the most essential and useful software that you will need.  For Android phones, one of the best file manager solutions is ASTRO File Manager, which allows you to navigate through the files and data on your phone's internal memory, as well as your memory card.  The best part about this app is that it isn't just a well-developed file manager, but it also has some other great features.  With ASTRO File Manager, you also get a task killer, shortcuts for sending files as e-mail attachments, and a means of backing up your applications and data.  This file manager can also work as an image and file viewer, it has support for .zip and .tgz files, and it has handy search functions--all for free.

Listen

Listen is an application that has been developed by Google for the Android.  This app has had some ups-and-downs in the past, but now it has been revamped and fixed into a more formidable and more impressive podcast app.  With Listen, you can search for, subscribe to, and manage podcasts with ease.  You can even back up your subscriptions through the export features, then you can manage them through Google Reader.   There are a number of other great podcast apps out there, but what makes this one interesting is that it is made by Google, so you can expect that it will continue to be developed to have increased functionality and compatibility with other Google and Android services.

Layar

Layar has come to be known as one of the best augmented reality apps out there.  This Android version has many of the features and services that you will find in the iPhone version of the app.  Basically, what this app allows you to do is view various types of information in an augmented reality interface, meaning that all you have to do is point your phone's camera around and the screen will display information based on Internet and positioning services.  Layar works through "layers," which are the parameters for your augmented reality information.  For example, you can get Tweeps, which shows information about Tweets posted by Twitter-users in nearby locations, or you can try MIMOA, which shows information on nearby restaurants, museums, sights, events, etc.

When the iPhone was first released, it garnered widespread acclaim and praise from hardware critics, mobile phone industry specialists, and, most importantly, from consumers.  The iPhone took off and dominated the market for smartphones.  On the other side of the story, Microsoft seemed to have gone silent.  Sure, Microsoft had Windows Mobile, but it was a platform that was harshly criticized for being bulky, sluggish, and not user-friendly at all.  Developers turned to the Apple iPhone as a new platform that was relatively easier to develop, had great support from Apple, and had a huge user base.  Until today, the iPhone is dominating the smartphone industry.

Just recently, however, Microsoft finally held the first-ever public preview of its new mobile operating system dubbed Windows Phone 7.  Microsoft went with the name branding of its latest personal computer operating system, Windows 7.  If Windows Phone 7 follows suit in the resounding success of its bigger brother, Windows 7, then consumers should expect a great contender to the smartphone title that is currently held by Apple.  In this article, you will learn about some of the amazing features previewed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the first public preview of Windows Phone 7.  Will this finally be the iPhone killer?  Read on and decide for yourself.

The interface

When you are dealing with a gadget that is as powerful and multi-faceted as a smartphone, it is important that you have an interface that is intuitive, inventive, and user-friendly to make it easier for users to take advantage of all of the phone's hardware and software.  Windows Phone 7 does exactly that.  Microsoft created the "Metro" interface, which makes use of "Hubs" such as Pictures, Music + Video, Office, People, or Marketplace.  Once you have selected your hub, you can easily scroll through the panoramic menu system that spills off the sides of the screen, where you can find other shortcuts, files, and functions related to the hub you are browsing.  The start screen is also fully customizable, allowing you to set the shortcuts of your choice in the position of your choice.

Amazing multimedia capabilities

Another great upgrade made in Windows Phone 7 is that the software makes your hardware function just like a Zune HD player.  This means you have quick and easy access to all of your music, podcasts, videos, radio stations, and even the Zune marketplace, straight from your phone.

Xbox Live on your phone

Xbox Live has been quite successful for Microsoft, and Windows Phone 7 integrates Xbox Live features straight into your phone.  You can access and manage your account, earn achievements, get in touch with friends, and play multiplayer games straight from your phone through your Xbox Live account.

Windows Phone 7 Series is set to take the industry by storm, and it seems as though Microsoft has finally gotten things right for their mobile operating systems.  With multi-touch browsing, integrated social networking, a beautiful interface, and numerous other innovative functions and features, Windows Phone 7 Series is practically a dream-come-true wrapped into a tiny operating system.  Let's just hope that the developers agree so that this amazing mobile operating system can get some awesome applications made for it and its users.

As many iPhone, iTouch, and other Mac App lovers well know, having access to an increasingly massive library of applications is one of the best perks Apple users get.  Every week, loads of iPhone apps make their debut at the Apple Store.  In this article, you will find some of the best iPhone apps of the week.

MenuPages -  This application is a must-have for iPhone users who love wining and dining, or the casual night-out.  MenuPages is a food recommendation app that allows you to check for restaurant listings in cities that the app covers.  This streamlined app gives you access to restaurant listings, reviews, feature dishes, menus, open hours, addresses, and phone numbers.  Also, the app has links to maps and directions, ratings, and OpenTable, from which you can make bookings.  The best part?... it's free.

Zagat to Go 3.0 -  Any fan of digital overlays and augmented reality displays needs to try out Zagat 3.0.  This full-fledged augmented reality app synchronizes through your Wi-Fi offline access to browse through Zagat, no matter where you are and regardless of whether or not you have access to the Internet.  With this application, you can check out restaurant listings and their menus in real-time camera view.  The listings also come with menus, ratings, and prices.  All this for $9.99.

Warheads -  If you enjoy gaming on your iPhone, then you may want to try out Warheads.  This is a graphics-rich rendition of classic missile defense games.  Particle effects, explosions, power-ups, and glorious 3D graphics all help to put this screen-tapping, missile-defense game a notch above the rest.  And it comes at the great price of a single buck-- 99 cents to be exact.

Cogs -  Another fun game to grab for your iPhone this week is Cogs.  This puzzle game is a cinch to learn, a challenge to beat, and tons of fun to play for hours.  With its 3D graphical style that features old-fashioned design elements, pipes, cogs, and bells, this is a must-have for steampunk lovers and puzzle lovers alike.  Costing only $0.99, Cogs is an affordable and enjoyable game that you should definitely check out--even if it's just for the sake of finding an app to keep you busy on those short commutes or long hours with nothing to do.

Fring -  By now, most, if not all, iPhone users know about fring.  This has long been one of the most popular and the oldest Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps available on the Apple App Store.  The reason that it made this week's list, however, is because it now supports VoIP call through 3G.  This is great news for those who have unlimited data plans, who would essentially have unlimited and free calls through 3G networking.  Considering the fring app itself is free as well, there's nothing to lose.

Now, by definition, Apple's iPhone isn't actually a gaming device.  Software developers have sought to change this, however, by creating some great games that you can play right on your iPhone, without having to add on any extra hardware.  All you need to do is purchase, download, and start using one of the countless gaming apps available from the Apple store.  Here are five games that you may want to grab for your beloved iPhone:

Rock Band

For the musician or music lover in you, Rock Band is definitely a must-have game.  Although it comes at a heftier price ($6.99) than many of the other games out there, you do get what you are paying for.  Not only do you get some great gameplay and fun, but you also get access to a seemingly endless supply of songs that you can purchase to listen to and play along with.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene

For $4.99 you can get Space Invaders Infinity Gene, a remake on the classic game Space Invaders.  This shoot-em up game is new and improved, with a slew of new weapons and a beefed-up interface to provide more fun and excitement to this age-old classic.  In fact, you can even play some of the original stages with the original music.  Some of the other game features include an in-game achievement system, as well as worldwide high score tables.

Bejeweled 2

Bejeweled 2 is a game that you can play for hours without getting bored.  It's a simple puzzle-type game that is highly addictive and very fun.  With a number of game modes and its great price point ($2.99), Bejeweled 2 is definitely a game worth looking into.  If you are a puzzle gamer who enjoys sudden-death frenzies or competing for scoring titles, then this may just be the game for you.

Real Racing

Real Racing is a racing simulation game that has a lot to offer.  With its impressive graphics, great controls, and wide selection of cars, tracks, and game modes, Real Racing is definitely one of the best racing games you can find for the iPhone.  With a $4.99 price tag, this game is a steal, especially if you can find other friends to play with through local or online networking.

Shredder Chess

There is a wide variety of chess games out there for the iPhone, but one of the best is Shredder Chess, which costs $7.99.  Although the game doesn't feature amazing graphics, it makes up with great functionality.  Shredder Chess offers challenging and adjustable AI, play ratings, game analysis, chess coach, save and load options, and the ability to enter and analyze any move or position you like.

These are just some of the games that are worth having in your iPhone.  iPhone users never have to feel lonely or bored with these exciting games to keep them company.

The emergence of smart phones, such as iPhones and Blackberries, has transformed the typical meanderings of the average traveler into a fully guided digital trip. There are so much travel applications for phones right now – it’s virtually impossible to get lost again.

And, the travel and technology industries are taking notice. Mobile travel helpers now range from reservation consultants to GPRS trip guides and organizational applications. More developments are underway and there seems to be no stopping this smart phone trend.

Travel apps is the way to go

Industry players are lauding the fact that travelers can have all they need in one handy tool. With smartphones, a user can install travel applications according to his or her specific travel needs. Consumers are gearing towards this trend and has made travel applications the third most installed phone applications, led only by social networking and gaming mobile software.

The popularity of travel applications owes largely to the increasing availability of GPS access. This has split travel applications into two major types: the organizational ones and the location-based ones. With such technology, a trip to Chinatown in search for the perfect dimsum can be a perfect gastronomical experience with just a few clicks. At the same time, hotel bookings and flight schedule problems may soon be history.

There are several new and popular applications that allow the consolidation of useful, smaller apps. Examples include:

1.Tripit: This application allows the organization of itineraries in one single, easy-to-navigate interface. Organized data can even be shared among users.

2.iReceipt: This organizational app allows travelers to create expense reports, without the need to lug around several paper receipt hardcopies throughout the trip.

3.Urbanspoon: On the other hand, Urbanspoon and similar apps map food places in different vicinities. This software interfaces with data in Yelp and Google Maps.

Travel management software trend

Technology companies that focus on travel software have taken note of this trend. Hence, these companies have begun with developments that integrate office travel software with smartphone apps.

According to Tony D’Astolfo, Rearden Commerce’s vice president for worldwide sales and travel, 90% of business travelers use movable applications. This led to Rearden’s creation and launch of their owner mobile travel app. The company is currently working on an iPhone counterpart for 2010. This application can integrate reservations, schedules, as well as up-to-date news alert apps.

Another development company, Concur, has released its own business travel platform that’s applicable for any smartphone. The edge of this application is its easy expense and receipt organization.

Industry prospects

Industry analysts believe that there are a lot more potential for smartphone travel applications. Untapped avenues here include hotel reservation and booking, as well as the automation of several concierge functions. Current developments are working on allowing automatic check-ins, and accommodation suggestions and ranking.

The iPhone is one of the most versatile, feature-rich, and state-of-the-art mobile phone products in the market.  With its touchscreen, powerful hardware, and great developer support, the iPhone is an industry-leading mobile device.  If you own an iPhone and you are looking to make full use of the phone's features, then you may want to fill your memory to the brim with some of the awesome iPhone applications out there.  This article will cover five free apps that will really help you get the most out of your iPhone.

1.  Dropbox

The Dropbox iPhone app gives you quick and easy access to Dropbox features.  With this application, you can access your Dropbox through your iPhone.  You can even view your files on your phone, download files from your Dropbox, upload files from your phone into your Dropbox, share links to your files with other people, and sync the files in your Dropbox through multiple platforms.  Dropbox even gives you 2GB of free online storage space that you can access through your iPhone with the Dropbox app.  This is a great tool for keeping your computers, phones, laptops, and other Internet-capable devices synchronized and up-to-date.  You can pay to get up to 100GB of online storage space on your Dropbox account.

2.  Evernote

Evernote is one of the most useful applications for your iPhone.  This app helps you stay productive and organized by giving you access to a number of features and services.  You take a quick snapshot with your camera, record a voice note, and write down text all through Evernote, then you can sync your files onto the Evernote website through the online subscription service.  You can also customize your notes, sorting them with various parameters, making them easier and quicker to find with the search tool.

3.  Fring

Fring is an all-in-one instant messaging and VoIP solution for your iPhone that sports amazing versatility and compatibility.  With Fring, you can make video calls, voice calls, and  instant messenger chats.  Some of the networks that Fring is compatible with include Skype, Yahoo!, AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, MSN Messenger, and Twitter.

4.  Layar

Layar is a relatively new piece of software that has taken the meaning of "augmented reality" to new heights.  This camera-based augmented reality app allows you to view various kinds of information, overlaid on your camera's view.  Some of the types of information that you can overlay include the program listing for theatres, real estate availability, view tourist information, and much more.  What makes Layar so special is that there is strong support for user-generated overlays.

5.  Photoshop

Finally, Photoshop is another iPhone app that you just shouldn't go without.  This software from Adobe has garnered much acclaim and countless awards throughout the years, and now that they have an iPhone app, it's hard to overlook.  This app allows you to do some basic photo-editing, including cropping, filtering, color adjustments, and effects.  Furthermore, the app allows you to connect and sync with your Photoshop.com account, making it easy to upload, share, and store your pictures online.

These days, you can get an iPhone application for practically anything from cooking and dieting apps to organizers and music apps. One of the newest and greatest iPhone applications to hit the Internet is the Photoshop iPhone application.  As the mobile rendition of the world-famous Adobe Photoshop, the precisely named "Photoshop.com Mobile for iPhone" is a perfect compliment to those gigabytes of photos you take, store, and share through your iPhone.  Anyone who owns an iPhone should definitely check out this piece of software as an all-in-one photo editing solution.

What makes Photoshop.com Mobile?

As you probably already know, there are loads of image-editing iPhone applications out there.  Search the Apple Store and you will find at least ten great applications for image editing.  What makes Photoshop.com Mobile stand out from the rest, however, is the fact that it is a proven name in the industry.  Adobe has consistently been a leader in the field of image editing for years, which is why you can trust that their software is made by the right people for the task.  Also, if you use Photoshop on your computer, whether it be a Mac or a PC, the iPhone application version gives new avenues of connectivity between your mobile phone and your home computer.

Not only does Photoshop.com Mobile for the iPhone allow you to apply dozens of options for editing your photos, but it also gives you the tools to instantly share your files through Photoshop.com.  You also get full access to your Photoshop.com photo library, which means that you won't have to save all of your image files to your iPhone.  Instead, upload your photos on Photoshop.com and you can have full access to them through your Photoshop.com Mobile app and your iPhone's wireless Internet connectivity.  Basically, it gives you access to all of your uploaded photographs, meaning that you can save space on your iPhone for other apps, games, documents, music, videos, and other files.

Downsides of Photoshop.com Mobile and why it is still worth it

There are a few downsides to the Photoshop.com Mobile iPhone app.  First of all, it does not give you full image editing capabilities.  Instead of giving you a suite of tools, like the PC or Apple Photoshop versions do, the mobile app mainly gives you a number of filters, effects, and colors to work with.  You can do a lot of basic and intermediate image-editing tasks with this app, but some may get frustrated by the lack of a full tool set.  Still, the Photoshop.com Mobile app for iPhone is hard to pass up, especially because the app is free.  Just head on down to the Apple Applications site and download the program.

Barnes & Noble has long been a major player in the book industry.  In mid-2009, the retailer launched an expanded e-book store that features hundreds of thousands of electronic books on sale for various devices, such as Apple's iPhone and Blackberry.  Now nearing the holiday season, Barnes & Noble has made another huge announcement regarding its project for e-book industry domination.  Barnes & Noble has announced that it will be releasing a "Barnes & Noble's E-book reader" that has features to rival many of the other e-book reader devices currently on the market.  Read on to learn more about B&N's e-book reader and why you might want to ask Santa for one this Christmas.

What makes Barnes & Noble's e-book reader different from other readers?

As many of you are well aware, there are a number of e-book readers and electronic devices that can display e-books.  Perhaps the most popular e-book reader currently in the market is Amazon's Kindle.  Barnes & Noble has decided to take e-book reading to the next level with their device by making it a color e-book reader, unlike the "E-Ink" monochrome display of the Kindle.  What this means is that you no longer have to look at boring, black-and-white pictures.  With Barnes & Noble's e-book reader, you will get a 6-inch, full color screen, making your reading experience more complete.  Barnes & Noble's reader will also include an on-screen keyboard and WiFi technology for searching and making purchases on the company's online store.

Whereas Amazon and the Kindle boast an online store with under 500,000 books, Barnes & Noble's store currently has over 700,000 books to choose from.  Furthermore, the Barnes & Noble e-book reader will be partnered up with Google, allowing access to over half-a-million public domain books.  It seems like Amazon and the other e-book reader developers have to keep a close eye on Barnes & Noble, because their new e-book reader and online store are set to take the industry by storm.

More details on Barnes & Noble's e-book reader

Barnes & Noble's e-book reader is going to be based on Google's Android operating system, which allows for great functionality and customizability.  Although it is unsure which features will be fully supported in the e-book reader, a Barnes & Noble spokesperson has mentioned that their e-book reader will have a wide variety of features that will set it apart from the competition.  Rumor has it that the Barnes & Noble color e-book reader will be released sometime before the holiday season gets into full throttle, although this rumor hasn't been confirmed yet.  Aside from making their own e-book reader, Barnes & Noble has also partnered with another e-book reader manufacturer named Plastic Logic. Plastic Logic's e-reader is due for an early 2010 release, and it will also sport a color display with access to Barnes & Noble's online store.

Vonage is an Internet calling provider. Recently though, it has geared towards providing services to mobile phones as well. On October 5, 2009, Vonage made a breakthrough. It started allowing international calls for Blackberry and iPhone users. Vonage's Internet technology allows users who have downloaded its application to make international calls from the United States. Vonage claims that calling through its application is cheaper than the usual landline international call. However, as with any calling service, call rates vary depending on the location being called. Still, Vonage tries to provide much cheaper calls by being even more cheaper than wireless calls and traditional landline calls.

It has been predicted that by 2013, 15 million North American-based people will be placing calls through the mobile web. Vonage wants to convince most of these mobile web users to make use of its application.

Vonage's moves to regain customers

One of the reasons behind Vonage's move to mobile phone services is that it has experienced serious losses when it comes to its Internet calls. Its Internet calling service has been challenged by rivals Comcast and Skype. While Skype's customers rose by 42% and Comcast's customers rose by 24%, Vonage lost 88,643 subscribers. The customers could have defected to the more popular Internet calling service providers. This is mostly due to the fact that rivals have more features offered with their services.

In response to the challenges created by rivals, Vonage hopes to resurge with its mobile features that are especially designed for international callers. These mobile features are not yet offered by Vonage's rivals.

Vonage's potential as a provider of overseas calling services

As of now, Comcast does not have a Web-calling application yet. Skype does not have a BlackBerry Application - for now. The company is working on one as of the moment though. So, Vonage has to take advantage of its headstart and continue providing great service and additional innovations. This headstart can also help the company convince people who have not availed of any Web-calling service to avail of what Vonage can offer. Vonage CEO, Marc Lefar believes that the market offers plenty of opportunities. Americans are having their landlines cut so they are more and more relying on their mobile phones. Mobile web calling services are then expected to grow from $51 million to $2.9 billion by the year 2013. If Vonage looks at the global market, a $32 billion market is up for grabs.

Vonage should do well. It plans to offer a very attractive flat rate for its international calls. The $24.99 monthly fee is a good offer but it will be offered during the fourth quarter to customers who have both Vonage's home and mobile services. For now, users have to make do with per-minute payments for their international calls.