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Filed under: Software, iPhone, First Look, App Review

There's certainly no shortage when it comes to iPhone apps that turn your device into a pocket-sized scanner. At various times, TUAW bloggers have reviewed or discussed Readdle ScannerPro [US$6.99 (currently on sale for US$4.99), iTunes Link], DocScanner [US$8.99, iTunes Link], and JotNot [US$4.99, iTunes Link]. Of course, there is also a flock of business card scanners, but what I'm discussing in this post are the apps that say that they'll replace that flatbed scanner on your desk with a device you already have in your pocket or purse.

MobiTech 3000 just released version 2.0 of the JotNot scanner app, and the update appears to be quite useful. I've owned the app for a while and have successfully used it to capture documents for posterity. The update provides a few additional features that I had been hoping for:

• Multipage support
• Automatic edge detection
• WebDAV/iDisk support
• Camera stabilization (requires OS 3.1)
• Automated backup of scans
• Reordering pages
• An extensive web-based help
• In app support

Of the new features, I am most happy about two of them; multipage support and camera stabilization. Multipage support means exactly what it implies; you can scan multiple page documents and have them saved into one PDF document. Previously, JotNot would create one PDF file for each and every document you scanned. That meant that combining PDFs required that you export the files to a Mac or PC, then use something like Adobe Acrobat Pro to merge the files.

Continue reading First Look: JotNot Scanner for iPhone updated to version 2.0

TUAWFirst Look: JotNot Scanner for iPhone updated to version 2.0 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apple Corporate, Hardware, Apple Financial, iPhone

The Korean Times is reporting today that Apple is (allegedly) manipulating the flash memory market. An unnamed source tells the Times that Apple is ordering more chips than it actually purchases: " ... [Apple] doesn't make immediate purchases, but waits until chip prices to fall to the level the company has internally targeted."

The iPhone uses NAND flash memory, which both Samsung Electronics, the world's No. 1 flash memory maker, and Hynix Semiconductor, the industry's 3rd biggest, manufacture. Both companies sell their NAND chips to Apple.

The iPhone's performance in Asia has been modest compared to the US and elsewhere. Hindrances like a lack of Wi-Fi and a strong black market have affected sales in China. Eager crowds welcomed this week's release in Korea, but in Japan sales have been quite slow.

I'm no market expert, but I imagine Apple must predict how many units it needs and doesn't always hit the mark with 100% accuracy. We'll follow this story as it develops.

[Via AppleInsider]

TUAWChip makers: Apple manipulating flash memory prices originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: iPhone

I love the iPhone navigation app competition that's taking place. Navigon has sent Apple a rather nifty update that adds some unique features that are sure to please current owners and perhaps entice those still on the fence about getting some kind of GPS technology for their iPhone. The Navigon MobileNavigator app [iTunes link] is on sale through today for U.S. $69.99

Here are the goodies on the way:

• Enhanced Pedestrian Mode: It features a new user interface and uses the digital compass built into the iPhone 3GS. The map now automatically moves with the user making it easy to recognize in which direction to walk.
• Google Local Search: Users can easily find their way to new places. Simply entering "steak Chicago," for example, provides a comprehensive list of steak restaurants in the Windy City. By clicking on one of the search results, users are guided to the destination.
• Navigate by Geographical Coordinates: Navigate using latitude and longitude, and email those coordinates to others.

The Google search capability should be most welcome. With all the POI data on the iPhone, Navigon MobileNavigator and other competitors often don't have up-to-date destination information. By allowing a data exchange over the cellular network, you'll have the latest information.

Depending on the approval process, Navigon users should get the free update soon. We'll test it all as soon as we can get it in our anxious little hands.

TUAWNavigon submits significant update to app store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cyber Monday, the largest online electronics shopping day of the year, is in full effect, with a number of valuable discounts on Apple products.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced reviving claims that Google is in the process of developing its own smart phone based on its Android operating system. Gizmodo today follows up with new claims of Google phone prototypes running a new version of ...

Another report claims that a Google-branded phone will arrive soon, and an application that served as a promotional tool for the Motorola Droid was rejected by Apple for distribution in the iPhone App Store.

Filed under: Multimedia, Open Source, Beta Beat

• A redesigned interface
• Improved navigation
• The ability to search for TV shows and movies both on the Internet and on local networks
• A queuing function, most likely similar to what Hulu has now.
• Shortcuts for apps, movies, and other programs

There will be a 4-week early-access period before the beta version is officially released on January 7 at CES. Those who want a sneak preview do need to sign up.

Those in New York City who want to attend the beta unveiling can reserve a spot. A live stream will also be provided through Boxee's blog or directly through the program itself.

TUAWBoxee beta announced for December 7 release originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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