If you’re unfamiliar or are unsure of what SOPA (Sop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) are, they are acts or laws that are being considered by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States, respectively, which would allow the government to essentially “censor the Internet”, in order to prevent piracy and to protect copyrighted content that can be found online.

This means, for example, that if a social networking website had a lot of users and some of them were posting material or links that contained copywritten material, these websites could potentially be shut down or censored by the government.

However, many web companies and services decided that this should not be something that happens, and because of this, chose to protest the SOPA and PIPA bills by “blacking out”, or essentially “going offline” on January 18, 2012, for a day.

One company that decided to “black out” their website in protest of these two acts included Wikipedia, which displayed a large banner over the content of articles, preventing users from reading them, but letting them know what these acts are, why they can be considered bad for the Internet and its users, as well as what users can do to help protest and prevent these acts from becoming law, which included providing contact information for various state legislators.

Reddit.com, a popular news sharing website, also “blacked out” their website for a majority of the day, and like Wikipedia, informed users of what these proposed pieces of legislation are and what would happen if they were to come into effect in the United States. Additionally, Reddit also provided users with information about protesting and contacting law-makers.

Many other companies and websites also participated in the “black out” day, including Google, WordPress.org and Quora. Though, not all of these companies decided to shut down completely, and especially in the case of Google, would probably not have proved logical, as it is such as large company with many people depending on its services.

However, Google did “black out” their logo, covering most of it with a black box and linking to this page, which provided information about the proposed anti-piracy acts and how to go about protesting and preventing them.

For images of what some websites looked like when they “blacked out”, you should check out this thread on the Helifreak.com forums, which I found while searching for SOPA images on Google Images.

Quora.com, like many other websites, chose to display a banner at the top of their website, which said “Stop SOPA” and linked to a question on the website about what the company’s stance on SOPA and PIPA is.

The AmericanCensorship.org website has created a great infographic, which describes what SOPA is, what the effects of this bill can have on the Internet, as well as what you can do to help prevent this bill from becoming law.

Additionally, FightfortheFuture.org has created a video, explaining what PIPA is and what effects the bill will have on the Internet and its users, should it end up coming into law.

As you can see, SOPA and PIPA are bills which much of the Internet community is strongly against and is protesting. For more more information about these proposed acts, as well as how you can contact a legislator in your state, you should visit the above websites, which provide great information regarding this topic.

Also, just a note that this list is not in any particular order, so the first app listed isn’t necessarily better than the last one listed.

1. TweetBot (iPhone)

TweetBot, by TapBots, is a Twitter client, which allows users to access their Twitter feeds, read and post Tweets, view people’s profiles on the service, as well as other things. TweetBot also features a great looking user interface, which includes sounds and animation and makes viewing and writing tweets fun. Also included in the application is multi-touch gesture support, so users can view, create, and read tweets in a more interesting and interactive way.

In addition, TweetBot supports the ability for users to have multiple timelines within the application, so that, if they have more than one Twitter account, users can view them both within the same application. Users can simply tap on the “Timeline” button, which looks like two figures of people, and is located in the top left of the app, to view their timelines and select which one they would like to use. Also from this menu, users can choose to go to the “Accounts and Settings” page of the app.

2. Saver (iPhone)

Saver, by Alex Solonsky, is an app that allows users to track and view their expenses and features things, such as graphs and lists, where users can see how much money they’ve spent and where it’s going. When a user wants to add an expense to Saver, all they need to do is click on the “+” icon, located at the bottom of the app, which then brings up a screen where users can enter in an amount of money, as well as select, or “tag”, what this money was spent on.

There are a variety of categories that users can pick from, in order to tag their expenses, including “General”, “Kids”, “House”, “Amusement”, “Wardrobe”, “Groceries”, “Auto”, “Food”, “Payments”, “Vacation”, and more! Additionally, each category also has sub-categories, which users can use to further narrow down what they spent their money on. For example, some of the subcategories in the “Food” tag, include “Cafe”, “Fastfood”, “Bar”, and “Restaurant”.

Once a user has added their expenses, they can view them in a pie-chart, which is color coded according to the category of expense. Users can then tap on that part of the chart, which will bring up a list of the user’s expenses. Also, users can select to view their expenses by either the week, month, or year, which is useful if you want to track your expenses only for a certain amount of time.

3. Instagram (iPhone)

Instagram, by Burbn, Inc. is on the list for the second year in a row, as it’s a great application which allows users to share photos, not only on the Instagram app itself, but also on Facebook and Twitter.

Also, Instagram allows users to “edit” their photos by applying filters, which change the overall look and feel of the photo. Users can also select whether or not they want a “frame” around the photo, as well as some other features. \

Once a user has selected a filter for their photo (though, users are free to post a picture without having a filter or any editing at all), they can add and edit a caption for their photo, select whether or not they’d like to share it on Facebook or Twitter, as well as configure some other options for the photo. After that, all one needs to is post the photo and it’s available for everyone who’s following you to see! (However, you can choose not to announce a photo on Facebook or Twitter, if you’d rather not.)

One of the great features of Instagram is that it’s a social app, where users can follow other users and see what pictures they’ve been posting. Additionally, users can “like” or comment on others’ photos, which adds to the social aspect of this application.

4. Oink (iPhone)

Oink, by Milk, Inc., is a social “rating” application that just came out in 2011, and allows users to rate the things in the world around them, rather than just rating the places they have been to. For example, rather than rating a particular restaurant as having good food or being a great place to eat, Oink allows users to rate specific things at the restaurant, such as a specific dish or place to sit, or even the lighting!

Other users can then see what one has posted to Oink and what their thoughts were on the particular thing they rated, and can also add their own ratings and comments to the post. Users are also able to “Like”, “Love”, “Dislike”, etc. the variety of things that are rated, and additionally, users can choose to add something to their “To-Do” list, if they are interested in trying what they saw someone else post about.

Users can also choose to share their ratings and posting on both Facebook and Twitter, should they want to share their experiences with their friends who many not be using Oink or may not have an iPhone.

5. Tiny Tower (iPhone and iPad)

Tiny Tower, by Nimblebit, LLC., is a fun game, where users are in charge of building and running a tower filled with a variety of residences and businesses, as well as managing the citizens who happen to move into the tower and live in the residences.

Gameplay consists of ensuring that the various business and stores in the tower are stocked with the items or services that they carry or sell, as well as helping to move the tower’s guests or residents, called Bitizens, to the various businesses by use of an elevator, which the user can move up or down, to get the person to the correct floor, which is specified by the Bitizen in the elevator.

When a user accrues a certain amount of money, they are able to purchase more floors for their tower, building it higher, and adding to the number of residences or businesses that are available for Bitizens to use. However, after a new floor is added to the tower, the next floor’s price will increase, so a user has to save up more money to build it.

Additionally, stocking and restocking the businesses in a tower requires that a user use their coins to do so. Though, users can opt to purchase (with actual money) TowerBucks, which can be spent on much of the same things that regular coins can be, but, similar to FarmVille or CityVille, allow things to be completed or done faster than if a user were to strictly use coins.

TinyTower is a fun game with a 8-bit style user interface and doesn’t require that users play it for hours at a time. Because of the nature of TinyTower, with running businesses and such, users can choose to restock a product, etc., and come back later when it has run out, without having to sit around and watch the game run to do so.

6. Zombieville USA 2 (iPhone and iPad)

Zombieville USA 2, by Mika Mobile, Inc., is a fun game, where the user’s main task is to infiltrate a zombie infested city or town, and take out the zombies. In order to do this, the user is given a choice of a variety of weapons, including clubs, knives, guns, and grenades, though some weapons are only available after the user earns enough money in the game to purchase them.

Additionally, users are only allowed to carry three weapons at a time when they are fending off the zombies, which is a good thing, as occasionally, one or two of the weapons being carried can run out of ammo, causing the user to have to switch to their third weapon, whether it be another gun, a grenade, or a baseball bat (which doesn’t require ammo and doesn’t “run out”, like the other weapons do.)

The gameplay is pretty simple, with users using a “joystick” style control and three buttons, each in control of switching to and firing or using one of the three weapons that is being carried by the user’s character. Also, thoughout the level, users can find and shoot or hit boxes and other things (including mailboxes, signs, etc.), which may house money or extra ammunition, which can then be used to help the user purchase new weapons or to reload their current weapons.

Once the user has reached the end of the level, a helicopter comes down, thereby rescuing the user once they jump onto the ladder that is hanging from it. Then, a user will be notified of how much money they have made during the level, how many zombies they managed to kill, what their accuracy was, as well as some other information.

7. Powers of Minus Ten (iPhone and iPad)

Powers of Minus Ten, by Green-Eye Visualization, is an application that enables users to zoom into the human hand, in order to learn about biology and to see what goes on in the human body at the cellular and molecular level. Also, according to the app’s description on the iTunes App Store, the 3D content in the app is scientifically accurate, so users are able to get a real feel for what goes on in the human body.

Additionally, Powers of Minus Ten also features a “game” aspect, where users earn points and such for finding and identifying certain structures within the human body, including proteins, organelles, and more! There are also games that users can play, such as a matching game, in order to help them learn about processes, like Mitosis.

One great aspect of Powers of Minus Ten is that the graphics are great and can help students, or anyone interested in the human body or biology, view what perhaps microscopic structures and cells look like within the human body in an interactive way.

When viewing a particular section (or magnification level) of the hand, users are able to pan around and view where things are positionally, as well as what else may be going on or is located in that particular area.

Overall, Powers of Minus Ten is a great application, with some fun games included, which can help users view the human body in a way that perhaps they haven’t seen before, especially when it comes to the microscopic level.

8. Where’s My Water  (iPhone and iPad)

Where’s My Water, by Disney, is a great puzzle game, where the object of the game is channel water from one area of the screen, to another, where an alligator named Swampy is waiting for the water to take a bath.

Where’s My Water starts off pretty simply, with users having to dig a path for the water to reach Swampy, but as the gameplay progresses, getting the water to Swampy’s bathtub begins to get more and more challenging, as different challenges are added.

For example, once the user reaches a certain level, switches are added to the puzzle, causing the user to have to channel water to a switch, in order to operate it and get water to Swampy’s bathtub. In some levels, there may even be more than one switch that has to be activated, in order to beat the level. However, some levels include a water spout, which allows users to turn on and add more water as they need it, so they don’t have to worry about wasting the water they may have started the puzzle with.

Where’s My Water is a fun puzzle application, which I personally liken to another iPhone application, Enigmo, involving getting water from one area to another, using a variety of different tools. If you’re interested in puzzles or challenges, perhaps you should check out Where’s My Water, by Disney. Additionally, this application is good for children, as well, as it features colorful graphics, and the fun of trying to get the water to Swampy so he can take this bath!

Which apps for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad did you enjoy using throughout 2011?

Thank you for reading this blog post, as well as the TechnicalCafe blog throughout the year! I hope everyone had a great 2011 and that everyone has a happy, healthy, fun, and safe 2012!

However, did you ever stop to think what those 0s and 1s mean and how they are arranged?

In order to understand what the binary number system is all about, it is a good idea to have an understanding of the number system that we use all the time in everyday life – the decimal, or base 10, number system.

In the decimal number system, we can represent things, such as the number of people in a room, the time, how many apps you have on your phone, as well as a whole array of other things. All of the quantities that were just mentioned are probably written using the numbers 0-9. Including 0, there are 10 numbers in the decimal number system, which is why it is called “base 10”.

These numbers can be arranged in any order to form other, larger or smaller numbers, depending on which “place”, or position, a particular number is in. For example, if you have the number 123, there are three places, the one’s place, ten’s place, and hundred’s place.

If we wanted to, we could represent 123 by raising 10 to the power of the position a particular number is in, starting at 0 and going from right to left and then multiplying that figure by whatever number is in the position.

For our “123” example, we can represent 123 as:

3*10⁰ + 2*10¹ + 1*10²

When these numbers are added and then combined, we will arrive at the original number of 123.

(3*1) + (2*10) + (1*100)

= 3 + 20 + 100

= 123

The same is true of the binary, or base 2, number system. However, unlike the decimal number system, there are only 2 numbers which are used in the binary number system, which, as you probably guessed, are 0 and 1.

In binary, rather than having each “place” or position raise in value by powers of 10, they raise in value by powers of 2.

If we have, for example, the number 1010, in binary, which, in order to prevent readers, as well as people converting from one base to another, from getting confused, we can represent by putting the value in parenthesis and adding a “2” subscript, simply to represent the fact that the number is in base 2 and not base 10 or decimal, or even some other base, we can figure out what it is equal to in decimal notation, by performing the same process as we did earlier.

(1010)₂ = (x)₁₀

(1010)₂ = 0 * 2⁰ + 1 * 2¹ + 0 * 2² + 1 * 2³

= (0*1) + (1*2) + (0 * 4) + (1 * 8 )

= 0 + 2 + 0 + 8

= (10) ₁₀

So, 1010 in binary is equal to 10 in decimal, or base 10, notation. Because of the fact that this conversion happens to only involve the numbers 0 and 1, the parenthesis help to prevent confusion between which base is which, as 10 in decimal can be converted to 2 in binary.

Now that we’ve learned a bit about the binary number system, what does this have to do with computers or technology?

Well, at the most basic level, computers do not understand letters, numbers, symbols, or even pictures as the symbols or colors that users see when typing or viewing them. Computers see these things as strings of 0s and 1s, which, to the processor or CPU, means “on” or “off”.

Also at the basic level, programming languages, such as C, C++, or Java, which are intended to make things easier for programmers, rather than having to input large strings of 0s and 1s, are complied into a language which the computer can understand, which is sometimes referred to as “machine code”.

Eventually, this code is read by the computer’s processor, or CPU, as a binary file, and the computer then follows the instructions in a language that it, rather than users or programmers, can understand.

So, the next time you see a movie or come across something that involves binary, hopefully now, you’ll be able to understand a little more about how things are converted to binary, as well as what binary notation is actually used for, in terms of computers and technology.

If you’d like to learn more about compilers and what they do and are used for, as well as other topics, you should check out CodeHelp.co.uk, which is where I got some of the information regarding compilers and what they do, included in this post.

Also, if you have a computer related question that you are curious about, or perhaps just a tech support question, please feel free to send me an e-mail, using the “Contact” page! You can also follow TechnicalCafe on Twitter (@TechnicalCafe), as well as me (@Jamiemcg), if you’re interested in what I’m up on on a day-to-day basis.

Amazon.com Technology Deals

Kindle DX - $259.00

The Kindle DX is one of the “older” members of Amazon’s Kindle family of e-book readers, in that it was first announced in May of 2009. However, this does not mean that the Kindle DX is behind the other versions of the popular e-book reader. The Kindle DX received an update in July of 2010, which was known as the Kindle DX “Graphite”, and was the third-generation of the Kindle DX.

Some of the features of the Kindle DX include a 9.7 inch (diagonal) e-ink screen, which works well when reading in sunlight, as it reduces glare, as well as having a thickness of only 1/3 of an inch, which, according to the Amazon website, is as thin as most magazines are. In addition, the Kindle DX features a free 3G wireless connection, a 1 week battery life (with wireless enabled) or a 2 – 3 week battery life, provided you have disabled the wireless connection.

Also, the Amazon Kindle DX has a memory that can hold 3,500 books, magazines, documents, etc., as well as a built in PDF reader, among other features, which you can find on the Amazon Kindle DX webpage.

Original Price: $379.00

Deal Price: $259.00

Savings: $120.00

Cannon PowerShot SX230HS 12 MP Digital Camera - $199.99

The Cannon PowerShot SX230HS digital camera is another great deal that is being offered on Amazon.com.

If you’re looking for a new camera or are looking for a gift to give to someone who loves to take photos and videos, perhaps you should consider this product.

Some features of the Cannon PowerShot SX230HS camera include Cannon’s HD System, with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, the ability to record 1080p HD videos with stereo audio, a GPS tracker and logger, so you can remember where you took your photos, a 14x optical zoom with an optical image stabilizer, as well as a 4x digital zoom, and a 28mm wide-angle lens.

This camera also features a “Smart AUTO” mode, which can be used to have the camera automatically select the proper settings for your camera to use, based on a library of 32 predefined shooting situations.

For more information on the Cannon PowerShot SX230HS digital camera, as well as for user reviews, etc., you can check out the product’s information page on Amazon.com.

Original Price: $349.00

Deal Price: $199.99

Savings: $149.01

Walmart.com Technology Deals

Samsung 32 Inch LCD HDTV - $278.00

The Samsung LN32D403 HD television is one of the deals that is being offered on the Walmart.com website as a part of their Black Friday specials, in addition to a variety of other products, including more TVs, etc.

Some features of the Samsung LN32D403 HDTV include a 32 inch class size screen (or a 31.5 inch screen, when measured diagonally from corner to corner). This Samsung TV has a 16:9 aspect ratio LCD display, which has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.

Also, this television features a built-in digital tuner, so you can watch your favorite TV shows and such, without having to purchase an external analog-to-digital converter box. The Samsung LN32D403 HDTV also has a 20,000 : 1 contrast ratio, as well as a “wide color enhancer”, which, according to Walmart’s website “provides natural and realistic color”.

In addition, this TV features “ConnectShare JPEG”, which enables users to plug a USB flash drive, MP3 player, or other USB device into their TV and view pictures, videos, as well as listen to music, right on the TV without the need to install any additional hardware or software.

There are two HDMI inputs on this television, as well, so users can input things, such as video games, DVD  or BluRay players, etc., and view the content in high definition.

For more information on the Samsung LN32D403 32 inch HDTV, including additional hardware specifications and such, you should check out the product’s page on the Walmart website.

Price: $278.00

Sony Speaker Dock for iPhone and iPod Touch  - $49.00

Another deal being offered on Walmart.com is for a Sony Speaker Dock for the iPod Touch and iPhone.

Some of the features of this product include a dual-alarm, as well as an easy to set “A-B alarm”, as well as the option to set alarms for 2, 5, or 7 days. Also, this Sony Speaker Dock enables users to set the brightness of the LCD display.

Additionally, this Sony Speaker Dock has “Mega Bass” and “Mega Xpand” sound features and comes with a remote control, an AC cord and adapter, an audio-in cable, an AM loop antenna, so users can listen to music and content, in addition to what they have on their iPod Touch or iPhone, as well as a universal dock adapter for the iPhone and a universal dock adapter for the iPhone 3G.

If you’d like more information about the Sony Speaker Dock for the iPhone and iPod Touch, you should check out the product description page on the Walmart website.

Original Price: $99.99

Deal Price: $49.00

Savings: $50.99

Sandisk 4GB and 8GB Flashdrives - $5.00 and $9.00

While this isn’t a “big” product in terms of expenses or savings, as well as physical size, I thought it was worth mentioning that Walmart.com also has a deal on these two Sandisk flashdrives, which may come in handy if you’re someone who happens to be looking for a deal on them or are some who simply likes to have a couple of extra storage devices hanging around.

The 4GB Sandisk flashdrive is being offered for $5.00 and the 8GB Sandisk flashdrive is available for $9.00, which I thought was a pretty good deal!

However, I’m not sure what the color choices are for these flashdrives, as the pages that linked to for these two products offer the 4GB version in navy blue and the 8GB version in red. (I don’t know if they have other colors available on the website or not, but it may be worth a look if you have a preference.)

Other Deals

As you can imagine, there are also a variety of other deals being offered online, through many different retailers and websites, including deals from Apple, BestBuy Staples, OverStock.com, as well as other online retailers and websites.

Also, many of the discounted items that are available online may also be available in-store, depending on which retailer you are looking at. If you’d rather pick up an item in-store, in order to avoid the costs and wait associated with shipping an item that you purchased online, it may be a good idea to call the store you plan on going to beforehand and ask if they have the item you are looking for in stock, so as to avoid making a trip for nothing.

Have you found any Black Friday deals online that you thought were good or would like to share? If so, please feel free to post a comment below!

As you have probably heard by now, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, Inc. passed away today, Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at the age of 56.

Apple’s Board of Directors has issued a statement, which you can read below.

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

In addition, Steve Jobs’ family also issued a statement:

Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO since Steve Jobs resigned from the position in August, sent an e-mail to Apple employees, which you can read below.

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing
human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

As many of us know, Steve Jobs has battled pancreatic cancer in the past, even having surgery related to this illness. In addition, Steve Jobs has taken leaves of absence from his role of Apple’s CEO a few times in the last few years. However, it was not until this past August, when Steve Jobs officially stepped down from his position of CEO of Apple, Inc., recommending that Tim Cook be named Apple’s new CEO. Jobs was also appointed as the Chairmen of Apple’s Board of Directors after he resigned from his duties as CEO.

Below is the e-mail that Jobs sent to Apple’s Board of Directors when he announced his resignation from his position of Apple’s CEO.

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Also, yesterday was Apple’s first Keynote presentation, launching the newest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 4S, led by Tim Cook, where Steve Jobs was not Apple’s CEO.

If you visit the Apple website, you’ll notice that the website is featuring an image of Steve Jobs, which is the image that is included in this blog post, which, when clicked, will bring users to a page dedicated to Jobs.

Steve Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of our time, creating revolutionary products that many people use each and every single day, as well as bringing Apple, Inc. to be one of the most influential technology companies in the world.

It’s a privilege to be able to use the products that Steve Jobs created, such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, iTunes, and the Mac computer and I would like to thank Steve for all of the hard work and dedication that he put into creating these products and services that changed the world.

Rest in Peace, Steve. You will be missed.

Notification Center

One new feature included in iOS 5 is the “Notification Center”, which is a one-stop place to go for all of your notifications, including those for new e-mails, text messages, friend requests, calendar appointments, reminders, as well as other things, which can be customized by users.

In addition, when a user receives a new notification, it will appear at the top of the screen and will quickly disappear, and will not interrupt what a user was doing at the time of the notification’s appearance.

The “Notification Center” can also display weather and stock information, and the “Notification Center” can be revealed simply by swiping down with a finger. The lock screen also displays notifications, allowing users to see what is happening, even if they’re not currently using their device.

iMessage

Another new feature included in iOS 5 is “iMessage”, which is a new messaging service, designed specifically for iOS users. With “iMessage”, users can send an unlimited amount of text messages from their iOS enabled device, such as their iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, over Wi-Fi or 3G to other people who are using an iOS enabled device.

Since “iMessage” is built into the “Messages” application, users can send text messages, photos, videos, contacts, and even locations to other users, provided they are using an iOS enabled device. Users can also track their messages, using delivery and read receipts, and can even see when another “iMessages” user is typing, as an ellipsis will be displayed.

Another feature of “iMessages” is that users can begin a conversation on one iOS device and pick up where they left off on another iOS enabled device.

Newsstand

“Newsstand” is another new feature included in iOS 5, which organizes all of a user’s magazine and newspaper subscriptions into one folder, where they can be accessed quickly and easily.

In addition, there is a new feature on the App Store, where users can purchase and configure their newspaper and magazine subscriptions, with new purchases going straight to the “Newsstand” folder.

Reminders

“Reminders” is another new feature included in iOS 5, which enables users to create and manage to-do lists, which even allow users to set due-dates and locations.

Since reminders are location based, a user can create a reminder to pick up some milk at the grocery store and when they arrive at the store, they will be alerted, as the iOS device will “know” the user’s location. In addition, “Reminders” can be used with Apple’s iCal, iCloud, as well as Microsoft Outlook, so all changes are synced between the appropriate devices and programs.

Twitter Integration

Perhaps one of the more interesting features of iOS 5 is built-in Twitter integration, allowing users to sign into their Twitter accounts in iOS’s settings. After doing this, users can easily tweet from right from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, and even the “Maps” application.

Also, a location can be appended to a tweet, regardless of which application is being used to send the tweet.

PC Free Setup

Previously, when a user purchased an iOS enabled device, such as a iPhone, iPod Touch, or an iPad, they had to connect it to a computer to configure it.

However, this is a thing of the past, as new iOS device owners can simply configure their new device wirelessly, without having to connect it to a computer. Also, users can download any new iOS updates straight to their device and can also backup their device using Apple’s new iCloud service.

More Great Features

In addition to these great new features, Apple’s iOS 5 includes a variety of different updates to preexisting applications, such as Safari, which now includes a new “Safari Reader” mode, which eliminates clutter from webpages, as well as updates other apps, such as the Camera and Photos applications.

For more information about Apple’s latest version of their mobile operating system, iOS 5, you should check out the official Apple website’s iOS 5 features page.

What do you think about the new features included in Apple’s iOS 5? Please feel free to post your questions, comments, or opinions below!

Back in February, I posted about the pervious version of ToonPAINT, explaining some of the features of the application, as well as where to find them and how to use them. While most of the features in version 2.0 have remained the same, or are similar, some features have been updated and some new features have been added.

When you first launch ToonPAINT 2.0, you will notice that the “Load” screen is different than in the previous version of the application, with the options, such as “Camera”, “Gallery”, “Sessions”, and “View Hall of Fame”. The previous version of the application had a more condensed menu, with less options to choose from.

The “Sessions” button is also a new addition, and when clicked, shows users a list of any previous sessions or images that they may have been working on. Users can then either open their previous sessions from the list or  simply delete them if they no longer want them.

Additionally, there is an “Additional Features” button, which, when clicked, allows users to view information about some additional features, such as “Auto Color” and “Alpha Brush”, which can be purchased for $0.99 each.

The new “Auto Color’” feature which automatically colors a user’s picture for them, so that they do not have to do so manually. This will make coloring a toon a lot faster than if a user had to do so using the color pallet and having to change brush size, as well as other settings.

The “Alpha Brush” feature, which is also new, allows users to paint their toon directly from the source photograph. However, this feature is not the same thing as the photo color picker, which allows users to go back to their photo and use a “paint dropper” to select a color that was in the original photo that was uploaded.

In addition to the above new features, there are some interface and functionality changes, such as a new “Inklines” page, which users will see after uploading their source photo. The “Inklines” section allows users to pan and zoom, using the “Pan/Zoom” button, as well as new shading and size sections.

Previously, users could use a “pinch” gesture to zoom in and out of a toon, but the new pan and zoom button enables them to do so right from a single source.

Another new feature is the “Paint” screen, which users can access after the “Inklines” screen, by clicking on an arrow at the top right side of the application. Like the previous version of the application, users can choose a brush size, as well as a color from the “Brushes” and “Palette” menus. Similar to the “Inklines” section, there is also a “Pan/Zoom” button on the “Paint” screen.

There are also some differences in the “Palette”, as it now appears on the right side of the screen and above the color choices, are the options to use the new “Auto Color” and “Alpha Brush” tools. Also, there is a newly added “VOLBEAT” button, which changes the color of the image and background.

Another difference is that users can now select paint colors without having to double tap on a particular color within the palette, which brought up the color chooser. Instead, there is a dedicated color chooser button, which users can use to select a color of their choice. However, by doing this, any color that is selected will be temporarily replaced by newly chosen color.

The latest version of the ToonPAINT Application for the iPhone and iPod Touch can be purchased from the iTunes App Store for $1.99.

Note: Since this post was written, Toon-Paint was again updated to version 2.1, which includes more new features, such as a smoothing system, photo and paint color pickers, as well as bug fixes related to paint alignment on image output and app crashes.

When you first download and launch the Easter Sneezies application, you should see a loading screen, displaying the game’s title and the Chillingo logo.

Once the game has loaded, you will be taken to the game’s main menu, where there are two buttons, “Classic”, and “Challenge”, both of which will begin a game in the respective mode. In addition, there are also “Settings” and “Scores” buttons. Also, there is a “More Games” button, which will bring you to the iTunes App Store, where you can view and purchase other applications by Chillingo, Ltd.

There is also an information button, which explains how to play the game, as well as a “Be a Fan” button, which opens a page, where you can sign up for the “Retro Dreamer” newsletter, as well as become a fan on FaceBook or try their latest application for free.

As I mentioned earlier, Easter Sneezies has two gameplay modes, “Classic” and “Challenge”. In both modes of gameplay, there are little Easter bunnies floating around in bubbles, and the goal of the game is to try to get a certain number of bunnies to sneeze, popping the bubbles that they are in.

In order to do this, all you have to do is tap on the screen, which will cause you to drop “sneezing powder”, which will cause any bunnies that the powder touches to sneeze. Once a bunny sneezes, any bunnies that are close enough to the sneezing bunny will also begin to sneeze, causing a chain reaction.

There are also bonuses that users can earn by doing things, such as causing 75 percent or more of the bunnies to sneeze, causing all of the bunnies to sneeze, eliminating all the bunnies of a certain color, as well as other bonuses.

Easter Sneezies has two different modes of gameplay, “Classic” and “Challenge” mode.  In the classic mode, users have to get a certain number of bunnies to sneeze through a chain reaction, which increases as the levels progress. However, users only have one “turn” of sneezing powder to create the chain reaction. However, in the “Challenge” mode, users can have multiple “turns” of sneezing powder, but after every “turn”, more bunnies are added, so it’s not as difficult as it may sound.

Overall, I think Easter Sneezies is a fun game, with great graphics, and isn’t doesn’t require a lot of work to learn how to play. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great puzzle style game or for anyone who likes a fun and easy game, but one which can be challenging at times, as well.

If you would like to try playing Easter Sneezies, you can download it for free from Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Once you download and install the Bobsled plug-in, you should be able to see a little green phone icon, located next to the names of your contacts in the FaceBook chat window. When you want to initiate a Bobsled call to one of your FaceBook friends, all you need to do is click on their name, which should bring up a chat window.

Within that chat window, there should be an area at the top of the window, where you can see small profile pictures of both the person you would like to chat with, as well as yourself. Between the two profile pictures, is a “Call” button, which, when clicked, initiates a Bobsled call to the other user, who will be prompted to answer or reject the call.

When a user answers, you can chat with them, right from within FaceBook, and can even navigate to other pages within FaceBook without causing the call the “drop” or end. However, if you do navigate to a website other than FaceBook, the call will be ended, similar to how you would be signed out of a regular chat.

However, if a user rejects your call or if you call and then click on the “Cancel” button, you will be given the option to leave the person you are trying to call a voicemail, as well as the option to write a message. Alternatively, the voicemail  prompt window allows you record a voicemail and then send it, as well as any text that you wrote, as a private message.

Also within the Bobsled chat window interface, there are four links, which are “Share”, “Audio Setup”, “Feedback”, and “Help”. The “Share” link allows you to let another FaceBook user know about Bobsled, as well as allows you to include your own, personal message.

The “Audio Settings” link enables users to configure and test their microphone and speaker settings, while the “Feedback” link brings up a window that enables users to provide feedback about Bobsled, as well as provides access to some helpdesk and feedback questions.

The “Help” link will bring up a new window, with a variety of frequently asked questions and help topics regarding T-Mobile’s Bobsled service.

I actually tried using T-Mobile’s Bobsled service a few days ago and think it is a neat service. I thought the call quality was pretty good and was able to hear the person I was chatting with pretty well.

However, it appeared as though our call dropped a few times, but with every VoIP service, it happens from time to time. Overall, though, I enjoyed using T-Mobile’s Bobsled service and would recommend it to anyone who would like to be able to chat with their FaceBook friends, right from within the FaceBook chat interface.

If you would like to learn more about T-Mobile’s Bobsled service, powered by Vivox, you can do so by going to the official Bobsled website, as well as by checking out this article from MobileCrunch and this article from Engadget.

Have you tried using T-Mobile’s Bobsled service? If so, please feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or opinions!

While GMail had previously provided users the ability to customize their theme’s colors, users could not use any custom images with their theme. However, GMail users can now create a completely custom theme, complete with colors and images of their choosing.

If you would like to create your own, custom, theme, you can do so by logging into your GMail account and going to the “Themes” section of the “Settings” menu.

From there, users can click on the “Create your own theme” button, which will load a pop-up window, where users can edit their theme. The pop-up windows shows a rather simple version of some attributes that are found in the GMail interface, all of which can be edited, including text, links, subject text, snippet text, as well as the background.

In order to edit one of these attributes, users can click on the attribute they would like to edit, causing a drop down box to appear, which provides a variety of different colors to choose from. For frames, users can choose a background color, text color, as well as a link color.

However, the main two backgrounds, the main area of the interface, and the footer, can can be customized with an image, which can be chosen from a user’s Picasa account or uploaded from their computer. Then, users can choose the alignment and tiling options for their images.

When a user is done creating a custom theme, all they need to do is click on the “Save” button, at the bottom of the theme editor pop-up window. Should someone make a mistake or wish to start over, they can click on the “Reset” button, located next to the “Save” button.

For more information about about creating themes with custom backgrounds in GMail, you should check out this post from the Official GMail Blog.

Have you tried using the new theme creator? If so, please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know what you think!