The UnityRemote app is designed to turn the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad into a universal remote control and the latest 1.6 version focuses on further enhancing the applications unique features as well as delivering a whole new range of innovative elements that make this ultimate home accessory slicker and sharper than ever before.

The app’s ‘favourites’ function  which allows users to list their most watched TV channels under a ‘favourite’ icon on their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad screen has been updated to save users even more time. TV addicts can now add an unlimited amount of favourites, instead of the previous nine. With just one single tap of an icon on their Apple device, users can seamlessly flick between channels.

GEAR4’s engineering team have been busy ensuring that UnityRemote works as effectively as possible with all home electronic devices, both new and old. Having heavily optimised the app, memory usage has been minimised to make reaction times faster overall. Changing between the TV and CD player, or other devices, is both quicker and easier.

Thanks to a new and improved user interface on the app, customising key icons with images from personal digital photo collections couldn’t be simpler.

royal wedding app

ITN Productions has launched a Royal Wedding app exclusively with Getjar the world’s largest independent app store, where visitors will be able to download the highly anticipated software a week ahead of it’s general release.

Royal family enthusiasts can now follow William and Kate’s wedding preparations every step of the way by downloading the Royal Wedding app for Android and iPhone – completely free on GetJar for the next seven days.

The app, developed to support ITN’s Royal Wedding Channel on YouTube, delivers up to date news and entertaining video content on all things royal in the run up to the big day on April 29th. With hours of video content packed into the app and more being added each day, the app provides a quick and entertaining way to keep up to date with the nation’s favourite couple.

Miguel Tatay, Head of Mobile at ITN Productions, said: “We wanted to reach the largest possible audience and make the app open and available to everyone. As the world’s largest open app store, GetJar was the obvious choice to launch and distribute The Royal Wedding app.”

Patrick Mork, CMO of GetJar commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer The Royal Wedding app exclusively on GetJar. The Royal wedding is the talk of the town and downloading this app will allow everyone to feel part of it. We expect this is going to be extremely popular and are delighted to be able to make this app free to consumers on GetJar”.

Interestingly the survey revealed that only 18% of respondents now aspire to replace their current handset with the Apple based iPhone, the market leader in the field for the last few years.

While this is hardly likely to be the death knell of the iPhone, the vast range of manufacturers offering the Android based product means that customers have an enormous choice when it comes to replacing their current device, both in price and application.

Apple have also cornered the market for mobile apps during their current reign, but that is all about to change too according to Getjar, who predict that Android apps will outnumber Apple by 2 to 1 in the near future.

Patrick Mork CMO of Getjar says;

“The survey results make it clear that all eyes are on Android, as well as the importance of brand equity in the increasingly competitive mobile app space. In addition, the data also reveals that brand marketers and advertisers also have a reason to be hopeful about consumer’s appetite for in-app advertisement.”

App usage is clearly on the rise with the survey results showing almost 34 percent of consumers spending one hour or more using apps per day, compared to 49 percent who spend the same amount of time watching television.  Fifty-eight percent of respondents use mobile apps more than once a day.

The importance of brand equity was pushed to the forefront, as almost 80 percent said that the quality of the brand’s app makes the brand more trustworthy.  Furthermore, 72 percent of those surveyed said they were more likely to engage with a brand if they had a good app.

Advertisers have reason to be hopeful.  Seventy-three percent of respondents said they have downloaded an app with advertising in it, and almost 60 percent said they’d do it again. Almost one in four made a purchase after having clicked on a mobile ad.

Discovery continues to plague app publishers.  Only 25% discovered the apps they were looking for using actual app stores.  Nearly 50% had actually discovered apps while browsing online and nearly 17% had discovered apps through friends or social media.

Other survey results include:

• Gaming apps are the most popular, followed closely by social networking apps
• The amount of free apps and the ease of search topped the list of things users look for in an app store
• The cost of an app was the biggest deciding factor in whether to download an app or not

Christmas sales at Tesco Mobile were firmly in favour of the market leading Apple device, outselling the Google based Android handsets by two to one, but in January sales of both devices were like for like.

Sales of Android phones eclipsed that of iPhones for the first time in February on the Tesco Mobile Network and there is good reason to believe that this trend will continue throughout 2011.

It is fair to say that the deals offered on new Android phones by Tesco are more competitive than they are able to offer on the Apple device, but as the battle for supremacy in smartphone operating systems continues to make the news, Google’s Android platform appears to be gaining a strong foothold in the market.

In this fast paced and constantly changing market, recent announcements have seen PlayStation herald the imminent launch of its Xperia Play smartphone and Nokia announce that it will be teaming up with Microsoft.

How that will effect the marketplace remains to be seen but as we wait for developments to unfold Android is the clear early winner.

Graham Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Telecoms and Tesco Mobile comments:
“As one of the UK’s leading operators, these sales are a useful barometer for smartphone trends. There is a lot of choice in the market and as a result consumers are driving healthy competition between rival operating systems.
Tesco Mobile prides itself on customer service and offering customers what they want, through a wide range of competitive deals on all platforms. In addition to competitive Android smartphone deals, we also offer iPhone on a variety of fantastic 12 month contracts.
However, we commend this healthy competition between operating systems as we see this as helping to drive consumer choice and flexibility.”

Today you can choose between several different Blackberry models, Nokia, HTC and Samsung to name a few.  Not forgetting the latest Apple iPhone 4.  But what does a Smartphone allow you to do over a plain old mobile phone, and what should you be looking out for when making your choice?

A Smartphone allows you to do much more than simply send and receive phone calls and text messages.  It is rather like having a mini computer in your pocket.  Whether you need a phone for business or personal use smartphones offer advanced functionality including internet services and can run software programs known as Apps.

For the busy business person who is always on call and available 24/7, the Smartphone has become an essential ever handy tool that gives you email on the move, to view files such as spreadsheets, presentations and PDF files; while for the personal user it allows you to stream films, store and play music files; and with the growth of free or cheap Apps business and personal users can find a use for Apps covering the London Underground Tube Map, train timetables and keeping up to date with the latest news from around the world.

There’s no doubt that the introduction of the Apple iPhone was as responsible for the growth in smartphones for personal use as the Blackberry was for business users.  But now, more so than before it seems there is less of a distinction between which market smartphones are aimed at, as companies  look to grow in a busy marketplace.  But one of the most important things to consider when choosing a Smartphone is which platform or operating system it uses.

There are six operating systems to choose from for UK mobile phones.  You need to consider not only how good is the platform and how efficient it runs, but how popular it is among software developers who will migrate to new operating systems if there is a market to do so.

Android OS
Android OS is Google’s Operating System, and not surprisingly comes with an excellent web browser as well as integrating online tools effectively.

The Android software is regularly updated and as it becomes more popular is becoming a serious alternative to the iPhone OS as far as software developers are concerned.  The Android OS is ‘open source’ which gives developers free range over application building, unlike the restrictive practises of Apple Apps.  The Android platform can handle a vast array of different programs, including some comprehensive media bundles.

Windows Phone OS
No prizes for guessing the Windows Phone Operating System is owned by Microsoft.  In the past it has been called Windows Mobile & WinMo.

Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS is designed to mirror the desktop version of Windows in both design and functionality. As you’d expect, it is simple to sync your mobile Smartphone to your PC computer and share contacts and emails with the Exchange server.  Microsoft Office programs and the Windows Media player also come as part of the Windows Phone OS.

The Microsoft application store is aptly named Windows Marketplace where users can update and download an assortment of application software.  Microsoft has strict control over which Apps are available in the Windows Marketplace.

iPhone OS
The iPhone Operating System was developed by Apple for their own Smartphone.  The iPhone has taken the world by storm and as a late entry into the Smartphone arena, has been able to capitalise on incorporating the best of previous mobile phone technology. The iPhone range has regular software updates; and though Apple has a strict control over licensing Apps it is by far the most popular operating system for developers.  The result is the Apple App Store is currently blessed with the largest selection of Apps of all operating systems.

Blackberry OS
The BlackBerry Operating System has been developed by mobile phone manufacturer Research in Motion for its own BlackBerry Smartphones. The original bias of the Blackberry was towards business users with its stylish looks and excellent office applications, internet and email functionality.

The email management software allows you to simply sync your phone with your PC with the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. Blackberry’s work well with business Apps such as Microsoft Office and the BlackBerry App World has a wide range of applications. Some models now come with a touch screen which has coincided with a growth in personal user popularity.

Symbian OS
The Symbian Operating System is Nokia’s own software, though it is used by other mobile phone manufacturers, too. The Symbian user interface is regularly updated and improved, making it a very easy system to navigate.

A number of different email servers are supported from Microsoft Exchange to BlackBerry Enterprise which makes using the Symbian operation system easy to use when syncing your mobile phone to your desktop email client.  Like Android, Symbian OS is open source making it easier for developers to create and share applications.  Nokia’s own App Store is called the Ovi Store but there are also other websites that offer Apps for the Symbian OS.

Bada OS
The Bada Operating System is owned by Samsung who are promoting their Smartphone range to all users.  Samsung are a relatively late-comer to the Smartphone party but appear to be gaining ground with their latest range of Smartphone models.  Applications and Apps for the Bada OS can be downloaded from the Samsung Apps store.

So, if you are looking for a Smartphone we recommend three steps:

1.    Make a prioritised list of the functionality you are looking for and whether it is for business, personal use or both
2.   Find out which operating system it uses
3.    Look online & in magazines at independent reviews

Do all three steps before you enter a shop or call a mobile phone company to find out about the best mobile phone deals.

Play Along With The Beatles Vol 1 & 2

Four decades after their break-up, The Beatles remain the most critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music.

The Fab Four had more number one albums in the UK charts, and held down the top spot longer than any other musical act in the history of popular music.

The team behind The Beatles: Little Black Songbook bring you the most impressive Beatles music App to date, split into two comprehensive volumes.

This iPad App includes professionally transcribed guitar tablature for 27 early Beatles classics and 31 late Beatles classics with high-quality minus-guitar backing tracks for each song.

So, whether you’re in the comfort of your own living room or trying to impress friends with your ability to play the Fab Four’s biggest hits, this App is the perfect companion for Beatles fans and guitarists alike.

Exquisitely designed with an exclusive biography, tuner and tab guide included – this App is packed with premium content from the most successful rock band of all time.

Classic Beatles songs featured in the App include their first chart hit ‘Love Me Do’ plus their first eight UK No.1’s and two US No.1’s ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Eight Days A Week’.

Play Along With The Beatles Volume 1:
A Hard Day’s Night, All My Loving, And I Love Her, Can’t Buy Me Love, Day Tripper, Drive My Car, Eight Days A Week, From Me To You, Girl, Help!, I Feel Fine, I Saw Her Standing There, I Want To Hold Your Hand, In My Life, It Won’t Be Long, Love Me Do, Michelle, Norwegian Wood, Nowhere Man, Please Please Me, Run For Your Life, She Loves You, Ticket To Ride, Twist And Shout, We Can Work It Out, Yesterday, You Can’t Do That.

See Play Along With The Beatles Volume 1 on iTunes

Play Along With The Beatles Volume 2:
The Beatles songs featured in the App include four No.1 singles and classic tracks from The Beatles most brilliant album period of Revolver, Sgt. Peppers, The White Album and Abbey Road.

Across The Universe, And Your Bird Can Sing, Back In The USSR, Blackbird, Come Together, Dear Prudence, Doctor Robert, Don’t Let Me Down, Fixing A Hole, Get Back, Getting Better, Got To Get You Into My Life, Happiness Is A Warm Gun, Helter Skelter, Here, There And Everywhere, Hey Bulldog, Hey Jude, I Want You (She’s So Heavy), Lady Madonna, Let It Be, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Paperback Writer, Rain, Revolution, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, She Said She Said, Sun King, The Ballad Of John And Yoko, The End, With A Little Help From My Friends, You Never Give Me Your Money.

See Play Along With The Beatles Volume 2 on iTunes.

Price £8.99

Launched in time for the event, the brand new In The City iPhone application will allow both attending delegates and festival wristband holders the chance to interact with the festival in a way they’ve never been able to before. The application has been designed to enable the user to:

See who’s playing & plan their schedule
- Access up to date times and venues
- Browse gigs through a map
- View the most talked about bands at In The City through “Buzz” (a metric solution designed to determine the most talked about act at that moment. Every time the act’s name is mentioned on Twitter, or someone adds them to their calendar, this calculates their buzz score. So, if you want to see which act is the hottest at any given moment, view the Buzz and see if you agree with what everyone else is saying)!

The In The City iPhone app can be downloaded from this link.

The problem it appears is in the way that Apple’s Mobile Safari handles Adobe PDF documents, as the browser is designed to automatically open such files, there are fears that a hacker could embed a malicious code in the file.

Apple say that the company is well aware of the reports and the threat involved and are currently investigating the problem.

Mobile experts have suggested that the only way of preventing Mobile Safari from automatically opening PDF files is by jailbreaking a phone and installing an application, called PDF Loading Warner, that then asks for permission every time the browser tries to open a PDF file.

Some have even suggested installing an alternative browser such as the much lauded Opera Mini, although no-one can be clear on whether this would solve the problem completely as they had not been checked for exploits.

Apple too have been slow to fix problems with products such as Safari. There have been multiple versions of Safari upgraded for both Mac OSX and Microsoft due to significant browser problems. While Apple has made progress, the Windows version for PC notebooks (or otherwise), still lags behind at least four other products including Google Chrome and Firefox.

It opens up the debate as to whether smartphones would benefit from having their own security or anti virus programme in place, many have argued that there is no need for such measures with the current OS that are being used.

Although I am not an expert on internet security we are warned on a daily basis of the vulnerability of our PCs to attacks and to this end there are numerous free antivirus downloads for computers.

While there are now some anti virus software developed for mobile devices, there does seem a split in opinion as to whether mobile users actually need such programmes.

It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has their own experiences on this subject.

PitchPerfect Guitar Tuner App for Apple iPhone

NCH Software has announced the release of its TempoPerfect Metronome Software application for the Apple iPhone. Together with PitchPerfect Guitar Tuner, which will be available for the iPhone soon, NCH is offering two essential utilities for musicians everywhere.

TempoPerfect is free metronome software for keeping a clear and precise beat. Metronomes are essential for keeping time, improving practice sessions, and for developing a consistent rhythmic feel. TempoPerfect allows musicians to accurately set the correct beats per minute (BPM) for any tempo, and comes with a BPM reference chart for tempo markings from largo, to allegro, to prestissimo. Additional features allow you to subdivide beat patterns to hear tricky patterns like triplets, or accent the first beat in a measure when working in difficult time signatures.

PitchPerfect is an easy-to-use, free guitar tuner that eliminates the need of tuning a guitar by ear and will greatly improve the intonation of your guitar’s sound.  And while PitchPerfect is great for guitar players, it also includes presets for tuning cello, double bass, fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, viola and violin. Most instruments have several tunings available, so no matter which stringed instrument you play or what style of music, you will know your instrument is in tune. Simply play the string you want to tune to see if you are sharp, flat, or in perfect pitch. PitchPerfect is also an excellent tool for checking fret board intonation.

PitchPerfect is now available for Windows, Mac, Pocket PC and SmartPhone.

TempoPerfect is also available for Windows, Pocket PC and SmartPhone.

The smaller, lighter version of the iPhone has excited Apple fans across the globe and many of those queueing to purchase the iPhone 4 in London had travelled from far and wide.

Apple have promised better mobile reception on the new device thanks to a stainless steel case that acts as the antenna. The new phone also includes a larger battery and improved display giving the device more talk time.

Also the camera has been updated for the new model, increasing to 5 megapixel in line with most top end mobile devices and including a flash for the first time.

One area where Apple may have to act swiftly is sorting out the latest OS system iOS4, as there has been much adverse internet dialogue from users having serious problems upgrading.

Supermarket chain Tesco are among the many outlets offering the iPhone from today, here is a copy of their tarriffs.