Take fun with reading to a whole new level with these iPad and iPhone reading apps for kids--and bring them along in the car for a little bit of catchup before school starts. MeeGenius! Children's Books has favorite kids' titles with audio playback, word highlighting, and personalization (iPhone/iPad app is $1.99; comes with 12 enhanced titles). Alice for the iPad lets you throw tarts at the Queen of Hearts and play croquet with a flamingo (and read the story, of course) (iPad, $8.99). The Cat in the Hat app is a great animated version of the all-time favorite kids' story; kids can read it themselves, or the app will read it to them (iPad and iPhone, $3.99). There are other Dr. Seuss book apps, too, including Green Eggs and Ham. Disney has lots of read-along, interactive iPad apps, including Toy Story 3 and The Princess and the Frog (each $8.99). i-Itch has teacher-developed apps; their ABC Shakedown Plus app is $1.99. Word Magic is designed for 3- to 6-year-olds learning to spell and is available with different difficulty levels (iPad and iPhone, $0.99).
Working out alone can be pretty, well, lonely--and less than motivating. Let one of these sites serve as your "gym buddy" and you may notice better results; plus, these sites can make wellness fun. Mindbloom turns achieving goals (like exercising daily or complimenting your partner) into a fun social game; you can play it with friends and family members. It is web-based and free. GoodGuide is a website that rates over 65,000 non-toxic, environmentally friendly products from companies with good social and safety records. It's web-based and also has an iPhone app so you can check products' backgrounds on the go, and you can share your recommendations with others. Use DailyBurn to track what you eat and when you work out, and improve your results by choosing "Motivators" (other site members, or friends you invite) to keep you accountable. Use it on the web or as an iPhone app. Finally, SocialWorkout.com is a community-based fitness and wellness blog that sets challenges for members and features local fitness guides, including exercise classes and events.
What do you do to make fitness and wellness fun?
As smartphone ownership has increased, so have the chances for theft, data loss, and viruses. Luckily, there are new ways you can protect your device. If you subscribe to Apple's MobileMe (which syncs your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC and is free to try or $99/year for an individual)) you can download the free "Find My iPhone" app (it works with iPads too); if you realize your iPhone has been stolen, you can lock or wipe it remotely. Lookout works on Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile--and it's a free download. It provides security against viruses and hackers, data backup, and even a cool location feature if your phone is stolen (you can also wipe all your phone's data via the web). Norton Smartphone Security, currently in beta and available for Android, includes virus scanning, remote locking and wiping, and the ability to block unwanted calls and text messages. Here's hoping that your "missing" phone hasn't actually gone farther than under that pile of papers on your desk--but if it's in the wrong hands, these tools will keep it safe.
What's your favorite security tip for your smartphone?
If your cell phone bill is consistently higher than you think it should be, some online tools can help you analyze and reduce it. First of all, check out CNET's quick guide to your cell phone bill, which explains the mysterious fees and surcharges you might notice. Then check out some online services: BillShrink says that 80% of people overpay for cell phone service--use the site to compare your usage patterns with available cell phone plans (you can use it for other bills, like cable, too). The service is free, but for a more customized report, check out Validas, which starts at $5 for one use and analyzes your actual cell phone bill. And if you're satisfied with your current plan but want to make sure not to exceed your call time, check out OverMyMinutes--it automatically checks how many minutes you've used and sends you an e-mail or text message if you're about to exceed them. For the slightly more tech-savvy, Doughroller notes that Mozilla Firefox "has extensions for all of the major US cell service providers, showing you exactly how much time you have left on your cell phone for the month." These services should help you avoid surprises when your bill arrives.
Got any cool tips for cutting your cell phone bill? Leave them in the comments!
The iPhone 4 is still brand-new, so the market isn't yet jam-packed with accessories. But manufacturers are hurrying to come out with add-ons for the slim new phone. Here are some of our favorites.
MoviePeg, $7.53
This stand supports your iPhone while you watch video or chat using FaceTime, hands-free.
Case-mate iPhone 4 Barely There Case, $24.99
This super-slim case covers the back and corners of the iPhone 4 and includes a screen protection kit. A similar product, which also protects the iPhone 4's back and edges while leaving the screen exposed, is Apple's Bumper ($29).
iPhone 4 Dock, $29
Use this dock to charge your iPhone 4, or connect it to speakers, the TV, or your computer.
iPhone 4 OneFit Armband, $29.99
Keep your iPhone with you when you go running (or anywhere else). You can unclip the case without removing the armband, too.
Elan Passport Wallet for iPhone 4, $39.99
This case makes it easy to carry your super-slim iPhone 4 along with cash and credit cards, and gets you out the door fast.
If you manage a small office, you're lucky because you have the flexibility to run it with cool web tools. Our favorites streamline everything from billing to backup.
Online Backup: Mozy
If you work from home, you know you need a secure way to backup your files. Mozy offers unlimited, automatic online backup for music, photos, videos, and the other files on your computer. MozyHome is $4.95/month, while the more advanced MozyPro is aimed at small businesses.
You no longer have to fly across the country to meet with clients: These web conferencing and virtual meeting tools help you hold your meeting without leaving your desk.
Grocery shopping may not be your favorite chore, but these tips and tricks can make it easier and faster: The Grocery Game is a service that matches the lowest-priced products at your supermarket or drugstore matched with manufacturers' coupons and specials and provides you with a custom color-coded shopping list (for more details, watch this video). Dave Cheong's Grocery Shopping Helper is free and helps you map your grocery store by aisle. It's $10 for 8 weeks. Coupon Sherpa links to 100 weekly grocery store circulars. mygrocerydeals.com lets you browse circulars from your local stores in one place and create a shopping list. Housewife Hacks teaches you how to make a price book. And for some more high-tech ideas, check out these grocery shopping apps: Grocery iQ (iPhone, free) helps you build your list and integrates coupons. Sophiestication's Groceries is another cool list-making app (iPhone, $1.99). And Shopper is $0.99, includes barcode scanning, and works on both iPhone and Blackberry. Finally, if you're one of those shoppers who's always interested in the contents of other people's carts, check out the fun grocerylists.org, "the world's largest online collection of found grocery lists."
Have you used the Web for groceries? What are your favorite sites and online shopping secrets?
This week, Steve Jobs officially revealed the iPhone 4 which comes with a longer battery life, video chat/calling and a bunch of other stuff to make you look twice. Thinking about upgrading, or taking the iPhone plunge for the first time? Here's what you should know.
What will it cost, and when can I get it?
The iPhone 4 will be available on June 24 (pre-orders begin June 15).
It comes in black and white, and if you sign a new contract, it's $199
for the 16GB version and $299 for the 32GB version. MobileCrunch explains,
"If your upgrade date is in 2011 (i.e. 1/1/11 or later) you can get the
early update price, which is $399/$499. And of course you can always pay
full price: $599/$699 with no contract at all. The 3G is being retired,
and the 3GS will now be $99. The
June 24th date is for the US, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK. The
rest of the world will get it in July."
The Flip makes video recording easy and convenient even for non-videographers. If you're looking to take your Flip to the next step, check out these accessories and cool utilities.
Flip Video Action Tripod, $24.99
This tripod is compatible with all versions of Flip, and it can be used stationary or on the go (its adjustable straps let you attach it to your bike helmet or handlebars, fore xample).
