Sina Microblog iPad App Review

Sina Microblog has been on the offensive move, within a year they have achieved more than what Twitter can. Currently Twitter features over 200 million users, but Sina Microblog reached 100 million just in a year. This year they announced two service - direct video uploading and voicemail for sending tweets, as well as Sina LBS or geo-location check-in service directly via their native app (plus you can also now stalk your favorite celebrities). I guess they don't want to lose the race and momentum, as there are many other microblog service in China market. I do think Twitter needs to learn more from Sina Weibo, for example their process is a lot faster on verified accounts if you provide the necessary ID and proved that you are actively using their service.

Below are my review of the iPad App:
  • Looks strikingly similar to... this
  • Its free, that's always a good thing :)
  • Different than the iPhone app
  • Easy to use if you're accustomed to Twitter's native iPad App
  • Preview message on the right side pane
  • Access direct message
  • Upload photo directly, you can also rotate the photo if you wish
  • You can announce where you are directly via their location service
  • You can use the automatic hashtag feature to tag your topic
  • Here is something different from the native Twitter App, the capability of changing the background although currently there are only 5 wallpapers available (hopefully they will open this for users to be able to upload their own favorite wallpaper)
Sina Weibo HD App (launched in 24 February 2011) is available on iTunes and can be downloaded here.
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Prezi Launches iPad App

Prezi is a fun and I believe a new way to do your presentation. Having worked a lot with powerpoint and keynote, this is truly something different that can blow your mind.

Now the presentation finally comes to your iPad app(it's free), all you need to do is connect to your account and access your existing presentation.


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Conde Nast Power Publishing House Today

Remember Conde Nast, the power house behind legendary magazines like Vogue, W, Glamour, GQ, Brides, Wired, Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair and Bon Appetit that has becomes a legend or guides for others.  Last year they've closed five major publication - Portfolio, Gourmet, Modern Bride, Elegant Bride and Cookie (a parenting magazine).  They can see the shift of times is coming, it's no longer (or will become less) the print. But information delivered fast instant, reliable and interactivity. They now offer "app-exclusive extras, including interactive features, video, slideshows, and more", see their latest newsletter here, you can also check their publication pricing here.

Regardless, the media publishing industry will not be the same anymore, the industry will revolve more around the people's ability to help further distribute the content, exclusivity of story angle and crowd sourcing. They will also revolve more around digitized version rather than their print, so regardless whether it is iPad, Galaxy Tab, Kindle or PlayBook.

I also wonder whether crowd publishing like paper.li will be a concept of the future?

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iPad Games Infinity Blade

I just tried the Infinity Blade game for iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone and I have to say it is really good.

The game was announced on the last Apple's Keynote by Epic. The graphic and performance on this game is just amazing, I never imagine my iPad could do that actually.

The Story
It's something that your father started about 20 years earlier, where he ventured to killed to God King and tries to free all of us from his reign, but failed. You as his son went in to avenge and continues his legacy, of course if you failed too, your son will take your place again. Overall it's pretty simple and there is two ending to it if you beat the God King........

*SPOILER below*

The Game Play
It's fun and you just have to be fast in swiping your fingers across to fend that sword or whatever weapons you choose. You got to be fast to read those sword movements, you can either, dodge, use your shield or just swipe in the same direction to parry the attacks.
You can also use magic depending on what ring you equipped with to either cast fire, ice, poison, restore your shields or heal yourself (I do recommend at least using a ring with healing properties), do use magic just draw the symbols (this does reminds me of the Harry Potter game for iPhone).
You get money along the way, pay attention closely to the screen, even during cut scenes as you will notice bags of gold and if you tap them the money is yours and in some cut scenes you cant go back to get it. There are also potions of healing lying around, but you cant use them during the fight, thus why I recommend equipping a healing ring.

I wouldn't disclose too much anymore of the game, you just have to try it yourself its really good. I do recommend you collect up to half a million gold to get the Infinty blade, trust me it slashes enemy instantly, it is also the same sword the God King uses.

The game cost $5.99, but you get it for all three platforms on one price, though I rather play on the big screen iPad, I found playing on iPhone is just too small. You can download the game here. 

*SPOILER*
In the middle of the game when fighting the God King you will be presented with two options:
- Kill the God King and discover a device that will show you the planet and the God King did mention "they will now come for you".
- Or... be the God King allies and not sure what's next as the story ends there... (but then I found out that the stories is not over yet, I haven't downloaded Epic latest version update).

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iPad iOS Upgrade

iOS 4.2 for iPad was definitely worth to upgrade and around of applause, it just save so many apps and pages that has been building up on my iPad.
It is painful to download thought, you have to make sure you are updated to the latest iTunes and the upgrade download is over 500 MB which is not good on not my so stable home Internet connection, but I manage to do it finally!

I had no problem or bugs with my music playlist like others have reported... yet. I guess the two features I was really looking forward was the apps folder organizing capability and the unified email inbox, just saves me time from going back and forth. Other features were just extra, although I am curious whether the Apple TV stream will work on my old Apple TV... hmmm. But there is an iOS bug for iPhone specially the iPod music playlist disappear once you've update, but TechCrunch have list a guide on how to get it back fast (although I haven't really seen much of a difference on the iOS update for iPhone).

Some users have been complaining about the rotate switch that is now located within the multi-tasking mode, so you get silent for the switch above the volume I haven't found it too annoying at all.
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How iPad Revolutionarize the Industry

Here's an interesting article by China Business Weekly published in September 2010.

An overview of how iPad changes the computer hardware and software industry:
  • Taiwan Supplier: chip supplier for iPad will definitely secure a rich long-time relationship in the long run; it will however affect the chain distribution and supply for both Taiwan-based Acer & ASUS.
  • Entertainment Industry: provides the next phase of media information for publisher to present and update in real life time, track interactions and deliver targeted ads.
  • IT Service: along the growth of mobile Internet, wireless data connectivity - Syniverse will definitely benefit from iPad growth.
  • Mobile Data Service will definitely receive a lot of investment for further technology and coverage development.
  • Computer Retailer: are predicting a drop in laptop sales.
  • eBook Seller such as Amazon will definitely benefit as iPad grows in China.
  • Japan Technology Industry: HDD hard-drive is predicting a drop, due to Apple pushing more into Flash based memory, this will affect company such as Fuji, Toshiba, etc.
  • Software Industry: Adobe remains unpopular with iPad, although both are standing their grounds; in the long-run this might actually produce slight interesting pros & cons for Adobe as iPad users grow.
  • Processor: will benefits ARM in the long-run, while it will affect negatively for Intel & AMD.
iPad has definitely made a big entry into China, especially before iPad officially enters China. The products found its way via other means, friends or resellers that ship them from US. Up until recently iPad was a lot cheaper to purchase in Hong Kong, the China government has however implement taxing incoming iPad among other technology items.

(note for the industry affected by iPad - orange bulb represents beneficial impact, gray bulb represents negative impact).

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iPhone iPad Travel Apps by MUJI

MUJI, a Japanese lifestyle and travel retail brand has just stepped into the Apple App world and blast off with four well thought app.

- The calendar app shows a great integration with Google calendar and looks extremely easy to use. The app is free and you can follow this link to download it.
- The notebook app brings handwriting recognition to the next level, as well as just jotting down your thoughts or sketches. The app cost USD 3.99 and you can follow this link to learn more about it.
- Muji To GO app is a useful tool for travelers to look at local clocks, currency, weather, etc. The app is free and you can follow this link to check it out.
- The Apparel app shows their latest collection, price and launch date. The app is free and you can follow this link to download it.

Well as they say, you got to love the Japanese for their neat in arranging everything ever so... organized?

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China Tax Incoming iPad

Got an iPad or bringing one into China? Well get ready to fork out CNY 1,000 or USD 150 for each iPad (applies to shipping as well), an effort of Chinese government trying to crackdown iPad smuggler mainly from Hong Kong. Sites like TaoBao were forced to close item sell as the price of iPad in Hong Kong is cheaper. If you are leaving China and planning to come back, do remember to write down in your custom declaration of your beloved iPad otherwise you'll get taxed. Well there's something new for China tax bureau.

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