iPad 2 Will Be Available in Verizon Wireless stores tomorrow

Verizon Wireless announced today that iPad 2 will be available at select Verizon Wireless stores nationwide beginning Friday, March 11 at 5 p.m. local time.  Verizon Wireless will offer three iPad 2 models that run on its 3G network: $629.99 for the 16 GB model, $729.99 for the 32 GB model and $829.99 for the 64 GB model, available in black or white.

Data Plans available for the iPad 2 are the same that are available for the Motorola Xoom, but are available without a contract, “providing the freedom to activate or cancel a plan at any time.”

So will you be planning on getting an iPad 2 from Verizon or just in general tomorrow?

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Want to get 1000 free rollover minutes from AT&T?

Apparently, word going around, is that AT&T is thanking SOME of its iPhone customers for sticking with them and not switching to their competitor, aka Verizon.  (I am not one of those lucky individuals.  I’m sure it has nothing to do with how I don’t mind pointing out how bad they suck in Kentucky)  One way of saying thanks, is that they’ve offering 1,000 free rollover minutes.  Again SOME people have received this text message from AT&T, I’m unaware of how wide spread it is, if you’re one of the lucky ones that AT&T loves and acknowledges, let us know!  If you’re like me and treated like the red headed step child of AT&T’s, you can still score the 1,000 free rollover minutes, and Uncle Mikie is gonna tell you how.

Simply text “yes” (without the quotes) to11113020 to get a reply text from AT&T saying you’ve been rewarded the minutes.

You’re welcome.  🙂

Verizon’s iPhone 4 Commercial

Check out Verizon’s first iPhone commercial!

 

See how bad AT&T compares to Verizon in Kentucky (and your area); Thanks to the iPhone and Coverage?

Ever been traveling and wondered if you were going to get in or out of 3G coverage?  Maybe you’re just curious of the coverage in general where you currently at?  Maybe you’ve moved and looking for which company has the best coverage?  Whatever spin or usage that you can think of, the people behind Two Steps Beyond have recently had an app released in the App Store that can show you the coverage maps of the 4 major wireless providers. ( AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-mobile)

The funny thing is, this app is for the iPhone, which was still solely under AT&T at the time of the apps initial release, and this app basically can be used to show how poor AT&T’s 3G coverage is compared to Verizon and the other carriers.  A quick example: below are the AT&T 3G map and the Verizon 3G map showing what coverage I receive where I travel for work.  The blue marker marks my location when pulling up these maps. (home)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So as it is clear, Verizon has a very clear lead over AT&T in terms of 3G coverage in Kentucky (and Tennessee from the looks of it).  This is just a funny spin on the usage of the app Coverage? though.  In all reality, for anyone that is travelling, this app is an absolute must, especially if you do a lot of work, and that data coverage is an all important aspect for you.  A great idea, a great concept, and perfectly executed for the smartphone traveler. 

**The app is also always being updated with the latest information regarding the coverage areas.  Version 2.0 added 4G coverage and new map overlays. 

Night & Day Studios Releases Peekaboo Forest

The fine folks behind some of my favorite apps for Bug such as Peekaboo Barn and My Very First App have just had their latest approved and released to the App Store: Peekaboo Forest.

Explore beautiful forest scenes looking for signs of life. If you see something moving, tap on it to find out who it is!
This fun, interactive, and educational game includes Charley Harper’s distinctive drawing style and was inspired by his love of nature and symmetry. With this universal version, the famous Peekaboo series comes to the iPad too. Play it in English or Spanish!
Touch the vividly illustrated forest scenes to see charming animations, learn the names of animals, and hear the real sounds these creatures make in the wild. Younger children will love playing peekaboo with animals, as they learn about cause and effect and familiarize themselves with the names and sounds of animals. Older children can try to guess the animals by clues, work on spelling, and can start to learn about the seasons and the interconnected web of life that is a living forest. Adults will love the graphic, mid-century-modern illustrations by Charley Harper.
This is not a videogame or a TV show; it’s an interactive storybook with exceptionally fine art. When you could really use a safe distraction—in airports, restaurants, and waiting rooms—or you’d like to try something new with your budding little genius, Peekaboo Forest is a great alternative to other media options. It’s educational, handheld, ad-free, and inexpensive.
Peekaboo Forest was designed with preschool age children in mind by the award-winning team of educational media developers at Night & Day Studios, creators of My Very First App. It is the third entry in the beloved toddler app series that began with Peekaboo Barn and Peekaboo Wild. The graphics, sound effects, and narration are all presented at the highest quality. The illustrations were rendered for all iOS 4 devices including the iPad and the iPhone 4’s Retina display.

Geekasms 2010 Birthday/Christmas Wish List

Well, since today is my birthday, I thought I’d self indulge and make out my own Birthday/Christmas list, there really isn’t any real purpose to this, but here ya go, really in no particular order:

iPad – Most might find this surprising if you just read and know me from this site, but until my iPhone, I had never owned a product from Apple, but I have slowly fell in love with them, and find the positives in them not only in my life but how I can use them in entertaining and educating my kids.  I already own an iPhone, so of course I want the next thing up!

MacBook Air – Like I said before, I’ve never own an Apple product before my iPhone, but just the thought of having a MacBook makes my mouth water.  I’ve never even played with a Mac in a store, but I still want this, for multiple reasons.

Bug to get potty trained –  Okay, this site isn’t totally tech related, I still have to show my Daddy side, and although she’s just 19 months old, she’s starting to tease this and well, its just a nice thought to have, so it’s a definite on my wish list

Google TV – I keep reading good things about the Logitech Revue and Google TV, although its not been embraced across the board yet, I still want it!

AT&T to expand 3G – Okay, I realize this won’t happen, but I still have my iPhone, so I’m putting this in, because well, working in 36 counties and only having 1 that has 3G, well Verizon offers 3G in at least 20 and there’s no reason AT&T shouldn’t.  Right?

RC Helicopter – Yep, I’m a big kid, and with all the stress and headaches I deal with, I see nothing wrong with wanting a toy once in a while (ignoring me attempting to slowly rebuild a certain Spider-man collection).  Plus my house has high ceilings, so the house itself just screams to have a rc helicopter flying around!  Right?

NOOKColor – So I’ve decided that at 30, I should try and read more, and what better way to get me going and entice the tech geek then with something like this?  Plus with everyone and their mom owning a Kindle, plus B&N is looking to launch its own Android app store in the coming months, so that just adds interest to it.

Kinect – Yeah I might be 30, and I might be a father of 3, but that doesn’t stop me from WANTING to play games, even though I haven’t really had a chance to sit down and play a game in 5 years (unless I sneak to my bro’s place).  So yes, definitely I have this on my list, if only for the stress relief aspects, because no offense to Mario, but he can only go so far sometimes.

Google Nexus S – I’ve been lucky enough to test a few Android powered phones lately, and it has my interest peaked.  The problem is, not actually owning the phone limits what I can and cannot do with the models I get to test.  The Samsung Nexus S comes with Google’s latest version of the Android OS installed right out the box, delivering a sleeker interface and added functionality like multi-tasking, copy & paste, an improved keyboard, and the ability to turn the Nexus S into a Wi-Fi hotspot.  The hardware is beefed up too.  Just makes me itch wanting it.

Wrist Watch – Now you might wonder why I’m not specific, well its because I’m not that picky!  I tend to be pretty rough on watches, getting the faces scratched pretty quick, and I haven’t had one in a couple of years, and my wrist feels naked and lonely without one.  Plus I find myself looking at my Power Balance band to check the time once in a while, and I’m worried people are going to start wondering.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select – WHAT?!  Yep, Kentucky born and raise, so I’m definitely a bourbon drinker, and nothing is better then bourbon from just up the road in Versailles.  I’m truly a simple man at heart, and Woodford Reserve always makes me happy.

AT&T Named the Worst Mobile Carrier by Consumer Reports

Image via CrunchBase

Well, better late to the party then never I suppose.  According to a survey of nearly 60,000 people, where more then 30,000 were iPhone users, AT&T was rated the worst wireless service in the US.

In a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, U.S. Cellular was ranked the best wireless provider, while Verizon and Sprint were neck-and-neck in most areas of satisfaction.  AT&T was the only wireless provider to show a significant decrease in satisfaction.

Its suggested that one of the reasons, especially when a large portion of the group owns Apple’s iPhones, is that AT&T is behind other networks offering 4G capabilities.  4G?!  Most of the area I cover doesn’t even have 3G coverage with AT&T, while Verizon Wireless has zooming 3G and data coverage in most of the areas AT&T does not.

Once using the excuse of having heavy data usage because of the iPhone as reasons behind their problems, its hard to buy into that excuse anymore, especially with the influx of other smartphone platforms taking over the other networks.  (Refer to my comparing of a Verizon Wireless Droid X to my years of using the iPhone on AT&T).

If the rumored Verizon iPhone comes up early next year, look for more backlash then expected as more studies and feedback come in showing that AT&T is bad across the board and people realize that its not “then” and that AT&T isn’t trying to make things better.

I didn’t realize what I was missing with the data coverage until I got to play with a phone from Verizon.  What about you?  How would you rate your current carrier?

**Disclaimer**

I have been an AT&T customer since 2005, and an iPhone user since early 2009.  Verizon Wireless provided Geekasms.com a test unit to try for 2 weeks to compare service and the Android OS.  All major providers received the same request, with only Verizon responding.  No wireless carriers are sponsor or advertisers on Geekasms.com

Old MacDonald Had an App, EE-I-EE-I-O: Old MacDonald Piano

Title: Old MacDonald Piano  Price: $1.99    Developer: Kiboomu Publishing

Anyone that follows this site knows that when it comes to iPhone apps, I tend to concentrate more on apps geared towards younger kids, and I test every single app I write about with my Bug (my 16 month old daughter).  Through all my reviews to this point, there have been very few that I’ve truly gushed about and praised about more then Kiboomu’s first app: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Piano.  Well, the people behind Kiboomu have gone against the old adage and proven that lightning can, and does strike twice, with their equally great and enjoyable Old MacDonald Piano!

Just like with their first one, Kiboomu has taken a favorite and classic children’s song, and put a fresh, entertaining, and equally educational spin on it.  Old MacDonald comes with the four modes that users of Twinkle Twinkle have become familiar with; Play Sing Along, Learn The Song, Karaoke Mode, and Freestyle Mode.  What, in my opinion, sets Old MacDonald above Twinkle Twinkle are the entertaining images that accompany the song as it plays, along with, what we’ll call the “commentary” from the farmer himself.

Created by a preschool teacher and pianist, this interactive app encourages children to take a more active role in learning.  It’s also a really fun way to introduce children to playing piano and the fun of music.  Research has shown that piano lessons have helped children in school, with concentration and coordination.  Beyond the simple aspects of entertainment value, this app can open the door for many more possibilities with your child down the road.

With this play-a-song iPhone app, children can do the following:
♫ follow the lighted keys or match the colorful music notes to the piano keys
♫ watch the piano keys light up one by one with the song
♫ press the start button and sing along
♫ add animal sounds to the song
♫ hear the song played on a banjo, xylophone, harp, flute, bells and more!
♫ record your child singing and playing the piano!
♫ sing and read karaoke style lyrics in English, French & Spanish

This app is seriously one of my favorites that have been released this year and is definitely a must have for any parent of a toddler or preschooler.  The beauty of Kiboomu’s apps, and what I think will set them apart from other developers down the road, is that their apps have so many interactive levels, that the use of the app can grow and expand as your child grows.

Don’t believe me?  Head on over to Kiboomu Kids to learn more about their great apps and don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Old MacDonald Piano is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later.

Learn to count with the fishies: SPLISH SPLASH INN

Title: Splish Splash Inn  Price: $0.99    Developer: Shortstack

So far on this site, I’ve pointed out apps I felt that were good to entertain and educate toddlers and infants, and until now I haven’t felt like there was an app geared toward older kids that stood out enough to post on; until now that is.  This changed once I found this counting app, with a gorgeous look to it!  With art provided by Divya Srinivasan, a regular contributor to the New Yorker, Splish Splash Inn helps entertain toddlers and preschoolers alike with an engaging interface, helping to teach the ability to count, up to 10.

As a kid who grew up with Sesame Street, and considering The Count as a personal hero, and realizing that until the weather turns cold, its hard to get my kids to sit and watch TV, I really do enjoy watching as my son counts with this app as he opens the door to each room. (And I of course always do The Count ‘s laugh in my head as he counts)

The app, in concept is simple, but in practice outshines all others.  Splish Splash Inn is self paced, as your child can select when and which door he/she wants to click next, only to enter the selected room and watch as they count a set number of a specific sea animal, not only helping with counting skills, but also throwing in a little marine biology in the mix (those sneaky Shortstack folks!)

Splish Splash Inn is the first app from Carolyn Merriman’s new company, Shortstack. She previously was a media producer for Night & Day Studios, where she produced Peekaboo Barn and Peekaboo Wild, which were toddler hits and two of my favorite apps, clearly documented here on Geekasms.com previously.

Carolyn Merriman draws on her background in child development, education and interactive media to create unique educational apps for younger kids. Merriman previously worked as an educator in the non-profit sector, promoting the healthy development of children 0-6. In recent years, she’s applied her skills to the world of interactive media. While working with Night & Day Studios, she produced Peekaboo Barn and Peekaboo Wild, two top-selling kids’ apps featured in The New York Times, USA Today and Wired. Merriman founded Shortstack with the focus of creating developmentally appropriate, high quality apps for young children. Splish Splash Inn is Shortstack’s first release with additional releases planned for 2010 and 2011.

Splish Splash Inn is intended for children 4 and under, and is well worth the $1.99 in The Apps Store.  It is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

The Sneetches Arrive!!

Yet again, Oceanhouse Media brightens my week!  A Dr. Seuss favorite “The Sneetches” is now available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch as an eBook!

Features available include professional narration, background audio a digital artwork, bringing each scene from the classic book into a new age.  To help promote early reading, each word is highlighted as the story is read, along with words that zoom up when the pictures are touched.  Highlighted by 3 ways to enjoy the book; Read to Me, Read it Myself, and Auto Play, this eBook appeals to readers of all ages!

Related Articles

• An Innovation Lesson from Dr. Seuss (blogs.hbr.org)
• Oceanhouse Media And Zondervan Announce Collaboration To Release The Berenstain Bears eBooks For iPhone And iPad (prweb.com)
• The Berenstain Bears visit the App Store (reviews.cnet.com)