ShopSavvy Makes Its Way to iPhone At Last
After impressing users of Google Android with its ShopSavvy app last year, developer Big in Japan. At that time, the app was known as GoCart and it won the grand prize of the Android Developer Challenge, it was expected that the app would make its way over to the Apple iPhone and meet phenomenal success. It has taken some time, but ShopSavvy app is now available for users of the iPhone and users can scan the barcodes of any product to perform a product look up.
This feature is expected to woo in consumers in droves because it allows them to find a wide variety of products they encounter while shopping. The app use’s the iPhone’s built in camera to scan the barcode and then return information to consumers such as the product’s availability online, its price online and its price and availability in nearby stores. While it would seem that retailers would despise such an app due to the power it hands to consumers, they are actually turning to ShopSavvy in increasing numbers to help make it easier for shoppers to keep their dollars within their store.
Now that the iPhone’s camera is equipped with an automatic focus feature, users can download the app for free online.
My Maps Now Available on iPhone via Google Earth 2.0
While iPhone users were definitely wowed by access to Google Earth when it came out last year, some key features were not provided that many had reported wanting to see from this powerful app. The ability to scan a virtual replication of the globe was definitely a strong feature, particularly since it could be accessed anywhere that an internet connection was available. However, the tool itself didn’t have a lot a direct application for user’s day to day lives because the crucial mapping and turn by turn directions features were not part of the package. This meant that it was primary an entertainment tool, rather than an essential must have for iPhone owners.
Thanks to recent innovations, fans of Google Earth 2.0 for iPhone will be able to utilize the My Maps feature that is part of the Google Earth website. The process easily allows users to log directly into Google Earth and import all of the maps from the Google Earth site into their iPhones for immediate use, allowing them to get an idea of where they are going through routes that they have saved onto the site. The tool will not have the same directions offering feature, but this is expected in upcoming updates of Google Earth for iPhone. Thirteen languages will be supported in this particular release of the app.
Latest iPhone Unlock for 3G, 3GS, 3.0.1, 3.0 and 3.1 Firmware Available
Despite its massive success in the market, some consumers are loathe to go along with Apple’s intended plans for the iPhone in terms of which networks they are permitted to use. Due to this demand from the market, Unlock iPhone now offers a service that will unlock many smart phones running the latest firmware versions and thus allow consumers the option of making an individual decision about which network they prefer to use with their iPhone.
The Unlock iPhone service is intended as a low cost alternative for those who want to widen their choices when it comes to phone service and so far, the company reports it has sold over one million unlockers worldwide. The iPhone Unlocking Solutions package asserts that it is the safest way to unlock the phone without any mishaps which typically run the risk of disabling the handsets, rendering them unusable. Through their website the company offers support for the process and promising a quick, easy solution for customers who want to get their service changed over to a provider they feel more comfortable with as opposed to the typically standard AT&T.
The tool purports to unlock iPhones running firmware of the following versions: 3G, 3GS, 3.0, 3.0.1, and 3.1. A fifteen day money back guarantee is offered at the time of purchase.
Popularity of iPhone May Be On the Rise in Japan
While Apple’s iPhone enjoys overwhelming success in many markets across the world, highly exclusive Japan remains a market where Apple struggles to gain a foot hold. Japanese operator Softbank has seem moderate success by offering a selection of models free with any of its two year contracts. However, this year, Japan’s annual Ceatec exhibition has shown signs of Japanese audience being more receptive to considering Apple products based on the apps being offered for the smart phone. Audio company Yamaha and auto maker Nissan unveiled prototypes off apps they plan to deliver, a first for the Japanese market.
Nissan announced that it will be test piloting an eco-driving app through a trial program run in cooperation with the city of Yokohama. The auto maker chose the iPhone platform to work with because it allows for easier software development by software developers, according to a company spokesperson. Thanks to support from Apple, Nissan Research Center developers were able to create the app within weeks. The functionality the app offers includes monitoring acceleration, deceleration, tracking speed changes of the vehicle and estimating fuel consumption for cruising speeds.
Yamaha partnered with Densan System to create a virtual piano keyboard for the touch screen featured on iPhones. This concept app, called Finger Share Piano, taps into geotagging through the Sekai Camera app and is designed to work in conjunction with MIDI-equipped Yamaha pianos.