Ohai for iPhone
Ohai ($5) is a journaling app developed by Steve Streza – former lead developer for Pocket – that uses the App.net API to help you track places you've been to. It's honestly a bit similar to Rego in concept, but the fact that it's built on top of App.net is pretty interesting to me.
Saidoka for iPhone
There are a lot of iPhone docks out there, but the $30 Saidoka iPhone mount is unique. The mount is designed to sit on a desk or table, and angles the iPhone up slightly, near the angle of Apple's Bluetooth keyboard. This makes it easy to use in conjunction with a keyboard, laptop or paper notebook. The dock can be purchased in…
Toddy Cold Brew System
There have been a lot of coffee makers and accessories on Tools & Toys over the years, but somehow, the Toddy Cold Brew System has never been featured (only mentioned once by yours truly). Maybe Shawn and Stephen just aren't big fans of iced coffee, but it's definitely one of my favorite things in the world, and this system is my favorite…
Logic Pro X
Apple PR: Apple today unveiled Logic Pro X, the most advanced version of Logic Pro to date, featuring a new interface designed for pros, powerful new creative tools for musicians, and an expanded collection of instruments and effects. Logic Pro X includes Drummer, a revolutionary new feature that provides a virtual session player that automatically plays along with your song in a…
Yield Picnic Bag
Summertime is in full swing, and the weather here in Oklahoma City has been quite pleasant this year, unlike previous years where it's constantly 100°F or higher. It's perfect picnic weather, and I'm considering picking up a couple of these Yield Picnic Bags. Essentially, it's a tote bag you can carry your food and/or drink with, and when you get to the…
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Digg (yes, that Digg) has released a new RSS Reader for the web, iPhone, and iPad (Android coming soon). The design is sleek and clean, and the apps are speedy and efficient. Whether you're a hardcore RSS junky or simply want all your favorite online reading in one place, Digg Reader is for you. It's free and available today! *…
Nomad Key Ring Lightning Cable
The Nomad Key Ring Lightning Cable ($25) is a miniature cable with a lightning adapter on one end and a USB plug on the other. It attaches to your key ring so you'll always have it with you when you need it. If you don't carry keys very often but do carry a bag everywhere you go, the Nomad fits quite nicely…
IFTTT for iPhone
IFTTT (If This Then That) is one of our favorite tools on the web. It essentially allows you to cook up "recipes" for automating actions across all kinds of web services — Dropbox, Evernote, RSS, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, App.net, to name only a few. For example, you could make it so that every time you upload a photo to Instagram, a copy…
Sennheiser Momentum Headphones
Built with metal and leather elements, the Sennheiser Momentum Headphones bring to the table not only a touch of class, but great sound. 18-ohm operating impedance produces great, clear sound. Unlike some other high-end over-the-ear headphones, the Momentums come with an in-line mic and remote, making controlling media or taking a call on an iPhone seamless.
Tile for iOS
Ever lose your keys or misplace you backpack? If you're like me, you've wished for a "Find my iPhone" like feature for everyday items. Tile looks like the answer. The product is comprised of two parts. The first is a small, sleek, lightweight fob that can be attached to a key ring, dropped into a wallet or hidden in a suitcase. The…
Thunderspace
(Photo credit: Gannon Burgett) Thunderspace is a gorgeous new ambient-noise generator for iPhone, one that uses stereoscopic 3D audio (and occasionally even activates the camera flash) to simulate relaxing thunderstorms. There are two included "thunderstorm" tracks – Roof Garden and Waterscape – with six other tracks available for purchase within the app. Here are the IAP choices: Desert Wetlands Rainforest Moonlit Angels…
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Some Great iOS Apps, Currently Free
This Wednesday (July 10, 2013) is the 5th anniversary of the iOS App Store. There hasn't been any official announcement from Apple yet (Update: Now there has), but we've found that several popular developers are offering their top apps and games for free this week. If you've never gotten around to trying these out, now's your chance. We will try to keep…
32 GB SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 Flash Drive
Having lost my previous jump drive, I've been in the market for something new. Last week, I picked up the excitingly-named 32 GB SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 Flash Drive. It had a good rating on Amazon, and supported USB 3, which turns out is awesome. While I've had USB 3-equipped Macs for a while, this is the first USB 3 device I've…
Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher
I'm a big fan of infused drinks in the summer. Often, drinks with a strong flavor can be the opposite of refreshing. This Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher is the perfect tool for the job. The 2.9-quart, BPA-free acrylic pitcher is built around a removable, hollow core that can be filled with fruits, herbs and other goodies. This construction is great to look…
iHome iPL10BC
The iHome iPL10BC's full name is rather unfortunate. Amazon lists the item as "iHome Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio with Lightning Dock and USB Charge/Play for iPhone/iPod." That mouthful aside, the iHome device is a $70 alarm clock with FM radio and a Lightning connector for iPhone 5 users. This makes it a little rare, as many companies are still shipping…
The Shape of Design
The Shape of Design by Frank Chimero is a fantastic book that examines the world of design, and the role of designers that inhabit it. This isn't a guide to making websites look great, or a how-to on making apps. Chimero encourages the reader to think about the why behind great design, not the how. There are fantastic quotes and illustrations sprinkled…
The Ringtool
The Ringtool is a Kickstarter project that takes the following tools and puts them on a small, lightweight key ring: Bottle-cap opener 3mm Hexhead 4mm Hexhead 5mm Hexhead 6mm Hexhead 8mm Hexhead Flathead Driver Phillips Driver Torxhead T25 Driver The project can be backed for just $25, and the tool ships in December. Built with stainless steel and already funded, this Kickstarter…
Cloud.typography
Yesterday, the guys at Typography.com introduced a webfont project they're calling Cloud.typography, and it looks fantastic. This appears to be their answer to services like Typekit, and includes the entire H&FJ typeface collection. You know how the default fonts in Check the Weather and Vesper are Idlewild and Ideal Sans, respectively? Yeah, they're both included with this service, along with a lot…
Learning iOS Design
Learning iOS Design is a book written by William van Hecke, the User Experience Lead at the Omni Group (the makers of OmniFocus and other well-known apps). In this book, William takes you through the process of becoming an iOS app designer, regardless of your experience level. You'll learn how to flesh out your app ideas, from early sketches and wireframes to…