The votes have been cast, the results have been tallied, and as the year draws to an end the last thing left to do, the final cap we need to put on it is to announce the 2010 TiPb Readers Choice Award Winners. That’s right, your winners — your favorite news, apps, games, and accessories. And we have them for you… after the break!

News

iOS Device of the Year: iPhone 4

Yes, our readers chose iPhone 4 over iPad and that’s saying something. Whether it was the fabulous Retina Display, the glass and stainless-steel design, the FaceTime video chat, the powerful A4 processor, or all of the above, iPhone 4 not only made us happy, it led Apple to a 14+ million devices sold quarter and that’s the ultimate proof of its popularity.

"iPhone 4 is the biggest leap since the original iPhone," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "FaceTime video calling sets a new standard for mobile communication, and our new Retina display is the highest resolution display ever in a phone, with text looking like it does on a fine printed page. We have been dreaming about both of these breakthroughs for decades."

iPhone/iPad Feature of the Year: Multitasking

Narrowly beating out Retina Display, Multitasking has been one of the most requested iOS features since the original iOS device, iPhone 2G, was released in 2007. Well it took 3 years and 4 versions — even longer than copy and paste — but iOS 4 finally brought background tasks to iPhone and iPod touch, and iOS 4.2 is poised to do the same for iPad. Sure, some may quibble that the mix of fast app switching, saved state, background audio, location, and VoIP threads, local and push notifications, etc. (see the full walkthrough for details) aren't "true" multitasking but functionally it achieves what 90% of users need, with minimal impact on battery and management overhead.

iPhone OS 4's new multitasking offers users a new way to quickly move between apps, and provides developers seven new multitasking services to easily add multitasking features to their apps. These services include background audio, so apps like Pandora can play music in the background, and VoIP, so VoIP apps can receive a VoIP call even when the iPhone is asleep or the user is running other apps. iPhone OS 4 provides multitasking to third party apps while preserving battery life and foreground app performance, which has until now proved elusive on mobile devices.

iPhone/iPad #Fail of the Year: White iPhone 4

Apple is usually so on the ball when it comes to managing production and release of their consumer electronics — "great artists ship" is a favorite quote of Apple CEO Steve Jobs — that on the rare occasions when something like the white iPhone 4 fails to materialize it becomes a big story.

We're sorry to disappoint customers waiting for the white iPhone yet again, but we've decided to delay its release until this Spring.

Apps

Favorite iPhone Navigation app: NAVIGON Mobile Navigator

NAVIGON MobileNavigator has been at the forefront turn-by-turn navigation apps since Apple brought the functionality to the iPhone. Now, with iOS 4's multitasking background location services, and the latest updates and enhancements to MobileNavigator, not only does it rival traditional dedicated GPS units, but in many ways surpasses them. [iTunes link]

"We're honored that the TiPb.com community voted NAVIGON MobileNavigator as their favorite iPhone navigation app. This award recognizes our dedication to delivering innovation and quality products to consumers now and into the future. The iPhone has been and continues to be an extremely important platform for NAVIGON. It has allowed MobileNavigator to significantly move the category of navigation applications forward; delivering a solution that is the most feature rich navigation application available." – Bernd Hahn, Head of iNavigation at NAVIGON

Favorite Addictive iPhone/iPad app: Angry Birds

Angry Birds is one of those rare games that electrifies a platform, becomes part of every conversation, gets downloaded onto every device and gets enjoyed by every iPhone and iPad user. You load up one of a variety of lethally enraged avians in a catapult and launch them at a bunch of fortified, thieving pigs. It sounds simple until you start playing and don't stop even when the sun goes down and the alarm sounds the next morning. That's what made it a phenomena and with word of a multiplayer option and a sequel in the works (from the pig's perspective no less!) it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. [iTunes link]

We thank all readers of The iPhone Blog and every fan of Angry Birds for their continuing support," said Ville Heijari, VP of Public Relations at Rovio. "We've worked hard to deliver the best possible game experience on the iPhone, and nothing is more rewarding than the positive feedback we get from our incredible fan community. We will carry on making Angry Birds an even greater game in the future, and rest assured – you have only seen a tiny glimpse of the Angry Birds world!"

Favorite iPhone/iPad Hard Core Game: Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus

Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus brought online multiplayer gaming to iOS. What, you need another reason? [iTunes link]

Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus further improves the exemplary gameplay of the first Modern Combat for an astounding immersion in a modern war experience and one of the most complete FPS multiplayer games on the iPhone.

Favorite iPhone/iPad Entertainment App: Netflix

It took the iPad to finally get media companies to start streaming to iOS, but start streaming they did, Netflix chief among them. iPhone and iPod touch, even Apple TV has Netflix now. It’s only available in the US and Canada, granted, and subject to the insanities of Hollywood release windows, but they plan on expanding throughout 2011 and not even Hollywood is immune to the force of change. [iTunes link]

“The innovation and consumer appeal of iPad make it a perfect device for instantly watching TV episodes and movies streamed from Netflix,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and chief executive officer. “We are excited to make a Netflix App available to iPad users beginning with the iPad launch.”

Jailbreak

Favorite Jailbreak App: MyWi

In a year of great Jailbreak apps, MyWi still took the top prize. Why? It lets you turn your iPhone into a wireless hotspot. We’re not talking tethering here, we’re talking taking your 3G signal, treating it like a broadband connection, then using your iPhone like a wireless router and sharing that connectivity with several other devices (for as long as your battery life and data cap allow, at least). For functionality freaks, what could be better?

Favorite Jailbreak Hack: Infinifolders

With iOS 4 Apple gave us the ability to put 12 apps into an iPhone or iPod touch Folder. With iOS 4.2, we were able to put 20 apps into an iPad folder. Know what’s more than 12 and 20? Infinity, that’s what! And that’s just (theoretically!) how many Infinifolders allows.

Note: While Infinfolders got the most votes for a specific hack, “other” actually won this category so to see what else our readers thought deserved top tweak honors, check out their comments.

Accessories

Favorite iPhone/iPad Protective Case: Otterbox Defender

Otterbox Defender is what I've often referred to as the full plate armor of iPhone and iPad protection. It has layers – a hardened plastic shell and soft silicon skin along with a transparent film to to cover the screen. It's what you use when you want to absolutely, positively keep your iPhone or iPad safe and secure. [TiPb Store link]

"Thanks TiPb readers for naming the OtterBox Defender Series the Favorite Protective Case for an iPhone or iPad! We are flattered by the recognition and appreciate the support of every single customer!"

Favorite iPhone/iPad Luxury Case: Element-Case Vapor Case

Machined from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminum and anodized in brilliant color, Element-Case’s Vapor Case is about the only thing that can make your iPhone 4 look even more like something out of a sci-fi flick. [Element-Case Store link

That’s it!

Last post of 2010 folks, have a happy New Year! See you in 2011!

2010 TiPb Readers Choice Award Winners is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that those supposed cases for iPad 2, which show off a more iPod touch 4-like design, a camera cut-out, larger speaker, and possible USB port, have been pulled from Alibaba.com by parties unidentified (but easily speculated.

9to5Mac has also pulled their case mold images after similar, albeit “not so nice” demands.

Apple has had images removed from the web before, including the infamous iPod “fatty” nano leak, but in recent years hadn’t bothered (or hadn’t wanted a legal demand to prove the veracity of the pictures), even for the iPhone 4 leak. Is the tablet market about to become competitive enough that Apple doesn’t want to take any chances, is this a third party getting involved, or is it something else?

(The image above is a concept design by TiPb.com, rendered before the latest round of rumors, coincidentally showing a more tapered, iPod touch-like design…)

Video of one of the cases after the break (unless and until YouTube is required to pull it).

[Wall Street Journal, 9to5Mac, via MacRumors]

Supposed iPad 2 case images pulled is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

What Apple announcements are you most looking forward to in 2011? A whole new cycle begins tomorrow, and that means a new iPad 2 in April, a new iPhone 5 in June, a new iPod touch 5… and a new Apple TV (is that on a yearly cycle now as well?!) in September. It also means iOS 5 preview in March/April, and maybe iTunes subscriptions and iTunes.com sometime as well. And oh yeah, maybe a little Verizon iPhone by February?

I know you want all of them (I know I do too!) but which one do you want most? Vote in the pole above and give me the details in the comments below!

TiPb asks: What Apple announcement are you most looking forward to in 2011? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

To all our readers, listeners, and viewers, from everyone here at TiPb, we wish you a peaceful, prosperous, healthy, and happy New Year. May 2011 bring all of us many mellow unharshening, universe denting, childlike sense of wonder restoring Apple iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, Apple TVs, and more!

Add you Happy New year wishes to the comments, and lets get 2011 started!

Happy New Year from TiPb! is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

There are times when you would love to get some reading done, but are not in a position to stop what you are doing, sit down, and read the old fashioned way. No worries,if you have an iPhone or iPad it already knows how to read for you.

[Special Thanks to dandbj13 from the forums for this tip! ]

To have your iPhone or iPad read to you:

1. Tap Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap Accessibility
4. Tap VoiceOver
5. Turn on VoiceOver

If you find yourself using it often you can set up Triple-click Home as a shortcut:

1. Tap Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap Accessibility
4. Tap Triple-click home
5. Set it Toggle VoiceOver (or to Ask if you want a list of options)

Now, when you are out and about and want to have something read to you, like a long forum thread, or a few pages of your latest iBooks purchase, just triple-click the home button and your iPhone or iPad will start reading to you in a surprisingly clear voice. Triple-click again to exit VoiceOver.

To get the most out of this option, you should take a few minutes to read up on our VoiceOver tutorial.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward…)

Daily Tip: How to have your iPhone, iPad read to you with VoiceOver is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

The TiPb forums are naturally a great place to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven't already, head on over and register now!

• Skype recently released an update to support video calls via 3G. Have you used this feature and do you think it spells doom for Apple’s FaceTime?

• There are so many good IM clients for the iOS platform, which one is your favorite?

• Apple’s App Store is filled with some truly amazing games compatible with Game Center, what are some of your current must-have games?

• How many of you take advantage of the security features in iOS? Do you prefer to use a PIN or password?

See you in the forums!

Skype video calls, iOS IM clients, Game Center games, iOS security, – From the Forums is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Did you hear about the huge sale going on at the TiPb iPhone + iPad accessory store? Some of our favorite iPhone and iPad cases are now up to 70% off, so whether you just got a new device for Christmas or you’re looking to change things up for the New Year, there’s never been a better time or place to get your gear on!

Head on over and check out the full sale, or follow on after the break for some recommendations!

BodyGuardz skin for iPad: $17.99

Superb protection for your iPhone or iPad against scratches with the least amount of bulk possible, BodyGuardz is a high-strength skin that goes on and stays on. We tested it against nails, stones, and even kids and it’s held up fantastically well.

• Shop BodyGuardz for iPhone and iPad

Case Mate Barely There Chrome Case or Case-Mate Gelli Case: $10.51

If you want a case rather than a skin, if you need something to insulate you against antennagate or just to keep that beautiful glass back in one piece, Case-Mate’s Barely-There gives you good protection with almost no added bulk. And yes, it comes in chrome. If you prefer soft to hard, the Gelli Case does all the same in flexible, fun, fashionable colors.

• Shop Case-Mate for iPhone and iPad

iLuv Flexi-Clear case for iPad

A silicon skin that protects the aluminum body of your iPad from scratches, scrapes, dings, and dents, without a lot of bulk but with a lot of color — what’s not to iLuv?!

• Shop iLuv cases for iPad: $15.14

Otterbox Commuter for iPhone: $20.11

Tougher than a skin case but not as bulky as the Defender, the Otterbox Commuter for iPhone and iPad strikes the perfect balance between portability and protection.

• Shop Otterbox

Aquapac waterproof case for iPhone and iPad: $24.95

Whether you’re lounging at the pool, playing at the beach, or just soaking in the tub why risk water damage to your precious iPhone or iPad if you don’t have to? Keep them safe and waterproof in an Aquapac or Overboard. They work. We know. We drowned them in the deep end and took them through the car wash!

Our favorite iPhone + iPad cases of 2010, now up to 70% off! [Sponsored] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

What would it have been like if Steve Jobs had pitched the iPad to The Dragons on BBC’s Dragons Den?

The sketch was seen as part of the BBC’s 2010 Unwrapped with Miranda Hart – a comical review on some of the big stories of 2010.

[Just to be clear, this is a spoof, a bit of comedy like Saturday Night Live!. Steve Jobs never pitched iPad to The Dragons, or otherwise appeared on "reality" TV ]

See the video after the break!

Steve Jobs Pitches the iPad to BBC’s Dragons Den [Friday fun video] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

The latest patent filed by Apple shows a possible Ping-like social networking tool for the retail shopping world. It would allow for iPhone owners to share comments, opinions and recommendations for different products from different stores for their friends to view. Like any patent there’s no telling when, if ever, this particular one will find its way into a real, shipping product, but it does hive us a glimpse at what Apple is working on.

Basically what it would entail is using your iPhone while shopping to gain product lists from a kiosk located inside the store. Those products and any information about them would be viewable in the proposed social networking app. Once you view a product you could ask your friends their opinions on the item to help you decide if you should make the purchase or hold off for the time being. Your friends can rate, review, or check yes or no for the products you share.

Apple feels it is a lot of work trying to coordinate shopping with friends or gaining the attention of a salesclerk. Personally I think I can handle shopping for myself but what about you? Do you need Apple’s help in deciding what to buy in the form of yet another social network?

[ Apple Insider ]

Apple patents iPhone social network for retail shopping is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

The iPhonECG by Lifetone Technology is a case that turns your iPhone 4 into a fully functional  ECG (Electrocardiography) device that can be used to monitor your heart. It works via  interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over time captured and externally recorded by skin electrodes.

The case is a simple enough snap on type plastic case with two electrodes on the rear. The patient can hold the case in their hands, touching the electrodes, or hold it against their chest to capture the performance of the heart. The information is displayed on the screen of the iPhone 4 with a dedicated app, again developed by Lifetone. It also has another app that works with the case. The second app is a personal heart rate monitor, to aid with relaxation; it is aimed more at the consumer than the professional market.

Both apps and the case will be announced at CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which begins in Las Vegas next week.

[MobileCrunch]

Monitor your heart with the iPhone 4 ECG case [video] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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