Splashtop’s desktop-to-mobile virtualization app has just perversely enabled users to access their Windows 8 PC desktop on their iPad. Of course, this sort of VPN is nothing new, but it is the first time we’re seeing it with Windows 8, much of which was designed specifically for touch input. It looks like all of the gestures are there, including multitouch to reposition tiles, leftwards swipes to go back a step, dual-pane multitasking, menu options on the right side, and icon options from the bottom. Latency seems low, which means it’s responsive enough to at least play play a simple pinball game.

Even as Apple fans, it’s hard to ignore that Windows 8 actually looks pretty awesome, and if you can have a reliable, consistent experience of it through Splashtop while still having full access to the perks of iOS, I’m tempted to give it a shot.  Of course, for this particular set up, you need to have Splashtop installed on your existing Windows 8 computer (unlike OnLive, which hosts the remote Windows machine for you). It’s worth noting that since Windows 8 is still technically in a developer beta, Splashtop is gearing this towards programmers who are interested in testing their apps in a touch environment. Eventually, I’d like to see

If you’re interested to give this a shot, the Win8 Metro Testbed for Splashtop is currently half off, but even then, it’s a little steep at $24.99. In any case, Splashtop’s Win8 Metro Testbed looks like it works well enough. How many of you iPad owners out there are still using a Windows machine? Are you tempted to give Windows 8 a shot? Maybe there are even a few of you thinking of switching away from Mac…

$24.99 – Download now

If you’re looking for alternatives, iTap Mobile has an app for $11.99 that uses the RDP protocol, which is native to Windows, so it doesn’t need something installed on the PC. RDP also captures the vectors of open windows rather than simply streaming a live image of the screen, which means reduced latency and improved responsiveness. Unfortunately, iTap doesn’t list support for Windows 8 yet, but Windows 8 supports RDP – it should work, right?

$11.99 – Download now

Source: Splashtop Blog

Should you get the new iPad or MacBook Air, or more properly, who should get an iPad and who would do better with a MacBook Air? That was the topic of our very first iMore TV show almost 18 months — and two full iPad generations! — ago, and it’s one we return to now following the launch of the latest, greatest 3rd generation iPad!

The MacBook Air hasn’t changed much (it did get a backlit keyboard, however) but the iPad has come a long, long way in terms of display, power, and connectivity. The MacBook Air now has OS X Lion and the iPad iOS 5. While the Mac has been made took look more like the iPad, the iPad hasn’t been made to work more like the Mac.

Is it fair to compare? One is a traditional laptop, albeit the best small laptop in the business, and the other is the first breakthrough tablet device. The MacBook Air is still twice the price of the iPad as well. Yet if we stop thinking in terms of product and start thinking in terms of solution, both are ultraportables that will appeal to those who want to be highly mobile. If you already have a desktop or large laptop at home or work, the MacBook Air and iPad could both be contenders for your tertiary device. If you have no computer and are looking to get something just for the internet and light productivity, both could be a great introductory machine.

Once again it’s keyboard vs multitouch, storage vs battery life, and which one might be best for you, for your kids, for your parents, or just for your inner geek.

So if you've been trying to decide between an iPad and a MacBook Air check out our very latest iMore TV and we'll try to help you make the best choice possible!

Apple is going to owe Motorola damages for infringing on push email patents currently being used by iCloud and Mobile, so sayeth the Mannheim, Germany regional court.  iPhone and iPad users in Germany had push email disabled back in February over the case, and today’s ruling backs up Motorola’s ban.

Apple is still advising, via knowledge-base article, that German iCloud and MobileMe users switch to pull email.

Affected customers will still receive iCloud and MobileMe email, but new messages will be downloaded to their devices when the Mail app is opened, or when their device periodically fetches new messages as configured in iOS Settings. Push email service on desktop computers, laptop computers, and the web is unaffected, as is service from other providers such as Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

This is a bum deal for iOS users in Germany, who might still be able to get email, but not at the lightning speed that push affords. You would think that if Apple had paid for damages, there would also be some sort of licensing in place to allow things to go back to normal. Then there’s the precedent this sets for other markets — is it possible that Motorola could lock out push email in other countries too? If they do, odds are good that other Android devices would be spared, seeing as Google is on the cusp of owning Motorola.

I don’t like Apple being left a significant step behind any more than you guys do, but hey, at least in the U.S. Apple is beating out Motorola. How many of y’all rely on push email? Any Germans in the house been impacted by this case?

Source: WSJ, Apple Knowledge Base

Apple has been granted permission to step in against Lodsys, a holding company with alleged ties to Intellectual Ventuers, which is intent on suing iOS developers for patent infringement. Apple had originally applied to intervene nearly a year ago after Lodsys claimed the right to in-app purchasing, and consequently went after big-name devs like Square Enix, 2K, Atari, Rovio, and EA for royalties. Apple’s stance has been that they’ve licensed the rights to the in-app purchasing mechanism to these parties, and that Lodsys should take up the fight with Apple directly.

This is a textbook case of patent trolling, and I imagine that while Lodsys might have had a shot squeezing money out of the smaller developers, and a slim chance of getting royalties from the bigger ones, they won’t stand a chance against Apple. Lodsys went after Android developers too, and Google intends to intervene on that front in much the same way as Apple.

It’s only unfortunate the courts took this long to decide, however, because those smaller developers have no doubt been hurt in the mean time.

Source: FOSS Patents; Image: Statue Forum

For today only, the iMore Store has the OtterBox Reflex Series Case for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 on sale for only $21.95! That’s a big 37% off! Get them before they’re gone!

Get the OtterBox Reflex Series Case for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 now!

Simply slide on the Reflex Series for iPhone 4S, AT&T iPhone 4, or Verizon iPhone 4 and enjoy the sleek, highly-protective qualities of this innovative case.

Easy to install and uninstall, you can dock in an instant and slip the case back on for portability and protection on-the-go. This iPhone 4S, AT&T iPhone 4, or Verizon iPhone 4 case protects all the ways you like to use your device.

• Reflex zones in corner
• Slick exterior
• Easy snap-off access for docking
• Self-adhering clear screen protector
• Single layer dual density material
• Polycarbonate molded with TPE rubber

French Designer Philippe Starck claims that he has been working on a revolutionary new product with Apple and it will be unveiled in around eight months time. The comments were made to French newspaper Le Figaro and France-Info radio.

“Indeed, there is a big project together which will be out in eight months,” said the designer in the show “Everything and its opposite.” Invoking the “religious cult of secrecy” of the California firm, he declined further detail, except to talk about a project “quite revolutionary. (French translation)

Mr Starck did not reveal any details on what the project was but that will not stop Apple being slightly irritated by these loose comments. Apple never discusses any aspects of new products and this leak will only encourage huge levels of speculation  that the project must be the often rumored Apple HD TV or Apple camera or Apple espresso machine or just another fancy iPod speaker system; which Philippe Starck already sells in the Apple Store.

Either way, we expect some terse phone calls from Cupertino to be hitting Starck’s line any time now…

Source: Hardmac via 9to5 Mac; Image: Wikipedia

Rumor has it that RIM’s recently-resigned co-CEO and board member, Jim Balsillie, sought a drastic plan to open up their infrastructure to wireless service providers, and allow competing platforms, like iOS, to run data through it. That would enable many signature BlackBerry services, namely BBM, to run on iPhone. It would also let carriers offer lots of other inexpensive messaging plans for access to Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks. Unfortunately, the rest of the management team saw the move as too drastic and risky, so shortly thereafter, Balsillie quit.

See, BlackBerry smartphones shunt all of their data through a central server infrastructure managed by RIM in order to improve security and handle compression when needed. Back when carriers didn’t have support for data, RIM actually worked as an mobile virtual network operator, renting network capacity to sell their devices and service. Even once carriers developed the ability to handle cellular data on their own, RIM kept the network operating center set-up and integrated it tightly with providers selling BlackBerry handsets.

BBM on iOS has been whispered about for some time, but with iMessage in the picture, there may not really seem like there’s much reason for it at this point. However, cross-platform mobile IM continues to be a problem in search of a great solution.

There are still other avenues RIM is exploring when it comes to supporting multiple platforms, namely through the recently-launched Mobile Fusion app for remote enterprise device management. The PlayBook operating system supports Android apps, too. While I think revamping RIM’s archiecture would have been an interesting move, and carriers would likely have given it a shot (at least for awhile), service revenue has always been a relatively small piece of RIM’s earnings; for a small increase in cashflow from carriers, RIM would lose a ton of BlackBerry sales since the devices really wouldn’t be offering anything unique anymore.

Even though BlackBerry market share is continuing to spiral downwards anyway, RIM will have one last hoo-rah with the BB10 update this fall. If that fails, then maybe Balsillie’s plan may see a resurgence, or, more likely, RIM will start locking in those licensing partnerships they’ve been talking about.

Do you guys think RIM would be able to stay alive if they got BBM on iPhone? Would a super-cheap (say, $5/month) unlimited social networking plan appeal to you instead of your regular data bucket? There’s always Wi-Fi for the intensive stuff.

Source: Reuters via Crackberry.com

At PAX East 2012, Halfbrick Studios was showing off an incoming update to Jetpack Joyride which will let you equip some very handy gadgets. Players can equip two, which offer a variety of functions, such as a slight boost in speed when taking off from the ground, or a protective bubble to improve your distance after crashing. A particularly useful one will be the coin magnet, which is currently only available for the game’s vehicles. Counting the Feeze-o-Matic, Lucky Last, Nerd Repellent, Missile Jumper, Free Ride, Flying Pig, and Gravity Belt, there will be 15 gadgets available all told at launch, no doubt with plenty more to follow. As with other in-game items, you’ll be able to buy gadgets in the Stash with coins collected as you navigate through a top-secret science lab in a freakin’ sweet jetpack, or bought directly through in-app purchases.

Even though Fruit Ninja is Halfbrick’s breakthrough success, I tend to spend a lot more time playing Jetpack Joyride, so this update has me pretty excited. Since most of the current in-game items are purely cosmetic, it’s great to see a bunch of new options that actively change the way you play (though there are also going to be cosmetic gadgets, like the x-ray specs). Keep an eye out for the 1.3 update to Jetpack Joyride at the end of the month.

Free – Download now

Wrap your new iPad in handcrafted leather and birch with Pad & Quill’s classic Contega case

The Pad & Quill Contega case for the new iPad updates their iPad 2 case for Apple’s third generation tablet. Granted, it’s not a major change — they’ve teased that will come soon enough — but it does make the adjustments necessary to get an already fabulous case working on the latest iPad. That makes this review really simple: if you loved the Contega on your iPad 2, you’ll love it on your new iPad. If you didn’t try it on your previous iPad, or this is your first iPad, and you’re a fan of the moleskin look and feel, then you’re in for a real treat.

Grooves inside the front cover let you stand your iPad up at two convenient angles

Pad & Quill cases are lovingly created by Mr. & Mrs. PQ in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and locally handcrafted out of the finest Spanish bonded leather and single sheet Baltic birch. They’re traditional, artesanal, beautiful. Like we said in our previous review, there’s just something about wrapping Apple’s latest glass and aluminum technology in old world materials…

The Contega is P&Q’s higher end case and has several great features, both carried over from the previous generation and new for the new iPad model. The Baltic birch frame is now stronger than ever and has a Sure-Lock bumper system to hold your new iPad securely in place. The cover contains the same kind of magnets as Apple’s own Smart Cover, so opening and closing the Contega turns your iPad on and off, just like the Smart Cover. It’s got a sound channel that redirects as much of the iPad’s tiny speaker back at you as possible, and a cutout for the camera so you don’t have to remove your new iPad to use the much improved new camera. And the Contega also includes a secret hidden pocket for your secret hidden papers!

The Pad & Quill Contega case for the new iPad is black on the outside but hides a colored heart within — camden blue, cranberry red, field green, plum, and french roast are your options. (Those last two are new to the new model.) Because of rather cunning grooves inside the cover, you can also use the Contega to prop up your iPad for easy video watching — at two different angles. Flip it over, and the cover works to hold your iPad at a better typing angle as well. Close it up, and a handy elastic snaps around to hold it closed.

If you love the idea of new age tech wrapped in old world beauty, the Pad & Quill Contega is for you

The good

• Stunningly beautiful design
• Amazing craftsmanship
• Can be easily positioned for easy typing or video watching
• Hidden pocket for papers

The bad

• Leather and wood is bulkier than plastic film

The conclusion

Because of it’s relative bulk and classical design, and the premium price for such a premium product, the Pad & Quill Contega will never appeal to every iPad user. Nor should it. Art isn’t about mass appeal. It’s about being authentic and making a statement. For those who want to carry their iPad around with the comfort and flair of an old world book, the Pad & Quill Contega remains the gold standard.

$99 – Buy now

Update: The fine folks at Pad & Quill have been gracious enough to send us a coupon code for iMore readers! Just enter iMR31 on checkout and received 10% off the Octavo and/or Contega cases for the new iPad (3rd generation).

Apple has officially responded to Department of Justice (DOJ) charges, which alleges Apple conspired with publishers to force an agency pricing model that ultimately makes e-books more expensive for consumers. AllThingsD quotes Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr:

The DOJ's accusation of collusion against Apple is simply not true. The launch of the iBookstore in 2010 fostered innovation and competition, breaking Amazon's monopolistic grip on the publishing industry. Since then customers have benefited from eBooks that are more interactive and engaging. Just as we've allowed developers to set prices on the App Store, publishers set prices on the iBookstore.

It’s not the agency model itself which is in question, it’s the charge that publishers secretly met and colluded to fix the pricing under the agency model. If the idea had just happened to simultaneously and independently occur to them, the DOJ might not have a case. Either way, it will be tougher to make a case against Apple, who absolutely benefits from the 30% cut and most favored nation (MFN) clauses in their agency model, and may have encouraged it, but who may not have been in on the same meeting at the same time decisions were made. That remains to be seen — or proven.

On the other side, Amazon benefits from the dissolution of the agency model because they can go back to leveraging their (now pseudo-, thanks to Apple) monopoly position to drive down costs and force competitors out of the market.

Absent DOJ intervention, there are arguments to be made either way for letting the market decide. If ebook prices are too high, people will stop buying them and Apple’s agency model will fail and prices will have to come down to account for the lower demand and higher supply. (Unlike the App Store, there are far fewer players involved so a race-to-the-bottom is extremely unlikely.) If ebook prices are too low, publishers will go out of business and Amazon’s retail model will fail and prices will have to go up to account for the higher demand and smaller supply.

Personally, I don’t mind paying slightly more if it ensures a better market and ultimately better content. I’d prefer paying $5 to $10 for better iOS apps to ensure even more, better iOS apps in the future. Just like entertainment companies refusing to release timely content at fair prices is bad for — not entitled — consumers (why can’t I buy Game of Thrones Season 2 on iTunes yet?), consumers refusing to pay a fair price for timely content is bad for the industry (why can’t an awesome iOS game fetch the same price as a Happy Meal that’s gone in 5 minutes?). In a perfect world, both would be in balance and everyone would benefit.

My opinions — and yours — aside, it doesn’t look like Apple is going to be settling this one any time soon.

Source: AllThingsD

Infinity Blade 2 for iPhone and iPad has been updated with a new content pack called ClashMobs that lets you complete challenges in Infinity Blade 2 with your Facebook friends. Interestingly, even your Facebook friends who don’t play Infinity Blade 2 can help you complete your challenges by “liking” your posts.

After connecting Infinity Blade 2 to your Facebook account, you will have a set of new challenges called ClashMobs to choose from. Each challenge will need help from your friends, but the good news is that even though these challenges are scheduled, you don’t have to play with your friends at the exact same time. For example, a ClashMob may only require 30 seconds from each participant, but each player can contribute during any time between Monday and Wednesday.

To get your friends to contribute to your ClashMobs, you simply post to your Facebook page with Infinity Blade 2. Most challenges only require a few friends or offer better rewards for more participants, but some challenges may need the help of as many as 500,000 players. With some ClashMob’s, your non-Infinity Blade 2 playing friends can also help you out by liking your post. For example, each like received may inflict damage on the boss you’re fighting.

Now, that last part sounds cool and all, but I’m willing to bet that most of these likes will be coming from Infinity Blade 2 players since Facebook users who don’t play Infinity Blade 2 will likely be hiding all posts by Infinity Blade 2 from their Facebook feed (I sure will be).

For Infinity Blade 2 players who don’t use Facebook or are put off by the idea of posting Infinity Blade ClashMobs to their wall, they can simply choose to ignore ClashMobs all together. Or they can participate in ClashMobs posted by their friends without a trace of their activity on Facebook. Infinity Blade 2 will not force players to post to Facebook.

So who’s excited about ClashMobs? I’m sure you’re looking for more Infinity Blade 2 Facebook friends, so head on over to the iMore forums and share your Facebook page with other Infinity Blade 2 players!

$4.99 – Download Now