Rington Remix is a great little app that allows you to create ringtones from your own music and even share to Dropbox. After creating the ringtone, you send it to your computer via email, Dropbox, or iTunes sharing, and sync with iTunes.

• Create ringtones from your iPod music
• Use your new tones for ringtones and alarms
• Real zoomable music waveform
• Magic button picks the best part of the track
• Preview your tone and how it loops
• Send & share ringtones with Dropbox

The good folks at Electric Pocket have given us some promo codes to give away to you, our awesome readers. For a chance to win, let us know which song you’d love to turn into a ringtone in the comments below!

Screenshots after the break!

[$0.99 - iTunes link]

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com , tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Ringtone Remix Pro [Giveaway] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Google held their Inside Search event today, and once again the focus is on speed and convenience, especially in mobile. For iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users, this means faster local searches and faster suggested searches in Safari. (Or your WebKit browser of choice on other mobile platforms.)

Local search:

On the results page, you’ll see a map with markers for your current location and places around you. When you scroll through the results, the map remains at the top of the page and adjusts automatically to the listing you are looking at. That way, you can see the listing information while still getting location context from the map. Tapping on a result will quickly show you more about a place including reviews and other useful details. Discovering great places nearby has never been easier on your mobile phone.

Suggested search builds:

Another mobile improvement we've introduced today is an easier way to build longer, more complicated searches. You can now add suggested phrases to the search box and "build" your search piece by piece. This feature is already available on the Google Search app for Android and iOS devices and we're now making this available on www.google.com from your mobile browser. Watch the video below to see how you can search faster with less typing.

It works on iOS 4 compatible browsers (and presumably iOS 5 as well). Google announced a lot of other improvements for their non-mobile search today as well, like Instant, improved Voice and Image, etc. so hit up the Google Inside Search link below for the bigger picture.

Then go search Safari and tell us what you think.

[Google Inside Search Blog, Google Mobile Blog, Android Central]

Google Inside Search event brings new features to Mobile Search for iPhone, iPad is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

TiPb checks out the best, most must-have apps to take on summer vacation with your iPhone

School’s out and it’s time for a break from work. Curious which are the absolute best apps and games to take with you on your much deserved summer vacation? Odds are you’ll want to share your adventures, brush up on local attractions, and stay connected while you’re having fun. Luckily there are tons of apps available in the App Store that makes organizing and sharing your vacation from your iPhone super simple.

Whether you want informational apps for your own use or social apps to share, we’ve got you covered. Read on for TiPb's top 10 most recommended, most must-have summer vacation apps to get your started.

• Top 10 apps for new iPhone owners
• More top apps

Gowalla

For regular everyday check-ins, I typically use Foursquare. But for trips, Gowalla wins hands down. It acts as somewhat of a “digital passport”. They offer stamps and pins for completing trips and checking in at certain places (similar to Foursquare badges).

You can also upload pictures and comments on places that you’ve traveled to. Sometimes you’ll pick up items when you check into places. You can either drop them elsewhere for someone else to find (and to become a founder of a place), or you can choose to add them to your pack where they’ll permanently stay. I’ll typically drop items I’ve picked up more than one of and save more rare and unique items in my pack.

Gowalla also allows you to share check-ins and pictures to Twitter and Facebook as well which makes it even easier to let your friends and family follow along with your adventures.

Free – iTunes Link

Instagram

I use Instagram on almost a daily basis but it’s especially cool for sharing pictures on vacation. Not only does it upload your images to a plethora of services (Twitter, Facebook, etc) – you can also add all kinds of cool filter effects to your photos before uploading them.

I’ve always found uploading photos directly to Facebook to be hit or miss. I always use Instagram now. It’s fast and connects to all the services I want to share to. The user interface is simple and uploading a photo only takes seconds, which is great when you’re constantly on the go and just want to share a quick snapshot.

Free – iTunes Link

TripAdvisor

While you may have already loaded some GPS and navigation apps, you’ll also want to make sure you have additional information about certain places. TripAdvisor is a great app to find out about hotels and attractions. You can read and write reviews straight from the app. I know we’ve saved ourselves some heartache by checking user reviews for certain hotels and restaurants before making our decision.

It’ll work regardless where you’re at so this is a great one to have on board for virtually any type of trip. And don’t forget to write reviews for future travelers as well!

Free – iTunes Link

Beautiful Planet HD

No matter where you’re traveling, Beautiful Planet has tons of pictures, facts, and descriptions of the most amazing travel destinations on Earth. I’ve found a lot of really cool destinations just by browsing through the app in my spare time. While on vacation, you can not only learn about the places you’re visiting, but find other really cool areas to check out.

This app is perfect for vacationers that want to spend a lot more time outdoors than they do indoors. I also recommend this to travelers who don’t necessarily have a strict itinerary and really want to spend more time exploring than anything else.

$1.99 – iTunes Link

Navigation and/or information apps

No matter where you’re going, some type of GPS app should be on the top of your list. I personally prefer Garmin StreetPilot when I travel but you’ll want to pick the GPS app that covers the areas your traveling to. That’s why I’m not picking a technical “favorite” for this category. What you will want to use will differ based on where you’re going. Just pick one that covers the area you’re traveling to the best.

You can also look at specified navigation apps as well. I live on a lake and love the water, so I picked up an app called Marine&Lakes. These types of navigation apps are great for specified areas and a lot of times contain attractions or areas that you’d never otherwise discover.

Prices will vary depending what apps you choose to use.

Your top apps?

So there you have them, our top 10 best iPhone 4 apps to get you started. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPhone App and Games Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!

Top 5 summer vacation apps for iPhone is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

An iPad with a 3D display is supposedly being shown off by display vendor CPT at the Display Taiwan show. The device which has been caught on video, appears to be a first generation iPad; however all product branding has been covered. The display requires the use of special polarizing glasses.

Netbooknews discovered the device and is speculating that this may be a prototype of the iPad 3. It looks much more likely to us that this is a publicity stunt by CPT to gain some attention to its display products. Maybe they decided to modify an original iPad with a 3D display just as a proof of concept. Take a look at the video after the break then head back here to let us know what you think!

[Netbooknews via 9to5 Mac]

iPad with a 3D display spotted at Display Taiwan show? [video] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Ron Johnson, the man who helped Apple revolutionize retail with the Apple Stores, is leaving to take over the CEO spot at JC Penney. Apple has issued the following statement to All Things D:

"Ron is excited about this opportunity and we hope it goes well for him," a spokesperson said. "We've got a great retail team in place and are actively recruiting for his replacement."

And JC Penney states that Johnson isn’t just taking over, he’s taking on a large investment as well:

As a demonstration of his confidence in J. C. Penney's long-term potential, Mr. Johnson requested and has committed to make a personal investment of $50 million in the Company through the purchase, at fair market value, of 7 1/2-year warrants on 7.257 million shares ofJ. C. Penney Company stock. The warrants cannot be sold or hedged for the first six years of their term and have a strike price of $29.92, the closing price of the stock on the business day prior to Mr. Johnson's commitment to purchase the warrants.

Apple Retail’s last big splash was the installation of iPads as information centers for all Apple products. Apple has probably institutionalized Apple Store procedures to the extent that Johnson’s leaving won’t have a huge impact, and it will be interesting to see if an influx of fresh blood — and fresh ideas — in the top retail spot can help take Apple further.

Anyone worried this means a lot of glass, wood, and aluminum are on their way to JC Penney outlets everywhere?

[All Things D, JC Penney]

Ron Johnson, head of Apple Retail, leaves to become CEO of JC Penney is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

It looks as though Nokia and Apple have finally come to an agreement over the lawsuit they have been involved in since late 2009, with Apple agreeing to pay licensing fees for key Nokia patents. Originally, Nokia claimed that Apple had infringed on almost two dozen of their patents for mobile technologies. Apple argued that Nokia was demanding “unfair” licensing fees and didn’t want to pay more than other companies licensing the same technology, then counter sued for UI and computer-related patents. Complaints flew back and forth, and now the end result of the lawsuit was that Apple has to pay Nokia a lump some of of cash on top of royalties for the term of the agreement with Nokia.

The financial structure of the agreement consists of a one-time payment payable by Apple and on-going royalties to be paid by Apple to Nokia for the term of the agreement. The specific terms of the contract are confidential.

“We are very pleased to have Apple join the growing number of Nokia licensees,” said Stephen Elop, president and chief executive officer of Nokia. “This settlement demonstrates Nokia’s industry leading patent portfolio and enables us to focus on further licensing opportunities in the mobile communications market.”

Apple having to pay Nokia was never really in question. The argument was over how much. Nokia’s patents were in a pool that was supposed to be freely and fairly licensed to everyone. Apple felt Nokia was violating the letter and spirit of that by asking more of Apple. Whether or not Apple eventually got the same terms as other licensees, or whether they did have to pay up more, is still a question.

Apple also remains in litigation with the three top Android makers, HTC, Samsung, and Motorola. For now, Nokia is no longer in litigation with anyone.

UPDATE: Apple has issued a statement to the New York Times [NYT]:

"Apple and Nokia have agreed to drop all of our current lawsuits and enter into a license covering some of each other's patents, but not the majority of the innovation that makes the iPhone unique," Apple said. "We are glad to put this behind us and get back to focusing on our respective businesses."

[Nokia via FossPatents]

Nokia vs Apple lawsuit settled [Updated] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

• imo instant messenger: Stay in touch with friends on your existing IM accounts: Facebook Chat, Google Talk, Skype, MSN, ICQ/AIM, Yahoo, Jabber, Hyves, VKontakte and Myspace. Now with the ability to send photos and videos and more! [Free - iTunes link]

• Fanhattan: Find Movies and TV shows (top hits to Hollywood classics) from across the most popular digital media services, check out their ratings, rent, buy, or subscribe and begin watching. [Free - iTunes link]

• SayClip: Privately send video messages back and forth to people who you are good friends with or your close family members, no matter where they are located around the world. [Free - iTunes linik]

• Legacy: Mystery Mansion: A quest puzzle game in a "match three" style. It offers you the possibility to reveal the secrets of the ancient mansion, which you inherited from a distant relative with mysterious past. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

• Eco Mania: Recycle from the over 100 different object coming on the conveyor belt. Have fun and at the same time save the environment. As you gain points, the conveyor speeds up! This increases the challenge and the fun. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think!

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

New and updated iPhone and iPad apps for Tuesday, June 14 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

We heard a rumor a few days ago that Apple would be selling unlocked iPhones in the US starting this Wednesday. Well it appears that it was true but started a day earlier. Apple has updated its online store and you can now order an unlocked GSM iPhone 4. 

Both black and white models are available in 16GB and 32GB flavors. It will set you back $649 for the 16GB model and $749 for the 32GB. Shipping is quoted at 1-3 days.

Get all the features of iPhone 4 — FaceTime video calling, Retina display, HD video recording, and more — in a phone that you can activate and use on the supported GSM wireless carrier of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States. If you don't want a multiyear service contract or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone 4 is the best choice. It arrives without a micro-SIM card, so you'll need an active micro-SIM card from any supported GSM carrier worldwide.

There is no mention of any support for T-Mobile AWS frequencies so you wouldn’t get any 3G data on that network. We assume, then, that this new offer is aimed more at those who travel and would benefit from using local SIM cards at their destination. Like iMessage it could also be a show of strength to the US carriers, or a way to help ease the regulatory wheels by showing how open and available iPhone is in the US.

No word yet on whether AT&T will offer to unlock any existing, previously locked iPhones. In the UK, carriers do offer to unlock for a fee, while in Canada, no carrier unlocks have been made available.

Are any of our readers planning on picking up an unlocked iPhone 4? Is the price too high? Let us know in the comments!

[Apple Store]

 

Apple now selling unlocked GSM iPhones in the US, prices start at $649 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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

Reader Jorge wrote in to let us know something he found in the iOS 5 beta — you can now tap and hold to add, move, adjust, or delete a Calendar event. The way it works is fairly simple. From the day view, or the new landscape week view:

• Tap and hold an empty space on your Calendar and a new event will pop up. Let go and you’re immediately taken to the Add Event screen.

• Tap and hold an existing event and tiny circular handles will appear on the top and bottom. Drag one to increase or decrease the time span of an event.

• Tap and hold and drag an event to move it up or down the time scale, or drag it sideways to move it to another day.

• Tap and hold and then drag up to “throw away” (delete) an event.

Nothing in list or month view that we’ve heard so far, but very nice additions to the day and new week view. All around it can save some time for minor edits, and is much more fun than the old, menu-heavy method.

[Thanks Jorge!]

iOS 5 feature: Tap and hold to add, move, adjust, or delete Calendar event is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Georgia, Seth, and Rene take your questions on iOS 5 and iCloud and give you answers. Can you handle that? This is iPad Live!

• Show notes

Hosts

• @GeorgiaTiPb (Georgia)
• @reneritchie (Rene)
• Seth Clifford (@sethclifford)

Credits

Thanks to the TiPb iPad Accessory Store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Music Hear me Roar by iPad Live theme song contest winner, DieselJesus!

iPad Live 60: iOS 5 Q&A part 1 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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