Devir Kahan

The Top Ten [TechKnowledgey Ep.2 S.2]

// July 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Apple, Electronics, Entertainment, Fun, Gadgets, Tech, TechKnowledgey

Join Devir and Avi as they review the top ten apps in the Apple App Store in just this ONE EPISODE!

“Naturally, one of the first places people look for ideas on purchases is the top 10 list. But the way apple has the top 10 work is by the most purchased, not actually the best. And so one day I had the idea to download all of them, so I could, review them all, and maybe even rearrange them for you into the correct actual order of not most purchased, but which are actually the best – and so, with the help of my buddy Avi, that is just what I did.”

Tech Featured In This Episode
Potty Racer
FatBooth
Fruit Ninja
Skee-Ball
Doodle God
World Series Poker
Pac Man
Scrabble
Doodle Jump
Angry Birds

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My iOS 4 Home-Screens

// June 12th, 2010 // No Comments » // Apple, Electronics, Gadgets, Internet, Life, Media, Photos, Reviews, Software, Tech, iPhone

Considering that I now have iOS 4 installed before it’s official release date, I was able to play around a bit with it’s new (and quite frankly awesome and insanely useful) app organization features. You can now use folders to organize your apps, which is really great for quite a few reasons. I like being organized, and I figured, why not at least show you my new iPod Touch’s Home-Screens (I only have 2 now!) on the new iOS 4. So here they are in all their folder-full glory:

You like?

There are quite a few other nice features as well, and iOS 4 goes live for everyone in just a few more weeks on the (excuse me while I check my calendar…. ah, yes…) 21st of June. Excited? I am.

How To Install iOS 4 Early

// June 11th, 2010 // No Comments » // Apple, Electronics, Gadgets, Media, Tech, iPad, iPhone

Okay everyone, since so many people were asking me how exactly I had done this I thought I would share it with you.

First off, a little explanation. Yes, I am already in fact running iOS 4 on my second generation iPod Touch. I like it. It’s cool. Folders are a huge plus. However, we shall save all that chit-chat for some episode of Byte Sized soon. The first point I really want to adress is how extacly it is possible that this is out pre-release date. To tell you the truth, that’s actually simple enough to explain. You see, before Apple releases something to the world, they create a version called the “Golden Master”. (Come on, let’s here your Ooooooos and Aaaahhhhhs). They then publish this to the elite group of developers to test one more final time before releasing in to the rest of the world. Some developers decide to do that job a little early. Is it stealing? No. Is it what Apple wanted to happen? Probably not. Is it what Apple expected to happen? You bet. They like this publicity.

Second note, use this at your own risk. I’m not going to go on explaining all the details about what does, and what doesn’t work here. Nor am I going to explain how to actually install it. That all has already been done on the site I am about to link to. All else that I wanted to say is this – just be careful. Make sure you downloaded the right version for your particular device, and just know that this is a pre-release. Not EVERYTHING is live yet, and it could, in theory have bugs, but more importantly, just know that what you are installing is nothing final, and while it is highly unlikely at this point, something bad COULD in theory happen.

Now that you know all that, may job here is done. I can now turn you over to the very capable hands of GumBallTech who shall guide you through the installation process over here.

I Pod, I Klear

// March 18th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Apple, Education, Electronics, Gadgets, Hardware, How To, Reviews, Tech, TechKnowledgey, iPhone

It’s a known trivial fact that the tech device that gets the dirtiest is no doubt the iPod. Fortunately though, there is a way to fix this problem. Join your host Devir Kahan as he takes you through the one product that may save dirty iPods everywhere.

Show Links

Get iKlear: http://www.klearscreen.com/

Breaking The Jailbreakers

// March 11th, 2010 // No Comments » // Apple, Electronics, Entertainment, Gadgets, Hardware, How To, Reviews, Software, Tech, TechKnowledgey, iPhone

iPhone and iPod Jailbreakers everywhere are running away from software updates from Apple. They fear, and rightfully so, that these updates will wipe their device, or possibly do something worse. Jailbreaking does indeed give you nice new features, and customizability, but to some people, the fear of Apple, and the knowledge that they are no longer running the stable and reliable OS that came originally on the iPhone, Jailbreaking is just not a feasible option. Everyone would like the nice features of Jailbrekaing though, without the hassle and worry of actually Jailbreaking.

And so, on this episode of TechKnowledgey, host Devir Kahan shows you how you can indeed, get some cool features, and more customizability, without ever Jailbreaking your device. You can make your iPhone security safer then ever before, and with the help of just a simple app from the app store VNC is now possible as well. But, arguably the best part about all of this is that they are free. Will these features actually break the Jailbreakers? Almost definitely not. Those that Jailbreak will always Jailbreak, and those that don’t most probably never will. But at least these are two things anyone can do with their device, to make their iPhone or iPod Touch a little more different than usual. Hacks, so to speak – that anyone, Jailbreakers and non-Jailbreakers alike, can enjoy.

A Little Tweetie In A Tree

// March 3rd, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Apple, Electronics, Reviews, Social Media, Software, Tech, TechKnowledgey, iPhone

What is the best Twitter client for the iPhone, you ask? Well on this episode of Techknowledgey, I tell you. I honestly think that it is Tweetie. It has every feature I would ever possibly want, and it’s incredibly well designed. The developers really knew what they were doing, and the way they implemented many features is just incredible.

For instance, refreshing the feed is done by simply scrolling to the top of the list. Shortening URLs can be done while composing a new tweet with the tap if a button. Things like that are found throughout the entire app. It is completely full featured and has EVERYTHING you could possibly want. And so, I explain why I, at least, think Tweetie is indeed the best twitter client for the iPhone, as well as demo some of it’s unique and innovative features.

Show Links

Download Tweetie: http://www.atebits.com/tweetie-iphone/

Goodbye iPod Headphones!

// February 19th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Apple, Audio, Electronics, Entertainment, Gadgets, Hardware, Reviews, Tech, TechKnowledgey, iPhone

We all know that the headphones that come with any iPod are not the greatest in the world. In fact, they are far from it; They are uncomfortable, don’t have such great sound, and are not such a high quality build. On this episode of TechKnowledgey I talk a little bit about new headphones, and their iPod counterpart.

I used to use them everyday on my hour long ride in to school, but they really hurt my ears! They were immensely uncomfortable to use for along period of time. I was fed up with the pain of using these headphones every day on my ride to school so I went out and bought myself a pair of Marshmallow headphones from JVC.

I really like them, and I am glad I made the purchase. They have great audio, and songs and podcasts sound much better than they did with the iPod headphones. The best part is though, that they are incredibly comfortable! The memory foam earbuds fit perfectly in any ear, and I would have no problem wearing them all day, to be quite honest. They really don’t bother me at all, which is a first for me and headphones. Plus, they are only about 15 bucks!

The only downside to them is the fact that they do not have an in-line remote and mic like the iPod headphones did, but that is a sacrifice I would easily make for all the benefits of these great headphones. If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones, or want to upgrade your current iPod headphones, I highly recommend these as an excellent option.

Show Links

JVC Marshmallow Headphones on Amazon: http://bit.ly/9wco7x

Smile – It’s An iPhone App

// February 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Apple, Entertainment, Fun, Games, Tech, TechKnowledgey, iPhone

Really, it is – The name of the app is Smiles. See the play on words there? Oh never mind…

Boy was this recorded a long time ago! For this episode of TechKnowledgey I review an iPhone app called Smiles. It is a great little 3-in-1 game app that is a new take on a classic game, Bejeweled. There are many modes to play in, and it is truly a great little mind challenging game to have on your iPhone, or iPod Touch for that matter, for any time that you are bored and just need something to do.

The cute little animations on the game board will probably actually make you smile, and you can change them to one of three options so you can play with your favorite. The developers really thought of everything in this app! Instead of putting that ugly top bar in their beautifully designed app, they put a little unobtrusive watermark with the time. That is good thinking! The entire app, from top to bottom, is designed with that same ingenuity.

Sure, it’s a simple app (and maybe a little to pricey), but when they are made as high quality as this one, those kinds are the best! And with excellent gameplay, great replay value, multiple game modes, and nice touches throughout, the developers of Smiles certainly ‘get it’.

Buy it now for $3.99 in the App Store: http://bit.ly/cyCRys

Sketch-O-Phone

// February 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // Apple, Electronics, Emails, Entertainment, Fun, Gadgets, Media, Reviews, Software, Tech, TechKnowledgey, iPhone

I recorded this app review a long time ago, but only got around to uploading now. The app is called Sketches and it is the absolute best way to create any sort of drawing on your iPhone or iPod Touch. It has more options than any other similar app, and tons of awesome presets and built in graphics. Sure, at 5 bucks it’s pricey (too pricey in my opinion), but this kind of app is essential for anyone who owns an iPhone or an iPod Touch. Everyone wants or has a sketching app, but if you’re gonna get one, why not get the best?

A big thank you to the guys over at LateNightSoft for sending this along for me to review! If you would like to send me an iTunes Gift Card, an app of yours or your friends’ to review, or anything at all, be sure to email me at mail@devirkahan.com.

Stone Loops Of Jurassica (App Devs That Get It)

// December 27th, 2009 // No Comments » // Apple, Entertainment, Fun, Games, Software, Tech

Yet another app from a developer that ‘gets it’, is the game Stone Loops. Stone Loops is a line up three or more sort of game, in which stones wind there way along paths in over 100 different levels as you need to get rid of them. You do this by shooting another stone and lining up three or more, or by using any of the number of cool power-ups. If they get to the end before you do this, you loose.

Not only is this game insanely addictive, but there are 100 levels with new, awesome looking boards in TWO different game modes, but there are plenty of other features as well. As you play you try to build up your house. You move into new houses, earn power-ups, and explore the world of Jurassica.

Each level is fresh and new, and the progression at which levels get harder is perfect. In fact, the whole game is perfect! With so many levels, features, un-lockables, and customizable gameplay, Stone Loops is an absolutely perfect app. I don’t have a single complaint.

Sure, it doesn’t have the high-end 3D graphics that some big title games from companies like EA has, but it has some great 2D graphics of it’s own. Plus, the replay value of this game is the most of any other game I have on my iPod. I have been playing it for months and it still has the same great gameplay, and pull that it did when I first bought it. Stone Loops is probably one of, if not the, best game I have installed on my iPod in a long time. Well worth the 99 cent price tag.

UPDATED TO ADD: People have reported they can no longer buy this app from the App Store. Apparently it was pulled a little while back, which is a pity becadue it really is (was) a great game. If you’d like to read more about it there is a nice post on TUAW here.