PhatPad, a popular note-taking and collaboration program for the iPad, recently got updated.  Adding Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish languages to supported language mix, PhatWare also has added optimizations to take full advantage of the high-resolution Retina Display.

PhatPad’s key features include:

· Smooth-flowing digital ink technology, which lets iPad users scribble notes as if they are writing on real paper;

· The ability to combine drawing, handwritten text, images, and digital text on the same document page to create media-rich content;

· A powerful multilingual handwriting recognition engine, which automatically converts handwritten notes into text;

· Voice notes – record, play, and use in presentation mode;

· An advanced Presentation mode, which supports a VGA monitor and allows recording and playing presentations by synchronizing document pages and voice;

· PhatPad Document sharing using Dropbox synchronization, Google Docs and Evernote upload, direct access via WiFi or iTunes, and email;

· Printing to a printer on wireless network via AirPrint.

The beauty of PhatPad as a note-taking, collaboration and brainstorming tool, is that it allows users to draw pictures, jot notes, or put a mixture of pictures, drawings, handwritten and typed text on a virtual scratch pad. The included handwriting recognition engine allows PhatPad users to convert previously recorded handwritten notes into digital text, and edit text using either the handwriting input panel or the keyboard.

PhatPad 2.1 is available in the iTunes App Store at a reduced price of only $4.99. The price includes handwriting recognition in a language of the user’s choice. Support for additional languages can be purchased in-app for just $2.99 per language. The US English Medical dictionary is also available for PhatPad for $4.99. For more information about PhatPad, visit PhatWare’s web site at http://www.phatware.com/phatpad.

GoodReader, one of our favorite reader and utility software for the iPad just got sharper!  With an update that takes advantage of the new iPad Retina display, users will enjoy an unparalleled experience viewing documents, graphics, web pages, and videos on their iPads.  For those who are not familiar with Retina display, it increases the number of pixels by 4x.  With this 4x density, individual pixels can no longer be distinguished by the human eye.  Also since the last time we talked about GoodReader Freehand Drawing has also been added.

From the changelog:

v.3.14.2 – Mar. 23, 2012

• The new iPad (iPad 3) compatibility fix

v.3.14.0 – Feb 16, 2012

• Freehand Drawing: Handwriting Zoom Window to draw tiny details while seeing an overview of an entire PDF page
• Freehand Drawing: adjustable Palm Rest
• buttons to change pages while drawing or highlighting

Update to the latest version, or if you don’t have GoodReader yet, get your copy from the Apple App Store today!

There is no iPad 3….it’s “The new iPad”.  Funny way to name it as that limits things  for the future.  Will it be called the “Newer” iPad for the next iteration?  What about “The Newest” iPad?  One thing is for certain, with the new iPad out, iPad 2 prices have come down.  From my point of view, the best part about the iPad 2 was the addition of cameras.  Personally, I’m still using an iPad 1st gen. mainly for business.  I really don’t have any need to upgrade.  When iOS support is dropped for the 1st gen. iPad, then it will be the time to make a mandatory upgrade.

What’s your view?  Are you planning to upgrade?  Would you pay an additional $100 for a better visual experience by getting the new iPad instead of the iPad 2 (if you are upgrading or just getting one)?

Welcome to 2012 fellow JAMMers!  2012 brings in a slew of new technology such as Ultra Books, 3D video recording and photography, and much much more.  This year we are looking forward to showing you DXG’s latest 3D camcorder, numerous app reviews such as Proloquo2Go text to speech, and much much more!  Happy new year everyone – and yes, we were a bit late to return from the partying as it’s already 7 days into the year.

People seem to take things way too far.  Check out this rebuttal by Chris Spera:

The news of the recommended ban of all in-vehicle mobile device use really just hit me the wrong way. I’ve published a response to it on Byte (yes, as in BYTE Magazine from back in the day).  You can see it at the link, noted below.

The NTSB Recommended In-Vehicle Cell Phone Use Ban – Technology Can Solve the Problem
Most responses to the NTSB’s recommended Nation-wide ban on in-vehicle cell phone use fails to do one important thing – address the root cause of problem.

http://www.informationweek.com/byte/commentary/personal-tech/smart-phones/232300537