With the release of the iPhone 4S, there’s never been a better time to reevaluate and review the best of the best iPhone applications. Over the years, the number of applications available for the iPhone have increased to well over 300,000. With this many choices, it only stands to reason the average user might feel a tad bit overwhelmed. So without further ado, let’s look at the some the best and most popular applications in each category.

Health – Unless you’ve living in under a rock, you’ve probably heard about RunKeeper, an iPhone app that using GPS technology to track you while running, walking, jogging, or even riding in a vehicle. In addition, data can be entered manually, which allows you to keep track of your fitness stats while on treadmills or at the gym. By using this app, you can avoid the cost of the expensive runner’s watches, plus keep track of your distance, pace, and calorie expenditure. RunKeeper also has its own website, which you can use to upload your data and share your stats with friends.

Extra cool feature: You can take photos on the iPhone while running, and images are automatically geo-tagged to appear on the map where they were taken.

Education – Going by today’s fast-paced program upgrading standards, the Open Culture application is an oldie but a goodie. Never thought you could get an inexpensive education? Good news – with Open Culture, you can. The application itself is free, and this educational media ain’t exactly Hooked on Phonics. You can take real college courses, listen to music and science podcasts, take language lessons, and download audio books. Let’s face it – free knowledge is priceless.

Extra cool feature: Did you read about the part where you can take free college courses? ‘Nuff said.

Entertainment: There’s no question that entertainment apps are among the most popular with users – especially teens and young adults. However, we think the best entertainment applications are the ones that have are a bit more intellectual value than say, making yourself and your friends look fat. And this is why the Amazon Kindle is still among the best applications of its kind. Bridging entertainment with education, the Kindle application allows its users to download free books, free samples of books, highlight text, bookmark pages, and take notes. All this is synchronized within the application, so you never have to lose track of where you were.

Extra cool feature: The Kindle application syncs with an actual Kindle if you have one, so you can pick up where you left off on another device.

Productivity – No surprise here – the Siri application is the Apple’s latest great acquisition – that is, it was snagged up by Apple last year, and after a few tweaks, is the new virtual assistant mastermind of the smartphone industry. It uses voice recognition technology, which is nothing new, but it can use it in ways no one could have foreseen a few years ago. There has been a running joke for years about the inconsistencies and failings of voice recognition software, but this application does a great job of mitigating most of those issues. In fact, it usually knows what you are saying, and even what you mean. When compared to voice recognition software of the past, this is a huge step forward.

Extra cool feature: There are many – but generally speaking, but if you can command your phone to deliver the daily weather forcast for you, or make restaurant reservations, you are just a sliver away from holding true artificial intelligence in the palm of your hand.

Navigation – Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few good GPS applications available for the iPhone, and picking the best is not a decision to be taken lightly. That said, the favorite GPS application of both critics and users seems to TomTom, when you consider and compile both customer and online expert reviews. Mentioned in PC World’s “18 Best iPhone Apps”, the TomTom gives you turn-by-turn directions, updates maps and changes routes, and reports on traffic delays. You can also get your directions read to via a celebrity voice – Homer Simpson is one of the latest co-pilots available.

Extra cool feature: Only application to offer a feature that evaluates routes based on real-life driving experience instead of just posted speed limits. For example, it takes into account heavy daily traffic periods such as rush hour, the number of traffic lights, holiday shopping crowds, etc.

In summary, if you’re new to the iPhone and plan on picking up the newly released 4S, or are a current user who hasn’t road-tested the tried-and-true applications yet, these are among the slickest and most useful applications to check out.

If you’re an iPhone owner, you probably know that your choices for accessories are nearly endless. If you have just purchased or are planning on purchasing a new iPhone 4S, you’ve got your work cut out for you. With the myriad of choices available, how can one possibly decide? To make it easier for you, compiled here are a few of the best and most uber-cool accessories available today. These accessories will not only make you the envy of your friends, but you will find them to be useful, welcome additions to your iPhone collection. Whether you are a long term iPhone user or brand new to the device, you should check out these stylish accessories.

The id America Cushi for iPhone 4/4S

This accessory is a basically a designer foam pad which protects your iPhone from scratches and impact – no bulky case needed. The adhesive pad leaves no residue, and is easily adjustable for the perfect fit. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, such as Beach Red and Jazz Purple. Also available are the funky Suburb and New York designs. Because the pad is textured, you will be amazed by the high definition, 3D look of the designs, which will really set you apart from more traditional iPhone users. You’ll love the way the pad feels in your hand, as it is specifically designed to enhance your grip to prevent accidental mishaps. In fact, it is compatible with the popular Bumper cases, which together could make your iPhone virtually scratch proof. Finally, at a price of around $12, you can certainly own more than one, if you’d like some variety.

OtterBox Rugged Black Defender Case for iPhone 4/4S

If you’re a traveler, a vagabond, a sports fanatic, or just plain clumsy, the OtterBox Rugged Black Defender is probably the best case for you. While all phone functions remain accessible, this case’s tough exterior will protect your iPhone from drops, scratches, and even water. And just to make sure the presence of your iPhone doesn’t interfere with your active lifestyle, a belt clip is included. This case ensures that your iPhone can go almost anywhere, and even the most adventurous of souls can rest assured that their iPhone is well-protected. Sound expensive? Nah. $18 is all you to need to protect your investment.

DIY Design it Yourself Case from CaseMate

If you’re looking for a more traditional case with a twist and don’t mind spending a bit extra, you can’t go wrong with the DIY case from CaseMate. Why? Because you get to design and personalize the cover of your iPhone. You can upload your own photo, logo, or art, and CaseMate will turn it into your very own, one-of-a-kind case. If you are feeling less creative, you can chose from one of CaseMate’s fabulous designs in their online gallery. And considering you get an extra-tough, dual-layered case, most consider $40 to be quite a deal.

CAZE Swarovski Cases for iPhone 4S

For users who want really want a high end look (and don’t mind stretching their budget a bit) CAZE has announced two new Swarovski crystal cases in Floral Bling, and Bling RR patterns. Sound bulky?Despite their fancy adornments, CAZE purports to be using the world’s sleekest and slimmest case, and one which still protect the iPhone edges from everyday wear-and-tear. Screen protection film and a handy little mircrofiber carrying pouch are also provided. And while the inclusion of 200 crystals may sound expensive, a Swarovski case will be much cheaper than a diamond case, and still add oodles of glamour to your iPhone. What about functionality? CAZE promises that all phone functions, including the charger, are easily accessible without removing the case.

Whether you are looking for something personalized, trendy, tough, or fancy, there are some really fantastic cases available for your iPhone. Those on a budget can still protect their iPhones with confidence, and those willing to spend a bit more can get some really cool features. If for some reason these little gems don’t strike your fancy, keep the faith. With the release of the new iPhone 4S, there will plenty more more really cool, innovative cases becoming available over the next few months.

When you have a new iPhone, you want nothing more than to protect it from being scratched or damaged in any way. One way that you can ensure that it won’t be damaged is by only using it when in a room full of pillows; however, the likelihood of being in this situation is very slim. Another way that you can actively protect your brand new iPhone is by purchasing an iPhone case. Many people have problems with buying a case for their iPhone because they don’t want to have a big and bulky case, which makes their pocket look quite funny. However, with the advancements in iPhone case design, you can have slim and streamlined case that will provide superior protection.

If you are looking for a small case that will fit perfectly within your pocket, than you will want to purchase a pocket pouch. A pocket pouch is perfect for anyone who desires to keep their iPhone safe, but doesn’t want to have the bulky leather that traditional cases provide. Whether you are a student or a business professional, these smart and stylish pouches will keep your iPhone safe from its surroundings, while still giving you a sophisticated look to your phone. Most owners of iPhone’s are known for having a unique style, as well as a style that is sleek and smart. With the pocket pouch for your iPhone you will be able to even pick your favorite color.

Many people are now using their iPhone’s instead of their iPods, because they are able to utilize one product instead of two (iPod and cell phone). Of course, if you are using your iPhone with you while you work out, you probably have run into a problem. You want to be able to listen to your favorite songs, but you don’t want to leave your iPhone out in the open, where sweat and other harmful elements can ruin your new phone. Because of this, many people have simply kept their iPhone at home, and used their iPod when they go workout.

While this is a great way to keep your iPhone looking great, there is a way to keep your iPhone safe while you workout, but yet, you are still able to use the music feature of your phone. You can do this by having a workout case for your phone. These cases have been specially designed for individuals who want to workout with their iPhone.

One of the best workout cases for the iPhone is the XtremeMac SportWrap, which allows your iPhone to remain fully function, yet it still protects it from outside elements. The main reason why many people use their iPhone when they exercise is to listen to their iTunes, and with this workout case, you will have full protection for the screen, but yet there is an opening for your headphone jack, thus allowing you to listen to your favorite songs while running on the treadmill.

This case is extremely lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down. Perhaps the greatest feature about this case is how it seamlessly fits onto your upper arm. This will allow you to have full movement with your body, while still keeping a strong grasp on your iPhone.

When you have an iPhone you regard it more than simply your cell phone. This amazing electronic device is literally connecting individuals to the outside world through more than mere vocal communications. You are able to check your e-mail and stay connected to your Internet Social Networking sites, as well as having access to a speedy QWERTY keyboard, which makes text messaging a breeze. However, it is within the various applications that you can install within your iPhone that truly makes it a one-of-a-kind device. iPhone owners respect their iPhone and think of it as a way to keep you entertained, connected and informed.

Of course, iPhones are not a cheap electronic device. In some cases individuals have paid more than six-hundred dollars for this cell phone when it first came onto the market. When you have made an investment into a product that is of this caliber, you want to protect it from the elements. However, buying an iPhone case is simply not going to provide you with ample protection. Out of any type of electronic device, you want to protect the most vulnerable part of the machine, and in this case, it is the touch screen. This touch screen is your link to your cell phone, music and internet, so if it becomes damaged, you will not be enjoying your iPhone for very long.

This is why there are many companies that have established products which are dedicated to protecting the iPhone’s touch screen. However, one of the most popular screen protectors is the iPhone invisibleSHIELD by Shield Zone. This amazing product provides your iPhone with superior protection that will keep not only scratches from forming on the sensitive touch screen, but also it will keep your iPhone from becoming seriously damaged by objects.

The origins of the invisibleSHIELD come from the military where it was originally used to protect their helicopter blades from rocks and other items. The cool part is, the same technology has been applied to the invisibleSHIELD iPhone protector. You are now able to carry around your iPhone, without having to worry about scratching the surface, or even bumping it against the table.

When you have a product, such as the iPhone, you are literally streamlining all of your major portable electronics into one single product. This is why so many people take such care and pride in their iPhone. However, if you are like most people, than you use your iPhone on a regular basis, thus making the wear and tear possibilities extremely high, and while cases are a great way to protect your investment, they can be bulky and many users actually stop using the cases after a period of time.

With the invisibleSHIELD you are able to have high quality protection without having to add extra bulk to your iPhone. This is a great benefit that very few protection products have. When you are able to provide your precious iPhone with ultimate protection, while still keeping it extremely portable and thin, than you have a great product, and you will find this within the invisibleSHIELD screen protector.

Every time that you have a new technology it requires you to learn how to use it. However, this can sometimes be extremely difficult, especially when there aren’t very many resources to help you learn new techniques. A great example of this is with the new Apple iPhone. When you first purchase an iPhone, than you have probably spent many hours getting familiar with the various technologies that are inside this amazing cell phone, however, there are some tips that aren’t learned by simply playing around with the phone. In order to learn about these tips, than you must first learn them, and one of the best tips concerns the keyboard.

When you have such a unique feature as the touch screen keyboard, than there are several tips that you must know in order to keep your messages flowing. When you follow these tips than you will be able to type quicker and error free, as well as being able to type easier than ever before. The first of these tips concerns actually typing the letters into the iPhone. When you want to enter a letter, you tap on it; however, the letter isn’t placed onto the screen until you lift your finger off of it.

Thus, if you touch the wrong key than you can simply fix this error by sliding your finger to the correct letter. Then when you have found the right letter or number, you can lift your finger and the letter will be placed onto the screen. This tip helps fix the majority of errors, and will save you time.

Many people have found that the auto-correction feature within the keyboard is a great way to keep your writing clear and easy. However, it is very easy to accept a word that you didn’t want to type. If you want to steer clear from this confusion than you need to learn how to accept and reject a suggested word. When you want to accept a word than you will want to tap either return, space or tap a punctuation mark. However, if you want to reject a suggested word, than you will simply want to finish typing the word you want and then you will have to tap the completed word.

A reminder, if you write a full word out two different times, and then tap on them both times, the iPhone will actually add the word to its dictionary. It takes a couple of weeks to store all of your most used words into the dictionary, however, once you have done this typing on your iPhone will be extremely fast.

The last tip has to deal with the capitalization of words. If you want to capitalize the first letter of a word, you simply tap the shift key and then tap the letter you want capitalized, but what happens when you want to capitalize the entire word? This is very easy, and doesn’t require you to tap the shift key before each letter. You will want to go to settings and then tap general after that tap keyboard. From there you will tap “Enable Caps Lock,” and then when you double tap the shift key it will light up blue, and now you will be able to type in all caps.

If there is anything that annoys more cell phone users it is loosing battery power while you are on the phone. This has happened to nearly everybody, and at least once it caught you by complete surprise. When you are running a cell phone as powerful as the iPhone, it is easy to understand why the battery power begins to drain. When you are listening to your favorite song, checking your email and text messaging several friends at once, you are requiring a lot of the cell phones’ power. Thus, you will begin to drain your cell phone of battery life quicker than you thought.

Even though, on the Apple website, they clearly explain the battery life expectations, they only include the information if you are running one application at a time. However, if iPhone users are known for anything, it is for their ability to multitask. Yet, multitasking means a shorter battery life.

However, there are several things that you can do to make your iPhone’s battery life even longer. Of course, the iPhone isn’t known for draining its battery extremely quick, there is always room for a prolonged battery performance. If you follow these tips, than you will have an iPhone that lasts you longer than you could even imagine. Perhaps the best tip that anyone with an iPhone can follow is to simply turn off your Bluetooth if you are not using it. Very little people understand that when you keep your Bluetooth turned on, when you are not using it, you are draining your battery.

This is because there is a set amount of power that is controlled by the Bluetooth section of your iPhone, and the power is draining because the phone is constantly searching for other Bluetooth devices. If you do not want to pair with a Bluetooth device, than make sure that your Bluetooth is turned off.

Another tip to making your battery life on your iPhone last longer is to always lock your iPhone when you are done using it. When you are finished talking on the phone with your best friend, checking your e-mail or sending a text message, make sure that you activate the lock button. Many people wait for the screen to shut down by itself after they are using it, while this may seem like a great idea, you are wasting battery life by doing so. Also, make sure that you set your auto-lock because this is a great way to ensure your phone will lock itself just in case you forget to. There are many iPhone owners that set their auto lock for five minutes after use.

However, if you multiply this five minutes of power usage by ten times per day, your battery will not last you as long as you might think. This is why it is always suggested that you set your auto lock for one minute (1) after you have completed using your phone. This will ensure that the iPhone screen will not stay lit when it is not being used. If you want to have a hassle-free way to save battery life, than this is the way to do it.

When you have a product, such as the iPhone, it is imperative that you care for this electronic device so that it will last you many years. However, one of the easiest ways to care for your Apple iPhone is not to go out and purchase various products to keep it safe throughout its life, while that is important, the best way to show your new cell phone some T.L.C. is through simply cleaning it. However, this poses a major problem for many people. The reason for this is because since the iPhone is such a unique device, and its screen is so sensitive to touch, many people don’t know how they can properly clean their iPhone without damaging it.

Of course, when you are cleaning your iPhone, you don’t want to simply wash it with any type of cleaners, because these cleaners could actually cause the iPhone to malfunction, thus giving you a defective product. When you are cleaning your iPhone, you must ensure that you take extra care, and don’t do it if you are in a rush. The reason behind this is because if you are lazy, or in a hurry, you may damage the inner workings of the iPhone, as well as the ever important screen. When you are cleaning your iPhone, there are several items that you must have. These items will allow you to effectively clean your phone without damaging the sensitive touch screen or the inner workings of your fantastic cell phone.

Before you clean your iPhone, you need to make sure that you have the following items: water, microfiber cloth and your favorite CD to relax you and make the process enjoyable. Make sure that you NEVER use any type of chemical agents to clean your iPhone, because these can actually hinder the way the screen interacts with you. Once you have gathered all of the items sit down and place the water in a small cup. With the microfiber cloth, which is available through the many various iPhone retailers, dip the corner of the cloth into the water, allowing it to become saturated with the water.

Make sure that you do not use too much water though, a good way to test to see if you have enough water is to grab a piece of glass, or go to a mirror, and with the wet cloth wipe off a corner. If there is streaming water drops coming from where you wiped the mirror, than you have too much water on the cloth and you need to dry it out some.

You want to be able to wipe your iPhone screen without having drops of water left behind. Next, take the slightly wetted cloth and begin to wipe the screen of your iPhone in a up-and-down motion. Do not wipe in circles, because this can leave behind smudges that are unsightly when you turn on your iPhone. It will usually take one or two wipes to clean the entire surface of your iPhone. How often you clean your iPhone depends on how much you use it. Since the screen of your phone is the interface to the entire product, than you will be using it constantly, thus the oils from your fingers will begin to build up and create a dingy look to the screen. Average users clean their iPhone once a week, maybe once every two weeks.

When people hear that they might be able to get a free iPhone 4 just for filling out a few short surveys, they often brush the idea to the side. People think that they cannot get something for nothing, but if you know how to find the right offers, you really can get and iPhone 4 for free. Let me explain a little bit more about the process first.

Have you ever heard about people getting paid for taking surveys? All they do is join an appropriate website or service, then they get surveys and marketing studies in their e-mail. After they fill out the surveys, they send them back and receive a payment for them. Companies pay for this type of information all the time – it’s called market research. The answers and feedback that they receive help them create better products that will appeal more to a wider audience and end up making them more money.

Well, sometimes these offers include a free iPhone 4 as a payment. All you need to do is find an appropriate website that can get you into the system. Then fill out a short form detailing your contact information with a valid e-mail address, then fill out a short survey and you can choose your reward as payment. Sometimes these offers include other small electronics as rewards as well. In this case, you might actually get to choose between several different pieces of merchandise, like an mp3 player or an iPhone.

It’s an incredibly simple process that doesn’t take up much of your time. Just find the website, feeling your contact information, complete some surveys, then choose your reward. The information that you give on these surveys will be sent to companies to be used in their marketing. They might ask you questions about products that you currently use and how often you use them. They might also ask you for some suggestions to improve the products that you use each day. For instance, if the Apple corporation wants to get some feedback on the iPod, they will send out surveys to services like this so they can get information from real iPod users.

So, the next time that you see an offer like this don’t just think that it is too good to be true. Take some time to look over the offer and read the fine print. If it looks legitimate to you, then take some time to fill out the information and you could be walking away with a free iPhone 4 in just a few short days.

A majority of smartphone enthusiasts and Apple fans are anticipating that the iPhone 5 will change the consumer electronics market more than iPhone 4 has. Whereas Apple has not even released a single bit of information in regards to iPhone 5 specs, the rumor mill has been filled with the specifications that iPhone 5 is thought to have. Discussed herein, are a couple of iPhone 5 specs from the rumor mill. There is no doubt that the iPhone 5 release date is yet to be confirmed but it is a smartphone to behold.

iPhone 5 Release Date | Changing the world

Rumors are flying everywhere, just as was the case when iPhone 4 was to be released, what is the iPhone 5 Release Date…? Almost everywhere you turn to on the web there is something about iPhone 5. If the rumors we are hearing about the iPhone 5 specs are anything to go with, then this handheld gadget will change the world. Given the fact that it is an Apple product, and that Steve Jobs gave a hint about the possible release of iPhone 5 during the launch of one of Apple’s products, everyone is waiting for the release date of iPhone 5 with abated breath.

iPhone 5 Release Date | Features and specifications

iPhone 5 specs are much hyped to alter the manner in which smartphones function. Enhanced graphical user interface (GUI), improved Near Field Communications, advanced gesture-based controls, increased processor speed (i.e. 1 GHz) and enhanced RAM capacity (i.e. 700MB) are just but some of the features that iPhone 5 are thought to have. Looking at the processing power, consumers will most likely have their wish of a smartphone with the ability to multi-task come true.

Rumor has it that the processor used on the iPhone 5 is similar to the one used on iPad (i.e. A5 chip) with speeds of up to 1.5 GHz. Whereas this may seem as excess to a number of people, when it comes to the issue of multi-tasking, it may be drop in the ocean. So should we await iPhone 5 release date?

iPhone 5 Release Date | Transition from iPhone 4 to iPhone 5

So, what is the main difference between iPhone 4 and iPhone 5? A majority of tech experts claim that in terms of software, there is a slight difference between iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. The main notable differences are in the hardware. According to the rumor mill, the processor used on iPhone 5 is similar to the one utilized on the iPad. This has been augmented by an increased RAM capacity of 700MB.

In terms of browsing speeds, iPhone 5 has eclipsed the iPhone 4 by a huge margin. Currently, iPhone 4 is based on 3G whereas iPhone is rumored to be 4G. Presently, there are three cell phone carriers in the United States that support 4G network, that is, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. While Sprint is the smallest of the three carriers in terms of capacity, rumor has it that Apple will allow Sprint to support its 4G network.

Other than the above specifications rumors have it that the iPhone 5 specs consists of an 8 megapixels camera supported by a LED flash making it possible to take clear images even in the dark. iPhone 5 Release Date is yet to be confirmed

With the rumor mill abound with the iPhone 5 release date, Apple fans and smartphone enthusiasts are eager to see what iPhone 5 has to offer. However, as we wait for Apple to announce the iPhone 5 release date, let’s take a look at some of the features of iPhone 5, and how it will knock iPhone 4 from its perch. For now, it’s safe to assume that iPhone 5 will do much better than iPhone 4 if the features we have heard so far about it are anything to go by.

iPhone 5 Release Date | Display

When iPhone 4 was released into the market, the main feature that set it out from the rest of the competitors was the “Retina Display”. To date, whilst comparing smartphones, “Retina Display” is still being used as a defining mark for a good phone. The feature has enabled the phone to provide users with vivid colors as well as peerless clarity. With this in mind, it’s safe to presume that iPhone 5 will be packaged with something magnificent that will knock iPhone 4 from its perch. Given that iPhone 5 release date has not been announced, and that apple has not officially provided technical specifications for the smartphone, it is rumored that the smartphone will come with a curved display similar to the Samsung Nexus S, and the size will increase from the current 3.5 inches to 4 inches.
The current lawsuit by Samsung is thought to be connected to the display iPhone 5 is expected to use. Given the kind of competition in the smartphone market, I’m sure that Samsung will do their level best to ensure that iPhone 5 does not see the light of day.

iPhone 5 Release Date | Camera

Today, a smartphone without a powerful camera is not of any use to the consumer. The camera specification on the iPhone 4 as well as other smartphones in the market, for example Galaxy is 5 megapixels. With this kind of specifications, pictures taken by the iPhone 4 is similar to the ones taken by digital cameras.

But, rumor mill has it that the iPhone 5 will boast of an 8 megapixels camera. This will come with a standard LED flash, making it possible to take clear pictures in the dark. Once the iPhone 5 release date has been announced, it is expected that the phone will be in the same league as some of the current market leading Android smartphones.

iPhone 5 Release Date | Power

Given the kind of publicity the iPhone 5 has received in the rumor mill, the iPhone 5 release date is something to behold. If the rumors are true, then the iPhone 5 will have powers similar to the iPad. Apple fans and smartphone ardent are anticipating the new iPhone 5 to have a dual-core processor with speeds of up to 1GHz and RAM capacity of 768 MB. However, the 1GHz processor speed and the 768MB RAM capacity will be strained if the smartphone finally offers consumers what they have been craving for – Real Multi-Tasking.

Other features that make consumers to eagerly wait for the iPhone 5 release date are the 4G network support and increased memory capacity.