The Night Before Christmas – A Modern iPad App for Kids

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore and app developer One Hundred Robots recently released its version of The Night Before Christmas for the iPad.

Today’s kids experience Christmas entertainment in a whole new way with the use of iPads, iPhones and iPods.  This Christmas app will entertain kids of all ages with its sharp, colorful graphics and two reading modes:  ”Read to Myself” and “Read to Me.”  Move through the story page by page as you read or listen to the text and then tap the arrow to advance.  Animated features provide a movie like feel sure to keep kids interested and engaged.

If you’re looking for a Christmas app to enjoy with your kids, check out this modern version of The Night Before Christmas in the App Store.  It’s available for $1.99.

Upcoming iPad 2 Details Continue to Leak from Suppliers

It’s a well honored tradition, the closer we come to an Apple gadget refresh, the more rumors we hear from both reputable and unknown sources.  With the iPad 2 just around the corner, rumors have gone from a trickle to a steady stream with suppliers divulging choice details on Apple’s upcoming tablet revision.

Based on a report from Reuters, several suppliers have indicated they have already begun ramping up production for the iPad 2.  The suppliers say that the new iPad will included several new design features such as a slimmer case, a lighter weight, a higher-resolution LCD display and a front and rear facing camera.

We previously reported that suppliers for the PCB, Cameras and LCD displays have already been selected and begun working to meet a first quarter iPad 2 production date. Based on current reports the following vendors will contribute to the upcoming iPad 2: Ibiden, Tripod Technology,  TTM Technologies, Largan Precision, Coretronic, LG Display and Chimei Innolux.

Reuters spoke with Steven Tseng, an analyst at RBS in Taipei, who said, “It makes sense for these suppliers to begin delivering their goods in February… I think Steve Jobs will announce the new product in January, and we should see the new product hitting shops in about April.”

Tseng’s predictions line up with the other rumors we have been hearing and matches Apple’s tendency to release new products on an annual schedule.

Young Adults with Autism Develop iPad Apps at nonPareil Institute

Impressive!  That’s my one word description of the work that’s being done at the nonPariel Institute on the SMU Campus located in Plano, TX.  The nonPariel Institute was founded a year ago to provide technical training to adults on the autism spectrum, but they’re doing a whole lot more than that, including teaching students how to develop iOS apps.

I visited nonPariel Founders Gary Moore and Dan Selec, as well as a few of their students, yesterday morning and was inspired by what I saw.  This non-profit organization is committed to helping solve the challenges of post high school adults affected with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by creating a safe environment for students to train, work and live.

Currently in its first phase of operation, nonPareil is training students in state-of-the-art technology, game design, iPad and iPhone app development, 3D modeling and other cutting edge applications.  The skills learned by students attending the programs are intended to be a stepping stone to employment. When I stopped in, students were busy working in teams to develop their first iPad app which they hope to release in the near future.

Continued training and app development will not only teach vital technical skills and boost the confidence of students but also help fund the continued growth of this wonderful program.  I’ll keep you updated on the impending app release and provide you with all the details once the apps hit the App Store.

In the mean time, you can get more information about the nonPareil philosophy, its phases of operation, funding vision and donation opportunities on their website – http://www.npitx.org/.

PadGadget Weekend iPad News Roundup – Dec 12, 2010

In case you missed them, here are some of the most popular articles on PadGadget from the past week December 5 – 12, 2010).

ISOTONER smarTouch Gloves – Gear ReviewUpcoming iPad 2 Details Continue to Leak from SuppliersJailbreak Detection API Disabled in iOS 4.2Google Chrome Tablets to Compete with the iPad?iPad WiFi Woes: Slow WiFi with iOS 4.2.1?‘Infinity Blade’ for iPad and iPhone Available NowGoogle Docs’ Full Desktop Version Now Works on iPadPantone iPad & iPhone Cases from Case Scenario

PadGadget iPad App Deal Alert – Air Harp HD

Looking to make some festive holiday music on your iPad this winter season?  If so, we’ve found a deal on the perfect iPad music app.

Air Harp HD is a fun virtual instrument for the iPad and best of all it’s free!  Air Harp HD is a great way to make some music and get into the holiday spirit. The app normally sells for $1.99 and will be on sale through tomorrow so go check it out in the App Store before the sale ends.

We use our PadGadget Apps Tracker to constantly monitor the App Store to find the biggest price changes on iPad apps. Our editorial team goes through the data, picks the best deals on the most interesting apps and then brings them to you on a regular basis.