A new reason to find the best HP TouchPad cover

When HP lowered the TouchPad’s price to $99 last year, the tablet obviously experience a surge in demand. From that point on, the perfect HP TouchPad cover was in as much demand as a premium iPad cover in the marketplace. Yet some users complained about the lack of new apps being developed for this device—call it iPad jealousy or simply a desire to stay on the cutting edge. But now, a Kickstarter project entitled Phoenix, aims to alleviate these issues that all webOS device users face.

Phoenix raised $35,000 to cover the development costs incurred by porting the OpenMobile Application Compatibility Layer over to webOS devices such as the HP TouchPad. Once the ACL is ported to webOS, users will then be able to run Android apps on their HP TouchPad. Since the full amount was raised through Kickstarter, the software is now on track for a July launch. Guess you may want to get that HP TouchPad cover after all—chances are you’ll be using your device a lot more than you originally thought.

Phoenix is now seeking to raise additional funds so they can add support for apps requiring Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and up. At present, the recently created software only supports apps designed for the 2.x range of Androids. This limits the use of some apps, and especially puts constraints on those who want to play the latest games.

The developers at Phoenix are also seeking hardware partners to help launch a webOS-powered Smartphone. We’re not sure if that is a necessary move, considering how hard of a time one of the former market leaders, BlackBerry, is having in the competition-laden marketplace. Either way, HP TouchPad users may grow more reliant on their devices, and find themselves putting the same amount of energy into finding protection for their device as many tablet users put into finding a premium iPad cover.

California court rules may change the game for Smartphone users

In recent rulings by a California court in Fresno, a Superior Court judge ruled that the law banning cellular phone use while operating a motor vehicle also applies to using mapping applications such as Google Maps while driving. This law applies to both California residents and visitors—it may be best to put that Smartphone and the cute iPhone 4s skin cover you got for it away before you get behind the wheel.

Section 21123 of the California Vehicle Code was initially instituted in regards to talking on the phone and texting while driving. In January 2012, a man challenged a section 21123 citation, claiming the law didn’t apply to his situation, as he was using his phone to obtain driving directions. However, section 21123 states “a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.”

Using the phone is using it, though the defendant argued that the section was specific to voice calls, and referred to the fact that a statute had to be added later to include texting. Therefore, he posted that the law should be revised again if the section was to include the use of GPS mapping applications.

Superior Court of California Judge W. Kent Hamlin ruled that the use of any application that requires hands-on interaction while driving is illegal under section 21123. However, the law is specific to hand usage, therefore, a driver can still use the apps by mounting the phone on the dashboard so it can be programmed beforehand and viewed. So plop your phone in a cool, adhesive iPhone 4s skin cover, mount it on the dash and you’re good to go! Note that if you need to change your destination or route, California vehicle code requires you to make a complete stop before changing the information you input into the Smartphone.

MacBook Pro rumors

MacBook Pro users are loyal to their brand—and if you’ve ever owned one, you understand. These lightweight laptops are indispensable. The minute you get one, you find yourself rushing out to get a variety of MacBook pro covers to protect it from damage—because once your grow to rely on it, you never want to be without it. It’s the same for iPad users, who understand the need to protect their precious devices—there are few tablets purchased without the addition of a premium iPad cover.

Rumors now abound about what’s next for the MacBook series. With Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicking off on June 10, the forecasts and projections are exciting Mac users. For starters, many sources claim that production of the new models will begin right around mid-May.  As you can imagine, this has consumers waiting with baited breath—they’re already picking out their accessories and MacBook Pro covers.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently issued a report forecasting that the new MacBook models will be based on Intel's latest Haswell processors. And while Kuo’s earlier 2013 predictions suggested that Apple may discontinue the non-Retina MacBook Pro lineup in order to introduce a slimmer Retina line that would also be pricier it looks like that has changed. After analyzing the continued strength of the non-Retina MacBook Pro models, Kuo now believes that production of the non-Retina lineup will continue.

Since the 13” MacBook Pro is currently the most popular product in the MacBook line, it seems that Apple will continue to make the MacBook Pro in addition to the Air and Retina models.  When there is demand, it only make sense to continue offering a product line to loyal customers and potential new ones. 

So while tablet users continue to purchase a premium iPad cover and other accessories for their invaluable iPads, the MacBook users can take a breath—they can still get the low cost, super sleek notebook line that won their hearts in the first place.