CPR–there’s an app for that

There is a new PocketCPR for iPhone app from ZOLL Medical Corporation that can help prepare you to perform CPR. Using Real CPR Help, a technology used in ZOLL’s debrillators and AEDs, the app coaches you through realtime feedback on the rate and depth of compressions. The app provides clear visual and audio step-by-step instructions and feedback.

With practice on a manikin or resilient foam cushion, the iPhone internal accelerometer measures the movement of your hands as you simulate compressions, giving feedback to guide the usuer to the recommneded rate of 100 compressions per minute and depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches.

Note: the training app is not cleared by the FDA for rescue use, but the company hopes that  in the future a similar application can be.

Over 325,000 Americans die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, and it is believed that over 70 percent of the time the arrest occurs in the presence of a family member or acquaintence. High quality chest compression can mean the difference between life and death.

iPhone App $5.99

HealthSync helps you keep track of your medical records

HealthSync, a new iPhone app, helps you keep track of your health records and those of your family.

Especially if you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease or allergies, the application helps users keep track of frequent tests and monitoring.  The information is input by the user and stored locally on the device.  Future version will support data sharing to enable users to manage data via Google Health’s web-based interface.

The app is $2.99 via the iTune App Store.

Marvel-ous

The evolution of comic books continues. iTunes has boasted a handful of comic reading applications for its ipod touch and the iphone, but now Marvel comics has officially jumped on board.

Through the comiXology, Fanelfly, iVerse, and Scrollmotion official Marvel comics can be downloaded and read for anywhere from .99 cents to $1.99. Current releases aren’t as extensive as they could be, but everyone starts somewhere, and it certainly is another step forward in comic’s accessibility.

Pimp Your Ultrasound–I am not kidding

You may have heard the hoopla about Pepsi’s new iPhone App to help guys pick up girls, but I’m guessing this one may raise a few eyebrows, too.

Pimp My Ultrasound lets you add accessories like hats, helmets or tiaras as well as items like guitars and sunglasses to your baby’s ultrasound image. You can also add text bubbles and frames to jazz it up a bit.

After you “pimp” said picture, you can, of course upload to all your favorite social media sites.

A portion of the proceeds does go to the March of Dimes, however, so go ahead and have a little fun.

Found via Goodyblog

Tom Tom for iPhone

Tom Tom has announced its new car kit for iPhone, which lets you use your iPhone as your GPS device rather than having two pieces of equipment in your car.

The Tom Tom kit is separate from the app and is a physical device which holds your iPhone and enables it to function much as the traditional GPS device does. The mount includes  a built-in speaker, an audio output jack and a microphone for use with the iPhone as a Bluetooth speakerphone.

The kits will run about $120 and will be available in October.

Found via Wired

CardStar App the Cure for Key Card-itis

Goodbye bulky keychain laden with customer discount cards–hello CardStar. This free app for iPhone lets you toss your keycards and use your phone to ring up those savings. It will soon be available for Android and Blackberry as well.

You download the app and enter the barcode numbers from your various cards and even your library card, video rental card or any other barcode. When the time comes to cash-in you just open the app, scroll to the appropriate store and voila the clerk can just scan your phone.

Soon are plans for mobile coupons, customized offers and product recalls.

Gaming’s New Directions

So GPS is already travel friendly, but it’s always nice when you don’t have to invest in a completely new handheld.

The iphone and most other cell phones now come with GPS capabilities but what about gadget options?  Well now, Gameboy DS can work just as well as a GPS navigator as any phone.  Ranger will be the first navigation system suitable for Gameboy handhelds.

The Ranger is a plug in (rather than an application or game) for the DS and has 32 MB of extra storage.  It comes with both visual and audio guidance and detailed information about local sites and locations.

If the Ranger had come out a few years earlier it probably would have been a bit more popular than it will be now.  With cell phones, Garmin, and the ipod touch kids aren’t the only ones carrying around fun gadgets anymore.

Cell Phone Insurance?

I got a new cell phone yesterday. Fortunately my phone was still under warranty for another two months. My last phone died 2 months after the warranty expired so I figured I was due.

The good news was that I got a newer version of my current phone for free. The bad news–I only get the remaining two months under warranty.

They offered me cell phone insurance for an extra $5 a month but I think I’ll take my chances. I know the odds haven’t been good for me recently. This is another reason why I haven’t yet broken down and gotten the iPhone I have coveted so long.  Usually electronics insurance is not a good deal if you ask consumer experts but it really helps the bottom line of companies that sell electronics so they keep offering.

As for me, I figure the phone was free anyway after rebate so if I end up having to buy a new one eventually I had it coming.

A Globe in the Palm of Your Hand

It’s all about portability, function, and style when it comes to gadgets today and Moixa’s sphere is just what the doctor ordered.

With a planned release sometime next year the description at least presents an interactive display about the size and shape of a baseball.  The sphere can also fold flat and comes with net connections and a multi touch surface.  Moixa totally has me on board.

Forget the iPhone this looks way more fun.

Skype hits iPhone in a big way

Skype rocketed to the #1 free download spot when it launched on iPhone today. Oprah’s favorite way to video conference with viewers has hit the iPhone.

Like other Skype applications online and on other mobile phones, callers can make free calls to other Skype users or at low-cost to traditional numbers. In a nod to AT&T, Skype only works if you are in range of a Wi-Fi network and not over the phones cell network. Two iPhone only features include taking a photo from within Skype or pulling a picture in from the camera roll.