Last week, a report that video site Hulu might be making its way to the iPad generated a significant amount of interest, with many users excited about the prospect of free access to television content on Apple’s forthcoming tablet device. MediaMemo reports, however, that iPad access to Hulu is more likely to come as part of a paid subscription package than as free access like the computer-based version of the site.
Hulu and its owners — three of the big broadcast TV networks — want to bring some version of the Web video service to Apple’s device.
But the most likely scenario is one where access to Hulu on the iPad comes as part of a subscription package, multiple people familiar with the company tell me.
Hulu has in the past noted that it is looking for a way to introduce paid content to its offerings, and today’s report indicates that company executives may be thinking that the best way to achieve that goal while preserving the free experience for computer-based users is to charge for mobile-based content such as that which would appear on the iPad.
And while you could argue that the iPad isn’t necessarily a mobile device, since 3G Internet access is an optional feature, Hulu and its owners are likely to classify it as one. Like many other content owners, the video service sees the device as an opportunity to charge for something it has been giving away for free on the Web.
Aside from the previously-documented hurdle Hulu faces with its current video player being Flash-based and Apple’s mobile devices not supporting the standard, the company would also need to secure mobile rights from content providers before being able to offer such a service to the iPad and other mobile platforms.
Consequently, the report concludes that Hulu for the iPad is unlikely to launch alongside the device itself next month, but users can probably expect in some form, likely paid, in the future.

AppAdvice claims that the iPad pre-orders could start as early as February 25th. The pre-orders are said to be for the U.S. Wi-Fi model initially. It’s really not much to go on, but Apple hasn’t given any indication about their launch plans for the iPad. During their press event, Jobs simply said that the Wi-Fi version would be shipping in 60 days, which places it into the last week of March.
While Apple did allow for pre-orders for the iPhone 3GS, the original iPhone launch was on a first-come first-serve basis at retail stores. The Wi-Fi iPad, however, does not require any long term contracts to be set up, making pre-orders more likely a possibility. Apple would have to get FCC approval for the device before being able to place it on sale. AppAdvice, however, isn’t a particularly reliable source of rumors as they previously claimed the iPhone 3GS would have an OLED screen and FM transmitter (both of which were not true).
As the actual launch approaches, many are hoping and speculating that there may be some unannounced software features for the iPad that might not have been finished at the time of the media event. It’s not without precedent, as Apple did announce YouTube support for the original iPhone just 9 days before its actual launch.
Kevin Fox had noted that several of the iPhone/iPod Touch minor applications were missing from the iPad. These include Stocks, Weather, Voice Memo, Clock, and Calculator. He goes on to suggest that these minor apps could return as some sort of Dashboard-like widget system.

February 18th, 2010
Facebook is growing faster and faster. It is not just a social network. It has become one of the largest Internet companies, posing a threat to the giants – Google, MSFT and Yahoo. And they understand that. They understand that online communication more and more centers on the activity stream or feed. They understand that the social graph might become the most valuable data asset. They understand that they are behind.
Buzz – The end user perspective
Google made a bold move to begin building its market share in the stream arena. They announced Google Buzz is now an integral part of Gmail. So what exactly is Google Buzz? Well, it is not much different than the Facebook newsfeed stream. You share thoughts, links, photos etc. either with everybody or only with friends, and those people in turn can respond to your posts. Google has also created a public profile where all your public posts, together with some personal details you wish to share, are open to anyone.
Buzz – The website perspective
While Google is building its consumer product, Facebook is focused more and more on their relationship with other websites. The Facebook Connect service is their invention to further cement their position with end users. People are now able to login to websites, like ABC.com, using their Facebook account. The sites, in return, can enable users to post to the Facebook newsfeed from their sites in a more efficient way, which drives lots of traffic back to the originating sites. Everybody wins, so everybody integrates Facebook Connect into their site.
Each Facebook Connect implementation contributes to the Facebook database. For example – if a website related to buying cars has implemented Facebook Connect and a user has connected on that site using their Facebook account, Facebook will know that this user may be in the market for buying a car. The data implications go far beyond this example, but that would require a separate blog post.
The bottom line is that Google has this data front to deal with as well. They need to be deeply implemented within websites the same way Facebook Connect is integrated there. Google is already providing an authentication API so theoretically sites can use them to sign-in users, but until there was Buzz, the main value proposition was missing. Sites integrate Facebook Connect because they want it to generate traffic. They want to easily post to the user’s news feed. With the Buzz service focused around the news feed, Google will be able to provide this real value to sites as well.
Google will likely soon release its Buzz API as a direct competitor to Facebook Connect, and sites shouldn’t ignore it.

TechCrunch.com reported on a new restriction that was being applied to Apple’s App Store: no more applications with “overtly sexual content”. At this point, the exact nature of that ban is unclear. But it’s a policy shift that may alarm many developers — even those whose applications have nothing to do with sexy content.
First, a little background: we’ve seen numerous reports about applications that have been pulled from the App Store for featuring sexual content, but there are still plenty of apps that have names like “Magic Boobs”. I reached out to Apple PR to ask if they’d enacted a sweeping policy change that could affect many applications, or if they were only removing a handful of applications with especially explicit content. This morning an Apple spokesperson sent back a response. It doesn’t have any answers:
“Whenever we receive customer complaints about objectionable content we review them. If we find apps that contain inappropriate material we remove them from the App Store and request the developer to make any necessary changes to their apps in order to be distributed by Apple.”
I’ve asked Apple to further clarify their stance — does this only apply to applications that have received complaints? Do they have any plans to specify what exactly makes an application too sexy for the App Store? I’ll be surprised if they get much more specific.
Now, it’s true that many of these “sexy” applications were little more than spam, featuring titillating titles, perhaps a handful of sexy photos, and little else. There were some applications that included more functionality, but it’s safe to say that the average quality of the applications on the App Store has almost certainly improved because of the new ban. But it’s still a disturbing move on Apple’s part.
Most worrying is that “sexy” applications were already blocked at one point until Apple specifically changed its policies to begin letting them in. It was only a little over a year ago that the words “Boobs” and “Booty” in an application’s description weren’t allowed. But Apple made the conscious decision to lift that ban. In effect, Apple sent a message to developers that on a platform where the rules are nebulous and anything innovative is risky, these applications were safe. Now it’s changing its mind.
Since the App Store first launched in July 2008, Apple has gradually loosened restrictions on what kinds of applications it would approve. In December 2008, it started approving “humor” apps like iFart and Pull My Finger, as well as an NC-17 rating for adult applications. And over the last year, it began allowing more and more sexy applications — it even began offering parental controls with the iPhone 3.0 software update to help parents keep what their kids accessed in check.
Now Apple is moving in the other direction, and it’s setting a scary precedent. It’s showing that it’s comfortable throwing out applications that developers have spent their time and money building, without even bothering to give them advance notice. It’s one thing to have an application get denied when it’s first submitted — it’s another thing entirely to have the rug pulled out from under you once your app has thousands of downloads and customers. Is Apple going to start blocking apps like Qik if it builds its own live streaming service? Are iFart’s days numbered? Could Apple simply ban all NC-17 rated applications because too many parents complain?
And then there’s an entirely different issue: censorship. Apple is now one of the world’s largest gatekeepers to content, with a store that encompasses music, video, applications, and soon, books and magazines. And it’s shown before that it’s a totally inconsistent hypocrite when it comes to which content it’s willing to sell. Have exposed breasts in an R rated move? Sell it! Jiggling boobs in a silly iPhone application? Banned. Apple previously blocked an iPhone application that allowed users to access the Kama Sutra. What happens if it gets too many complaints about iTunes making it too easy to purchase books and magazines with sexual content?

Herbs n Spices – the latest app from Flirtation Creations has been submitted to Apple for review and inclusion on the App Store.
Herbs n Spices

Are you an iPhone or iPod Touch user?
Flirtation Creations is giving away 20 Promo Codes for free downloads of our 4 apps:

• DVC iPlanner
• Essential Oils iGuide
• My Emergency
• South Africa Safety World Cup 2010

(Sorry promo codes can only be used on the USA App Store).
To request promo codes please complete the online form at:
http://flirtationcreations.com/iphone-support.htm
Choose "Promo Codes" from the Application drop down list and your device.
In the Message area enter the App/s you would like promo codes for and an email address that we can email the promo codes to.
Promo Codes are limited so enter your request now!

What is a Promo Code?
Apple provides developers with promo codes which allow you to download apps that are normally for-pay (or not released yet) for free. You can redeem them from your iPhone or from iTunes.

Redeeming from iTunes

1. Launch iTunes and click on iTunes Store.
2. Click Redeem on the far right.
3. Enter your code and click the Redeem button.

What is a Promo Code?
Apple provides developers with promo codes which allow you to download apps that are normally for-pay (or not released yet) for free. You can redeem them from your iPhone or from iTunes.
Redeeming from your iPhone (requires OS 3.0)

1. Tap the App Store icon from the Home Screen.
2. Navigate to the New section on the Featured tab.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the list to locate and tap the Redeem button.
4. Enter the promo code and tap the Redeem button in the upper right.
5. Tap done on the Thank You screen, then tap the home button to return to the home screen.
6. After a second, you should see the new app installing.
7. When the app is ready, its name will appear.
8. Tap it to launch your new app.

Flirtation Creations announced today that another new app will be submitted by the company to Apple for review and inclusion on the App Store. The new app will contain information about Herbs and Spices so that users can quickly and easily local the best Herb or Spice suitable for the dish being prepared.

This app was announced as the companies latest app Essential Oils iGuide hit the App Store.

Basic screenshots are available on Flirtation Creations website.

More details to be released soon!