Microsoft has released a notes app to integrate with its Windows Live service, but it’s only free for a limited time. We’ve got the details below in our Fresh Apps list, along with a streaming media player, and an app from TiVo that will probably help hinder your productivity — but you’ll definitely be entertained.
TiVo (iPad) Free
Owners of TiVo’s Premiere box will find lots of use in the company’s iPad app, which basically functions as a TiVo controller that lets you search for shows and give instructions to the box without using its on-screen interface. Using your iPad, you can browse for the things you want recorded while you watch other things you’ve recorded — pretty slick.
The app gives you full control of your TiVo box, complete with the ability to search for shows and set either single or Season Pass recordings for them. You can trigger a show to start playing from your iPad, browse a full-screen program guide while watching another show on your TV, and set recordings while you’re away from home. TiVo turns your iPad into a giant, multifunctional remote — if you use the service, you’re going to want this app.
AirView (iPhone, iPad) Free
This free app allows you to turn your device into a streaming media player, drawing its material from another iPhone or iPad, or from your PC or Mac. It’s a little unstable and probably won’t last long in the App Store, but it’s also free and has some great functionality when it works.
Fire up your AirPlay app on the device you want to watch on, and load a video on another device, like iTunes. In the video window, you should see an AirPlay icon — click it, and the program automatically detects your receiving device and streams the video over a local Wi-Fi network to the other device. AirPlay seems to work best for YouTube and downloaded videos. It doesn’t support music or photos yet, but app developer Clement Vasseur has written that he plans to add other media types. That is, if Apple doesn’t bounce this highly functional but free app from the App Store before then.
OneNote (iPhone) Free
Microsoft’s Windows Live-integrated note-taking app is free for a limited time to celebrate its release, and if you like Windows Live services for your computer, you’ll probably find what you need in OneNote. It lets you take notes and set up to-do lists on your iPhone, while syncing them against lists you keep on Windows Live so you can always keep up with your work and plans. Even better, it does so in the background, so you’re always fully up to date.
You’ll need a free Windows Live web account to use OneNote, but once you’re set up, the app will integrate with your settings over the Internet. It’s also organized to keep your more recent and pressing notes easy to find, so you can save time in finding what you need.
