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The Future Checkin iOS app attempts to execute on an excellent idea- automatically checking in users to Foursquare locations based on where they physically are (after a slight delay).  Unfortunately, it is hampered by poor location sensitivity.  I loved the concept, but was less than thrilled to find that my iPhone had a magical night out via Future Checkin, visiting bars and restaurants all over my neighborhood, while I was sleeping.

Then while at the office, future checkin took me out for lunch and coffee multiple times during the workday while I was siting at my desk. I guess I must live in an area that’s just too densely populated with Foursquare locations.

It’d be great to checkin to all these favorites, but I think I’ll use the real Foursquare app and actually go visit them in person.

Hmm, simple Bluetooth pairing, does this “just work?” Yup, apparently so.

Let’s see how well the keyboard works.  Oh, yeah I’ve been typing all along.  Yes, the typing works great.  I wonder what this looks like on iPhone 4.0.  

Hmm, exactly the same… yes indeed… can anyone tell what I’m typing on?  Nope, I’m afraid not.  Sorry to be silly, but this just has to be done. 

Function keys on the Apple Bluetooth keyboard can control the brightness, iPod (very cool), toggle the onscreen keyboard, but not return to home.  Also, arrows don’t navigate very well.  The arrow controls seem to be pretty inconsistent.  Not a lot of UI elements know what do to with the arrow presses. 

PS: Ooh, command-a to select all and command-c to copy works great!  Too bad there’s no command-tab.. oh well, maybe in 4.0.

Update 1:

Keyboard commands that work:

Tab between fields (tab)
Select all (command-a)
Cut, copy and paste (comand-x, c, v)
Select letter (shift-arrow)
Select word (shift-option-arrow)
Select line (shift-command-arrow)
Select to end of document (shift-apple-up or down arrow)
Delete previous word (option-delete)

Wish list:

Shortcut for Home (available with Apple iPad hardware keyboard)
Shortcut for Search (available with Apple iPad hardware keyboard)
Switch app (command-tab)
Lock screen
Keyboard shortcuts for more apps
Safari controls (command-l for location bar in safari or command-t for new tab)
More consistent scrolling via arrow keys

LogMeIn Ignition allows you to connect to and control your desktop computers just like if you were sitting in right front of them.  The iPhone App works over any network connection, faster is obviously better, and is very easy to use.

With this software, you can:

• grab a file you forgot to take home
• start processes remotely
• show pictures from a remote computer
• logout or shutdown a computer
• check to see if you have a song in a remote iTunes library

After downloading, simply enter your credentials and you’ll be presented with of a list of computers where LogMeIn is installed and ready for action.  If you haven’t installed LogMeIn on a desktop computer, you obviously won’t have any available destinations.

If you haven’t tried the desktop software, you’re in for a treat.  The basic screen sharing is free and I’ve used it for years.  The service is fast and just works.  I’ve been able to connect in every network configuration I’ve tried, including firewall and double-NAT situations.

The iPhone software is pricey at $29.99, but considering how much I’ve used the free desktop sofware and the fact that there are no monthly fees, it’s worth it. 

LogMeIn - Remote Access and Desktop Control Software for Your Computer
LogMeIn Ignition (iTunes AppStore)

Hard to believe I haven’t written about FileChute before.  I’ve recommended it so many people offline that it almost seems redundant to write here.

FileChute is simply THE solution for sending large files on the Mac.  This “Software of the Gods” is so good that it really should be built into the OS.

Just drag a file and drop it on FileChute. FileChute puts the file on your FTP/MobileMe/WebDAV account and generates a web link for retrieving the file all in one step. Click the generated link and a new email pops up with the link in it- ready for your recipient to download.

You can even drop multiple files or folders at once. FileChute automatically creates an archive in the format of your choice - it supports dmg, zip and tar - and sends the archive file.  You’re only limited only by disk space and bandwidth.  And, it can “expire” and delete old files- keeping your file server nice and tidy.

Yes, I could do this by hand- zip the files, ftp to server, get http url, test and email, but why bother when this whole process is boiled down to drag, drop & email?

A while back, I posted a review of Netflix’s lackluster PC streaming support.  Since then, they’ve moved the service to Microsoft’s Silverlight technology and added Mac support.

Silverlight is similar to Adobe Flash in that it’s typically deployed as a browser plug-in.  Like Flash, it can display animation, audio, video and interactive applications.  In this case, it’s used for a bit of each.

The Netflix player is built entirely Silverlight and protects the video content with Microsoft’s PlayReady DRM.  This prevents users from doing anything but watching the streaming content.

After a simple opt-in on the Netflix website:

and an extremely brief buffering screen:

you’re treated to a nearly instantaneous video presentation:

An immense improvement over my previous experience!  Now if we could only get a better selection of video content, HD and offline viewing…

The longstanding iPhone camera tool, Snapture, is not only a great product, but also sports a pretty snazzy website.  The fonts may be a bit tiny, but it is a nice “dark” site with plenty of whitespace. 

Too bad the software is Jailbreak-only.  I’m looking for a good camera enhancement package.

Dunno how I missed this, but Plasq has brought he fun of Comic Life to the iPhone. Comic Touch is not the full ‘Life experience, you you can squeeze and stretch photos with your fingers and add hilarious comic speech bubbles to your shots on the go.