Today on WSAV Tech Tuesday, we talk about how the 8mm iPhone app can help you unleash your inner Scorsese by applying a number of vintage filters which mimic the look and feel of old 8mm video cameras.

The hardest part converting from a Blackberry to an iPhone user was no longer typing on physical buttons. Though the flat touchscreen is much more aesthetic and a large part of the iPhone's appeal, there are still moments I would prefer to type on physical keys. Specific examples of these moments are when writing a long email (less mistypes) or trying to type without being able to look while doing so. Yes, we have all been in this situation.

As part of Display Week 2012, Tactus Technology showcased the world's first Tactile Layer panel: "an appearing and disappearing haptic user interface with real physical buttons, guidelines, or shapes that rise out of the surface (and recede to invisibilty) from any touchscreen." This layer panel looks like a magic trick when in motion. At user request, buttons can appear from a once flat touchscreen. These buttons can be felt, pressed down, and interacted with similarly to buttons of a keyboard. When no longer needed, the buttons recede back into the surface. Wax on, wax off. Buttons on, Button gone.

There are many other devices besides the smart phone that could utilize this technology. Some examples are gaming devices, remote controls, automotive displays and even some medical devices. 

So for those who love a flat touchscreen but wish they could still use buttons, your solution is on it's way. It will be interesting to see which manufacturers end up leveraging this technology on their devices. We can only hope Apple implements this on the new iPhone.

Today on Tech Tuesday, we discuss how the Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock App can help you wake up each morning feeling less tired.

Smartphones are taking over the world one app at a time. They help us cook, clean and organize in what could easily be described as a futuristic lifestyle. Need to make a grocery list? There’s an app for that. Find a parking space? There’s an app for that, too. Pay your bills and manage your bank accounts? There’s an… Okay, you get the picture.

Before the iPhone, there were many “smart” phones on the market touting touchscreen capability, access to email and games, and other simple functions we now take for granted. A phone like that back in the 90’s would cost you a whopping $900 – enough to buy an iPhone and an iPad in today’s market. Then, behold, the iPhone entered into existence in 2007, and about a year later the App Store took us by storm.

The App Market is booming. Not just for companies, but for developers in need a job. To date, the application development industry has created over 460,000 jobs – that’s a lot of coding! It is refreshing to see such a new industry creating so many opportunities for the economy and actually solving real world problems like, “What was my budget for shopping this month?” or “Where did I park my car again?”

As we continue our journey into the digital age, smartphones will only become more expansive and exciting as to what apps will be able to solve next. For more info, as well as facts pulled for this article, check out this great infographic, courtesy of Frugal Dad.

Today on WSAV Tech Tuesday, Hal Thomas talks about how one of the hottest iPhone apps du jour, Clear, can help you create and manage your to-do lists.