You had to know this was coming. iContact is a freeware application for Windows Mobile devices that generates a simple contact list which you can "scroll" through with the flick of a finger (or stylus). At version 0.2 it's pretty basic, and only displays you contacts' names in a list. Tap and release a contact name to view that record's standard display.

If you've got iPhone envy, maybe this will ease your pain.

[Via Lifehacker]

Since the iPhone's introduction in January, the requests and baiting rumors for a touch-screen iPod that looks and acts like an iPhone - sans the actual phone - have sounded from every corner of the web. The world is inarguably intrigued by this new UI Apple developed for their highly anticipated gadget, and many are waiting with bated breath and credit card in hand, believing the iPod will naturally gain these touchy-feely features any day now. The only problem is: there's no way in Cupertino that's going to happen. At least, not anytime soon.

Put yourself in Apple's shoes: you've just smashed one out of the park with the iPod. You spent a few years working on it, polishing it, developing generation after generation of updates that instantly make the previous version look old 'n busted. After a slow start, you eventually take the DMP (Digital Media Player) market by storm, beating out a few major companies at their own game. Six years and a ton of 3rd party accessories later, you are the king of this particular domain, with what appears to be nary a formidable challenger in sight.

Next: imagine that, after introducing the iPod and giving it that nudge it needed to skyrocket in popularity, you embark on another project, spending at least four and a half years developing a killer mobile phone + DMP + internet device the likes the world has never seen. A gadget so cool and anticipated that it is not only shaking up the mobile phone market, but it single-handedly drowns out the entirety of CES during the week of its introduction. A key factor here, oh reader who is momentarily in Apple's shoes, is that the mobile phone market currently speaks in the mouth-watering language of 'billions,' while Apple's iPod sales - impressive as they may be - are playing in the kiddie pool at 'millions.' Whether you want a mobile phone packed into your iPod or not, you can't ignore the fact that the mobile phone market makes iPod sales look like the Zune's on a good day.

Arik Hesseldahl of BusinessWeek writes about the iPhone's new sophisticated multi-point touch screen. After reading through the 29-page Apple patent, he thinks out loud what the touch screen will bring to users. He doesn't think that the iPhone is the only application that will benefit from that screen. Laptops, remote controls, and other portable devices could use smart multi-touch technology. You could use the "pinch" (and anti-pinch) to zoom into and out of documents, control your music and other media, or even type onto a virtual keyboard without worrying about more than one finger touching the screen at the same time. Just think about a virtual piano and being able to play chords. You can't do that with single-touch technology.

This is good news. We have several touchscreen-enabled Macs at my day job, all from Troll Touch. Earlier this week they announced that the 20" Intel iMac will be added to their lineup. Their system uses the Mac's existing screen, so there's nothing you need to attach to the front (that kids constantly pull off, prompting frequent recalibration). Like I said, I support several of these, and we've never had a problem. You can make use of the display with either a stylus or a finger.

You can order a touch-enabled 17- or 20-inch iMac Core Duo directly from Troll Touch for $2,275US or $2,675US respectively, or they'll convert the one you already own for $869US and $1045US (including round trip shipping).

[Via MacNN]