Without realizing it, we’ve been spending the last two years building software destined for the iPad2.

The first is the newest version of A Story Before Bed (www.astorybeforebed.com). It’s our children’s books service. Customers subscribe to the service and can record themselves reading their favorite child a kids book. While you could view the finished recordings on an iPad (via our iOS app that’s been downloaded over 300,000 times), recording always had to be done on a PC or Mac with a webcam. Not always optimal.

On Friday Apple approved our latest update to our iOS app. When installed on a shiny new iPad2 (with a front-facing camera) you can now record books right on the iPad2. It’s only 3 books from our growing library of 300+ books, but it’s a start. Soon we’ll add support for recording any of our books right on an Ipad2, and then books can be recorded and played back at bedtime on a true “bedtime computer”. (A Story Before Bed for iPad2.)

∞

The second creation is Thrilled For you (www.thrilledforyou.com) It’s a wedding video guestbook that we originally created for our co-founder Jenny’s wedding. Guests walk up to the software running on an iMac and leave video well wishes for the happy couple. We liked it so much we put it out as a product. We have lots of happy customers but what people really wanted was a touch version. As the iPad had no front-facing camera, it wasn’t really an option… until now.

The iPad2 has given us a platform on which our video guestbook software can really shine. And the version we put out isn’t just for weddings, it can be used for anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, or parties of any kind. And of course, the videos can be incorporated into the professional videographers final video production. (Thrilled for You for iPad2.)

BTW, we’ve also simultaneously released a version of Thrilled for You for iPhone 4s and the latest generation iPod touches (both with front-facing cameras of course). Check it out. :)

We made a video demonstrating both A Story Before Bed and Thrilled for You running on an iPad2 to show off how they work.

<embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=21204259" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300"></embed>

BTW, the music at the beginning and end of the outro was made on an iPad in Garage Band. ;)

For us it’s super exciting. We’ve been investing in each of these experiences for over a year. The iPad2 feels like the first time each of them has really had a chance to sing.

∞

We also have one more announcement to make… a new website that we’re very proud of. As we’ve built a reputation for Thrilled for You we’ve realized that there are lots of cool resources for tech-savvy folks and people like us who are getting married. What doesn’t exist is a place to find all those cool geek wedding ideas… hence the Geek Wedding Guide was born. It’s updated regularly with links and content that could keep a geek couple in Mario themed invitations, and Lego shaped cakes for multiple wedding receptions! Even if you’re not getting married any time soon it’s always fun to see what your fellow nerds have come up with. Definitely check it out and pass the word. :)