iPhoneWave

iPhone workout app runtastic is free

2012-01-23T16:20:00.001-08:00

The popular iPhone workout app runtastic PRO GPS which usually costs $5.99 is currently free for a limited period. The runtastic is a personal fitness app that tracks all your jogging, running (both indoor and outdoor), hiking, and helps you to improve the performance. Also during your workouts, the app gives live cheering that helps you stay motivated. read more...

This fitness app uses the iPhone GPS to record time, calories burned, distance, speed, and elevation, and then places your position and route on a map. The voice feedback is provided in either English, German, French, Italian or Spanish. Check it out on the App Store.

runtastic PRO features:

Track trainings via GPS: automatically records time, distance, calories burned, speed, elevation and more!
View your current position and route on map (Google Maps)
Pace table and graphs for Pace, Altitude, Speed and Heart rate
Training History
Voice feedback in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish.
iPod integration: Listen to your powermusic while you are training
Powersong: Activate the powersong to give your activity a boost
Live Tracking: real time tracking of your position, let your family and friends know where you are.
Cheering during a live activity: now your friends can cheer you up using runtastic.com or your social networks while you are training. Let them motivate you during a hard workout.
Interval training and coaching: improve your performance by gradually increasing your training,.
Competitions: Run against your ghost or challenge your friends and the voice feedback will tell you if you're leading.
Workout Mode (Burn a pizza during an activity)
Weight tracking
Social network sharing: Post your activities on Facebook, Twitter and on the runtastic fitnessportal
Indoor sports: Manual data input offers you the possibility to keep track when you are training on a treadmill, in a gym or do yoga.
Landscape mode
Heart rate integration with additional Hardware
Heart rate zones training (Fat burning zone, �) Choose the right training zone for you
Accurate altitude calculation
Geotagging
Prediction of sunrise and sunset
High resolution graphics for iPhone4
All future updates for free

Thermo iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S snap case from Incase

2012-01-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

Incase has released a new case for iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S called the Thermo Snap case. The Thermo case is a hard shell iPhone 4s case featuring a heat sensitive exterior. When the case gets warm upon holding your iPhone, the finger and hand impressions can be seen on the case. Read more...

This iPhone 4s case features a easy snap-on design and comes with a stand. Available in pink color the Thermo iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S cases sell for $34.95. Buy this case on Amazon.com for much less.

iPhone 4 / 4S cases from SwitchEasy

2011-12-07T22:48:00.001-08:00

SwitchEasy has introduced new eye-catching brightly colored iPhone 4 cases and iPhone 4S cases. This case is made from durable polycarbonate casing with gloss UV coating at the upper melting part and matte coating at the bottom.

Featuring a unique detachable slider design the Melt iPhone 4 / 4S cases have a scratch resistant tough polycarbonate back panel to offer a firm grip. The Melt cases are available in 5 colors: Sesame, Vanilla, Caramel, Lime and Berry. These cases sell for $34.99. Buy SwitchEasy iPhone cases from Amazon.com for less.

Included with the Melt iPhone 4/4S cases are

One Melt Unit
Two anti-static Screen Guards
One Microfiber Wipe
One Squeegee Screen Guard applicator
Two Universal Dock Adapters (Pearl White and Piano Black)
One Video Dock Stand
Two Power Jack Connector Protectors
Two 3.5mm Headphone Jack Protectors

RedLaser iPhone barcode scanner app updated

2011-11-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

RedLaser the iPhone Barcode Scanner App from eBay has been updated. eBay Mobile has released a redesigned version that scans barcode and QR code and does a product lookup online.

eBay has added new advanced features to improve the best-in-class scanning technology and shopping tools:

Redesigned interface with easier access to scanning, searching, lists, and QR code creation.
Lists - you can now organize your products to create shopping lists, wish lists or gift lists. Or use lists to archive your books or CD and DVD collections.
Easy sharing of lists with friends and family via Facebook, SMS, and email.
Improved scan history with date stamps.
In-app checkout. Now you can find the best prices AND purchase directly from within the app for home delivery or local in-store pickup from select stores.
More pricing information for even better results and coverage.
More and better product descriptions and reviews to help you make the right decision.
Option to view barcodes for scanned items.

RedLaser iPhone barcode scanner app is available from the App Store as a free download. This iPhone App requires iOS 4.0 or later and a camera-equipped iOS device.

Deflector customizable iPhone 4 cases from Uncommon

2010-09-14T18:42:00.001-07:00

Uncommon has released its new Customizable Deflector Phone 4 Cases. The Deflector iPhone 4 Case provides users the ability to customize the case with custom art or photography embedded into the case using the "3D TATT" printing technique. You can upload your own photo for a completely unique case, or browse our Staff Picks Collection for some design inspiration. Read more...

The case also offers a slim profile, an anti-glare camera ring, a snap-on design and provides open access to all controls and other ports. This customizable Deflector iPhone 4 Case is now available for customization, or as a pre-made case, and sells for $29.95.

Features:

Anti-glare camera ring ensures the case allows your photography skills to shine
Simple snap-on design
Ultra slim fit
Direct access to all device features

Leaked iPhone 4G / iPhone HD Video & Pictures

2010-05-12T22:44:00.001-07:00

Again some more photos and videos of the next generation iPhone (iPhone 4G / iPhone HD) have been released. This times by a Vietnamese forum Taoviet. From the photos it is apparent that unlike the prototype reported by Gizmodo, this one has a better finish in terms of its construction but still the overall design seems to be the same. Read more

The back panel is also shown to be highly reflective, with a large back facing camera and LED flash. The is text at the bottom that indicates this is a 16Gb model. Check out the gallery and a video below:

Innocase Rugged iPhone Holster Cases for 3G & 3GS

2010-05-03T18:28:00.001-07:00

Seidio has released a new case for the iPhone 3G/3GS called the Innocase Rugged. It features 3 layers of protection starting with a hard, yet flexible Innocase 360 skin that features a built-in screen guard and a thin profile.

On top of this goes a thick Rugged Skin that offers shock protection and also covers the ports and camera to keep out dust and dirt. The 3rd layer is a snap-on hard plastic skeleton for added structural integrity.

And finally there is the Innocase Rugged Holster that securely holds your phone with locking mechanism on top clip.

Seidio�s new Innocase Rugged case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS is available now for $49.95.

Innocase 360
- 1mm thin case provides scratch protection without adding bulk
- Designed from a hard, yet flexible material with Seidio's signature soft touch coating
- Simple snap together design makes installation and removal easy
- High quality screen guard built directly into the case to protect your touch screen from dirt and oil with interfering with the touch screen functionality
- Easily locate your Home Button with the dipped indention on screen guard
- Precision cutouts for ports and controls
- Opening slot enables you to easily remove the case

Rugged Skin
- 1.4mm thin silicone case that fits over the Innocase 360
- All controls are fully functional but covered by silicone to keep dust and dirt out
- Ports and camera are covered, but silicone covers can be easily moved for access and the camera cut out can be pinned back

Skeleton
- Plastic frame fits over the back of the case to give a tighter fit and extra protection at the corners

Innocase Rugged Holster
-Fits up to a 2" utility belt
-Securely holds your phone with locking mechanism on top clip
-Swivel clip allows you to position your phone in 7 different ways

Chaos Rings iPhone RPG game released

2010-04-27T21:22:00.001-07:00

Square Enix, makers of FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II games have released the new Role Paying Game (RPG) called the Chaos Rings for iPhone/iPod Touch [Chaos Rings iTunes Link] at a hefty price tag of $12.99.

Power Skin iPhone 3G/3GS Case + battery from MiLi

2010-04-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

Mili has introduced its Power Skin external battery + case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. MiLi claims it to be the Thinnest External Battery for iPhone in the world. The Power Skin features a 1,200 mAH battery integrated into the case. These cases are available in eight two-toned color combinations using black, white, blue, green, orange, and silver and they sell for $70.

The Power skin case + battery features a snap-on top piece for easy device removal, cut-outs for access to the camera, volume and power buttons, headphone jack, and a pass-though mini-USB port that allows for the charging of the encased iPhone.

Rumored iPhone 4G or iPhone HD photos

2010-04-18T16:35:00.001-07:00

Engadget is claiming that the photos of the upcoming next generation iPhone that it published yesterday is indeed the real pictures of the iPhone 4G or iPhone HD. After these photos were published by Engadget, other websites had dismissed these as a Japanese knock-off of an Apple product.

Engadget quotes:

Additionally, a source -- who confirms this is the next Apple iPhone -- also tells us that the device apparently does have a higher res screen on-board, a front-facing camera, a higher resolution camera with flash, and takes MicroSIM cards (that's the little "button" around the side you see in the Twitpic which is floating around the internet).

For more info and pictures visit Engadget

Opera Mini iPhone browser awaiting Apple�s approval

2010-03-26T17:41:00.001-07:00

CNET is reporting that Opera has submitted its Opera Mini iPhone browser to Apple for approval.

The Opera Mini for iPhone is similar in its feature set to its other mobile phones like the Blackberry expect for one important addition. It has a new session restore feature where all the websites that you visited in your previous session is restored on restart.

It will be very interesting to see if Apple approves it because it only approves browsers that are based on webkit and Opera Mini is not. [via CNET]

Proporta iPhone 3G/3GS Leather cases

2010-03-26T17:23:00.001-07:00

Proporta has unveiled a new line of Aluminium Lined iPhone 3G/3GS Leather Cases.The Aluminium Lined Leather Cases are hand crafted from high quality leather and custom made to hold the Apple iPhone 3G/3GS securely in place.

Featuring a vertical flip-open design and contrast stitching, these cases have open access to all ports, controls, and the camera. The cases are priced at $ 42.95 and are available now in mulberry or teal.

Key Features

Handcrafted from the finest quality leather
Stitched leather case with contrast leather style, and black with cream pinstripe lining
Custom made to hold your Apple iPhone 3GS securely in place
Aluminium lined �screen saver� flip cover
Contrast overstitching
Secure closure system
Cut outs for access to device whilst in the case

Radio Shack 2nd largest iPhone retailer

2010-03-26T17:06:00.001-07:00

According to a report from AppleInsider, Radio Shack would have started offering iPhone in 3,000 of its 4,500 stores come March 28th.

Radio Shack has been gradually working towards the milestone since January, expanding sales of the Apple handset to hundreds of new stores each week. With this Radio Shack will become the second-largest third-party retailer of Apple's iPhone by storefronts.

Starting next week, the retailer will promote the rollout in its March 28 circular, with pricing for each iPhone model set at roughly $5 off the MSRP, or $95 for the 8GB iPhone 3G, $195 for the 16GB iPhone 3GS, and $295 for the 32GB 3GS.

Griffin and Threadless intro 3 iPhone Cases

2010-01-22T17:36:00.001-08:00

Griffin Technology has introduced three new iPod touch case designs called I�m Like a Bird, Living in Harmony and HI. Griffin has done this in collaboration with the company Threadless. Each new pattern comes paired with one of Griffin�s single-piece polycarbonate shells that snaps into place and guards the iPhone from scratches and dust. The cases measure approximately 1mm in total thickness, while the design provides access to the dock connector, controls, and headphone jack. The new patterns can be ordered directly from Griffintechnology.com and are priced at $35 each.

Make Cheap international calls on your iPhone with Vonage Mobile

2009-10-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

If you are one of those who are looking for ways to reduce your monthly iPhone bill then here is another way to do it.

Vonage Mobile has released the Vonage Mobile applications for the iPhone and iPod touch that allows you make low cost international calls over the Wi-Fi and also over your Carrier's Cellular network if using the iPhone.

Google CEO Schmidt says "We love the iPhone"

2009-10-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

While we all know that there are some differences between Apple and Google over Apple's rejection of the Google Voice application and they actually being competitors in some areas like in Mobile Operating systems. But Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google seems to have a different view.

Schmidt at a conference hosted by the Atlantic and the Aspen Institute, emphasized the benefits to Google from the iPhone."The iPhone is our largest source of mobile search queries. The iPhone itself is responsible for 30 or 40 times more of our search queries than anything else", Schmidt said. "So we love the iPhone and we love the apps that drive it."

He also said that he did not step down from Apple's board in April under any pressure and that former Genentech CEO Arthur Levinson should stay on the boards of both Google and Apple, despite regulatory scrutiny. [via Reuters]

Tweetie 2.0 iPhone Application

2009-09-29T21:31:00.001-07:00

The most popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetie and the winner of the Apple Design Award will soon be available in version 2.0. This was announced today by the Tweetie's developer, Loren Brichter from atebits.

Tweetie 2.0 is a whole new app, and it will require the iPhone 3.0 OS and will cost $2.99 in the App Store, the same price as the original Tweetie.
Show me more

Christina Warren from mashable who has previewed this app for several weeks has this to say:

Tweetie 2.0 has a ton of new stuff - including support for the new Project Retweet that we previewed last week. The upcoming Twitter geolocation features will also be integrated as soon as those APIs become public.
Additionally, you have the ability to have your saved searches in Tweetie sync with Twitter, view threaded conversations, and link up your Twitter contacts with your iPhone Address Book - which is a great way to keep your contacts aligned (or to quickly call someone right from viewing their Twitter profile.)

Here is the list of features:

iPhone 3.x only
Full persistence
Full offline mode
Drafts manager
Send drafts to Birdhouse
Link Twitter contacts to Address Book
Threaded conversations
Nearby integrated with imbedded maps
Geotagging support
Saved searches to sync with Twitter.com and Tweetie Mac
@people picker
Recent hashtags
Multiple attachments manager
Peek gesture for replies
Landscape support
Profile editing
Improved gesture shortcuts
imbedded email
New-style re-tweet support
Refresh all on launch
TextExpander support
Read it Longer and Instapaper integration
Go-to-User, searches autocomplete
In reply TwitLonger
Reply chain list view
Short URL preview
Tweet translation
Block/follow from multiple accounts

CNN Mobile iPhone Application

2009-09-29T20:55:00.001-07:00

Designed and developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch, the CNN app for the iPhone allows you to get live streaming video of breaking news.

The application delivers the most important headlines of the day with location-based news, weather and traffic from the palm of your hands.

With the new CNN App for the iPhone and iPod Touch, you can also iReport directly from your phone using the phone's advanced photo and video capabilities.

This application is available for $1.99 and works on all iPhone/iPod Touch OS versions but it is optimized for iPhone OS 3.1

Orange and now Vodafone to sell iPhone 3GS in UK

2009-09-29T20:36:00.001-07:00

Just a day after Orange announced that it will be selling the iPhone 3G and 3GS in UK, Vodafone today announced that it has reached an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in UK and Ireland.

Beginning today, Vodafone UK and Vodafone Ireland customers can register their interest in iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS at www.vodafone.co.uk/iphone and www.vodafone.ie/iphone respectively. Pricing, tariffs and availability information will be announced locally in the future.

While Orange has said that it will start selling by the end of 2009, Vodafone says it will start in early 2010.

How to enable MMS on iPhone

2009-09-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

As announced AT&T on Sep 25th rolled out the MMS service to all the U.S. iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS users. AT&T took a while to start this service even though Apple introduced MMS and Tethering capabilities to the iPhone via the iPhone 3.0 OS. Now that you can use this service lets look at how to enable and use this MMS service on your iPhone.

Let start with the basic. MMS is a short form for Multimedia Messaging Service that allows you to send multimedia content such as pictures, video clips and audio to be sent over the cellular network. It is an extension to SMS where you can only send text messages. To use this service on the iPhone you do NOT need a new separate application. The existing messages app on you iPhone can be used to send MMS. Show me more...

You just need to enable this feature and when it is enabled you should see a small camera icon button on the messages application in the middle on the left side of the screen. This button allows you to add multimedia content on to your message.

Enabling MMS on your iPhone:

To use MMS you need:

iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS. The original iPhone does not support sending or receiving MMS messages.
iPhone OS 3.1 or later.
A wireless carrier that supports MMS.

Once you meet the above system requirements, MMS on your iPhone can be enabled through a carrier settings file which is specific to each carrier. To update this file the carriers themselves have to provide the updates through Apple�s iTunes application. When you connect you iPhone to the iTunes you should receive an update as shown in the picture below from your carrier. To confirm that your device is ready, go to Settings > General > About. Your carrier version should be "AT&T 5.5,"

If you don�t see this automatically then you can click the "Check for Updates" option in iTunes. Note that your iPhone should have the latest iPhone OS update else you will first asked to upgrade to the latest version and then you will be able to do the carrier settings update. You can turn the MMS support on your iPhone ON and OFF as required by going to the iPhone settings application. Another cool thing with MMS is that you can send the messages as emails to email recipients. You just need to type in the email address in the "TO:" field.

A word of caution. Please check with your carrier to see how the MMS messages are charged. See if there are included in your SMS plan or if there are treated separately and charged by the drink.

Now lets take a brief look at some of the issues that you might face using the MMS service:

The Messages application displays a red exclamation point when I try to send content via MMS
Unable to send content via MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) using Messages
Unable to receive content via MMS using Messages
Sending or receiving content via MMS takes a long time
Unable to send or receive content via MMS over Wi-Fi

If you have any of these then you need to first see if you meet all the system requirements for using the MMS service. Apple has posted a good support article to try and fix these iPhone MMS issues.

Apple approves 1300 apps for iTunes AppStore on a single day

2009-09-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

Apple on a single day on Friday last week has approved 1300 Apps on the iTunes App Store. Of these 300 were games. [via AppShopper]

AT&T texting users about iPhone MMS launch

2009-09-22T20:25:00.001-07:00

AT&T has began sending out text messages to iPhone users to let them know that multimedia messaging capabilities will be available on Friday, Sept. 25. Recent reports indicate that the company has already started activating MMS service for some customers.

AT&T Free Msg says:

Picture & video messaging (MMS) will be available for iPhone on 9/25. While we prepare your account for MMS capability, the current "view my message" experience will be turned off but your ability to send and receive text messages will not be affected.

Apple airs 3 new iPhone Ads: Nature, Dine and Pass

2009-09-22T20:14:00.001-07:00

Three new iphone television ads titled Nature, Dine and Pass have begun to air. All three ads continue Apple's recent trend of highlighting different apps on an iPhone. While most of the previous ads featured three apps each, these ads show six apps each, albeit more briefly. Check out the ads below. Show me more...

Nature:

Dine:

Pass:

Pong Radiation reducing iPhone 3g/3gs cases

2009-09-16T18:02:00.001-07:00

Pong has released the first scientifically-proven radiation reduction iPhone 3G/3GS case. Pong claims that through the proven science of passive antenna coupling, Pong channels the radiation through its laddered 'chimney' up and away from your head. Pong's special silicone formula guarantees that your phone maintains full signal strength and battery life is not compromised. Show me more...

According to the company, the case reduces 'hotspot' radiation by 85% and overall radiation by 60%; it also features silicone construction and offers full access to all ports, controls, and the camera. The Pong radiation reducing iPhone 3G/3GS cases will be available for $59.99.

Features

Pong Gold PCB Module
Durable iPhone 3G protection
Lightweight Silicone Case
Easy access to all controls and device features

Elan Form Etch iPhone 3GS cases from Griffin

2009-08-04T16:30:00.001-07:00

Popular iPhone accessories maker Griffin Technology has introduced its new Elan Form Etch iPhone 3GS/3G cases. These two-piece, snap-together cases are Hard-shell leather cases. The outer leather layer is decorated with an intricately detailed etched pattern that feels great in your hand and looks great to your eyes. Show me more...

These cases feature open access to all ports and controls, a premium leather exterior that is bonded to an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, and Griffin�s EasyDock removable bottom cover for easier docking. They are currently available only on shelves of the Apple retail stores but will be soon available elsewhere and on the Griffin site for $34.99

12 must have iPhone Games

2009-08-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

Craig Grannell from Techradar shares his list of 12 must-own games for iPhone or iPod touch - Essential games no Apple handheld gamer should be without. Do you think these are the best? Which is your favorite game?

[via - Techradar]

Google Voice application rejection questioned by FCC

2009-08-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

Apple's decision to reject Google's Voice application had been questioned by many. AT&T was also thought to be part of this decision. Now the FCC has officailly written to Apple questioning their decision. In a letter sent Friday to Apple, the agency asked the company why Google Voice was rejected, which related applications have been rejected along with it, and what role AT&T may have played in the decision. It also asked what the difference is between Google Voice and other VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) software that has been approved for the iPhone.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the FCC "has a mission to foster a competitive wireless marketplace, protect and empower consumers, and promote innovation and investment." The Wall Street Journal reports that while the investigation isn't formal, it is notable because the FCC hadn't received a complaint about the rejection and removals. [via WSJ]

Kensington iPhone Mini Battery Pack with Charging Dock

2009-08-03T20:09:00.001-07:00

Kensington has unveiled its new Charging Dock with Mini Battery Pack for iPhone and iPod. The grey colored dock recharges your iPhone or iPod so you can leave home with it fully charged. The dock also charges the included Mini Battery Pack so you can take an extra boost of backup power with you on the go.

The battery pack extends music play time up to 30 hours, video playback by 6 hours, and talk time by 3 hours, depending on the model. Other features include a detachable USB cable for charging and syncing and the ability to charge encased iPhones and iPods. Kensington�s Charging Dock with Mini Battery Pack for iPhone and iPod expected to be shipp Oct 23rd, is available for pre-order for $69.99

SMS Vulnerabiltiy fixed iPhone via OS 3.0.1

2009-07-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

To fix the SMS vulnerability, Apple has released the iPhone OS 3.0.1 Software Update for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS.

Two cybersecurity researchers, Charlie Miller and Colin Mulliner had found out that a series of mostly invisible SMS bursts would allow a hacker nearly complete control over the phone’s functions, including dialing the phone, accessing the Internet.

They could also turn on the camera and/or microphone, and send more text messages to further propagate the hack.

Apple rejects Google Voice Application

2009-07-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Apple has done it again. Not only has it rejected two third-party Google Voice applications, GV Mobile from Sean Kovacs and a competing app called VoiceCentral, for duplicating iPhone functionality, it has also rejected an official Google Voice application. Apple. Google Voice allows users to send free SMS messages and provides affordable long-distance rates over Google Voice’s lines. You also get a Google Voice number which is tied to your account and can be ported from device to device simply by signing in.

Speaking with TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson said, “We work hard to bring Google applications to a number of mobile platforms, including the iPhone. Apple did not approve the Google Voice application we submitted six weeks ago to the Apple App Store. We will continue to work to bring our services to iPhone users — for example, by taking advantage of advances in mobile browsers.” [via techcrunch]

myCase iPhone 3G/3GS Silicone Cases

2009-06-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Tekkeon has released its new range of iPhone 3G/3GS cases called 'myCase'. These form-fitting and slip-proof cases feature a two-layer design. Users can keep both layers on for a three-dimensional look, or remove the outer layer for a more traditional-looking case.Show me more...

Designed with durable and flexible silicone these cases provide easy access to all controls. Also included with the myCase is the myGuard screen protector. Tekkeon's myCase for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS is available in eight different shades and styles and sells for $19.99

Overheating causing iPhone 3GS discoloration

2009-06-29T20:39:00.001-07:00

French site Nowhere Else is reporting with some iPhone 3GS photos, that a number of iPhone 3GS owners have complained that the handset becomes overly hot resulting in discoloration.

The images show a 16GB white iPhone 3GS unit with reddish/pink discolorations running vertically down the back on either side of the Apple logo; the user claims these appeared after the phone got "very hot" while testing out a variety of location-aware apps over 3G.

Read full story on this translated link

Sena iPhone 3G/3GS cases

2009-06-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

California-based luxury handheld device accessory designer, Sena Cases has announced the launch of its new unique Sarach and Corsa Designer Series collection for the iPhone 3G and 3G S. Created to enhance functional design and protection with modern flair, the innovative collection showcases a hand-sewn, two-tone saddle-stitched design offering a unique, stylish accessory for the Apple iPhone.
Show me more...

Corsa Designer iPhone 3G/3GS Cases

The Corsa Designer Case is a slim, sleeve-style leather case featuring a perforated leather strip on the front, velvet lining, speaker opening, and a pull strap for easy removal of the device. It is available in five color combinations and sells for $39.99.

iPhone 3G/ 3GS Sarach Flip Cases

The Sarach Flip case is a front-flap style featured in the unique Sarach Designer Series by Sena. It showcases a hand-sewn two-tone saddle-stitched design offering a personalized hand stitched look. The case design provides specialized openings for easy access to all device-operating functions and also includes a hidden multi-purpose pocket.

With just a flick of the thumb, the flap which includes a magnetic fastening system at the bottom can be flipped up exposing the face of the device enabling the user to quickly answer the phone. It is available in four colors and sells for $69.99.

iPhone 3G / 3GS Sarach LeatherSkin Cases

The Sarach LeatherSkin case is the second style featured in the unique Sarach Designer Series by Sena. It showcases a hand-sewn, two-tone, saddle-stitched design offering a personalized hand stitched look.

The case design provides specialized openings for easy access to all device-operating functions and also includes a snap closure strap to keep the device snugly in place.

The open form-fitting design exposes the face of the device enabling the user to quickly answer the phone and experience constant unrestricted access and play-thru style. It sells for $59.99

AT&T releases Navigator app for iPhone 3G, 3GS

2009-06-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

AT&T has released a Navigator application for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G with iPhone 3.0 OS that provides turn by turn direction. This application features voice-guided and 3D on-screen GPS navigation. All though the application is available for free from the AppStore, its service will cost you $9.99 per month and will be charged by AT&T directly on your monthly bill.

Features include:
- automatic rerouting
- automatic map updates
- real-time traffic updates
- ability to search for gas by price
- ability to enter an address from the iPhone or prior to a trip via computer
- database of more than 10 million business listings.

Get $30 iTunes credit for iPhone 3GS activation delays

2009-06-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Apple is giving away a $30 iTunes credit for all its iPhone 3GS customers who faced activation delays over the launch weekend. Apple has sent the following email to the affected customers:

Dear Apple Customer,
Thank you for your recent Apple Store order. We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delay in your iPhone activation.

We are still resolving the issue that was encountered while activating your iPhone with AT&T. Unfortunately, due to system issues and continued high activation volumes, this could take us up to an additional 48 hours to complete.

On Monday, you'll receive an email from Apple with an iTunes Store credit in the amount of $30. We hope you will enjoy this gift and accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience this delay has caused.

Thank you for choosing Apple.
Sincerely,
Apple Online Store Team

One million iPhone 3GS sold in 3 days

2009-06-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Apple today has officially done a press release in which it announced that one million iPhone 3GS have been sold since the launch day. This milestone has been achieved in only its third day after its launch.

In addition, six million customers have downloaded the new iPhone 3.0 software in the first five days since its release. Read the press release from Apple

AT&T Wi-Fi Supports Auto-Authentication on iPhone OS 3.0

2009-06-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

iPhone users will no longer need to go through a two-step authentication process to connect to AT&T's Wi-Fi Hot Spot networks. AT&T has announced today the Auto-authentication that allows iPhone users to seamlessly switch from AT&T's 3G network to an AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot without being prompted.

The way it works is that with iPhone OS 3.0, auto-connect will be established once a user connects the iPhone to an AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot for the first time. On subsequent connections, the user should be able to seamlessly switch from AT&T’s 3G network to an AT&T Hot Spot without being prompted. AT&T operates more than 20,000 Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S.

iPhone tops smartphone ratings, battery below average

2009-05-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

According to a new report from J.D. Power and Associates, Apple ranks highest in customer satisfaction with smartphone manufacturers. In this 2009 Wireless Consumer Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study Apple ranked highest among smartphone manufacturers with a score of 791 out of 1000. LG and Samsung follow Apple in the rankings, with scores of 772 and 759, respectively.
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Apple iPhone performing strongly in the categories of ease of operation, operating system, features and physical design. However iPhone was rated substantially low in battery category with its rating being below average.

The study also finds several key wireless handset usage patterns:

More than 40 percent of smartphone users report entirely replacing landline calling with mobile phone calling, while only 28 percent of traditional handset owners have done the same.
One-third of traditional mobile phone owners indicate they would like to have some type of GPS software or capability on their next phone.
Forty-two percent of traditional mobile phones owners received their phone for free after rebates and discounts, compared with just 32 percent in the 2008 Volume 2 study.

'Camera Zoom' App for iPhone

2009-04-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

As you know the iPhone's built-in camera has no zoom capability. Now thanks to KendiTech, a new app called as the 'Camera Zoom' provides up to a 4x digital zoom for your iPhone camera. It is available on the App Store for US$0.99.
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With Camera Zoom, you can now zoom in and out in real-time while taking pictures. Camera Zoom displays a preview in real time, just like the regular camera app. You use a slider to adjust the level of zoom. After taking the photo, Camera Zoom tweaks it for the best possible quality.

Features:
- Up to 4x digital zoom
- Adjusts photo to best quality automatically
- Built-in camera roll photos preview
- Customize zoom slider's position
- Fullscreen shutter (optional, tap anywhere to take pictures)
- Ask before saving a photo (optional)

iPhone OS 3.0: How To Cut, Copy and Paste on your iPhone

2009-04-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

At the recently held iPhone 3.0 Software event, Apple announced that the next version 3.0 of the iPhone software will have over 100 new feature additions including some of the most frequently talked about omissions. The prominent features that will be part of this release are the Cut, Copy & Paste, MMS, landscape keyboard support for all main Apple applications, and push notification for third-party apps.
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The new Cut,Copy & Paste feature works across any application, and adds undo support. The users will be able to paste multiple photos into Mail. Let take a detailed look at how to use the Cut, Copy and Paste feature on the iPhone as demonstrated by Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iPhone software at the event.

Apple has introduced a new text selection feature that will allow users to select text by double tapping on a word. That action brings up a popup of copy, cut, and paste buttons, along with selection markers that users can drag to expand their text selection. So as the first step you just simply double tap onto the text, and it automatically selects that text, adding grab points you can drag to customize your selection.
Above the drag points is a Cut/Copy/Paste bubble that allows you to choose your operation which in this case is "Copy".

Once you've copied the text, navigate to the place where you'd like to paste the text and double tap to bring up the Select/Select All/Paste bubble.

The select choose your operation which in this case is "Paste". And That's the Copy & Paste on the iPhone.

To expand a selection, grab the right or left grab point and drag it along the text. A magnifying glass will popup to help you with your selection.

Copy & Pasting across apps

To Copy and Paste across applications, simply copy or cut the text from the first application as described above.

Then hit the iPhone's home button.
Next, launch the app you wish to paste the content into, double click in the precise area you want the text to appear, then select "Paste" from the popup bubble.

And the copied text appears in the second application

Copy & Pasting web (Safari) content

Copying and Pasting web content leverages WebKit's smart container selector (used to isolate content when double tapping in Mobile Safari). A double tap in a Web blurb selects the entire blurb.

You can then expand the content to other web containers, blurbs, etc by using the grab points. The copied content can then be pasted across apps.

How to Undo

To undo any form of copy and paste, simply shake the iPhone/iPod touch to bring up the Undo/Redo selection overlay.

Apple selling 22 iPhones each day

2009-04-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster and five members of his research team spent 25 hours in Apple retail stores across the country counting how many iPhones and iPods left the stores in customers' hands. As per their observations made at more than two dozen Apple retail stores over the last few weeks show Apple to be maintaining healthy sales of iPhones that aren't far off from rates seen during the lead-in to last year's holiday shopping season.
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Using a weighted average calculation that assumes 8 percent of Apple's retail stores are flagship locations, with the remaining 92 percent being regular stores, Munster concluded that company is currently selling an average of 22 iPhone 3Gs, and approximately 50 iPods per day through its U.S. retail locations.

The sales of 22 iPhones per stores is down from 28 iPhones per store during November, which suggests a 21 percent decline in sales sequentially compared to the Street's view of a 24 percent drop. However, Munster is betting that expanded international availability will help offset some of these domestic declines and is therefore modeling iPhone sales for the March quarter to be relatively flat at 4.4 million units.

Although Piper Jaffray also counted daily iPod sales, he didn't report on its findings in detail due to a lack of comparative data from previous rounds of checks, saying only that sales of the digital media players were "slightly more than twice" the volume of iPhone 3G sales.

Skype for iPhone zooms past one million downloads

2009-04-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Skype application for iPhone is rocking! The free application available on App Store has received a stupendous response. Skype for iPhone has been downloaded more than one million times in less than 2 days as of April 2.

This is around six downloads every second which is a phenomenal performance. One out of every 30 iPhone and iPod touch owners downloaded it in the first two days. Many more will follow.
[via SkypeBlog]

Next iPhone to have 3.2-megapixel camera

2009-04-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Taiwanese rumor site DigiTimes claims that Apple has tapped Sunnyvale, Calif.-based OmniVision to supply it with 3.2-megapixel CMOS image sensors for the next iPhone, which is expected in the coming months. This corroborates some other reports on other websites that claim, iPhone maker was due to include a higher-resolution camera with its upcoming handsets that would also be capable of capturing video.

If you recall, both the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G shipped with a 2-megapixel camera and neither version supports video recording. Apple itself has unintentionally hinted at iPhones with new video features.

One such instance is when the MobileMe control panel that shipped as part of the first beta of iPhone Software 3.0 included a screen labeled "Publish Video," presumably to facilitate uploads of videos captured with the upcoming device to users' MobileMe websites.

BeeJive IM is on sale this week only; Facebook chat feature coming soon

2009-03-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

BeeJive IM 2, the ultimate instant messenger application for your iPhone/iPod touch, will be on sale this week, beginning on Monday, March 2, 2009. The application will be available for $9.99US (down from $15.99US). While this application is a bit pricey, it has been one of the best iPhone instant messenger applications out there. This sale is expected to last from March 2 through Sunday, March 8, 2009.

With news of sale also comes the news that a new feature will soon be added to BeeJive IM. In just a few more weeks, we'll see Facebook chat integration from right within the app. BeeJive IM is available from the iTunes App Store

iPhone accounts for 14% of all mobile game downloads

2009-02-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

A new report from ComScore says that iPhone is leading the way in the growth of the Mobile Gaming industry. Downloads of mobile games grew 17% last year thanks to the increased graphics capabilities of smartphones like Apple's iPhone, according to the report.Show me more...

Around 8.5 million mobile subscribers have downloaded a game to their cell phones. "The rapid growth in smartphone adoption in the United States has provided a boost for mobile gaming, as 34% of those downloading a game in November did so using a smartphone," ComScore senior analyst Mark Donovan said. He also notes that last year not one smartphone appeared in the top 10 devices used for mobile downloads whereas this year that number has increased to 6.

With its touch screen, robust processor, and 3-D graphics capabilities, it's no surprise that the iPhone 3G has been a hit with gamers. Apple iPhone owners accounted for 14% of mobile game downloads, ComScore said. Overall, 32.4% of iPhone users have downloaded a game, compared with a market average of 3.8%.

One reason iPhone owners are more likely to download games is the tight integration of the App Store, which makes browsing, buying, downloading, and installing games easier than on alternative platforms.

While the iPhone is leading the way, ComScore has seen a considerable uptick in mobile gaming on platforms like BlackBerry, Symbian, and Windows Mobile. Overall, the mobile gaming market could top $4.5 billion this year, although the current economic crisis may be a major hurdle for that target.

Apple iPhone Software 2.2.1 Update released

2009-01-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

Apple today released a software update for its iPhone and iPhone 3G devices. This is the iPhone Software 2.2.1 Update for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, first-, and second-generation iPod touch.

According to notes provided with the update, the new version addresses two issues. First, Apple says the update provides improved stability for the Safari Web browser and secondly, an issue was fixed where some images saved from Mail do not display correctly in the Camera Roll.

The update is available to all iPhone and iPhone 3G users by plugging the iPhone into your computer and clicking on the Check for Update button in iTunes.

Drag and Drop files to iPhone using JuiceDrop

2009-01-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

The folks at RiP Dev have realeased a new utility called JuiceDrop that allows you to copy files on to the iPhone from your computer. Using JuiceDrop you can copy files on to your iPhone or iPod Touch by just dragging and dropping them from your computer.
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Just connect your the iPhone using the USB and drag the files onto the window. The app can be set to put files of certain kinds in specific locations, and starts off with a few useful presets like putting pictures into the Wallpapers folder, putting dictionaries in Dictionaries and books in BookLibraries.

JuiceDrop is absolutely free to use and works on both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. Moreover, it does not require jailbreaking your iPhone to make this application work— it uses the same protocols as iTunes. You can get JuiceDrop from the Ripdev site.

Restoring your iPhone after disabling it with wrong passcode

2009-01-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

As you know iPhone and iPod touch allow you to set a passcode to be entered when powered on or when the wake button is pressed. And when you enter the wrong passcode you'll see a screen that says "Wrong Passcode, try again." If you enter the wrong passcode too many times, you'll see a message that says "iPod is disabled" and to try again late. The screen on the iPhone will read as "iPhone is disabled."

Read how to restore when wrong passcode disables your iPod Touch or iPhone

BeeJiveIM 2.0 App for iPhone 3G: Now with image and file sharing

2009-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

BeeJive has announced an update to its instant messaging application for the iPhone and iPod touch, BeeJiveIM 2.0. BeeJive has been previously established as a top choice IM app for BlackBerry and after the release of its iPhone version, the app quickly moved up to the #2 best selling iPhone application in the iTunes Social Networking category for 2008. This even with a hefty price tag of $16. Mobile Crunch was lucky enough to get a pre-release version of a big update to the Beejive IM App for iPhone.

Probably the most important feature of this release is the ability to do Image transfers. Transfers function well in both directions. From PC-to-iPhone, it shows up right in the chat. From iPhone-to-PC, it defaults to sending the image as a link.

The other features include:

Voice Notes: Its as easy as selecting the microphone, recording and sending
File Transfers: Now you can trasfer number of audio, video, and image formats, Office documents (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and PDFs. You can view these files from within the BeeJive application.
Change the sending/receiving sounds from default to either AIM or Yahoo sounds.
Under a person’s buddy info, a "link to address book card" button is now available to give users the option to call friends while staying inside the app.

Buy refurbished iPhone 3G online from AT&T

2008-12-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

AT&T has begun offering refurbished iPhone 3G units through its online store. The company is charging $150 for the 8GB model, while both the black and white 16GB models sell for $250.

As with normal brand new iPhone 3G, you still need to sign on a two-year contract. This move from AT&T follows last week’s quiet launch of online sales for new iPhone 3G units.

Apple has yet to offer the iPhone 3G, either new or refurbished, through its online store in the U.S.

Ferrari GT Evolution: New iPhone 3G game from Gameloft

2008-12-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

The third of Gameloft's big iPhone titles this Christmas – along with Hero of Sparta and Brothers in Arms: Hour of Heroes – is Ferrari GT: Evolution. This Game lets players choose from 33 authentic Ferrari car models, and race in seven famous cities, including Madrid, Athens, and Rome.

You can also find a Ferrari encyclopedia with a page for each car and a list of statistics. The game offers three control modes and a multiplayer mode, and Gameloft is promising to add an online multiplayer mode in the next update. Ferrari GT: Evolution is available now from the App Store and sells for $10.
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The Features:

3 authentic Ferrari car models: the new Ferrari California, F430, Enzo Ferrari, F40, Testarossa, 250 GTO, and more.
A multiplayer mode to challenge your friends in heated races.
3 control modes (including motion detection) for varied and realistic driving sensations.
Complete courses on a circuit to obtain your driver’s license.
Great sense of freedom as you travel across 7 famous cities (Madrid, Athens, etc.) choosing your own path at every crossroad.

Gameloft also announced that in the next update there will be an online multiplayer mode to face drivers from all over the world.

Walmart to slash iPhone 3G prices by whopping $2

2008-12-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

After Best Buy, now Walmart is the second major retail to start selling iPhone 3G. And it is going to sell the 8GB iPhone 3G for $197 a whopping $2 less than AT&T and Apple stores.

Reports about iPhone 3G being sold in Wal-Mart originate as early as November, and now, according to Bloomberg, employees in the cell-phone department at five Wal-Mart stores in California are currently being trained to sell the device. The iPhone was sold initially only in Apple and AT&T stores.

It has been rumored all over that a 4GB iPhone was on the cards with Walmart selling it for only $99. But these rumors have been layed to rest for now with a leaked flyer image from a Wal-Mart training materials and advertising computer, showing the iPhone 3G with a price of $197.

Apple releases iPhone firmware v2.2

2008-11-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

Apple early Friday morning released iPhone 2.2 Software Update, which delivers a number of improvements and adds Google Street View, public transit and walking directions, and more. A similar update is available for iPod touch users without the new Maps enhancements.

The update includes all of the features that were rumored in recent weeks all over the internet, including Emoji icons for Japanese users. Apple has published a page on its website dedicated to the release, and specifically highlights the following enhancements:

Enhancements to Maps
- Google Street View
- Public transit and walking directions
- Display address of dropped pins
- Share location via email
Decrease in call setup failures and dropped calls
Enhancements to Mail
- Resolved isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email
- Improved formatting of wide HTML email
Podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular network)
Improved stability and performance of Safari
Improved sound quality of Visual Voicemail messages
Pressing Home button from any Home screen displays the first Home screen
Preference to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard Settings

Stream live TV to your iPhone 3G with OrbLive 2.0

2008-11-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

Orb, one of the popular applications for remotely streaming home media has finally come to the iTunes AppStore. Up to now, Orb was only possible on jailbroken phones, but somehow, Apple has approved the application for everyday use. The Orb folks say that a version for Macs and Linux computers is coming as well. So what can you stream on your handheld while away from home:

Music stored on your home computer (DRM-free)
Videos that you've downloaded at home or created yourself
Photos in your home library
Live television from a TV tuner card
A connected webcam

OrbLive gives you immediate, anytime access to ALL your media. No sync-ing or uploading favorites. In fact, you can forget about your iTunes library. OrbLive uses the network to beam media from your home PC. And Orb has optimized the transmission so it’s great over 3G, WIFI, or Edge.

Imagine all your music, videos, photos – even live TV if you have a tuner card – in the palm of your hand. Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into an on-demand media center.

Get OrbLive today for $9.99 in the App Store. Or try OrbLive 2.0 Free on your iPhone or iPod touch before you buy. And all you need for live TV is the tuner card – no other boxes or services to buy.

iPhone firmware 2.2 coming on November 21st?

2008-11-11T20:52:00.000-08:00

After not one, but two rounds of distribution to developers, it looks like v2.2 of the iPhone firmware might be ready for release.

According to information obtained by iPhoneHellas, we’ll have our hands on this much discussed and leaked software update come November 21st - just 10 days from now.

The leak didn’t indicate anything new in the firmware that we haven’t already heard about, so anybody still hoping for copy and paste in v2.2 might have to just give up - and by “give up”, we mean start nagging louder so we hopefully see it in 2.3.

What we’re expecting to see in the final release:

Rating prompt upon application deletion
Google Maps: Street view, location sharing, transit information, walking directions
Auto correction toggle
Emoji support
Podcast downloading over WiFi
App Store layout changes
Seperate search box added to address bar in Safari

iPhone Ranks Highest in Business Smartphone Customer Satisfaction

2008-11-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Business Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study, Apple ranks highest in overall customer satisfaction among business wireless smartphone users.

The study gave Apple a score of 778 out of 1,000 measured across five key factors; Apple did “particularly well” in the ease of operation, physical design and handset feature factors.

“With the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, Apple has clearly differentiated itself from the competition in areas that are most important to business smartphone users,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services for J.D. Power and Associates.
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“By making basic applications and features easy to use and providing functionality in a thin, lightweight device, Apple has performed well in exceeding customer expectations.”

The study also finds the following key smartphone business wireless usage patterns:

Sixty-nine percent of business smartphone users own a hands-free headset, and 74 percent of those owners use a wireless headset device. Motorola owners report a higher incidence of using wireless headsets (86%), while only 60 percent of Apple iPhone owners report using a wireless headset device.

Among smartphone users, 37 percent would like GPS (global positioning system) capabilities on their device, 25 percent would like Wi-Fi capabilities, 23 percent want touch screen and 15 percent would like to have voice recognition command for automatic dialing.

The average reported purchase price of a smartphone device is $216, compared with an average reported purchase price of $261 in 2007. Apple owners report the highest average purchase price at $337, while Motorola owners report the lowest device pricing at $169.

The top five reasons given for choosing a smartphone brand are: Internet capability (45%), ability to use e-mail account (41%), overall design/style (39%), Bluetooth capabilities (37%) and keyboard style (e.g., QWERTY) (37%).

Thirty-four percent of smartphone owners say they download third-party software. Popular software downloads among business users include games (49%), business applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel (43%) and travel-related programs (36%).

The 2008 Business Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 1,388 business wireless customers who currently own a smartphone device. The study was fielded between August and September 2008.

OtterBox iPhone 3G Impact Case

2008-11-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

OtterBox has introduced its new Impact Case for the iPhone 3G. Unlike prior OtterBox cases, which provided at least some level of water protection, the Impact Case is an open-faced, form-fitting silicone sleeve.

This thin, skin-like design offers your iPhone 3G protection against bump and shock. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, and the inner corners have been engineered to dissipate impact AWAY from your device.

Also, the OtterBox for iPhone 3G Impact Series has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!

Compatibility/Features:
This OtterBox for iPhone™ 3G Impact Series™ was designed to accommodate the 8GB and 16GB iPhone 3G models ONLY. Please note: This case does NOT work with the first generation iPhone OR the iPod Touch.

Durable Silicone with impact-absorbing features
Inner corners dissipate impact away from the device with added bump and shock protection
Ergonomic design for comfortable carrying

Weight (case only): 0.6 oz.
Dimensions: 4.66" x 2.59" x .64"

The OtterBox Impact iPhone 3G Case is available now in black or white and sells for $19.95.

FastMac releases iV for iPhone, iPhone 3G

2008-10-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

First announced in January, FastMac has announced that its iV Extended Battery for the iPhone and iPhone 3G is now available.

The iV is a Dock-mounting accessory that fully covers the iPhone’s bottom and rear, save for the camera, and contains a 3100mAH TruePower battery that extends the iPhone’s capabilities to 24 hours of talk time, 31 days of standby, 20+ hours of video, and almost 72 hours of audio playback time.
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In addition, the iV features a built-in LED light for shooting photos in low light, a full-size USB port for charging other accessories such as a Bluetooth headset, and a pass-though Dock Connector port for syncing and charging.

Made in the USA, the FastMac iV for iPhone and iPhone 3G is available now and sells for $80.

Features

-External Battery Charging Unit

-Up to 24 Hours of Talk Time

-Up to 72 Hours of Audio Playback

-Up to 10.5 Hours of Video Playback

-Up to 750 Hours of Stand by Time

-Flash Light for Emergency Use and Low Light Photos

-USB Port for Multi-Charging Purposes

-Lower Dock Connector for Charging

How to connect to the free AT&T Wi-Fi from iPhone 3G

2008-10-29T19:46:00.001-07:00

After several gaffes which saw the company prematurely activate and then pull the feature, AT&T has finally launched its free Wi-Fi access for iPhone users at all AT&T-branded hotspots in the U.S. The service will provide free high-speed Internet access to iPhone users at all AT&T hotspots, including those found at Starbucks.

Step-by-step instructions for iPhone users to get started with Wi-Fi
1)Activate Wi-Fi from the settings icon on your iPhone

2)Select "attwifi" from the list of available networks

3)Enter your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap 'continue'

4)You will receive a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. You will not be charged for the text message.

5)The SMS link will only be valid for 24 hours at the location it was requested. Another request must be submitted when using another hotspot location.

6)Open the text message and tap on the link for 24-hour access to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot

Apple iPhone 3G sales surpass RIM's Blackberry

2008-10-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Apple announced quarterly iPhone sales that surpassed those of BlackBerry maker Research in Motion by nearly a million and a half units or 25%: nearly 6.9 million iPhones versus 5.4 million BlackBerry units in the third calendar quarter of 2008.

Reporting its fourth-quarter financial results today, Apple said it sold 11.05 million iPods during the quarter — more than an eight percent increase compared to the same quarter last year, and slightly more than the 11.011 million sold in Q3.

It also sold 6.89 million iPhones in the quarter, up from 1.119 million in the year-ago quarter and an artificially-low 717,000 in Q3 2008. The company posted revenue of $7.9 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.14 billion, or $1.26 per diluted share, compared with revenue of $6.22 billion and net quarterly profit of $904 million, or $1.01 per diluted share in Q4 2007.

Sales of Other Music Related Products + Services were $832 milllion in Q4, up from $601 million in the year-ago quarter and $819 million in Q3. That category includes iTunes Store sales, iPod services, and revenues from Apple and third-party iPod accessories.

“Apple just reported one of the best quarters in its history, with a spectacular performance by the iPhone—we sold more phones than RIM,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We don’t yet know how this economic downturn will affect Apple. But we’re armed with the strongest product line in our history, the most talented employees and the best customers in our industry. And $25 billion of cash safely in the bank with zero debt.”

AT&T stops $20 per month unlimited plan for iPhone

2008-10-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday some AT&T subscribers have received a text message with the news that AT&T will discontinue the $20/month "Unlimited" MEdia Net option from November 12, 2008.

Until now, Pay-as-You-Go iPhone users could purchase Unlimited MEdia Net and use their iPhones with the service to up to 5GB of data transfer.

The message from AT&T read:

"AT&T Free Msg: Unlimited MEdiaNet packages will no longer be available as of 11/12. 1MB and 5MB MEdiaNet packages still available. Call 611 for details."

What this means obviously is that those without a standard iPhone voice and data plan will be unable to subscribe to this low-cost Pay-as-You-Go service after the 12th of next month. The other AT&T plans like the $4.99 for 1MB and $9.99 for 5MB MEdia Net options may remain unaffected by this.

One suprising thing about this is that not all AT&T subscribers of the Unlimited MEdiaNet packages have got this message.

Have you received it? What is your take on this?

How to view NASA pictures on your iPhone

2008-10-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Simple! Install an application called iAPODViewer. iAPODViewer is an iPhone and iPod Touch application that provides a friendly interface to NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day Website (APOD).

The viewer offers an iPhone-optimized interface, with rotated and full-size image viewing -- for zooming and scrolling around -- as well as keyword searches, and the ability to save favorite APODs. The latter are stored in the iPhone's photo library for later recall.

Each image features a description of the scene from an astronomer. iAPODViewer is available at App Store, in both English and French, for $2.

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Features

• iPhone friendly interface including rotated views

• Easy navigation back and forth between daily APODs

• Keywords Search of every APOD ever published
• The ability to Save and store your favourite APODs
• A Random APOD - fancy a surprise then give your iPhone/Touch a quick shake
• Full size display of the APOD picture with the ability to zoom and scroll the image to reveal its detail
• The option to save an APOD picture to the iPhone’s built in Photos library.
• Built in Help Screens
• Available in French and English
• Localised Date Settings

So if you are an astronomy student, an enthusiast or just interested in space and want to view and discover the mysteries of the universe around you, then iAPODViewer is for you.

Google targets iPhone ad market

2008-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

In a report Adweek notes that in meetings with add agencies "Google has presented a new option to show different ads in response to searches made from iPhones. The change, expected to be implemented shortly, means advertisers will be able to create an iPhone ad group as part of their regular search campaign".

The iPhone is unique in that it presents a standard desktop web experience as opposed to a mobile centric view by default. Many mobile phones present a simplified version of web pages using technologies such as WAP or Japan's imode mobile web.

Even thought there are Mobile ad networks like JumpTap and AdMob that are into iPhone ad market, the entry of Google is significant given that Google maintains a dominant lock on Internet advertising where even Microsoft has been stymied to challenge.

You can read the full story at Adweek

GL Golf Lite game for iPhone and iPod touch

2008-10-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Nuclear Nova Software has introduced GL Golf Lite, a free version of its 3D golfing game for the iPhone and iPod touch. The game includes obstacles such as water, sand traps, trees and bushes, with an aim towards providing challenges similar to the real game.

The Lite version offers four ad-supported courses, though these can still be played an unlimited number of times. In the full version, up to four players are supported, with five different 18-hole courses to choose from.

Wind affects shot trajectory, and the environment shifts through all four seasons. Players can save games, use mulligans, and choose from different difficulty levels, play times, or sets of clubs.

GL Golf Lite is available from iTunes for free, while the full version, GL Golf, is priced at $7.99.

All new iSkin Solo iPhone 3g case

2008-10-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

Slip your beloved iPhone 3G into the amazing new iSkin solo. Instantly experience the sensual touch and the look of sophisticated styling. Featuring a stunning, never seen before high-gloss finish the iSkin Solo for iPhone 3g is available in four, hot, fashionably-aware color options and is priced at $29.99.

The iSkin solo provides the robust protection of a hard case, the form-fitting flexibility of a soft case, with our new slim-fitting low profile. The iSkin solo provides a unique non-slip grip, full access to all controls and a simple way to give your iPhone 3G a complete color make-over.
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As with all iSkin products, the solo delivers the highest quality in fit, styling and protection. Delivering everyday protection against impact, scratches, dirt, dust, and everyday hazards, the form-fitting solo is also hot/cold temperature resistant, odorless, and available in a range of four stunning high gloss color options.

Features

1)Carefully crafted for a precise fit, the iSkin solo features full body protection in a slim, bulk-free fashionably-aware package that enhances the iPhone 3G’s elegant aesthetics and sleek lines.

2)The iSkin solo’s thoughtful design allows you to protect your iPhone 3G without sacrificing functionality. You’ll enjoy the optimal convenience of completely unhindered screen, docking port, headphone and camera access, while your essential volume and power buttons remain safely and snugly protected.

3)The iSkin solo comes with a protective screen film that is ultra–clear touch compatible, and helps shield against scratching, scrapes, dust, and other damage caused by everyday use.

4)The Solo also has the iSkin revoClip that is a low-profile belt holster that keeps you and your solo+iPhone 3G well connected. Designed to face your iPhone 3G outwards, the revoClip for solo also allows you to plug in your earphones or charge your device while installed in the holster. Buying this will add $14.99 to the price of the case.

5)There is also the color-matching CERULEAN XLR earphones, that delivers up-level audio with crisp, deep and brilliantly balanced sound. Buying this will add $22.99 to the price of the case.

Also check out the iSkin Revo2 iPhone 3G Case.

Compose iPhone Emails in landscape mode with TouchType

2008-10-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason, Apple decided not to allow “landscape mode” on iPhone email. If you want to turn the phone when the web browser is open and get the larger keyboard that makes two thumb typing realistic, no problem. But the email app is portrait only.

Now a new iPhone application called TouchType (Appstore link) fixes the problem. TouchType is a new application that allows users to compose and reply to email messages in either portrait or landscape mode.

Open the application and you get a landscape mode keypad. Type an email, hit the send button and it auto-populates the email application. Type in the email addresses and you’re all set.

The application, which costs $.99, comes from the same developer, Mike Schneider, who created Direct Line (easy phone tree navigation) and Private-I (loJack for your iPhone).

This is one of the must have apps in the iPhone apps list.

Steampunk game ‘Plank’ released for iPhone

2008-10-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Freeverse Software has released a new game for the iPhone called Plank. The game costs $1.99 and is available for download from the App Store.

From the Apple Design Award winning minds of Strange Flavour and Freeverse comes Plank. A visually stunning game of marble balancing and color matching that starts with a relaxing tempo but ends with you maniacally waggling your iPhone / iPod Touch to stay in the game for just one more level!

Balance the marbles on the plank by tilting left and right and roll them to match falling marbles of the same color. Make lines of 3 or more to score points and remove the marbles. Clear the marbles quickly or the weight will be too much for the plank and it will explode. Simple to learn yet totally different, accelerometer based gameplay for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Watch out for all the amazing power-ups and specials, including the “Shake” smart bomb! Just as you’re starting to panic, shake the device and one of your limited number of Shakes will destroy a whole line of marbles.

Plank has three difficulty levels, from Normal to Nnnnaaaarghh! Features gorgeous steampunk style, and action that’ll make your friends lean in close.

How To Take a Screenshot with the iPhone

2008-10-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

While this might be iPhone 101 to some, Apple pretty much snuck this feature into their 2.0 firmware, and while we’re now at 2.1, not everyone may yet know that they can capture their iPhone screen contents with just the touch of a button — well, two buttons actually.

To take a screenshot with your iPhone or iPod Touch, just press the Home and Sleep buttons at the same time. On 2.0, the screen will flash white, while with 2.1, you’ll also get the camera shutter sound, and your screen will be captured.

To access your screenshots go to Photos and on the iPhone, look in Camera Roll, while on the iPod Touch, check out Saved Photos.

Do you know any other similar cool tips or tricks? Leave a comment.

iPhone 3G now the second best-selling US mobile handset

2008-10-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

In a little over a year, Apple's iPhone has grown to become the second best-selling mobile handset in the United States, according to NPD.

A report issued by the market research firm Monday claims the touch-screen handset now trails only Motorola's RAZR V3 on the US sales charts. It also cited a surge in sales immediately following the introduction of the iPhone 3G that has helped the device garner a 17 percent share of the overall US smartphone market.

More specifically, NPD said the iPhone 3G was the No. 1 US smartphone based on units sales from June through August, outselling the Blackberry Curve, Blackberry Pearl, and Palm Centro.
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Of those customers who purchased an iPhone during those months, 30 percent switched from other mobile carriers to join AT&T, according to the firm. That compares to 23 percent of consumers who switched carriers during the same time period for other reasons.

Nearly half of iPhone switchers (47 percent) made the jump to AT&T from rival Verizon Wireless, while 24 percent switched from T-Mobile. Another 19 percent are reported to have switched from Sprint.

"The launch of the lower-priced iPhone 3G was a boon to overall consumer smartphone sales," said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for The NPD Group. "While the original iPhone also helped win customers for AT&T, the faster network speeds of the iPhone 3G has proven more appealing to customers that already had access to a 3G network."

Fring Enables VoIP Calls Over Wi-Fi for iPhone with Skype Support

2008-10-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Fring has released the iPhone version of their service today as a free download in the App Store.

Fring allows you to chat and interact with others on a variety of networks including Skype, MSN, GoogleTalk, AIM, Yahoo, Twitter, and ICQ.

In addition, Fring offers Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) using the iPhone's Wi-Fi connection.

Features listed include:
• VoIP (Voice) Calls over WiFi
• Instant Messaging
• Integrated dynamic contact list  with real-time contact availability
• SIP integration
• Multiple Connection types

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Fring supports SkypeOut and SIP which allows you to make calls to landline and mobile phones. Some charges may apply depending on the type of call and plan. Fring is available as a free download in the App Store.

With Fring you can:
- Can call directly using iPhone to another person with iPhone running Fring
- Call MSN or Skype users that are using their computer
- Call using Skype account, which allows you to have your own Skype number and at a discount rate for international calls
- Receive phone calls using Skype with your own custom Skype number
- Use basic chat functions with most chat platforms, such as AIM, Yahoo and ICQ

Steve Jobs had said that VoIP calls over Wi-Fi was allowable in the App Store when the iPhone SDK was first released. Fring should also work with the new iPod touch, which supports an external microphone.

Handmark's ‘GTS World Racing’ iPhone Game

2008-10-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Handmark is currently running a sale on its 3D iPhone racer GTS World Racing [App Store]. The game, normally $7.99, is available for $2.99 until October 19th.

Unlike the popular Crash Bandicoot Nitro Cart 3D and Cro-Mag Rally which are kart racers that put a priority on the “zany” or “fun” elememts of racing, GTS Word Racing is one of the two App Store racing titles that strives to capture a more realistic racing experience (the other being Wingnuts Moto Racer from Freeverse).
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The game offers four play modes: Single Race, Challenge Cup, Grand Tour, and Championship. In all, the there are 64 tracks across 16 different locations. The track scenery varies from desert to jungle to icy mountainside, but despite the varying environmental textures, the tracks feel rather similar, overall.

The game world features a 3D track landscape and scrolling backdrop that come together to deliver clean visuals that look favorable compared to other iPhone racing titles.

The only real graphical complaint might be the use of 2D vehicle graphics. While there is a bit of slowdown when all cars are onscreen at once during the start of a race, the framerate is generally solid.

Speaking of vehicles, there are three different types to choose from: Sports, Coupe, and Formula. Each vehicle type offers a different combination of acceleration, speed, and handling characteristics, with the Sports vehicle providing the most rounded racing experience.

GTS World Racing features the most spot-on accelerometer control of any racing title currently available for the iPhone. It’s basically “just right.” Acceleration / breaking is achieved by tilting the iPhone forward and back while steering is controlled by rotating the iPhone clockwise and counterclockwise like a steering wheel.

Thanks to the particuarly wide “camera angle” of the game, moving down the track at full tilt delivers a satisfying sense of speed, if not one quite so dramatic as that of Moto Racer.

Run App Store Apps for iPhone in the Background

2008-10-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

A new tool called iPhone Backgrounder is now available for jailbroken phones which allows you to run official App Store apps in the background.

The timely release comes just as Apple's missed the September deadline for background push notifications.

Backgrounder is a Mobile Substrate-based extension to Apple's SpringBoard application launcher that allows applications to run in the background (applications are normally terminated upon suspension).

To enable backgrounding for the app you are currently running, you simply press and hold the home button until a message pops up telling you that "Backgrounding Enabled".

Users can also set up an XML file that will enable backgrounding on specific applications by default. Detailed instructions are provided. Users must have a jailbroken iPhone to take advantage of this application.

Apple has restricted the use of background applications due to concerns about memory and battery life, so your experience could vary.

Vocalia for iPhone allows voice recognition

2008-10-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Creaceed has released its speech-recognition software, Vocalia, for the iPhone. It allows users to access contacts for calling or emailing, without having to navigate through the iPhone Contacts app.

With Vocalia active, users speak the name they wish to call up, and the software selects a list of contacts that match or closely match the spoken name. The user can then select the name they need and call or email the contact.

The software also supports vocal shortcuts like "my best friend" and can split last and first names, allowing a search for "Joe" or "Smith."

Vocalia uses the Julius engine, a two pass, large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) decoder. It is available on the iTunes App Store for an introductory price of $4, through Oct. 18, and then will cost $8.

Apple drops iPhone NDA for released software

2008-10-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Responding to widespread criticism, Apple said Wednesday that it has decided to do away with its non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for released iPhone software while it drafts a new agreement covering just non-released software.

"We put the NDA in place because the iPhone OS includes many Apple inventions and innovations that we would like to protect, so that others don’t steal our work. It has happened before," Apple said in a statement on its iPhone developer site.

"While we have filed for hundreds of patents on iPhone technology, the NDA added yet another level of protection. We put it in place as one more way to help protect the iPhone from being ripped off by others."

Apple went on to acknowledge that the iPhone NDA "has created too much of a burden on developers, authors and others interested in helping further the iPhone’s success, so we are dropping it for released software."

The Cupertino-based company is currently drafting a new agreement without an NDA covering released software that developers will have to sign later this month.

Kroll iPhone Game from Digital Legends

2008-10-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

Digital Legends Entertainment made a splash in June when its game, Kroll, joined a parade of 11 apps previewed on stage during Steve Jobs’ Worldwide Developers Conference keynote.

As promised back in June, the action-adventure fantasy game developed for the iPhone was released in September, and is available for download from the App Store for $8.

Titles like Rastan and Golden Axe come to mind immediately when you fire up Kroll, because the game employs very simple mechanics—you move from left to right and swing a giant war-hammer at your foes.

Working with a fully realized 3-D environment, Digital Legends has dressed things up a bit in Kroll by occasionally shifting perspective and zooming in and out to give you a better view of the action, but the gameplay stays the same throughout—move, hack and slash, attacking an endless array of creatures that assault you from the front and behind, using on-screen buttons to control the action.
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There’s a story involved in Kroll—the title refers to the Lord of Life, a mystical being who is your ultimate enemy. You’re a barbarian warrior on a mission to rescue your daughter, separated from you during a great battle, and you have to battle Kroll’s minions as you make your way through an island filled with monsters (everything from giant scorpions to lava creatures).

You’ll face off three times—in “boss” battles that end each of the game’s three chapters—against a giant. In these boss sequences, the game’s perspective radically changes and so does the gameplay. It goes from a side-scrolling game to a third-person 3-D action game more reminiscent of the PS2 game “Shadow of the Colossus,” as your character is picked up and tossed about by a towering giant with bad teeth in bondage gear.

Your goal is to hit the giant at key points to disable (and eventually kill) him—it’s still button-mashing, but timed button mashing. If you succeed at the game’s highest difficult setting, you can also unlock a fourth level, according to the game’s developers.

Priced at $8 Kroll costs less than “premium” games from other developers, and that’s a good thing. Digital Legends, which is no stranger to the mobile gaming market, understands that it has to prove itself to a wary market that isn’t familiar with its work, using brand new intellectual property developed specifically for the iPhone.

IBM Lotus iNotes for iPhone 3G

2008-09-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

Bring IBM® Lotus® Domino® email, calendar, and contacts to your Apple iPhone today! Now available as IBM Lotus iNotes™ software provided in IBM Lotus Domino Web Access 8.0.2, Lotus Domino data combines with the flexibility and connectivity of the Apple iPhone.

With IBM® Lotus® iNotes software, you can equip your employees with capabilities similar to those included in IBM Lotus Notes® client software, but delivered through a Web browser.

Employees can send encrypted rich text e-mail, schedule meetings, manage tasks and collaborate with colleagues - whether they are using their own workstations, Internet kiosks or PCs that belong to other users.

Launch iNotes
Since Release 8.0.1, Domino has also had a very fast and lightweight UI for web access to your e-mail. You can use this UI with your Lotus Greenhouse iNotes mail account also. Show me more...
Launch iNotes Lite
The newest mode of the Lotus iNotes mail client is the Ultralite mode. It is designed for use on a mobile device and is initially supported on the Apple iPhone or iPod touch. It provides limited mail and contacts capability, along with a day-at-a-glance calendar. Using the Ultralite mode, with one touch Lotus iNotes users can view their Inbox, Contacts, or Day-at-a-glance Calendar.

Try it today: Experience IBM Lotus iNotes ultralite technology with no up front investment inside Lotus Greenhouse.

Features
-Access email, calendars, and contacts
-Read email with details either hidden or shown
-View email attachments
-View details on meetings, all day events, reminders, and anniversaries
-View information on contacts and groups
-Easily view your inbox
-Quickly compose or reply to email
-View day-at-a-glance calendar
-View an organized view of your contacts
-Quickly create new contact entries

Next iPhone software update to deliver Safari, App Store tweaks

2008-09-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Apple last week began testing iPhone Software v2.2 beta 1, the next software update for the iPhone and iPod touch that will deliver, among other things, subtle interface changes to Safari and a new version of the company's App Store application.

The update, expected to be released next month, has thus far shown no signs of including support for background push notification -- a feature original promised for September, but pushed back slightly as development remains a work-in-progress.

Safari
People familiar with the first beta of version 2.2 have reported a handful of smaller changes, however, such as a redesign of Safari's address bar that presents web page titles more clearly.

It also sports a relocation of the Google search field, which is now displayed to the right of the URL field by default. Under existing versions of the iPhone OS, users must tap the address bar to reveal Google search capability.
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App Store
Separately, developers have also noted a couple of changes to the App Store application shipping with the first beta of iPhone Software 2.2.

Among them is a new categories page that will feature large category icons -- not yet functional -- and more generous spacing between each listing.

Apple is also reported to have tweaked display pages for individual applications, shifting the "Tell a Friend" option from the title bar to just below the reviews summary, and adding a "Report a Problem" function that will allow shoppers to inform the company of problematic apps.

The changes to the App Store application remain a work-in-progress and are likely to be influenced by ongoing modifications to the App Store as a whole, several of which were covered earlier today.

iBlogger iPhone 3G mobile blogging

2008-09-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

illumineX has released iBlogger for the iPhone and iPod touch. The new app allows for mobile blogging, and is compatible with Blojsom, Drupal, ExpressionEngine, WordPress, TypePad and MovableType, among other formats.

iBlogger also supports taking pictures, and adding text, tags, categories and Google Maps links, the latter with a user's current location. The app is based on the Mac-based blogging application Ecto, recently acquired by illumineX.

iBlogger works on Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and supports secure HTTPS connections. It is available now at the iTunes App Store for $10.

iPhone buying can "Begin at Home"

2008-09-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Apple has announced its new "Begin at Home" iPhone buying procedure which is designed to help accelerate sales of the device during the upcoming holiday shopping season.

The process, which was detailed by AppleInsider over the weekend, lets shoppers enter their billing information and pre-qualify for iPhone's subsidized pricing from their home computer, and then make an appointment to pick up their new handset at a local Apple retail store.

The four-step process defined by Apple first requests that customers enter their credit card, billing address, age, and social security number so that an automated credit check can be performed. If successful, customers can then select a preferred calling plan and review their iPhone order.

"Once you’re done, choose your closest Apple Retail Store and let us know when you’d like to come in to complete your purchase," Apple says. "An Apple Specialist will be ready to help you personalize your new iPhone 3G, make calls, browse the web, receive email, and more."

Apple will still require that all iPhones undergo a final activation before leaving an Apple retail store.

Email downloads affected after iPhone 2.1 firmware update

2008-09-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

As much as the iPhone 2.1 firmware appears to have resolved many outstanding glitches with Apple's device, an increasing number of users say the update has broken background e-mail checks.

Dozens of users in Apple's support forums note that Mail in version 2.1 appears to drop frequent mail checks regardless of whether the device is set to fetch messages on a schedule or to push mail in real time. As a result, these users often don't receive e-mail until they check manually -- even for Exchange and MobileMe accounts that should respond almost instantly.

The problem occurs regardless of the particular iPhone model as well as the troubleshooting steps taken. While some have tried disabling the auto-lock feature to force the iPhone to stay awake, others have tried recreating accounts or restoring the phone entirely, all of which produce the same ineffectual result.
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Most of those vocal about the problem, however, have discovered that the issue seems directly tied to the power state of iPhones. As long as the handset is active or plugged into a power source, it continues to receive mail at whatever rate its email settings would dictate. In a user's pocket, however, the phone appears to stop checking altogether until it's woken for use.

A few also report even a powered device failing to receive mail as long as the screen is blank.

Apple's response to the problem has been mixed. At least some customers say they have received acknowledgement from technicians that the problem is widespread, while one Apple representative has gone so far as to briefly join in the discussions and suggest troubleshooting steps.

"I just received a telephone call from the same product specialist, and he confirms that 6 other iPhones in their building are exhibiting the exact same problem," says one of the affected iPhone owners. "This is a global problem. This in their eyes is a 'major' issue and is getting escalated as we speak."

Even so, Apple hasn't as of yet chosen to inform all its technicians and is still asking Geniuses and other staff to perform normal troubleshooting, including phone replacements. For some customers, the lack of a more public and comprehensive recognition is pushing them to consider other smartphones that don't suffer the same e-mail issues.

"Funny how there are articles on loads of sites on how 2.1 does this and that and how great it is meant to be but no one outside forums is mentioning this," one British iPhone owner states. "My friends blackberry [sic] may not look as flash and may not do all the things my iphone [sic] can, BUT IT WORKS."

Apple announces iPhone 3G USB Power Adapter exchange program

2008-09-19T16:32:00.001-07:00

Apple on Friday announced the Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program. The safety alert is aimed at all iPhone 3G owners in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and several Latin American countries.

The program allows users of iPhone 3G units with the ultracompact USB power adapter to exchange it, free of charge. Apple has initiated the exchange because of a safety issue.

“Apple has determined that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported,” said Apple.
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Apple advises users who are using the ultracompact adapter that came with their iPhone 3G to stop using them immediately until they receive a new, redesigned adapter. Users should recharge their iPhone 3G’s battery with the USB cable that came with their iPhone, connected to a computer, or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold-up prongs), or with a third-party adapter designed to work with the iPhone.

Replacement adapters will be available beginning Friday, October 10, 2008, according to Apple. You can order a replacement adapter online, or exchange the adapter at an Apple Retail Store.

If you have an ultracompact adapter with a green dot on the bottom, you already have a new, redesigned adapter and do not need to participate in this exchange program.

Vay iPhone 3G Game from SoMoGa

2008-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Despite the enormous popularity of games for the iPhone and iPod touch, some genres remain relatively untouched. The role playing game category, for example, would fill up less than a page at the App Store, and that includes dice-rolling utilities for fans of pen-and-paper Dungeons & Dragons games.

Fortunately SoMoGa has filled the gap with Vay, a graphical role playing game that’s quite fun and costs $5 on the App Store

Vay is actually a retread of Vay: Ryuusei no Yoroi, a game that was last seen for the Sega CD—an ill-fated accessory for the Sega Genesis console—way back in 1994. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, don’t worry. Though Working Designs localized this Japanese-made RPG for sale in the U.S., the Sega CD wasn’t a very popular system here, though it has its fans.Show me more...

Vay is a very typical Japanese role playing game, and features 10 minutes of anime-style cutscenes that tell the story of Heibelger, the crown prince of the medieval world of Lorath. On his wedding day, Lorath is attacked by an army of mecha—giant robots from another planet—and Elin, his bride-to-be, is kidnapped. His father, the king, is killed in the fracas, and Heibelger must go on a quest to save Lorath and Elin from certain doom.

If you’ve ever played the classic Final Fantasy games, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect in Vay. Much of your time is spent traveling over a map as you go on quests, visit different villages and towns and interact with important characters on your quest. But when you enter combat, the screen changes to an over-the-shoulder view that displays information about your party and your opponents, and combat unfolds in turn-based style.

Heibelger befriends other characters as he wends his way through the kingdom, each of them helping him build a party to face off against increasingly challenging foes. He meets a wizard, mercenary, bard and others along the way.

Vay’s interface falls a bit short when it comes time to use or discard items, manipulate equipment, magic spells or examine status—it’s pretty easy to get lost in a maze of nested menus and lose track of what you’re doing. But I have to give credit where it’s due: Vay is an engrossing and entertaining game that will definitely appeal to classic Japanese RPG fans.

Asphalt 4: Elite Racing Game for iPhone 3G and iPod Touch

2008-09-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Give Gameloft credit where it’s due: Asphalt 4: Elite Racing doesn’t look like some rehashed cell phone game. Instead, Asphalt 4 is the mobile game publisher’s answer to EA’s legendary Need for Speed franchise, and Gameloft earns props for getting it out the door before EA releases Need for Speed: Undercover, which won’t be out until November.

As it turns out, Asphalt 4: Elite Racing is indeed a cell phone game, though Gameloft has taken care to retool the game for iPhone use. It’s an underground racing game that puts you behind the wheel of more than two dozen high-speed sports cars and racing motorcycles as you take to the streets of major cities around the world looking for cash and glory.Show me more...

If you’ve seen movies like Redline or The Fast and the Furious, you’re familiar with the basic plotline. You’re a hotshot street racer clawing his way to the top of the illegal underground racing circuit. You can win trophies, sure, but you’re really in it for the money—earning cash for knocking other drivers out of the race, beating cops and generally causing lots of mayhem and destruction.

Asphalt 4 doesn’t rival Carmageddon or FlatOut (two legendarily violent PC games) for bloodshed or mayhem, but there’s plenty of knocking around as you bash other racers on the streets, smack into taxicabs and other vehicles, outrun cops or run them off the road, and use nitrous oxide boosts (that you collect on the track when you see them) to get some extra horsepower.

With each race that you win—or at least finish—you’re bound to pick up money and goodies that you can use on your rides, unlocking extra materials that will help you out. You can customize your racer with different color schemes and make extensive tuning improvements, with speed boosts, better handling, better braking and other changes. The more money you get, the more races you’ll unlock and the more real-world vehicles you’ll be able to ride. Everything from a Mini Cooper S to a Bugatti EB110 is yours for the taking, if you can handle (and afford) it. In a sexist twist, the more money you make, the more “girls” you can add to your crew; each brings unique talents (such as being a mechanic who can improve your vehicle’s performance).

Asphalt 4 even features different game modes, such as “drift,” where you attempt to drift around corners at high speeds, “beat ‘em all” and just plain racing. What’s more, the game even features multiplayer support for two iPhones or iPod touches within Wi-Fi range of each other.

Where does Asphalt 4 fall short? While the graphics are good, they’re still a bit pixilated and polygons are rather choppy. Music is irritating, and I turned it off quickly. And, bizarrely, you have a brake but no accelerator—there’s no gas pedal; the car goes off on its own, but it’s up to you to slow it down or to use nitrous oxide boosts as appropriate.

This Gameloft iPhone racing game is availbale for $9.99 on the App Store

TUNEWEAR ICEWEAR iPhone 3G case

2008-09-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

ICEWEAR for iPhone 3G utilizes TUNEWEAR's patented rib technology for a strong grip. Made of the same high-density silicone used in diving masks, ICEWEAR for iPhone 3G protects iPhone 3G from accidental bumps and drops.Show me more...

ICEWEAR iPhone 3G case leaves the iPhone 3G Multi-touch display unobscured, allowing for complete control and viewing of the screen. Embossed edges around the screen help to prevent scratching when iPhone 3G is placed facedown on a flat surface. TUNEFILM, a clear film which covers the Multi-touch display of the iPhone 3G for extra protection, is included free with every ICEWEAR iPhone 3G case and the ICEWEAR case itself sells for 24.95.

All ports on iPhone 3G are left open for easy access. The headphone jack, dock connector, camera lens and buttons are easily accessible. Attach and use the USB docking cable without the need to remove ICEWEAR from iPhone 3G.

ICEWEAR iPhone 3G case features:
- high-density silicone
- easy to put on, easy to take off
- complete access to iPhone Multi-touch display and connectors
- unobstructed view of the display
- patented rib design grips in your hand and grips to almost any surface
- clear protective film TUNEFILM included free
- washable with soap and water

SwitchEasy CapsuleNeo iPhone 3G case

2008-09-02T18:14:00.001-07:00

The ultra-revolutionary hard case for your ultra-revolutionary phone.

For an ultra-revolutionary phone such as iPhone 3G, you’ll need an ultra-revolutionary hard case to protect it. Introducing the space age Capsule Neo protection solution for your iPhone 3G.

Like the company’s earlier CapsuleRebel, the CapsuleNeo uses two separate materials to protect the device: a TactileThin silicone membrane and a GE Lexan polycarbonate H-Frame that features a patent-pending 7-point locking system to attach securely to the phone.Show me more...
Other features include tactile covers for the volume and power buttons and open access to the screen, camera, headphone jack, and Dock port. Included with the case are two TactileThin protectors, two anti-static screen protectors, a Universal Dock adapter, a video stand, protectors for the Dock connector and headphone jack, a microfiber wipe, and a squeegee for screen film application.

The SwitchEasy CapsuleNeo iPhone 3G case is available now in white or black and sells for $30.

With the Neo package, you’ll get the following
-One CapsuleNeo™ unit
-(2) TactileThin Silicon Membrane
-(2) Two anti-static Screen Guards
-One Microfiber Wipe
-One Squeegee for your Screen Guard application
-One Universal Dock Adapter
-One Video Dock Stand
-One Power Jack Connector Protector
-One Headphone Jack Protector

Case-mate Vroom iPhone 3G case

2008-09-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Case-mate has introduced its new Vroom case for the iPhone 3G. Available in black only, Vroom is a form-fitting rubber case featuring a tire tread pattern on the back of the case, as well as open access to all ports and controls.

The Case-mate Vroom iPhone 3G case is available now and sells for $15.

Features:
-Form-fit to the countour of the iPhone 3G for a superb fit
-Unique tire tread pattern
-Impact resistant rubber
-Access to all buttons and functions
-Full face screen protection included

Marware Sidewinder Deluxe iPhone 3G case

2008-08-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Marware has introduced its new Sidewinder Deluxe case for the iPhone 3G.

A complete and innovative carrying solution
The Sidewinder Deluxe is the most complete carrying and cord storage solution available in a single product. A sleek smart holster, a retractable sidearm cord winder, and a sleek stand-alone scratch-resistant clear Flexi-Shell case are all included in this versatile product.

As an added feature, the Sidewinder Deluxe holster works with Marware’s Sport Grip for the iPhone 3G. This innovative carrying solution allows you the ultimate flexibility in carrying your iPhone 3G.
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The protective shell provides a sleek, low-profile carrying case ideal for use in a pocket, purse, or bag. It’s slim, fits anywhere and provides an ideal blend of protection and easy access to your iPhone. Snap the Flexi-Shell into the holster and combine the benefits of a shell case with the flexibility of a holster case.

The holster’s retractable sidearm slides out from behind so you can wrap your headphones for secure storage. A removable, low-profile belt clip lets you wear the Sidewinder Deluxe on a belt or waistband. Black and White Flexi-Shell color options sold separately and available soon.

The Sidewinder Deluxe iPhone 3G case also includes clear protective film and a microfiber cleaning cloth, and is available now for $35.

Features
-Slim, clear scratch-resistant Flexi-Shell case
-Dual-purpose, smooth snap-in holster
-Retractable, patented sidearm cord management system
-Get a hip case, a pocket case and cord management all with a single product
-Holster also works with Marware’s Sport Grip for iPhone 3G (sold separately)
-BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth included
-Marware’s Lifetime Guarantee

Sony rolls out new iPhone-ready car stereo, others

2008-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Sony has introduced three new iPod-ready car stereos. The CDX-GT630UI features the ability to connect directly to both iPods and iPhones via USB, and Passenger Control which allows passengers to control the connected device while being charged.

Other features include front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs, a flip-down detachable faceplate, and a 13-segment, LCD with black LED display. The CDX-GT430IP comes with a 1.5 meter cable featuring a 30-pin connector to provide full menu control and charging for iPod.

It too offers Passenger Control, as well as a black LED screen and front and rear/sub preamp outputs. Finally, the CDX-GT330 offers compatibility with the $50 XA-120IP adapter to allow for charging and head unit control of iPods.

Sony’s CDX-GT630UI, CDX-GT430IP and CDX-GT330 head units all include a wireless remote control, and will sell for $160, $130, and $100, respectively, when they go on sale in September.

Study points to network weakness as source of iPhone 3G woes

2008-08-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

The results of an informal study of iPhone 3G users worldwide are in, and they suggest that problems with 3G networks -- not the iPhone's hardware -- are the source of a growing number of complaints about poor reception and download speeds.

Commissioned by Wired nearly two weeks ago, the study sought the voluntary participation of iPhone 3G users around the world to test their iPhone's network connection at TestMyiPhone.com and submit the honest results of those speed tests to an interactive Zeemap.

After analyzing over 2,600 submissions (and more than a thousand others that were discarded because they were either blank or included an incomplete set of results), Wired concluded that the widely reported iPhone data speed problems "have more to do with carriers' networks than with Apple's handsets."

Overall, the user-submitted results show that 3G networks are performing faster than EDGE around the world -- as would be expected. The best case scenarios reported 3G performance that was seven times that of EDGE, while other scenarios had 3G performing just as slowly as EDGE. In the worse case scenarios, users reported that they were unable to connect to 3G at all.

In particular, participants in Australia reported the slowest average 3G download speeds of about 759 Kbps, while users in Germany and the Netherlands reported the fastest average 3G download speeds of approximately 2,000 Kbps.

When breaking down regional results tied to a specific carrier, AT&T of the U.S. reportedly tied for third with Telstra, Telia and Softbank, with users of those networks reporting average download speeds of roughly 990 Kbps. European T-Mobile users reported the fastest average speeds of 1,822 Kbps, while Canadian carriers Rogers and its partner Fido ranked second with an average download speed of about 1,330 Kbps.

However, Wired said that US participants account for more than 75 percent of zero-data results, presumably because those users were dropped from AT&T's 3G network during their speed tests. Among the U.S. areas that fared the worst were some major metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco, where 10 out of 30 participants reported 3G speeds that barely match that of EDGE.

The fact that European networks appear to be outperforming those in the United States is likely a result their maturity, the report added. While AT&T began rolling out its 3G network in the U.S. in 2004, some of Europe's 3G networks have been undergoing refinements since 2001.

iPhone Factory Worker Photos Found on New iPhone

2008-08-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

While we have heard of brand new iPhones coming with photos from the factory, it was not very sure what to make of them.

But a Forum user markm49uk on MacRumors found something more remarkable. Photos of one of the factory workers on his brand new iPhone::

markm49uk said...

Not sure if this is or is not the 'norm' but I just received my brand new iPhone here in the UK and once it had been activated on iTunes I found that the home screen (the screen you can personalise with a photo) already had a photo set against it !!!!

It would appear that someone on the production line was having a bit of fun

Check out some more more photos if you will on the forum discussion thread.

Apple launches iPhone 2.0.2 update

2008-08-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

In a quick turnaround from 2.0.1, Apple on Monday evening released version 2.0.2 firmware for iPhone and iPod touch.

The 248.7MB update is available only through iTunes and comes just two weeks after version 2.0.1.

In traditional Apple form, no specific issues are identified in the current release notes, which only indicate "bug fixes" for the mobile operating system.

Past claims by alleged insiders and users have suggested that the update may fix connectivity problems causing dropped calls and unintended switches from 3G to the 2G EDGE network.

Notes on the release follow:
-No new settings appear to have been included.
-Some users report faster browsing, though this may be due to cleared cache.
-Typing lag may be reduced.
-Apps don't require updates; NetShare still works.
-Transition from music list to Coverflow has changed

App makes stop motion films on iPhone

2008-08-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Watch It Change is a new application for the iPhone available for purchase from the App Store for $6.99. It lets you use your iPhone to create stop motion movies and time lapse films.

Watch It Change works using the iPhone’s built-in camera. You create a project with the movie’s title, add credits, the create your film.

You can share what you’ve done on the Watch It Change Web site, where they also sell a special stand developed to hold the iPhone in place while you’re making your shots.

Apple to fix iPhone 3G reception issues via software?

2008-08-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dropped calls and choppy Web surfing on Apple's latest smartphone stem from an Infineon chip. A fix is on the way.

Complaints over dropped calls and choppy Web connections on Apple's iPhone 3G have sparked a wave of debate in the blogosphere over the root cause of the problems. Two well-placed sources tell BusinessWeek.com the glitches are related to a chip inside Apple's music-playing cell phone. The sources add that Apple (AAPL) plans to remedy the problems through a software upgrade rather than through a more disruptive step, such as a product recall.

The news reinforces analysis by Richard Windsor of Nomura Securities, who said in an Aug. 12 report that the problem involves a communications chip made by Munich-based Infineon Technologies (IFX). Faulty software on the chip causes problems when the iPhone needs to switch from wireless networks that allow for faster Web downloads to slower ones, the people say. Show me more...

Users of the iPhone 3G complain they're unable to get the faster connections available on so-called 3G, or third-generation, wireless networks even in some areas where 3G networks are in place. Owners also lament frequent shifting between high-speed and slower-speed networks during calls and Web sessions. The handoffs sometimes result in dropped calls. The problem is affecting 2% to 3% of iPhone traffic, the people say. That compares with a dropped-call rate of around 1% for all traffic for AT&T (T), Apple's exclusive partner in the U.S. "This is a problem, but it's not a catastrophe," one of the sources says.

Still, it's causing enough disruption that the Internet is abuzz with complaints over the phone's performance and speculation over how much blame lies with Infineon's chips. Infineon spokesman Guenther Gaugler declines to comment on the chip's performance in the iPhone 3G, but says the chips haven't resulted in comparable problems in other phones, including those made by Samsung. "Our 3G chips are, for example, used in Samsung handsets and we are not aware of such problems there," Gaugler says.

Apple, which has refused to acknowledge there is a problem with the iPhone's performance, declined to comment for this story. AT&T issued a statement saying, "Overall, the new iPhone is performing just great on our 3G network."

One source says the problem lies squarely with Infineon's technology, which is fairly new and untested in high volumes outside a lab setting. Not only is the iPhone shipping in much higher volumes than other handsets, it's also gobbling up far more 3G minutes as owners use it to surf the Web, watch YouTube (GOOG) videos, and utilize other bandwidth-hogging services.

As much as the chip may be the chief problem, glitches may also stem from Apple's software or the AT&T network. Part of the role of the Infineon chip is to check whether there's enough 3G bandwidth available in a given area. If 3G isn't available or there isn't enough bandwidth, the iPhone will be shifted to a slower network.

One source says Apple programmed the Infineon chip to demand a more powerful 3G signal than the iPhone really requires. So if too many people try to make a call or go on the Internet in a given area, some of the devices will decide there's insufficient power and switch to the slower network—even if there is enough 3G bandwidth available.

Best Buy Mobile to Carry iPhone 3G

2008-08-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Best Buy announced today that it will carry Apple's revolutionary iPhone 3G at Best Buy Mobile stores nationwide beginning September 7.

"The iPhone has changed the way people think about their mobile phones, and we are delighted to help more customers get their hands on this revolutionary product," said Brian J. Dunn, president and chief operating officer, Best Buy. "Our Best Buy Mobile employees have the training and expertise to deliver the best experience possible for our customers - from the initial purchase through the life of their iPhones." Show me more...

The new iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast(1), built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store, which is a built-in application on every iPhone running iPhone 2.0 software.

Best Buy Mobile plans to sell the iPhone 3G at the suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 8GB model and $299 (US) for the 16GB model. iPhone 3G requires a new two-year contract with provider AT&T for qualifying customers.

All Best Buy stores also offer Apple's iPod, the world's most popular music player, and more than 600 Best Buy stores nationwide carry Apple's industry-leading line of Macintosh computers including the MacBook Air, the world's thinnest notebook, and the award-winning iMac.

With the addition of Apple's iPhone 3G, Best Buy Mobile offers one of the best and the most complete array of wireless carriers and handsets available from one retailer. Best Buy Mobile offers consumers wireless plans from as many as nine carriers and up to 95 devices.

Jobs: 60 million downloads, $30 million sales in App Store’s first month

2008-08-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Apple Inc.'s bet on cellphone software appears to be paying off.

In the month since Apple opened an online software clearinghouse called the App Store, users have downloaded more than 60 million programs for the iPhone, Chief Executive Steve Jobs said in an interview at Apple's headquarters. While most of those applications were free, Apple sold an average of $1 million a day in applications for a total of about $30 million in sales over the month, Mr. Jobs said.

If sales stay at the current pace, Apple stands to reap at least $360 million a year in new revenue from the App Store, Mr. Jobs said. "This thing's going to crest a half a billion, soon," he added. "Who knows, maybe it will be a $1 billion marketplace at some point in time."

"I've never seen anything like this in my career for software," he said.

Apple isn't likely to derive much in the way of direct profit from the business, Mr. Jobs acknowledged. It is keeping only 30% of the proceeds from application sales -- about enough to cover expenses from credit-card transactions and other costs of running the online store -- while the programs' creators keep 70%.

Instead, Mr. Jobs is betting applications will sell more iPhones and wireless-enabled iPod touch devices, enhancing the appeal of the products in the same way music sold through Apple's iTunes has made iPods more desirable.

Finally, Jobs confirmed that Apple has the capability to remotely disable any software purchased from the App Store, but argued that Apple needs it in case it inadvertently allows a malicious program, such as one that stole users’ personal data, to be distributed to iPhones through the App Store. “Hopefully we never have to pull that lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to pull,” Jobs said.

Facebook 1.1 for iPhone

2008-08-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Facebook for iPhone is currently the most popular social-networking application on the App Store, which says as much about the 90 million active users on Facebook as it does about the iPhone app.

The app is divided into five sections with tabs along the bottom to navigate. Home lets you track the status of your friends, as well as update your own status with text or photos (taken within the app or chosen from your iPhone photo library). You can tap on the blue arrow next to any message to open that person’s profile.

The second tab is titled with your first name—it’s your profile. The Friends tab displays your friends in a alphabetical list similar to the iPhone’s own Contacts application, but with thumbnails for friends who’ve set a photo for their profiles.
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Chat takes you to the chat interface, which is broken up into Available Friends and Idle Friends; from here you can start an SMS-like chat with a friend. (Chat uses the Facebook Chat feature, so there are no additional fees involved, as with actual SMS texting on the iPhone). And Inbox lists any messages sent to you—click on one to read and, if you want, reply.

When you open up a profile, you get access to a person’s wall (you can read what’s on it or write something), mini-feed, and photos, as well as personal information such as networks, place of work, birthday, e-mail address, and interests. From a profile, you can also send a message to, chat with, or poke a friend. In short, the app provides you with a relatively quick and responsive interface for keeping in touch with your friends.

What the Facebook app doesn’t do is let you search for or invite new friends, nor does it let you accept friend invitations from others. It also doesn’t show notifications, and can't access any Facebook applications—sorry, no Pirates Vs. Ninjas on your iPhone. In other words, the app is nice for very specific interacting with your current network, but not expanding it.

Virgin Mobile becomes fourth Australian iPhone provider

2008-08-06T07:02:00.001-07:00

It was a bit of a surprise when Apple first announced that any countries would have the option to get iPhone service from more than one carrier, but Australia’s now taken that to the next level.

Unlike Americans, who are locked, stocked, and barreled into AT&T, the land of Oz now allows its citizens to choose from four different providers, giving them the undisputed crown of "most iPhone providers in a given country" (until they are inevitably unseated by Muhammad Ali).

Vodafone and Optus were the first companies to announce their presence in Australia, but they were later joined by the country’s largest provider, Telstra. Now, a fourth mobile phone operator has entered the fray: Virgin Mobile Australia. Show me more...

Virgin’s default plan costs AUD$70 per month for a term of 24-months, most of which goes towards the price of the phone (for which you pay nothing upfront). That plan includes AUD$520 of monthly included credit and 1GB of data. Calls on Virgin’s network are charged by the rate of AUD$0.40 per thirty seconds, along with an AUD$0.40 connection fee (that’ll get you about 433 one-minute phone calls, though obviously the bang for your buck improves if you talk longer). If you’d like take more advantage of the iPhone’s data connection, you can choose the AUD$100/month plan to bump your monthly data limit up to 5GB.

In either case, you get free calls and texts to other Virgin Mobile customers, and free voicemail. You’ll pay AUD$0.25 per text to send messages to Australians on other networks, and AUD$0.35 for texting people overseas. And, if you do exceed your data limit, you’ll pay 0.2cAUD (yes, that’s a twentieth of a cent) per KB of overage.

Unfortunately, it seems the Virgin Mobile plan was pretty attractive to its customers—the company's website says they're already out of stock on both the 8GB and 16GB models.

At the end of the day, the relative paucity of choices in most other countries—the U.S. included—makes me long for the kind of options that Aussies get.

Apple releases iPhone 2.0.1 Software Update

2008-08-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Apple on Monday evening released iPhone 2.0.1 Software Update, the first maintenance and security update for iPhone 3Gs and first-generation iPhones running iPhone Software 2.0.

To download and install the 249.2MB update, connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC and select it in iTunes. Then hit the "Check for Update" button. iTunes will initiate a grueling backup of your existing iPhone's software before installing the the update.

In a scant set of release notes, Apple said iPhone Software 2.0.1 delivers "bug fixes." Readers are encouraged to post their experiences and findings while using the new software in the comments section for this post.

Ten step guide to NetShare setup on iPhone 3G

2008-08-03T23:03:00.001-07:00

A tiny company called Nullriver today released what is arguably one of the most useful iPhone applications to date: NetShare. With a tiny bit of configuring, the $10 software allows you to share your iPhone's EDGE or 3G connection with your Mac notebook (or any computer in general).

The following is a compilation of a 10-step guide that will simplify the configuration process and provide an overview of the software for those who may be considering it as a purchase.

For those who don't fully grasp the power of wireless tethering provided by applications like NetShare, think of it as instantly having 3G or EDGE Internet access on your MacBook anywhere you have 3G or EDGE access on your iPhone.Show me more...

If you were on a road trip, for instance, and suddenly received a call from your boss requesting a file residing on the MacBook sitting on the seat next to you, you could pull over, wirelessly connect your MacBook to your iPhone's Internet connection using NetShare, email the file from the side of the road, and then continue on with your trip. There's no need to search for a hotspot.

Alternatively, you could surf the web at a beach that has no WiFi hotspots, or provide live textual coverage of Steve Jobs' next keynote straight from the Moscone Center in San Francisco once the available wireless networks become over saturated and melt down. Of course, these are just some examples. For those considering NetShare (available from this App Store link), see the following configuration guide:

Configuring NetShare after downloading it to your iPhone

Step 1: Open "System Preferences" on your Mac and go to the "Network" section.

Step 2: Locate your Wi-Fi (AirPort) interface and choose "Create Network..." from the Network Name drop down.

Step 3: Pick a network name, such as "NetShare" and optionally provide a password.

Step 4: Now click "Advanced" for the Wi-Fi interface.

Step 5: Select the TCP/IP tab and enter a TCP/IP address (Using HDHCP with manual address) for your computer, such as 192.168.10.2

Step 6: Now click the "Proxies" tab and select and enable the SOCKS Proxy option, specify your iPhone's IP (which you will configure on your iPhone later) for the Proxy Server and enter 1080 for the port field. If you used 192.168.10.2 for your Mac, you would want to use 192.168.10.1 for your iPhone (and the "SOCKS Proxy Server").

Step 7: Now click "OK" and then click "Apply." Your Mac is now configured. Time to configure your iPhone.

Step 8: Now, go to "Settings" on your iPhone and select the "Wi-Fi" option. Click the blue Arrow next to the Wi-Fi network you selected and choose "Static" for the "IP Address" option.

Step 9: In the "IP Address" field enter the iPhone IP address you entered into your Mac earlier (192.168.10.1).

Step 10: Now hit the home button on your iPhone, launch the NetShare app and try and access a page on your Mac in Safari. You should be all set.

Now Tips for easier switching between Wi-Fi and a NetShare connection
If you purchase NetShare, chances are that you'll be using it only in the event that Wi-Fi or a faster Internet connection is not available. Therefore, you'll find it easier to switch back and forth between a standard Wi-Fi connection in your home and a NetShare connection if you create a separate network connection for NetShare in your Mac's Network system preferences before completing the steps above.

To do this, click the + button below the existing network connections in your Mac's Networks preference pane.

Leave AirPort selected as the network interface and put "NetShare" for the service name.

You should now see a "NetShare" network connection option in your Network preference pane. Select it. Choose "Create Network..." and then skip to Step 3 from above.

Switching between Wi-Fi and NetShare connections
Once you have network configurations for both your Wi-Fi (AirPort) and NetShare, you can switch between them more easily by deactivating one and activating the other via sprocket-like button

Troubleshooting
We've found that NetShare won't function properly on a slow EDGE connection, even if configured correctly, if you don't establish a quick EDGE connection just prior to launching the NetShare app in the middle of Step 10. So just before launching NetShare, launch Safari on your iPhone and load any webpage.

Once the iPhone has established an EDGE connection and is downloading the webpage, hit the Home button, launch NetShare, and then try and access the web via your Mac again. It should work this time.

iChat
When using iChat with NetShare, be sure to enable the "Use Proxy" option in iChat's preferences.

Enigmo iPhone 3G Game from Pangea Software

2008-07-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Pangea Software is a veteran of the Mac game industry, so it’s understandable that the company would repurpose some of its most popular games for the iPhone.

One of those is Enigmo, a physics-based puzzle game that’s made a nice transition to the new platform—nice enough to net an Apple Design Award at this year’s World Wide Developer Conference.

Enigmo is a 3-D puzzle game in which you have to manipulate various objects—slides, bumpers, cannons and such—to maneuver cascading streams of flowing liquid from one vessel to another.

You can move or rotate the puzzle pieces to divert the stream of droplets so they can reach their target. The faster you manage this the better, as your points are determined by your speed (and a rapidly descending bonus clock in one corner of the screen). Show me more...

Enigmo uses the iPhone’s pinching multi-touch control to let you zoom in and out of action; you can control the orientation and direction of your puzzle pieces by clicking on them and rotating with your finger.

In between each level, you can save, just like in the Mac OS X version of this game, which makes it simple to restore if you need to quit or take a break.

The game’s 50 levels get progressively more difficult, with more obstacles, more puzzle pieces, and different kinds of fluids (water, oil, and lava) to keep track of.

Some of the puzzle pieces can be a bit confusing to use and some of the levels can use a bit of play-balancing to make them less difficult, but all told it’s a lot of fun.

There’s no music to speak of, but Pangea’s populated Enigmo with sound effects of fluid hitting objects and funneling through the various puzzle pieces, which creates a rhythm all its own. And while the background in the above screenshot may seem rather stark, the colorful puzzle pieces and animation make Enigmo a feast for the eyes, too.

Enigmo is compatible with any iPhone and iPod touch running the iPhone 2.0 software update. This game is AVAILABLE ON THE ITUNES APP STORE for $9.99