MacRumors and iPhone Alley ‘Macworld Finale Bash’

As this could very well be the last Macworld event, MacRumors.com is co-hosting a "Macworld Finale Bash" with iPhone Alley on the evening of the keynote speech -- Tuesday, January 6th, 2009.

The party/meetup will be held at Ji...

Presentation on Hacking the iPhone by the Dev Team

Quick 12 Apps of Christmas: We-Envision

Alan Oppenheimer of Open Door Networks was kind enough to send us the video above from their Christmas Card page. He also provided us with a great background story:

We’ve been doing software for Apple products for over a quarter of a century. 25 years ago today I think I personally was finishing up some code for the network (”AppleTalk”) for the new “Macintosh” computer that Apple was going to introduce in less than a month (”You’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984′”). I worked at Apple for 11 years, then started Open Door Networks 14 years ago. At Open Door we’ve done mainly Macintosh security software (blog at http://www.isfym.com), but also did a consumer product called Envision. When we (Open Door Networks + Project A = We-Envision.com) went to see what type of security software we could create for the iPhone, we determined there really wasn’t any (really — see blog entries), so we looked around for what else we could do, and Envision seemed like a natural fit. And it sure was, having now evolved into 25 different products! Our first and flagship product, iEnvision, shipped on day one (July 11) and we haven’t looked back since (we haven’t had time!).

We also have a surprise planned for Macworld in a week!

If you’ve had a chance to try out any of the Envision apps, drop us a comment and let us know what you think!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Quick 12 Apps of Christmas: We-Envision

AT&T restores service after outages

AT&T on Monday said it had restored service after service outages hit the wireless carrier.

Review: Google Earth for iPhone

There’s an undeniable coolness to this mobile version of Google’s 3-D mapping tool. But in getting the app from the desktop to your iPhone, Google had to impose limitations that ultimately make this mobile app less useful than its desktop counterpart.

What is the deal with the iPhone nano?

Adding to a small stack of rumors about a supposed iPhone nano, case-maker Vaja today quietly added the category to its website (pictured after the break). Frankly, we're not sure what to think. There are a number of ways in which Apple could produce a cheaper phone or alter its subsidy deals, so the idea of an iPhone that's simply smaller makes very little sense. Yet, here we are showing off the site of a reputable accessory manufacturer with a brand new phone listed -- ostensibly just a teensy version of the iPhone 3G. Of course, this is probably just rumor, speculation, lies, corruption, signs of an unquenchable thirst for power, and a glimpse at the machinations behind one of the greatest conspiracies mankind has ever known. So, we're posing the question to the biggest brains of all: the Engadget reader. Is Apple working on an iPhone nano?

View Poll

Continue reading What is the deal with the iPhone nano?

Filed under: Cellphones

What is the deal with the iPhone nano? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12seconds, Animoto release iPhone apps for video slideshows

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Developer, iPhone, Graphic Design, App Store

12seconds.tv is a site that started up a little while ago that seems to be aiming at a "Twitter-for-video" kind of idea -- you upload just twelve seconds of video, whether that's you saying something, video of a short scene, or whatever else you want. The site was in alpha but has recently opened up to beta (so anyone can join), and they've also released an iPhone app, available for 99 cents in the App Store right now.

"But wait, Mike," I hear you saying, "the iPhone doesn't record video!" And it still doesn't, but it does record pictures and audio, and the 12seconds app will combine a slideshow of three pictures you take with any 12 seconds of audio you record, thus creating a close approximation of a 12 second video. You can see my sample upload here, just a few pictures of my apartment's hallway and some Mountain Goats playing from my speakers. You can use pics you've already taken, and the whole process of recording, combining, and uploading works pretty well. You don't have any control over how the images slide across: it's more of a "throw it all into the mix and hope something good comes out" thing.

It's an interesting idea, and while you're paying a buck for a social networking video app that can't actually record video (not that that's 12seconds' fault, Apple), you could probably come up with some pretty creative stuff, from the artistic and witty to the requisite cat videos (because no video site is complete without a cute kitty). It's definitely not a video replacement for the iPhone, but for uploading quick and simple snippets of experience from wherever you are, it does the job.

For a different approach to photo-based videos generated on your iPhone, you can check out the free Animoto app, released last week by the website of the same name. Animoto will take 8-16 photos from your iPhone or iPod touch, let you order them and select musical accompaniment (from a provided but fairly ample list of tracks; you can't use your own music or record a soundtrack). The app then uploads your images to the Animoto site and cranks out a 30 second, montage-style video for you. You can stream the video back to your iPhone, or send it along to friends. If Techcrunch gushes about it, well, you know it must be just awesome, right?

12seconds, Animoto release iPhone apps for video slideshows originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

12seconds, Animoto release iPhone apps for video slideshows originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vaja Also Hints at iPhone Nano?

Relatively well-known iPhone case manufacturer Vaja has curiously added an "iPhone Nano" listing to their website. The link simply directs you to a form asking you to sign up for information about "the upcoming release of our iPhone nano c...

Smule’s Zephyr sends snowy messages around the world

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, Internet, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

As much as I hate to do it, I'm always willing to admit when I'm wrong, and I was wrong about Ocarina. Not about the app itself, per se -- I still think it's one of the silliest, most pointless apps I've see on the App Store. But it has been nothing but popular since its release, so apparently lots of people out there are into it. That's fine -- I'm willing to accept that there are best-selling apps out there that I think are dumb.

And maybe this will be another one: Smule, the company behind Ocarina, has decided to follow up with a new app called Zephyr (not to be confused with the MacBook cooling system) that seems just as silly to me. You can draw out messages with an airy sound-and-snowflake interface, and then send those messages blowing around the world (represented, in the official video above, by Las Vegas) to random people who, if they like your messages, will pass them on around the Internet. "What's the point?" you might say, and in that opinion, I'd agree with you. There are lots of ways to send messages around the world, and more than a few of them are quite free and will let you be clearer than drawing snow with wind sounds in the background.

But then again, I didn't see a point to Ocarina, and that made plenty of money. Zephyr is available on the App Store right now for 99 cents. And if you do jump in and buy it, make sure to tell us exactly why in the comments below.

Smule's Zephyr sends snowy messages around the world originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Smule's Zephyr sends snowy messages around the world originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our Favorite iPhone Apps: Your turn

We’ve listed our 38 favorite iPhone and iPod touch apps. But readers have lists of their own, so we’re passing along a smattering of their selections.

The iPhone Blog Week in Review for December 29, 2008

Every week I will be bringing you what I think are the week’s biggest stories and articles. Let’s get started, after the break!

Review: Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G

Looking for an armband for your iPhone? Look no further than Marware’s Sportsuit Convetable! Not only is this “case” an armband, but it doubles as a belt holder too. Click to read more!

HardcoreElement Giveaways!

Check out these cases! Very cool! We will be announcing ways to win these cases in the new year!

Did you just get an iPhone 3G for the holidays?

Then look no further than our guides on getting started with your iPhone! Remember, we have Jailbreak guides and the forums are always a great place to look for answers to your questions too!

MacHeist Free Apps!

Were you lucky enough to get in on the MacHeist free app action? They gave away Mac and iPhone apps for FREE on Christmas! Read on to see what was available!

Citrix for iPhone!

This is very exciting! I use Citrix at work and I would love to have the ability to directly access Citrix without having to remote in to my desktop! Man, I can’t wait for this one!

Multitouch gestures for iPhone patent

Swipe your finger(s) up, down, left and right on your iPhone’s keyboard to accomplish tasks such as deletions and adding spaces. I sure hope this one comes! Perhaps in the newest firmware? One can only hope!

Looking for that $99 iPhone? Look no further than AT&T!

That is right! AT&T now has refurbished 8GB iPhone 3G’s for $99. What a deal!

Another way to make iPhone ringtones from Tekzilla!

Hmph, who knew! I did it another way, this looks almost as easy!

Fake iPhone Nano shots hit the net

I am interested in this rumor too. Hey, it is worthwhile checking out the pics anyway. What do you think? Will their be an iPhone Nano announced at Macworld?

iPhones go on sale at Wal-Mart!

The day has finally arrived! Not for the $99 they were rumored to be (AT&T has that one), but still, getting iPhone’s into the nations number one retailer is a good thing!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

The iPhone Blog Week in Review for December 29, 2008

Contract-free iPhones selling in France

Filed under: iPhone

When Apple was planning to sell the iPhone in France, Orange was identified as the exclusive carrier. The problem was that France prohibits a carrier lock to extend beyond 6 months. Additionally, French provider Bouygues Telecom SA filed a complaint with the Competition Council about that agreement back in September.

A decision was reached earlier this month when the Competition Council decided that any French carrier should be able to offer the iPhone 3G. While Bouygues Telecom and SFR (the second-largest carrier in France) haven't begun selling iPhones, retailer FNAC has, and they're unlocked as far as we can tell. It's unclear (at least to us) if they're unlocked completely or only open to French carriers.

For the low, low price of €799 (or $1,122US as of this writing), you'll get an unlocked 8GB iPhone. The 16GB model will set you back €899 ($1,262US).

While we're on the topic, you can learn how to unlock your iPhone here.

[Via Ars Technica]

Contract-free iPhones selling in France originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Contract-free iPhones selling in France originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Developing a Home Media Server?

9to5Mac reports that Apple has been working on a home media server to access your iTunes and other files anywhere you have internet access. The site compares it to HP's Media Smart Server which offers a centralized location for backup, storage and f...

iPhone Cellular Network Data Meter Dialed Down After Reboot?

Bla1ze brought this to our attention and while we’re likely not the first to notice this, we haven’t found or figured a good answer for it either. If you have a low data usage on your iPhone (in the MBs rather than GBs) and you do a reboot, when your iPhone comes back up, the Cellular Network Data meter will be lower.

Above are two screen shots taken right before and right after a reboot, which show the difference.

We’ve heard before that the usage meter isn’t accurate, can be gamed, and shouldn’t be used in place of your carrier’s official record (especially if you’re concerned about data charges), but if anyone has any insight into what’s going on (or not going on) with regards to the iPhone’s inner metering, drop us a comment and let us know.

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

iPhone Cellular Network Data Meter Dialed Down After Reboot?

Refurbished iPhones now starting from $99 at AT&T

AT&T has further dropped the prices on the refurbished iPhone 3Gs that it's selling.

Review: iGrip Custom Fit Flexible Mount for iPhone 3G

The iGrip Custom Fit Flexible Mount for iPhone 3G is available in the TiPb Store for $19.95. This mount is an excellent alternative to having your iPhone float freely within the cabin of your car. In a day when more focus is being placed on distracted drivers, this mount allows you to affix your iPhone 3G and view the display while keeping both hands on the wheel. How does it measure up? Read on for the full review!

First Impressions

There are very few pieces to the iGrip; holder for the iPhone, the flexible ”gooseneck” with suction cup and suction cup mount (for dashboards, etc). The quality of this product is top-notch. The holder is solid plastic, no fear of cracks here, and the gooseneck is very strong, almost too strong! The added mount is useful too. I found mounting the iGrip from my window, just below the rearview mirror works perfect for me, but it really depends on the vehicle. 

Daily Use

After thoroughly cleaning the interior windshield of my car (for those that want to know, it’s a 2007 Honda Accord sedan) I had to experiment with where to place the mount. Windshield? Dashboard? Somewhere by the gearshift? After experimenting with various locations, I decided upon the windshield. This is the perfect location for me. I typically keep my iPhone in the drivers-side arm rest. This works OK, but I always have to look down at the screen. This, of course can be distracting. So, the eye-level positioning of the iGrip from the windshield is just perfect for me.

Once installed (this took about 3 seconds- simply find your location and press down on the suction lever…) the iGrip was secure. I only noticed a slight wobble from the base-neck of the device, but it “play” simply stems from the rubber suction affixing itself to the gooseneck. It can be quite challenging to manipulate the gooseneck to your desired position however, but this is a good thing. You see, once the iPhone is mounted, you don’t want that neck swaying anywhere!

Using the mount is a joy! I can easily reach my iPhone homescreen to change my music (the Belkin TuneCast Auto works well) and access Google Maps.

The real disappointment with the iGrip has to do with the oversight of the 30-pin connector on the bottom of the iPhone. While the connector is still accessible for FM Transmitters and A/C power adapters, it is not completely flush. Knowing that people would mount the iGrip in their cars and need power, I would think the engineers would have devised a way to securely hold the iPhone in place while not hurting the connectors functionality. So remember, though the adapters plug in, there is an ever-so-slight extra push you have to give any adapter to plug it in smoothly.

I did find an great use for the iGrip while driving. I had to look up a phone number for an Indian restaurant I was going to (I had to make sure they still had the buffet). So, I tapped the Google Mobile App and spoke the name. Amazingly, the Google App picked my voice and successfully completed my search! Man, it was great.

Conclusion

I may seem a bit giddy, but I have not been this excited about an accessory since the Griffin PowerDuo! This mount just frees up some much space for me in the car and the ease of accessibility using apps like Google’s Mobile App, just make the package that much more appealing. If you need a car mount, look no further that the iGrip, for $19.95, it is well worth it!

I have tried to include plenty of pictures so you really get a sense of what this looks like inside the vehicle; enjoy!

Pros:

• The iPhone is held securely in place. No worries of it falling out
• Flexible arm that is very strong. It does not sway on the window or dashboard easily
• You can keep your eyes on the road while using the iPhone! It’s a savior!

Cons:

• The bottom of the holster ever so slightly prevents a charger or radio transmitter from fitting 100% securely. Still useable, but I wish they had accounted for this in the design. 

TiPb Review Rating: 4/5

         

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: iGrip Custom Fit Flexible Mount for iPhone 3G

Sketches on sale through December 31

Filed under: Software, iPhone, iPod touch

The highly-rated and popular drawing app for the iPhone and iPod touch, Sketches, has been on sale through Christmas. Now LateNiteSoft has extended the sale through December 31 to give more people the opportunity to draw on their pocket devices.

Sketches (click for TUAW review) is not only fun to let the kids play with, but it's great for creating quick drawings and annotating iPhone pictures. It comes with a bunch of pre-created shapes, you can use photos or a map of your current location for a background, and there's even an eraser available. It's the most drawing fun you can have without a Newton MessagePad (by the way, my MP2100 will be accompanying me to Macworld Expo again next week).

Sketches has been a favorite in the App Store (click opens iTunes) since July, and it's now in version 1.4. The App normally sells for US$4.99 / €3.99 in the App Store, but during the sale it is discounted 60% to the low price of US$1.99 / €1.59.

Jorge Llubía, co-founder of LateNiteSoft, has stated that there will be a 1.5 release, and then Sketches 2.0 will be released with major new features. Both of the upgrades will be free to registered users.

Sketches on sale through December 31 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sketches on sale through December 31 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Text messages small on content, big on profit

Text messaging rates may seem high to the user, but the truth is they're very high for what it actually costs the carriers.

Review: iPhone Wikipedia apps

Scott McNulty reviews three paid Wikipedia clients for the iPhone and iPod touch. Wikipanion Plus is the most feature-rich and best-designed Wiki search app of the bunch. The low cost WikiPDA will appeal to people who want to look things up quickly. And Look Up: Encyclopedia For Your Pocket falls somewhere in the middle.

Merry iPod touch Xmas for App Sales

Macrumors is reporting that the large numbers of iPod touch mobile devices received this Xmas has created a mini boom for the App Store, with an average tripling or quadrupling of downloads post Dec. 25th, even on titles outside the Top 100 spotlight.

Browser share for the iPod touch likewise spiked on Xmas morning.

Did you get an iPhone or an iPod touch for Xmas? If so, what Apps did you download?

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Merry iPod touch Xmas for App Sales