iPhone 3G spotted in Apple Store Indonesia site

3GWeek posted a report about of Apple upcoming planto distribute iPhone 3G in Indonesia, the largest country in Southeast Asia region. Its tipster found a dedicated page for iPhone 3G in Apple Store Indonesia online site. Previously, 3Gweek reported that Apple most likely has inked the agreement with Telkomsel, the country’s ...

iPhone can help snipers to hit targets

How can iPhone help snipers? Use Bulletflight and iSnipe apps on your iPhone and attach them to a rifle you are using in hitting the targets. the Bulletflight ballistics calculator, which predicts the trajectory of bullets fired from high-powered sniper rifles by taking into account half a dozen variables including wind ...

Apple Releases iPhone SDK 2.2.1

As revealed by Craig Hockenberry on Twitter shortly after today’s iPhone OS 2.2.1 update: developers hadn’t heard a whisper of this release, no beta, not even a warning, and it wasn’t compatible with the previous SDK. Nice, Apple!

It should come as some relief, then, that the iPhone SDK has now also been bumped to 2.2.1. Says Ars Technica’s Erica Sadun:

In all likelihood, the 2.2.1 SDK is, as suggested, a simple bug update without any significant API changes.

So not much different from the iPhone OS 2.2.1 then?

Of course, with such a minor point release we can’t really expect anything revolutionary (we’ll likely need 3.0 for that). But Apple has been known to sneak some early clues into frameworks, so hopefully we’ll find something to look forward to once the deep code divers get through tearing this one apart.

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

Apple Releases iPhone SDK 2.2.1

Two new TV output utilities now available in Cydia

Just this last weekend there was the addition of not one but two utilities that enable TV output support for the iPhone. These little rays of sunshine wont be found in the App Market anytime soon, instead you have to have a jailbroken iPhone and search them out in Cydia. The ...

Review: Pinboard for iPhone

Pinboard stands out from other apps thanks to a clever interface that lets you arrange notes with a tap and a drag. It’s a great tool for brainstormers.

Mark Papermaster begins work at Apple on April 24th, for real this time

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Mark Papermaster begins work at Apple on April 24th, for real this time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Papermaster Litigation Done — to Head up iPhone, iPod Hardware April 24

The long-running dispute between Apple and IBM over Apple’s hire of Mark Papermaster has come to a close, according to Apple PR:

Apple® today announced that Mark Papermaster will be coming to Apple as senior vice president of Devices Hardware Engineering, reporting to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, on April 24. Papermaster, who comes to Apple from IBM, will lead Apple’s iPod® and iPhone™ hardware engineering teams. The litigation between IBM and Mark Papermaster has been resolved

The move comes fully two months after a judge blocked Apple from going through with the Papermaster hire and although exactly how the “litigation [...] has been resolved” isn’t something that Apple is likely to disclose, TechCrunch reports that it was an out-of-course settlement rather than a “California doesn’t allow for non-compete agreements” barfight.

Papermaster will take the helm of iPhone and iPod hardware, replacing Tony Fadell (who was rumored to have pushed for Linux to be the basis for the iPhone).  Odd that he’s going to have to wait until April 24th to take charge, but we suspect that won’t slow things down too much on hardware development.  Got any advice for Papermaster?  Would you like to seem him shephard in that iPhone HD? Think he’ll push for Quad-Core goodness?

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

Mark Papermaster Litigation Done — to Head up iPhone, iPod Hardware April 24

Apple wins comprehensive patent for iPhone, bares teeth at Palm

Filed under: Apple Corporate, Odds and ends, iPhone

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded Apple patent number 7,479,949 covering key aspects of the iPhone's multi-touch user interface.

The filing, with 358 pages of drawings and Steve Jobs as its first author, comprehensively describes the iPhone operating system's interface, and how hardware on the phone interprets finger movements and taps as instructions for the software. The filing makes liberal use of the word "heuristics" -- a trial-and-error-based engineering technique that reduces the calculations necessary to arrive at a solution to a problem. Heuristics may not always be correct, but good heuristics result in something at least close to the right answer.

This patent, combined with Tim Cook's statement about protecting Apple's intellectual property during their first-quarter conference call, is a shot across the bow for Palm and their new Pre smartphone. Cook said that Apple would aggressively defend their IP, and a patent covering that IP is an important shield for Apple.

AppleInsider also notes that the patent covers features not seen on the iPhone, but interestingly are critical features of the Palm Pre. For example, Apple's patent mentions a touch-sensitive area that does not display visual output: a dead-ringer for the Pre's gesture area, separate from the touch screen.

The Pre uses multi-touch gestures as part of its webOS interface. If the technologies in Palm's devices are found to infringe on Apple's patents, Palm will either have to change the way the device works, or license the technology from Apple. The likelihood of Apple granting Palm a license is slim to none.

[Via AppleInsider.]

Apple wins comprehensive patent for iPhone, bares teeth at Palm originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple wins comprehensive patent for iPhone, bares teeth at Palm originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dev Team Warning to Unlockers: Do Not Update to 2.2.1 Firmware

There is an old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. This could not be more true than the image above.

If you are currently jailbroken or unlocked, do not update your firmware via iTunes to the latest iPhone firmware, 2.2.1. According to the Dev Team this update will indeed break yellsn0w rendering your unlocked iPhone useless.

So you have been warned, do not update to the latest Apple firmware if you are unlocked or jailbroken. Stay tuned to TiPb for more information, when it becomes available we will be sure to update you.

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

iPhone Dev Team Warning to Unlockers: Do Not Update to 2.2.1 Firmware

iPhone Firmware 2.2.1 Released: Includes Minor Bug Fixes and Improvements [Updated]

Mark Papermaster to Begin Work at Apple on April 24th

Apple has announced that Mark Papermaster will begin work at Apple as Senior Vice President of Devices Hardware Engineering on April 24th, 2009.

Apple today announced that Mark Papermaster will be coming to Apple as senior vice presid...

The iPhone Patent: Apple Awarded Multi-Touch Patent

iPhone 2.2.1 Firmware Released

Out of nowhere Apple has quietly released a new firmware update for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This latest release, 2.2.1, is said to have have improved general stability of Safari and has addressed the issue where some images saved from Mail did not display correctly in the camera roll. It is unknown at this time if Apple has snuck in any other tweaks or features, to follow along and report any findings be sure to head into our forums to the newly started thread - iPhone software 2.2.1 released?

To update simply connect your iPhone/iPhone 3G to your computer and “check for updates” via iTunes.

Note to Jailbreakers/Unlockers: Do not update your iPhone/iPhone 3G until the all clear is given by the iPhone Dev Team.

[Thanks to forum member sting7k for the tip!]

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

iPhone 2.2.1 Firmware Released

Apple releases iPhone Software 2.2.1

Apple released an update the iPhone today improving Safari's performance and fixing a mail issue.

iPhone firmware update 2.2.1 brings minor stability improvements

No copy and paste here, move along everyone! What you can expect in the new, just-released 2.2.1 software update for the iPhone is "improved general stability of Safari" -- always encouraging -- and a fix for saved Mail images not showing up just right in the camera roll. It's like Christmas in January!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

iPhone firmware update 2.2.1 brings minor stability improvements originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: Fliq Tasks

Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Mark/Space has added another member to their rapidly growing family of iPhone file transfer applications. The new baby in the family is Fliq Tasks, which joins Fliq for Mac and Windows, Fliq Notes, and Fliq for iPhone.

As with Fliq for iPhone and Fliq Notes, Fliq Tasks is available in the App Store for free (click opens iTunes). Mark/Space is providing their iPhone applications for free, while charging for the Mac and Windows "host" software. Fliq for Mac and Fliq for Windows are available for US$19.95 (US$49.95 for a 3-pack) each.

If you want to transfer files between iPhones over a Wi-Fi network, all you need are the free iPhone apps. When you add the functionality of transferring information to and from your Mac or PC, you'll have to purchase the desktop applications.

Fliq Tasks is a full-featured task manager with big, clear, and easy-to-use interface similar to that found in Fliq Notes. Tasks can be listed by name, date due, category, and priority. You can add categories to better match them to your requirements, and there's a simple setting to hide completed tasks. Using the soon-to-be-released Fliq 1.1 for Mac or Windows, you'll be able to send or receive tasks from your iPhone to your big computer.

Current Fliq users should be sure to give Fliq Tasks a try, and the price is definitely right. Check out the mini-gallery below for more screenshots.

First Look: Fliq Tasks originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Fliq Tasks originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone/iPod touch 2.2.1 update available

Filed under: Software Update, iPhone, iPod touch

Apple has just updated the firmware for the iPhone and the iPod touch to 2.2.1. The list (at least for the iPod touch) looks like it is mostly bug fixes and stability improvements, but we're still searching for a full list of all the changes.

You can upgrade your phone or iPod's firmware by selecting, "check for updates" in iTunes.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

iPhone/iPod touch 2.2.1 update available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone/iPod touch 2.2.1 update available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Releases iPhone and iPod Touch 2.2.1 Firmware

Apple has released a 2.2.1 update for the iPhone today. Available from iTunes, the update relays the following improvements:

iPhone 2.2.1 Software Update

This update contains bug fixes and improvements, including the f...

Review: Griffin California Roll for iPhone 2G/3G

The Griffin California Roll for iPhone 2G and 3G is in stock and ready to ship from the iPhone Blog Store for $19.95. Personally, I’m not much for sushi, but this is a California Roll I can sink my teeth into. If you want something to carry your iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and other small accessories and to organize them into one case, Griffin’s California Roll could be what you are looking for. Follow me after the break to get to know this case a little better!

Overview and Design

Made of durable high-tech synthetic materials, the Griffin California Roll has a stylish design with built-in elastic band for securing your valuable items. The exterior of the case is glossy with an interesting visual design. It’s a bit difficult to describe, but there appears to be a dark green textured material just under the glossy exterior material, making the outside of the case interesting to look at.

Opening the case reveals a tri-fold configuration with a Velcro-secured middle compartment with similar Velcro-secured compartments on either side. The side compartments are constructed with a mesh material so you can get a better idea what’s in the pockets without having to remove the item. Each of the compartments are about the same size and the interior of the Roll is a soft suede-like material to gently cushion your valuables and protect from scratches and impacts.

Usability

I was able to fit my iPhone 3G in the left pocket, my big fat iPod 160GB Classic in the middle, and a set of earphones in the right pocket. I then folded up the case and secured it with the built-in elastic band and was ready to roll (no pun intended). The case folds up reasonably well, even with all that stuff packed inside of it. The whole point of this case is that it’s soft and flexible, allowing you the most flexibility with different kinds of devices and accessories. The stitching around the case seems top-notch and the elastic band for securing the case is sewn into the case well and stretches just enough to secure the case but is tight enough to stay in place.

Conclusion

The Griffin California Roll case is one of those cases that will meet certain needs. It may not be a case that you use for everyday use, but then again, if you are “gadgety” and carry a phone, iPod, earphones, and other stuff around with you on a regular basis, this is a great case for securing everything in one place and it offers some protection against the cold, cruel world that would be harsh and unkind to your expensive tech gear. I think it makes an excellent travel case, perfect for keeping everything together for use on the airplane, then easily taken with you to your rental car, and finally resting at your side by the swimming pool while you sip a drink.

But why limit yourself to traveling? This is a good case for just carrying all your stuff around with you, secured in one place inside the Roll. As you can see in this picture, I successfully crammed my iPhone 3G, my iPod, and not seen are the earphones stuffed in there as well. Even if you aren’t a fan of sushi, for $19.95, you may want to give this California Roll a try.

Pros

• Flexible case to accommodate many types and sizes of devices
• Built-in elastic to secure items
• Three storage compartments

Cons

• A little big to carry around as your regular case

TiPb Rating:

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

Review: Griffin California Roll for iPhone 2G/3G

Five iPhone games worth checking out

Filed under: Reviews, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

We had such a great response to our Six iPhone Games still worth playing that we decided to do a follow up. In this post, I'm going to tell you about 5 new iPhone games that are new, and look very promising.

Trivial ($4.99 each)
If you are a fan of trivia then you will love Trivial [iTunes link]. Trivial is interesting because it is not just one application -- it is actually a collection of six iPhone applications that together create a set of trivia games. There's an app for History, Movies, Pop Culture, Sciences, Sports, and Technology. Each Trivial app includes thousands of different questions that will tax your brain into thinking of the correct answer.

Trivial includes two great ways of playing the game: single player, or networked. In single player mode, you are able to choose between four different game types: Endless, Endurance, 100 Questions, and Timeless. Endless keeps throwing questions at you until you can't handle it any longer. Endurance will test your knowledge and reaction time by allowing you to answer questions until you get one wrong -- when you get one right, the scoring is based on how quickly you answered. 100 Questions allows you to answer a hundred questions in a row to see how many you get right. Timeless gives you the same great Trivial game without having to worry about the clock ticking. There is even an online score board that allows you to post your scores and compete against other Trivial players.

Playing a game of Trivial over the network is absolutely amazing. Handshake (an app by the same company) is the technology that powers Trivial's networked play feature. When you tap "Multiplayer" you have the ability to either host a new game or join a game that someone else set up. In addition, you can play against the computer. Joining a game is as simple as being in the same vicinity as the person you're playing against (the app uses Core Location to find your location using GPS/Cell Triangulation) or typing in someone's handle. You can easily choose any name you want under the "Settings."

In addition to all this, the application also includes several Pixel-licious themes to choose from (my favorite is Corkboard and Electronic Glow). The music in the game is also just too cool ... the pace of the music will change based on the difficulty of the question. If Trivia is your thing, this is a must-have. You can check out Trivial on the iTunes App Store -- each version is available for $4.99US each. My personal favorite versions is Trivial Science and Trivial Technology.




I Love Virus ($1.99)
I Love Virus: no really, I do. No, not those new Mac trojans, but the new iPhone game. The premise of the game is to follow a "young virus-in-training" as it makes its way through mazes and obstacles. The game is basically a cooler mixture of Dig Dug and Pac-Man.

As you move throughout the course you will receive different power-ups and abilities, some of which include the ability to eat enemies or speed up. There are over 30 different levels, each with their own styling. There are also three game modes (selectable in the settings): Regular, Clones Everywhere!, and Enemies Can Use Speed Power-ups -- each of these different types of game play can drastically change the the game.

You move the virus around by sliding your finger up/down/left/right to move throughout the maze. Since reviewing, an update has been issued to the App Store to allow the virus to move faster, it can also expand and contract when the virus accepts input. There is also better artwork. You can check out I Love Virus in the iTunes App Store for just $1.99US -- and that price will buy you several hours of gameplay.




Continue reading for more iPhone games worth checking out.

Continue reading Five iPhone games worth checking out

Five iPhone games worth checking out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Five iPhone games worth checking out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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