First ever iPhone Bluetooth!

An app called iBluetooth is bringing you one of the most awaited features ever for the iPhone: Bluetooth file transfer. Not only between iPhone and iPhone 3G, but  iBluetooth also can support file exchange between both the Apple smartphone and computers, as well as other Bluetooth-capable devices. As you can see ...

Video: New iPhone commercial “Read”

Apple just released a brand new iPhone commercial titled Read, showing off the iPhone’s ability to read multiple file types. Click here to view the embedded video. [via MacBlogz]

Rumored iPhone “2,1″ hardware in the wild

Filed under: Rumors, iPhone

The first hints came in October of last year, according to Pinch Media -- devices reporting themselves as "iPhone 2,1" began showing up in the company's logs, as they ran applications which include the free Pinch Analytics usage tracking libraries. Appearances were very spotty at first, but became more frequent in December, and almost all the hits were in the San Francisco Bay area ... not coincidentally, the home base for Apple's engineering teams.

While it's not surprising that Apple would be working on a new iPhone version -- even letting it out on the road to test AT&T signal reception -- it is a little bit of a surprise that the device ID wouldn't be spoofed to feign the appearance of an older device. MacRumors notes that the 2,1 designation is already visible in the iPhone firmware, and AppleInsider suggests that the first-digit rollup may mean bigger architectural changes than a simple speed bump and restyling.

We can think of a lot of features that would be great to see an iPhone hardware revision -- video recording capabilities would be high on the list, along with better battery life -- but no way yet to know what's coming in 2,1 or when it might show up in a production model. The beat goes on.

Rumored iPhone "2,1" hardware in the wild originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Rumored iPhone "2,1" hardware in the wild originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still on iPhone 2.2 and Want Emoji? FrostyPlace Free Right Now!

Act fast, because this ain’t gonna last, but if you’re still on iPhone OS 2.2 and want to activate Emoji as detailed by iJustine (see previous post for details), act fast and scoop up FrostyPlace now. It’s FREE for today only (and who knows what time zone today ends for them!)

(Via Daynah on Twitter)

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

Still on iPhone 2.2 and Want Emoji? FrostyPlace Free Right Now!

Clap your hands, iPhone camera will take photos

Meme Incorporated launched theSnapper 1.0 application, enabling iPhone "listens" to snaps, claps or (even) shouting Cheeeese to operate the iPhone camera. According to the company's site, the application made the top 100 paid Photography applications on its first day without press or marketing, then climbed to number 42 on the second ...

Another day, another lawsuit

Filed under: Hardware, iPhone, App Store

A Northern California man is not happy with his iPhone. AppleInsider reports that Jason Medway thinks his iPhone performs poorly, and thinks Apple advertising is tricking people into purchases the device can't live up to.

Medway, through his attorney, is seeking US $5 million dollars in damages. The suit argues that, because of Apple's misrepresentations, "thousands of customers who purchased Apple's iPhone 3G and accompanying 3G service from AT&T have experienced broken promises regarding the phone's transmission speeds."

This is not the first lawsuit over the 3G iPhone. The legal fireworks began last August with a suit claiming the iPhone performance was not up to par. That suit, was followed by other legal claims complaining about performance, download speeds, and badly written programs available at the App Store.

Last year, Wired magazine commissioned an independent study that found most of the speed related problems on the iPhone had to do with networks, and not the iPhone hardware.

Apple has not commented on any of these lawsuits, other than in a brief legal response in a similar lawsuit in September. Apple seemed to imply that people should not believe everything they hear or see in ads. Apple's attorneys said "Plaintiff's claims, and those of the purported class, are barred by the fact that the alleged deceptive statements were such that no reasonable person in Plaintiff's position could have reasonably relied on or misunderstood Apple's statements as claims of fact."

Another day, another lawsuit originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Another day, another lawsuit originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrade from iPhone Firmware 2.2.1 to Firmware 2.2

iPhone game roundup: Bobby Carrot, R.I.P., Punch-o-Meter

The latest iPhone game roundup finds new entries in the App Store like Bobby Carrot Forever, a puzzle adventure game, R.I.P., a first person game, and Punch-o-Meter, a strength tester.

Review: Tapping of the Dead: Deluxe Edition for iPhone

In The Tapping of the Dead: Deluxe Edition, you battle zombies by tapping them. And tapping them again. And tapping them some more. It’s not the most challenging game in the world.

TiPb Presents: iPhone Live! Podcast #6

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Joined by special guest, Mickey Papillion, the Cell Phone Junkie, Rene and Chad FINALLY get into some iPhone vs. Palm Pre (technical and legal!) action with Smartphone Expert’s editor-in-chief — and resident Palm expert — Dieter Bohn who was live at the keynote and got quite a bit of hands-on time with the Pre at CES.

Is the Pre better? Can it compete? How will Apple answer? Or will those multi-touch patents stop Palm dead in their tracks? Listen in the find out!

We also discuss the Case-Mate Barely There case for the iPhone 3G [store link], cover iPhone OS 2.2.1, what it might mean for Jailbreak/Unlock, and catch up on Apple’s iPhone numbers from last week’s conference call. All that, and your live chat questions.

Credits

Thanks to the the iPhone Blog Store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat, or sent in questions!

Our music comes from the following sources:

• I Called You — iPhone Remix by Pete Leidy
via Sneakmove iPhone Ringtone Challenge

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

TiPb Presents: iPhone Live! Podcast #6

Rumor: Apple considering a $19.99 price point for App Store games?

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Gaming, Rumors, Software, Apple, iPhone, iPod touch

It's just a rumor at this point, but yes, apparently it's floating around out there that Apple may be considering a $19.99 price point for "premium" games in the App Store. That would be a direct response not only to bigger developers who say a 99 cents to $9.99 price point is too low for them to justify the cost of production, but also to competing game systems like the DS and the PSP -- if the same games were available for the same price on both systems, Apple could use the iPhone's extra features to justify even more purchases.

It's an interesting idea, and actually, though obviously it would cost consumers more, the bottom line in the App Store has always been worth, not price -- there are currently premium games being sold on services like Xbox Live and the Wii's Virtual Console for $20, and gamers are willing to pay, as long as they get the bang for the buck that they expect.

We'll have to see what approach Apple takes here. On the music side of things, they were obviously very hesitant to move up the price points (though even there, they made concessions and did so). As popular as the App Store is, a higher price point, if used correctly, could really open up the kinds of software we're seeing there.

Rumor: Apple considering a $19.99 price point for App Store games? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Rumor: Apple considering a $19.99 price point for App Store games? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackberry Storm’s components cost more than iPhone 3G’s

Research firm iSuppli has done a teardown analysis of RIM's Blackberry Storm, and the results may surprise you. Or maybe not.

Polaroid Wants More iPhone Bluetooth Access — So Say We All?

TiPb received a note from Andy at Polaroid concerning a campaign they’re starting encouraging iPhone users to file a feature request with Apple for Bluetooth file transfer access. Polaroid wants this for their Pogo Instant Mobile Printer, but TiPb thinks it’s a grand idea for better Bluetooth access of all sorts.

I’m pretty sure we don’t have stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) because, well, it’s not very good quality and Apple doesn’t do “not very good quality” (outside of MobileMe launches, mice, and corporate printer support, of course), but how about letting that gorgeous Apple Bluetooth Keyboard (or any Bluetooth Keyboard) hook up with the iPhone?

There’s a full range of Bluetooth functionality we haven’t gotten on the iPhone yet. Sure, engineering talent is limited and Apple no doubt has a list of priorities based on maximum results for minimum dev time, but even Apple’s been known to re-prioritize based on customer feedback, so if this is something you want, let Apple know! (Just don’t ask for copy/cut and paste, MMS, video recording, Push Notification, and everything else at the same time, b’okay?)

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

Polaroid Wants More iPhone Bluetooth Access — So Say We All?

More Proof that Apple is Preparing to Launch New version of iPhone

A Few More Details about ‘iPhone 2,1′

After yesterday's story that evidence of an unreleased iPhone had been spotted in recent firmware as well as ad delivery networks, PinchMedia follows up with what few details they have about the usage of the device.

- 1st spotting of...

iPhone 101: How to Put the iPhone Into Recovery Mode

Welcome to iPhone 101, our helpful new how-to series for new iPhone users (or experienced users who want a handy link to send to their new-user friends and family!). Previously, we’ve shown you how to Force Quit applications to free up memory if things seem a little stuck or stalled. But what happens when your iPhone is completely non-responsive, even when connected to iTunes via the USB cable? Don’t worry, it’s not a time to panic, just time to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. We’ll show you how… after the break!

1. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes (8.0.2)

2. Plug in your USB cable is connected to your computer.

3. Turn your iPhone off by holding the power button down until you see “slide to power off”. Do as instructed.

4. Now press and hold the Home button while reconnecting the USB cable to your iPhone. After iPhone is connected it should power on the device.

5. Continue holding the Home button, you will see the Apple logo appear and then finally a “Connect to iTunes” will be displayed, now is the time to release the Home button. You will then see the following image:

You have successfully put iPhone into Recovery Mode. Now you will have to restore from a backup file or setup as a new iPhone.

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

iPhone 101: How to Put the iPhone Into Recovery Mode

[Sponsored Post: Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G]

[Sponsored Post: Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G]

Is your iPhone 3G battery dying out again? Give your battery a quick boost with the Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack!

Made with high quality Li-on cells this battery pack will boost your original battery by 50%. The pass through connector allows you to charge the battery and your device at the same time and it utilizes the original connector so there are no extra charging cables needed.

There are built in speaker channels to allow audio pass through and the protection circuits will prevent over charging and it can be charged in the original iPhone 3G dock and travel charger.

This sleek battery pack is slim enought to slip in a pocket or purse. Keep one handy at the office or anywhere you need that extra boost!

The Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G is available from the TiPb iPhone store…

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

[Sponsored Post: Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G]

iTunes Plus Upgrades Now Available on a Per-Track Basis

Macworld notes that Apple has instituted a new feature that allows iTunes Store users to upgrade their music libraries to iTunes Plus tracks on either a per-track or per-album basis.

At Macworld San Francisco, Apple announced a number ...

Payback brings a GTA clone to the iPhone

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Gaming, Software, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Grand Theft Auto isn't out for the iPhone, but Payback is --it's basically a 3D version of the old top-down GTA gameplay, improved with better rendering and lighting. You control the game by pressing "buttons" on the screen, and tilting the iPhone around, and Touch Arcade says it works well. Some missions are apparently tough, but in terms of what GTA is really about -- driving around and generally causing mayhem -- Payback will deliver.

Unfortunately, textures (both visual and audio) are rough, as are the actual physics, so it seems Payback is more of a "GTA could work on the iPhone" demo rather than an actual game (though of course you can play it, it probably just won't be as fun). Still, we're in favor of any game reaching high on the iPhone, and this one definitely does.

Payback is out in the App Store now, for a substantial $6.99. But it's worth it, especially if you're a big GTA fan, just to see such a complex game on Apple's little handheld. Video on the next page.

Continue reading Payback brings a GTA clone to the iPhone

Payback brings a GTA clone to the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Payback brings a GTA clone to the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Review: Pogo Stylus

Our fearless leader/editor was able to meet some great vendors at Macworld 2009 this year and got a sampling of their products. I am rounding them up in a series of posts, so, let’s take a look at what we have this time!

I love the “finger as a stylus” mantra of the iPhone, I really do. However, there are times when having a stylus would make life a lot easier. Fortunately, Ten One Design has come to the rescue with the Pogo Stylus for $14.95!

The stylus is made of lightweight metal and the tip, used to “touch” the screen is made of… some alien substance. The manufacture calls it a “trade secret”. In any event, it works. So why would you want a stylus for your iPhone? Well, I can think of a couple reasons:

• First, it is really cold right now in the Midwest, like 7 degrees cold. I don’t really want to take off my glove outside to check the weather. Now I don’t have to!
• Second, I have a couple drawing apps that, as you may know, your finger gets in the way of. This stylus really makes drawing a LOT easier.

Their is not much more to say about the stylus. It works, has a handy clip if you are an iPhone 3G user and you have different color options. If this sounds like something that might be useful to you… it is!

Don’t forget to checkout the photos and video below!

Pros:

• Works with any iPhone or iPod Touch!
• Lightweight
• Works as advertised
• You can by stylus packs!
• Different colors

Cons:

• Comes with a clip for iPhone 3G only. You have to buy the $4.95 add-on for the clip to fit all devices
• Over time I can envision the tip of the stylus breaking off, though this is just speculation

TiPB’s Rating:

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

Quick Review: Pogo Stylus