Finally, iPhone 3.0 to get MMS, tethering, copy paste?

Apple have announced a special event on March 17th, where the company will launch the iPhone OS 3.0 Software. As usual, it has triggered a lot of speculation about what might be coming in the new release. Mac Rumors cited Boy Genius Report that claims to have heard two most-awaited features: ...

MMS available for Swedish iPhone users

Swedish company Mobispine has launched iSendMMS, an application that lets iPhone users send MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages. The application can be downloaded from AppStore and costs 49 Swedish kronor (US$5.70). So far, the software only works in Sweden and for TeliaSonera SIM card users. But Mobispine are promising to make ...

MyCal fixes the blurriness

Chilix have released an update to its MyCal application and fixed some issues with blurriness, letting iPhone users create better quality calendar wallpapers. It's available in the App Store for $0.99 (and noticed the app has a free version, too). Due to a bug in the way the iPhone displays images ...

Facebook Connect for iPhone debut

Facebook on Saturday finally launched the new Facebook Connect for iPhone at the SXSW in Austin, TX. First announced last July, Facebook Connect for iPhone does similar functions like the PC version, allowing Facebook users to login to affiliated sites and share with their Facebook friends. Here’s what Facebook users can do ...

Copy/Paste! MMS! Kevin Rose’s Last Minute iPhone 3.0 Rumors

Kevin Rose jumped on Facebook video (login to Facebook required) to basically confirm what he said previously about copy and paste, saying it would be across apps, with cut available as well in those apps that support it (?).

He also confirmed hearing MMS would be enabled from multiple sources, something he said he didn’t know previously.

A third, unidentified rumor was mentioned but not elaborated on as Rose said he had conflicting sources.

That was it from Rose, though hopefully not from Apple. Just over 12 hours from now we’ll find out for sure!

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

Copy/Paste! MMS! Kevin Rose’s Last Minute iPhone 3.0 Rumors

Fandango finally on the iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

They've gone and done it. Fandango [App Store link] is out for the iPhone/iPod touch as a free download. There are a lot of movie apps for the iPhone with showtimes and trailers -- Now Playing, Hot Popcorn, and i.TV also link to the MovieTickets.com site for ticket buying -- but Fandango is the 800 pound gorilla for the US market's online movie info and ticket purchasing. It links to more than 16,000 domestic screens.

Now, right from the comfort of wherever you and your iPhone are, you can find the nearest theater, get showtimes, see a trailer, and buy a ticket. You can also get an idea what others thought of the movies that are playing.

I use the web version of Fandango a lot, just because I hate to stand in line letting sticky candy and soft drink residue cover my shoes. But now, you can shorten your time in the lobby and maximize your time in the theater, while still getting candy and soft drinks on your shoes.

To make purchasing easy, you can enter your credit card details in the app. Fandango says it is securely stored, and it hides all but the last 4 digits of your credit card. On the other hand, if your iPhone is stolen somebody can see a lot of movies, as there is no password protection on the 'buy' button.

Still, it's a very good way to get tickets in a hurry if you are out and about. Fandango usually charges about a buck for each ticket, but when the lines are long it's worth it. Note: According to the Fandango site: "Convenience charges currently range from $0.75 to $1.50 per ticket depending on geographic location. IMAX screening and some special events have a $2.00 convenience charge."

Since you can't print your ticket from the iPhone, Fandango sends you a pick up code in an email, or you can show your credit card at the theater, and in some cases you can go to an automated kiosk at the theater. Fandango knows what redemption method is used at the theater you're attending, so the email will advise you.

For a lot of iPhone owners, getting this app is huge. For others, it may just be a yawn. If you're into movies, however, the Fandango app is literally, the ticket.

Fandango finally on the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Fandango finally on the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

TUAW Tip: Going to sleep with the iPhone

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Tips and tricks, Odds and ends, TUAW Tips, iPhone, iPod touch

Since I often listen to music while falling asleep (especially on trips -- maybe it makes me feel more at home), I was happy to see this tip, sent to us by reader Mark S. He points out that there is a sleep timer on the iPhone, but it's not in the iPod app. It's hidden over in the Clock app -- once you've got your music playing, you can then exit out and go over to the Timer app in there, and under the "when timer ends" option (where you usually choose a ringtone), you can choose the "Sleep iPod" choice.

Then, when your timer stops (and you're off into dreamland), it'll stop the iPod for you. Very nice. Of course, there's still the issue of headphones, if you're wearing them, but I usually am able to push those off in a fit of dreamless sleep (or, of course, you could just use the external speaker on the iPhone).

All of the sleep tunes, much less worry. This tip's been going around for a while, but it's the first I'd heard of it. Thanks, Mark!

TUAW Tip: Going to sleep with the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Tip: Going to sleep with the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Poll: What do you want most from iPhone 3.0 besides copy and paste?

We've been hearing even more chatter today about copy and paste coming to iPhone 3.0 at tomorrow's event, and that got us thinking: man, is that ever weak. Seriously, if Apple is really trying to "get up to speed with the Pre" as claimed by Kevin Rose, it'd better bring some actual firepower to the table, not basic functionality we should be taking for granted. So, we put it to you: what's the one thing you most want from iPhone 3.0 besides copy and paste? Be honest!

View Poll

Filed under: Cellphones

Poll: What do you want most from iPhone 3.0 besides copy and paste? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Boxee App turns iPhone into a touch screen remote control

Boxee users can now use their iPhones to wirelessly control their home media center with the free Boxee iPhone Remote App.

Facebook Connect expands iPhone app social networking

Facebook Connect is now available an iPhone application API, enabling developers to build social networking characteristics into their apps.

TUAW reader livestreaming Tokyo Marathon from head-mounted iPhone

Filed under: Video, Odds and ends, iPhone, Jailbreak/pwnage

If you were looking for a challenge, you might consider running a marathon with an iPhone 3G strapped to your head. That's exactly what TUAW reader Joseph Tame of iPhoning Japan will be doing next Sunday, March 22nd (Saturday night for those of us in the US).

Joseph was one of the 5,000 lucky people who were selected to run in the Tokyo Marathon, and he decided to livestream his experience to all of the people who weren't so lucky as well as the rest of the world.

How's he going to do this? Using a jailbroken iPhone 3G running Qik, software that gives the iPhone livestreaming capabilities. His "modified hat" uses the strap and the "sponge of speed" to hold the iPhone screen-first against his forehead.

Qik.com will be showing the race from Joseph's head on Sunday / Saturday, and you can leave comments on iPhoning Japan to make his iPhone vibrate and let him know you're sending along your best wishes.

Joseph has a fun, tongue-in-cheek introductory video on his blog that explains it all in more detail. All of us here at TUAW will be watching and urging Joseph along to a fast finish in the Tokyo Marathon.

TUAW reader livestreaming Tokyo Marathon from head-mounted iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW reader livestreaming Tokyo Marathon from head-mounted iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: Pocket God for iPhone

Bolt Creative has developed a fun little game that puts you in the role of a far-from-benevolent deity who controls the lives of hapless islanders. Pocket God takes advantage of the iPhone’s interface, though its replay value wanes over time.

No DRM in Headphones for New iPod Shuffle [Update]

The Mac web has been abuzz over the past few days regarding the possibility of an "authentication" or "DRM" chip included inside the headphones for Apple's new iPod shuffle released last week. After several days of investigation, explanations, and m...

SXSW iPhones overwhelm Austin 3G network

SXSW iPhone users are finding themselves without adequate 3G coverage due to the overwhelming number of iPhone users attending the massive festival.

TUAW ebook reader smackdown: Kindle 2 vs. iPhone

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, Reviews, iPhone, TUAW Faceoff, App Store

Before the release of the original Amazon Kindle a little over a year ago, there were a number of electronic book readers that tried to create and capture the market for a replacement to traditional "dead tree" books. There have been readers for just about every handheld unit since the Newton, as well as a series of devices that all required would-be readers to hook their book to a PC or Mac to transfer the content.

Amazon changed all that with the Kindle by creating a device with built-in 3G networking that delivers books to you the minute you buy them. I was one of the people who purchased the first-generation Kindle, and though it delivered on wireless purchase of books, it was a clunky, poorly designed device.

In the meantime, Apple introduced the iPhone 3G and the App Store, and several ebook reader apps have worked their way onto the home screens of millions of iPhone owners. So, is Steve Jobs right? Is there no need for a dedicated electronic book device like Kindle?

I've used both the original Kindle and the new Kindle 2, and I've also read my share of electronic books on the iPhone. Which of the reigning champions of the ebook world is the winner? Read on to find out.

Continue reading TUAW ebook reader smackdown: Kindle 2 vs. iPhone

TUAW ebook reader smackdown: Kindle 2 vs. iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW ebook reader smackdown: Kindle 2 vs. iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hockenberry on Apple Netbook Rumors: How About “Front Row To Go”?

Twitterrific developer Craig Hockenberry has posted an interesting article about where he thinks Apple might be going with those 10″ multi-touch panels they’re rumored to have bought. Not wanting to cannibalize iPhone or MacBook sales, and wanting to experience yet another iPod Halo effect, he takes a look at the gaps he sees in the current product line up and comes up with “Front Row To Go“:

Think of it as a second screen for the current hardware.

Who knows whether Apple will ultimately announce an iNetbook, iTablet, iPhone HD something like this, or something we haven’t yet imagined. Still, Hockenberry’s analysis itself is worth a read, as are his proposed uses.

Our editor-in-chief, Dieter Bohn, for one has been wanting something very much like this:

I wanted a capactive screen sitting to the right of my keyboard instead of a mouse. I could just slide my hand around in any shape that was comfortable and tap fingers, use it as a drawing pad, and then pick it up and go walking around with it to display stuff.

Who else would line up for one of these babies, if Apple pulled that particular trigger?

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

Hockenberry on Apple Netbook Rumors: How About “Front Row To Go”?

Digg founder offers peek at iPhone 3.0 copy-and-paste

Kevin Rose, founder of Digg.com, speculates on how an iPhone copy-and-paste feature might work.

First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones

Filed under: iPhone, Jailbreak/pwnage

Since the initial launch of the iPhone in 2007, people have wanted some type of video recording or streaming application. Of course, the iPhone SDK agreement doesn't allow this type of integration with the iPhone, but some developers have already gone ahead with creating these applications, and releasing them to iPhone owners with jailbroken devices. One such company is Ustream, who released their broadcasting application for the iPhone just a few weeks ago.

With a jailbroken iPhone and the Ustream Broadcaster, you have the same options as if you were sitting in front of your computer logged into Ustream broadcasting. Once you enter your Ustream credentials, the application will automatically log you in each time you open it. Once it determines you have a sustainable Internet connection, you will get a split pane view: the upper pane will show your live video, while the lower pane will show the live chat. Across the bottom you have a broadcast button, which will set your video live online, a record button, and a mute button. There is also an "ask viewers yes/no" button; tapping this button will pop-up yes and no buttons on your viewers screen where you can poll them for a specific question.

You have a myriad of options in the Broadcaster preferences. You can choose the video quality by selecting either High (auto) or low quality. You can also choose whether or not to broadcast audio, auto record, or send location. At the bottom of the preferences section you have the ability to send a Twitter message letting viewers know when you go online.

In all, I found this application to be extremely useful for broadcasting to Ustream while mobile. The frame rate and quality is also high enough that your viewers won't be bored to tears waiting for the next frame -- I was actually surprised at how good the quality for the viewer was. I only had one major complaint with the application: when you are connected via the cell tower, the application doesn't automatically switch you to low quality for EDGE; instead you get a message saying that frames are being dropped and you might want to switch to low quality. Other than that, this app is stellar and well worth jailbreaking your phone if you must have it. You can find the download instructions for Ustream Broadcaster on the Ustream website.

First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPhone Firmware 3.0 Wish List

iPhone SMASH Puny AT&T Network at SXSW in Austin, TX

What’s causing all the commotion down in Austin, Texas right now? Turns out it’s not only iPhone news at South by Southwest 2009 (SXSW), but it’s everyone using iPhone 3Gs as well! It’s SMASHING AT&T’s network.

We’ve joked before that AT&T had basically gone out and strapped rabbit ears on their EDGE antennas and called it 3G, well if that’s the case, they’re rapidly strapping even more ears on round Austin way right now, according to Business Insider:

AT&T (T) tells us it’s adding wireless capacity in downtown Austin to deal with “unprecedented” demand (that’s resulted in service that’s flaky at best). This, of course, a result of thousands (tens of thousands?) of South by Southwest attendees bringing 3G iPhones into this part of Austin for the first time. The telco expects service to improve tonight and throughout the rest of the show.

Good news to most techies, however: while AT&T was down, at least Twitter was mostly up…

[via Daring Fireball]

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

iPhone SMASH Puny AT&T Network at SXSW in Austin, TX