Who Really Benefits from iPhone on Verizon Rumors?

Daring Fireball posted a tremendous article about how Verizon, AT&T, and Apple benefit if the rumors about an iPhone Lite and iPad media tablet on Verizon are true-ish (Gruber also looks at Apple’s iPod strategy mapped to the iPhone — go read it now, I’ll wait).

What struck me, however, was how Verizon, AT&T, and Apple benefit from the rumors themselves rather than the actual devices and/or their eventual carriers, if any.

• Apple is, according to a separate rumor, negotiating with AT&T to increase the length of their iPhone exclusivity agreement. AT&T’s last earning report showed just how important the iPhone was to their revenues, especially their new customer acquisition and premium service charges. This puts them at a distinct disadvantage with Apple, who could theoretically — if inconveniently — re-engineer the iPhone to work on any of the big 4 US carriers (CDMA for Verizon or Sprint, different GSM bands for T-Mobile). Rumors that Verizon is already talking to Apple, then, pushes AT&T over edge of disadvantage cliff. Obviously this is of great benefit to Apple.

• Verizon had what could only be termed a lackluster launch of their so-called iPhone killer, the BlackBerry Storm. With AT&T likely getting yet another mainstream hero phone this year in the form of the 3rd generation iPhone. Sprint, the other CDMA carrier, is getting the less mainstream, but still geek-anticipated Palm Pre as their hot summer hero phone. Where does that leave Verizon? The BlackBerry Tour (”Niagara”) and various HTC Touch series Windows Phones which will — eventually — be upgradable to the profoundly incremental Windows Mobile 6.5. Great gear, perhaps, but not hero phones on the same level as the iPhone or even Palm Pre (or last year’s Android G1 launch on T-Mobile). Rumors that Verizon may (soon) get an iPhone of sorts, or iPad, however, give the perception of a hero phone coming to the network. This is a huge benefit to Verizon, and might even keep some users from switching to AT&T (or Sprint) this summer to get a real device.

• Inversely, AT&T benefits not one bit from these rumors. They hurt AT&T’s negotiations with Apple and they may cost them some users who would have defected from Verizon.

We discussed this briefly last Wednesday on the iPhone Live! podcast, and no doubt others have made the same observation this week after reading the series of rumors (yes, even the one about the iPhone Lite actually being the Microsoft iPhone-Killer Pink). However, looking past the devices, it does seem like the rumors in and of themselves carry a hefty benefit for both Apple and Verizon.

Until the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks roll out in a couple years, that might be the closest we really get to seeing Apple and Verizon together.

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

Who Really Benefits from iPhone on Verizon Rumors?

Free Comic Book Day is coming: how your iPhone can help

Filed under: Odds and ends, iPhone, iPod touch, App Review

Tomorrow, as Naven Johnson might say, "The free comics are here! The free comics are here!" Because tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day, one glorious Saturday when comic shops are filled with titles specifically for giving away to just anyone in order to perhaps lure in some brand new folks and maybe get back some fans who have lost touch over time. Either way it's a prime opportunity for you to let your Geek Flag fly.

I assure you, there's nothing like a personal Stormtrooper escort walking you to your car and one of the few opportunities you have for that (locally) is tomorrow. There are a fair number of comic book stores around here, not to mention Dark Horse Comics World Headquarters, the source of All Star Wars Comics Including Those Manga Ones (or as I like to call it, One Reason Kelly Will Never Leave Portland).

What's that you say? You don't know where your local comic book stores are? Have no fear! Today iVerse Media (creators of those Star Trek Comics in the App Store) released the free iPhone app Comic Shop Locator [iTunes] for just this purpose! You can enter your zip code or let the app use your location and it will give you the three closest shops (in the USA). Tap one and you can either see it in Maps, or give them a call. Not only is this handy if you don't spend a lot of time in comic shops, but if you happen to be in an unfamiliar city you can still find out where to pick up the new Aliens/Predator or that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 25th Anniversary Reprint you've been looking for.

A list of events for tomorrow is also online for your perusal. I hope there's something awesome happening near you!

Free Comic Book Day is coming: how your iPhone can help originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Free Comic Book Day is coming: how your iPhone can help originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AIPLA Quarterly Journal Looks at DMCA Exemption for Protecting iPhone Unlock

The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)’s latest Quarterly Journal includes an article entitled Apple’s iPhone: The Case For Broadening Exemption Five To 17 Usc 1201 To Ensure Continued Non-Infringing Use Of Wireless Communication Handsets.

The introduction begins provocatively enough by spotlighting an American who, in August 2007, received an AT&T data roaming bill for $4200 after he took his iPhone on a trip to Europe. They do this to point out users who are “angered and frustrated” by carrier lock-ins, and threats that Jailbreaking and unlocking could void their warranties and brick their devices in the future.

The iPhone was chosen to draw a sharp example in support of their arguments in favor of expanding the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act exemption to “better protect non-infringing use” of wireless devices of all types.

We previously heard about the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) asking for a DMCA exemption for Jailbreaking and Apple coming out against that idea. As ubiquitous data access becomes more important to more people, however, the real cross-network costs of roaming and the subsidy-based, handset exclusivity business model of big telcos will have to be carefully weighed against users not having to worry about bankruptcy when crossing a geographic border (or standing too close to a cruise ship).

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

AIPLA Quarterly Journal Looks at DMCA Exemption for Protecting iPhone Unlock

Handmade wooden case for iPhone

If you are a big fan of wooden stuff, this iPhone case might be for you. It's a  handmade box for iPhone 3G! Yeah, it will fully protect your iPhone from scratches when it is in your pocket, purse or bag. Its product description tells us: Designer handmade wooden case for the ...

TiPb Picks of the Week: Pandemonium, Handbrake, Taxi Magic, NBA Game Time, Geek Jokes, 3D Gallery, QuickOffice Files

Every week a few of us from team TiPb, bloggers and forum crew alike, will bring you our current favorite, funnest, most useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone (or iPod touch) related, they’re fair game.

So who’s on deck this week and what are our picks? Find out after the break!

Chad’s Pick: Pandemonium

Pandemonium was just release for the iPhone for $4.99. This game was originally published on the PSone and has stood the test of time very well. The game plays like a 2D action platformer, but with 3D environments. Check it out on the App Store, the game is a lot of fun! [$4.99 - iTunes link]

Chris’ Pick: Handbrake

I have been using Handbrake upon the recommendation of our illustrious leader to convert some of my DVD’s to iPhone format. Easy to use, settings already determined, I am slowly building up my iPhone movie collection. [Free - Website link]

James’ Pick: Taxi Magic

Have you ever been stranded somewhere and needed a taxi? Well, there’s an app for that. Actually, there are dozens of apps for that. However, most are a glorified directory of search results that one could obtain from Google Maps. Enter Taxi Magic. With a push of a few buttons, you can have a cab dispatched directly to your location. What Taxi Magic does is bypass the (human) operator and send a message to the dispatch system to direct a taxi your way. Taxi Magic uses GPS to determine your location and allows you to edit the location before sending the request. Also included is the ability to pay for the taxi using a stored credit card. Magic yes indeedy! [Free - iTunes link]

Jeremy’s Pick: NBA Game Time

With the NBA playoffs in full swing it’s nice to be able use this free application for when I can’t watch the games from the comfort of my home. Did I mention it’s free? [Free - iTunes link]

Leanna’s Pick: Geek Jokes

Ever looking for some good, cheesy, geeky jokes? - Geek Jokes provides just that. It has jokes in various categories of science, computers, and video games. Although the main screen UI is quite terrible, Geek Jokes will provide you and your friends with some free giggles - and giggles are good for the heart! [ Free - iTunes link]

Matt’s Pick: 3D Gallery

3D Gallery allows you to create your very own virtual art gallery. There are controls on screen that allow you to manuveur through two virtual galleries with photos on the walls. The really great feature here, is that you can customize the photos on the walls with your own art. You can also resize or move the photos on the wall. The application also allows you to save multiple layouts (gallery customizations.) [$2.99 - iTunes Link]

Rene’s Pick: QuickOffice Files

I’ve been using this app since it was called Mobile Files in order to access and view my iDisk (MobileMe’s online storage) files remotely on my iPhone. When I travel, I store PDFs of all my plane and hotel information on my iDisk and QuickOffice Files lets me reference them at the airport or at check-in — just when I need them the most. Locally, I get the same ease-of-access for all important docs of the day. Invaluable. [$1.99 - iTunes link]

Your Pick?

You’re part of team TiPb too, so what’s your pick? What app was your absolute fav last week? Let us — and everyone — know in the comments!

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

TiPb Picks of the Week: Pandemonium, Handbrake, Taxi Magic, NBA Game Time, Geek Jokes, 3D Gallery, QuickOffice Files

Swine Flu Tracker Coming to iPhone App Store

It was only a matter of time before some developer, in this case IntuApps, created an application revolving around the Swine Flu and why not, it’s actually pretty informative and it will be free. According to Techcrunch you can expect the following features:

“you can see the current Threat Level for the disease, a map showing confirmed and suspected cases, a symptoms area to inform people, and an alert page for breaking news on Swine Flu.”

This one can be very useful for a lot of people but now the big question is when will this application be approved?

Another screenshot after the break…

[Via Techcrunch]

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

Swine Flu Tracker Coming to iPhone App Store

Review: PhotoFrame for iPhone

This desk clock provides most of the basic features you'd find in similar App Store offerings, but with one unique twist -- a photo slideshow feature.

Gameloft releases Siberian Strike game for iPhone

Siberian Strike is an old-school shoot em up with some modern twists.

Review: Just Fillin’ for iPhone

This casual game -- in which you raise the water level on the iPhone's screen by pumping up balloons and dropping them into the drink -- is a fun and colorful way to pass the time.

Fight to legalize iPhone jailbreaking set for Friday

Apple's chief marketing officer will argue Friday that jailbreaking iPhones should not be allowed under U.S. copyright law.

Engadget Podcast 144 - 05.01.2009

Bogged down and confused with the latest spate of wild mobile speculations? Relationship troubles clouding your judgment? Lonely? Well Josh, Nilay and Paul -- your jovial (yet often enraged) Engadget Podcast crew -- are back for another installment to help you sort all that out. In a week heavy on rumors (Palm Eos, Microsoft "Pink" and the not-so-nano "iPhone lite") and laden with opinion (Windows 7 RC1, TiVo's sad state of affairs), join the boys as they delve deep into abyss that is gadgetry. Sure, there might never be a Zunephone, but remember: the beauty is in the journey... or something.

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Song: All That She Wants

00:01:13 - Palm Eos: super-thin, 3G, and headed to AT&T?
00:27:20 - Microsoft's "Pink" smartphone could rival iPhone on Verizon
00:29:00 - Microsoft reiterates what we knew: no first-party handset, no Zunephone
00:36:40 - Apple prototyping "iPhone lite" and MacBook Mini / media pad for Verizon?
00:46:30 - Samsung I7500 with OLED touchscreen powered by Android, dreams
00:57:42 - Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 impressions, insights, and expectations
01:10:05 - Ten years of TiVo: how far we haven't come

Subscribe to the podcast

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Download the podcast

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Contact the podcast

1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget

Filed under: Podcasts

Engadget Podcast 144 - 05.01.2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter Team Would Rather Pay for iPhones Than Take Other Smartphones for Free

Apple.com/business has published a case study of micro-blogging darling, Twitter. Not surprisingly, Apple.com gives Twitter a lot of love for loving Apple products, especially the iPhone:

When it comes to availability, iPhones accommodate peoples’ needs to work remotely and stay connected with the Twitter team. Stone notes that Twitter remains loyal to iPhones even though other handset manufacturers offer them free equipment.

Not surprising. The price of a thing is seldom equal to its cost. If a free product takes you more time or resources or requires greater infrastructure to support, the cost of using it can rapidly grow higher than the dollar price of even a premium product or service.

For businesses that thrive on the technology the iPhone best supports, web, media, and a certain strategic perception and mind set, paying for iPhones is probably a much greater value than any “free” phone.

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

Twitter Team Would Rather Pay for iPhones Than Take Other Smartphones for Free

First Look: Flick NBA Basketball brings shootaround fun to the iPhone

Filed under: Gaming, iPhone, App Store

Since my team isn't in the playoffs this year (next season, Knicks fans!), I've had to sate my basketball jones by watching some of the sworn enemies of NYC... shame, too, as this Boston-Chicago series is unbelievable. Four out of six games going to OT? I mean, c'mon. Anyway, just in time for the race to the championship, Freeverse's Flick NBA Basketball is shipping for the iPhone and iPod touch.

The game combines several "All-Star Saturday Night" staples, including a 3-point shootout, H.O.R.S.E, and a long shot competition, along with a pop-a-shot machine and a finger spin mini-game. While the 1.0 build currently on the store is marred by some crashing bugs and overly challenging (at least, to my middle-aged fingers) shooting mechanics, the submitted & soon-to-arrive 1.1 version improves stability and gameplay. There's also a big additional feature coming in the 1.2 update, date TBA: dunking! We've got an exclusive video demo of the dunk UI in the 2nd half of this post.

Of course, the big thrill of Flick NBA is the NBA part -- Freeverse has licensed pro player likenesses and team uniforms, giving players the choice of competing as Chris Paul, Shaquille O'Neal or other pros from all the NBA teams, 30 in total. If you've ever wanted to try your skills on the court as Yao Ming or Dirk Nowitzki, here's your chance. It's not clear if the individual players have unique skill levels, but it's still a thrill to pick your pro and hit the court. The 3D quality, audio and arena graphics are all excellent; it's still a pleasant surprise to see playable 3D on the iPhone screen.

The individual game modes vary in challenge level and enjoyability; in my play testing, I enjoyed the 3-point shooting contest the most, as you can start to get into a 'zone' as you round the ball racks. The 1.0 implementation of H.O.R.S.E. was too difficult to be much fun, but the 1.1 update ratcheted down the shot control speeds a bit and I felt more competitive with my computer opponent (you can also play against a human in Vs. mode). Surprisingly, the pop-a-shot minigame is actually a lot of fun, and the 1.1 update improves the ability to grab balls at the bottom of the ramp without having them collide with other ones rolling back from the basket. The long shot and ball spin minigames were less sticky for me -- the long shot contest is still tough enough to make it frustrating even after a few practice rounds.

For $4.99 in the App Store, Flick NBA Basketball provides a good mix of playability and 'wow, check it out' value. While it's not the head-to-head game sim you might wish for in an NBA title, it's still fun (and more stable with the forthcoming 1.1 update, live in the store as soon as Apple clears it). With the 1.2 and future updates adding dunks and more modes, you'll be getting even more b-ball value for your purchase.

See our screenshot gallery below, and the dunk UI video in the 2nd half of the post.

Continue reading First Look: Flick NBA Basketball brings shootaround fun to the iPhone

First Look: Flick NBA Basketball brings shootaround fun to the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Flick NBA Basketball brings shootaround fun to the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple art redux: David Hockney paints on an iPhone

Filed under: Odds and ends, iPhone, iPod touch

This seems to be the week for that magical intersection of Apple and art.

On Wednesday TUAW highlighted a Warhol serigraph that's up for auction at a gallery in Portland, Oregon; now TUAW reader Tristan tipped us off to a post on the Daily Mail website about renowned British artist David Hockney using an iPhone to create mini paintings.

The 71-year-old Hockney has had his iPhone for 4 months and is cranking out small paintings which he sends to friends. Among his favorite subjects for "finger painting" on his iPhone are landscapes and flowers. The flower paintings are sent to friends as "fresh flowers" that last a long time.

Hockney likes to use his iPhone in bed to send out illustrated art lectures, and has a tiny easel on which the iPhone sits when he's working on his little masterpieces. There's no word on whether or not Apple will begin selling the easels as an iPhone accessory in their retail stores.

Apple art redux: David Hockney paints on an iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple art redux: David Hockney paints on an iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solid Gold iPhone available for a mere pittance (otherwise known as $30,000 USD)

Rejoice, filthy-rich people of the world, because now you can buy an iPhone which is not gold plated but actual solid gold, plus the obligatory diamonds in the logo, of course. Just $34,168. That’s all. A mere drop in the bucket. Yes, it’s disgusting in an age where 10% of the children in the world go [...]

Swine Flu tracker allows you to become wildly panicked anywhere you go

As if you didn’t have enough with the Google case map and CDC’s Twitter, here you have the Swine Flu (Or Influenza A, as its referred to now, being more politically correct and all) Tracker for your iPhone or touch. Unfortunately, it may not reach your hands soon enough, if you’re in the USA. The reason: [...]

Review: Pocket Workout for iPhone

Pocket Workout is an ideal application for business users or frequent travelers that are already familiar with the kinds of exercises in its database. Beginners who'd like to see examples of how the exercises are performed may want to consider another app.

OS X 10.5.7 Build 9J58 Seeded to Developers

Earlier this week, Apple seeded a new version of OS X 10.5.7, termed Build 9J58, to developers. World of Apple publishes the seed notes, which list only a pair of changes related to compatibility fixes between the CFNetwork framework and VPN, iChat,...

Former Blizzard devs at Booyah plan iPhone app

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Odds and ends, Developer, iPhone

Booyah is a company put together by former Blizzard devs (makers of classic games like World of Warcraft and Diablo) and funded by the iFund, and they've been keeping fairly mum on what they've been up to. Until now, that is -- they've updated their website and dropped a press release, and it looks like they're working on some iPhone software. What kind of software, exactly? Well, we're not quite sure -- it sounds like a game, because there's playing involved, but they're also using phrases like "life companion" and "social experiment," which makes it sound like a social networking app with some sort of game or virtual pet mechanics involved. And they are also hinting at a larger pattern of charity or cause-based action -- they told Kotaku that they want to tap into people's "life passions," and Gamasutra was told that the app itself is a "kernel miniproduct" that they plan to expand into a larger movement.

Blizzard's own Rob Pardo is an advisor to the team (and the product was originally pitched to Blizzard), but really that's the only clue here that this is anything more than startup hype -- we've seen social networks flash and fizzle already on the iPhone, and even game-based social networking tools like Foursquare haven't really found their tipping point yet.

But we won't judge fully before we've seen it -- Booyah says they'll be showing their cards "this spring" (so before June 21st?). We'll be watching.

Former Blizzard devs at Booyah plan iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Former Blizzard devs at Booyah plan iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quantum PI’s nanoTrek sensors pick up vibration and motion your Wiimote could never dream of

Quantum PI has just built the first motion sensor chip to use "quantum tunneling," which sounds theoretically unsafe, but we'll follow along. The nanoTrek sensors are classified as NEMS (Nano Electric Mechanical Systems) as opposed to the "bulky" MEMS sensors that can be found everywhere from the Wii to the iPhone. nanoTrek's sensing area is a mere 50 x 50 microns, and its sensitivity is 5 to 10 times greater than MEMS chips. There are all sorts of boring industrial applications to such a sensor, but we're looking forward to the not-too-distant-future when we can be completely disappointed by a brand new version of Super Monkey Ball.

[Via The Inquirer]

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets, Gaming

Quantum PI's nanoTrek sensors pick up vibration and motion your Wiimote could never dream of originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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