iPhone knows how to Prevent Overheating

Review: Wiki Tap for iPhone

This free Wikipedia client not only lets you access Wikipedia articles but offers a host of other cool features as well.

Calling all iPhones! Emergency scanner apps on the loose!

Filed under: Software, Odds and ends, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Sometimes it's uncanny how many similar iPhone apps appear at about the same time. Over the past week or so, we've heard about a number of new apps that "tune you into" streaming police, fire, and emergency medical service radio services. Apps like this can be useful to volunteer firefighters, off-duty policemen, news crews, scanner enthusiasts, and the occasional ambulance-chasing lawyer.

The first out of the box is Police Scanner 1.1 (US$2.99, click opens iTunes) from Juicy Development. This app now features over 1,100 streams from 7 different countries and a streamlined interface for getting to your favorite local emergency radio, The developers will add any compatible stream to their app within hours of being notified of that stream, so if there are no local radios listed now, there may be soon.

Next in the queue is Emergency Radio 1.1 (US$0.99, click opens iTunes) from Edge Rift. It's available in a free "Lite" version if you want to try it out on a handful of major cities, or you can spend a buck to get over 900 feeds from all over the US. I personally thought the code lists (see photo) are nice touch.

If you prefer a little music with your police calls, Wunder Radio 1.6 (US$6.99, click opens iTunes) not only captures the same emergency radio streams from ScanAmerica.us as the other two apps, but is also the best (IMHO) iPhone app out there for listening to local radio stations. It also gives you NOAA weather information for US locations, not to mention railroad crew and dispatch calls.

Regardless of which scanner app you select, it's sure to give you hours of fun, and it's definitely worth listening in on why the cops visited your neighbor's house at 3 A.M.

Calling all iPhones! Emergency scanner apps on the loose! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Calling all iPhones! Emergency scanner apps on the loose! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T defends SlingPlayer’s Wi-Fi limit

Sling Media's recently released SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone application will not work over AT&T's cellular network, in order to prevent potential network congestion.

Square Enix releases new tower defense game for iPhone, iPod touch

Square Enix, makers of Final Fantasy, have released a new tower defense-style strategy game called Crystal Defends: Vanguard Storm.

Analyst Rumormongering: No New iPhone at WWDC? iPhone “Family” at Special Summer Event?

Business Insider is quoting Piper analyst Gene Munster as saying:

No New iPhones [at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference]. As indicated in today’s press release, we believe Apple will focus on the new version of Mac OS X, Snow Leopard at WWDC. While some investors may be expecting Apple to launch redesigned iPhones at WWDC, we do not anticipate the launch in early June. Rather, we expect Apple to host a special event in late June or early July to launch a family of iPhones. We continue to expect multiple models, possibly a high-end iPhone with improved specs from the current version and a low-end version with lower capacity and fewer features along with a reduced pricing plan. Such a model could also be used in Apple’s launch of the iPhone into China as soon as the end of summer ‘09.

Analysts are about as accurate as weathermen when it comes to predictions one month out, so take this with the usual Mac Pro sized grain of salt. Apple has used the last two WWDC events to showcase the iPhone, and introduced the iPhone 3G and MobileMe at WWDC 2008. If they stick to pattern, we should see an update on iPhone 3.0, the next generation iPhone, and perhaps a MobileMe refresh at WWDC 2009.

However, WWDC being an developer-focused event, it’s not impossible Apple will focus on their Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard and iPhone OS 3.0 exclusively, leaving the hardware for a sexier consumer event later in the month.

As to a family of iPhones, we still don’t see Apple breaking the software platform, which means a low end iPhone could only be a low-storage iPhone 3G (8GB?) at $99?, with the next generation unit (at 16GB and 32GB, along with other new features) taking the established $199 and $299 positions.

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

Analyst Rumormongering: No New iPhone at WWDC? iPhone “Family” at Special Summer Event?

Apple adds online purchase of iPhone 3G for new customers

New iPhone customers can now order the device online and have it shipped to their homes; unfortunately, existing AT&T customers will still have to go to their local stores.

iPhone Now Available for Online Order from US Apple Store

At launch, Apple sent all US iPhone customers on trip to their local Apple Store or AT&T kiosk. Now, some 10 months post-release, Engadget has discovered that Apple will finally sell you your iPhone online and… still make you walk/drive on over to your local Apple for pick up and activation. send it directly to you instead of making you schlep to the Apple store. (Story updated, sorry for the mix up)

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

iPhone Now Available for Online Order from US Apple Store

Apple Store now taking iPhone 3G orders online

Back when we were your age, we had to buy our iPhone 3Gs partway online, then we'd trudge across 17 miles of frozen tundra to the Apple Store to complete the sale -- and that's the way we liked it. Now, you whippersnappers have the option of letting Apple ship the thing straight to your door, you lazy, good-for-nothing bums. Of course, you could do this directly through AT&T for a hot minute now, but if your eyes are particularly sensitive to shades of orange, maybe this'll be a more pleasant experience for you.

[Thanks, iphonequeen]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Apple Store now taking iPhone 3G orders online originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Online Store Now Offering iPhone 3G for Direct Shipment to New AT&T Customers

Engadget reports that Apple's US online store has started taking orders for direct shipments of the iPhone 3G. Previously, the iPhone was available only in retail stores when purchased from Apple, although AT&T offered sales both in its own ...

First look at SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone

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

This is a painful review to write because the SlingPlayer for iPhone had so much potential before AT&T decided to cripple it. One can understand the terror at the thought of a million SlingPlayers draining network bandwidth dry, but in fact, AT&T seems to violating its own Terms of Service by allowing other smartphones to run SlingPlayer without interference.

OK, well how does the SlingPlayer [App Store linkl] for iPhone/iPod touch work on a WiFi network? Pretty well. The video can be a bit choppy, but it is quite watchable, and basically gives you a full-featured television receiver (or DVD player if you are set up that way) wherever you have an accessible network.

Set up is pretty easy and does not require a manual. The only pain point is inputting your unique Sling ID which requires typing long strings of upper case letters followed by numbers. This can be skipped if you have a Sling account configured in advance.

In my case I have a SlingBox Pro, connected to a DirecTV HD receiver. The remote worked fine, and it is a transparent overlay so the video shows through. Entering a command results in a 4-5 second wait for it to be executed, but that is understandable considering what is going on behind the scenes. Entering pretty much any command to the remote pauses the video and audio, which again, is understandable but not desirable.

If you have a DVR, the SlingPlayer app will control it, which is a real benefit to users who are away from home and want to catch a program, or play it back remotely.

The loss of 3G functionality is sad. In the old days I used the SlingPlayer on a Motorola smartphone. When traveling, it was easy to catch a newscast or get some ball scores from any location. Now, you have to have a Wi-Fi connection, which seriously limits your options.

Finally, there is the matter of price. It is hard to endorse paying $30.00US for an app that has lost a major feature. Sling charges the same price for versions of the app that do run on 3G. It seems unfair given all that has happened to this app.

It is certainly true that Sling Media is not to blame for the business decisions of AT&T, but the company certainly controls the pricing of the app.

I think there will be a lot of people who want to buy and use SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone. On the other hand, many people have had their enthusiasm severely dampened by the current situation. Unfortunately, no matter how clever the app, and it IS clever, AT&T, Apple and Sling Media have all been damaged by this drama.

Nothing is forever, and policies can change. All concerned will have to figure out if the decisions made so far with this app are worth the damage to reputations and image.

Note: The Sling web site is running pretty slowly as I write this, and I was surprised to see that the iPhone version of the app is not listed in the support options.

Here are some screen shots of the app in operation:

First look at SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First look at SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How To: Sync Golden Age Birthdays to Your iPhone

Chris Breen of Macworld fame posted a handy tip on how to get birthdays for the 75+ among your family and friends to show up on the iPhone. (Seems the iPhone OS isn’t happy with events that repeat more than that many times, hence no birthday love for the seniors).

The solution is to create a separate repeating event in a different iCal calendar for your well-seasoned friends and family members that begins this year. Unless they live to be more than 150 years old, you should be set.

Check out his full post for details on managing birthdays on OS X in general, and syncing them over to iPhone.

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

How To: Sync Golden Age Birthdays to Your iPhone

Next-gen iPhone comes up with digital compass?

The next-gen iPhone will have an integrated magnetometer (digital compass), allowing the iPhone to recognize which direction users were facing, work in tandem with the smartphone’s GPS and turn-by-turn directions. The screenshots show that there’s also a “Kitchen Sink” menu, which is presumably the place for all of the other “not ...

The World Newspapers on your iPhone

If you are a media researcher or someone who really want to get in the loop with the latest news from all around the globe, The World Newspapers app is definitely for you. It offers almost 4000 newspapers with online editions from over 100 countries. You can browse by country and ...

Early Builds of Chromium Browser for the Mac Available

The Chromium web browser project which serves as the basis for Google's Chrome has started releasing early builds of the Mac version. While not complete, the builds work well enough to get an impression of the browser. CNet took a quick look at a b...

Review: Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G

The first purchase you make after you get a new device should always be some sort of protection — ideally, a case that suits your needs in the best way possible. You paid good, hard-earned money for your iPhone, after all, and sometimes a simple rubber skin case or hard case will just not do. So what’s left? A nicely crafted holster case, and today I’m going to be taking a look at the Krusell Apollo leather case for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This case can be purchased directly from TiPb store for $34.95. For the full run down on this holster case read on after the break!

Design

When it comes to cases that nicely fit a businessman or businesswoman’s needs, Swedish case manufacturer Krusell is the one brand that pops into my mind. The previous Krusell case that I was able to review, the Krusell Hector, left me fairly impressed with their quality and design. The Krusell Apollo Leather Case was able to get that half right.

First thing to point out is the Krusell Apollo’s Multidapt feature that allows for you to have a few different wearing options. The Multidapt system is simply a fancy name for a swivel clip system that is completely removable from the case, reducing the size of the Apollo’s profile. If the swivel clip system is not your cup of tea, just remove it from the back of the case.

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This case has been beautifully hand crafted and solidly put together with very soft genuine leather. The color is black on the outside with a very soft, silver interior. On the exterior of the case you will notice a magnetic flip-top closure, an off-white stitching, and a small Krusell badge. The stitching appears to be exact, with no stray threads or excess glue. There are some minor issues with the functionality, which I’ll get into a bit later, but overall the Apollo is a very well constructed case.

Daily Use

So far this has been a pretty positive review for the Krusell Apollo but it’s not all a bed of roses. Yes, the Multidapt feature is nice and convenient to have but if you do choose to use it be prepared to deal with a very bulky case. So bulky, in fact, that I could not use the Apollo as my daily driver. Now if you are the complete opposite of me and wouldn’t mind sacrificing a slimmer profile to wear the case on your hip, this case may suit you well.

Another worry I have is with the magnetic flip-top. It seems to be a pretty weak magnet and it doesn’t take much to flip open, which of course should be a major concern for anyone, especially if you are active person. So if you do purchase this case, be very wary of wearing it horizontally.

The vertical holster functionality, on the other hand, is suburb with the Multidapt clip. It will securely hold your phone tightly to your side via a belt or pants pocket.

This case also keeps your iPhone 3G very well protected. With some cases that you wear, you run the risk of bumping into something, whether it be the corner of a table or wall, that will severely scratch the iPhone itself or, worst case, crack screen. I’m happy to say with the Apollo those are things you need not worry about.

Conclusion

The Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G is a decent product, solidly built with fine materials. While its style will not win any awards, and personally I feel Krusell missed the mark with the Apollo, it is a way to protect your iPhone 3G while at the same time offering more than one way to carry it via the Multidapt clip.

Pros

• Built from high quality materials
• Multidapt clip allows for numerous ways to carry your iPhone 3G

Cons

• Way too bulky
• Magnetic flip-top seems very weak

TiPb Review Rating

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

Review: Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G

Drivetrain rejection highlights App Store approval flaws

Apple's inconsistent and opaque App Store approval process comes to the forefront again, as the company rejects an iPhone app that it claims could be used for infringing purposes.

Review: Memory Stick for iPhone

Because of Apple-imposed limitations, the iPhone can't currently function as a true thumb drive. Memory Stick approximates something pretty similar, but not without some frustrating flaws.

Developer Warning: Ad-Hoc Slots NOT Changeable

Apple’s Ad-Hoc iPhone distribution method allows developers to register up to 100 iPhones or iPod touches so they can run their applications on them without having to go through the App Store. This is priceless for beta testing, educational environments, and other non-public environments.

Dragthing’s James Thomson, however, has posted on a problem that just might bite a few developers right in their beta tests:

Reading between the lines, and discussions on the forums, it sounds like every time I deleted or modified an entry, I was getting one closer to the magic figure of 100 device IDs you have entered since the beginning of time. When you hit the limit, regardless of how many total device IDs you have listed in the portal, your ability to further edit the list is removed completely.

In other words, if you change your beta testers — if you change your own device — you might just end up locked out of your own Ad-Hoc distribution.

Check out the full post for more on this problem and what, if nothing, Apple is currently doing to help developers fix and/or work around it.

Meanwhile, let us know if you have any ideas as well…

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

Developer Warning: Ad-Hoc Slots NOT Changeable

SlingPlayer restrictions blamed by AT&T on the iPhone not being a phone?

In a curiously worded statement, AT&T has claimed it prevented the iPhone version of SlingPlayer from using 3G because it would chew too much data — and because the iPhone is, oddly, not considered a phone. The short message justifies the decision to allow Sling Media’s remote streaming only without 3G use by first noting that [...]