South Korea clears iPhone for sale

What, you didn't know you couldn't buy the iPhone from at least one carrier in all 193 widely-recognized sovereign nations of the world? It's true; one need look no further than South Korea, one of the most technologically-advanced wireless societies, where much of the growth over the past several years has occurred in a self-imposed bubble thanks to the existence of policies requiring the presence of a custom software layer for connecting to data services -- a layer that gave local players like Samsung and LG an almost impenetrable advantage over foreign competition. Local authorities have been loosening those restrictions in recent months, and the Wall Street Journal is reporting this evening that they've just signed off on a waiver that would allow the iPhone to be sold despite a "technical ban" that had been keeping it off shelves. Local carrier KT had been saying for a while that it intended to carry the phone, so this step seems like little more than a formality -- but in a market accustomed to T-DMB tuners, limitless color choices, and wide VGA AMOLED displays, it'll be interesting to see whether there's profit to be had.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

South Korea clears iPhone for sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft’s Prototype Multi-Touch Tablet/Booklet

Gizmodo reveals some details about a top secret Microsoft project working to introduce a new booklet device with dual 7-inch multi-touch screens.

The dual 7-inch (or so) screens are multitouch, and designed for writing, flic...

The Competition: Microsoft “Courier” Tablet

While everyone is waiting on Apple to unveil their universally rumored iTablet/iPad device next year, Gizmodo has just scored the scoop on what Microsoft just might be planning to counter it — the “Courier” tablet.

Decidedly un-Apple in it’s approach, with dual booklet screens, pen and touch input, and feel that’s all organized chaos, it’s also strikingly different to Microsoft’s previous Tablet PC efforts (which were largely tweaked versions of XP and then Vista). Here’s why:

Until recently, it was a skunkworks project deep inside Microsoft, only known to the few engineers and executives working on it—Microsoft’s brightest, like Entertainment & Devices tech chief and user-experience wizard J. Allard, who’s spearheading the project. Currently, Courier appears to be at a stage where Microsoft is developing the user experience and showing design concepts to outside agencies.

Head on over to Gizmodo to see a video of the concept in action (not iPhone friendly, sorry). Then come back here, tell us what you like and don’t like, and let us know how you think Apple’s take on the tablet will differ.

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

The Competition: Microsoft “Courier” Tablet

USB Implementors Forum on iTunes Sync: Apple’s Right, Palm’s Wrong

Looks like the USB Implementers Forum has taken Apple’s side over Palm’s in their ongoing war of USB locking vs. USB spoofing. Digital Daily (via MacRumors) has the deets:

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the industry group that oversees the Universal Serial Bus standard, has finally responded to Palm’s (PALM) claim that Apple (AAPL) is “hampering competition” by repeatedly disabling the Palm Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes–and it’s not looking good for Palm. In a letter submitted to Apple and Palm today, the group dismissed Palm’s claim that Apple has violated its USB-IF Membership Agreement. Worse, it took issue with Palm’s alleged use of Apple’s Vendor Identification Number (VID), which it says violates USB-IF policy.

Palm’s response?

“We engaged with the USB-IF because we believe consumers should have freedom and choice in how and where they use the non-rights managed media they already own. We are reviewing the letter from the USB-IF and will respond as appropriate.”

We’ve already weighed in on the situation in general (we think Palm has more important things to spend their limited funds and resources on), but what do you think? Is the USB-IF making the right call?

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

USB Implementors Forum on iTunes Sync: Apple’s Right, Palm’s Wrong

USB Compliance Organization Sides With Apple in Palm Pre Syncing Dispute

Digital Daily reports that the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has responded to Apple and Palm regarding the two companies' ongoing spat over Palm's attempts to allow its Pre smartphone to sync media directly via iTunes. Despite Palm's apparent misu...

Apple Releases iTunes 9.0.1

Apple today released iTunes 9.0.1 via Software Update and the iTunes download site, offering a number of bug fixes.

iTunes 9.0.1 provides a number of important bug fixes, including:

- Resolves issues browsing the iTunes...

First Look: Best Camera App for iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, App Review

The first thing I normally do when someone names their application "The Best..." is roll my eyes and delete the PR email. However, when I saw a press release about the Best Camera app for iPhone, I decided to take a look and I'm glad I did.

Best Camera [iTunes link] is a collaboration between professional photographer Chase Jarvis and iPhone dev firm Übermind. The app gets its name from Jarvis's book "The Best Camera is The One That's With You," a collection of photos taken all over the world by Jarvis with his iPhone.

The US$2.99 app features 14 useful filters and effects that can be stacked; in other words, you can take a photo with the iPhone camera, then apply several filters and/or effects before sharing your handiwork. The filters and effects are on a side-scrolling "dock" at the bottom of the screen, and you apply them by simply tapping on the icons. Sharing includes saving the photo on your iPhone camera roll, sending it out via email, or blasting it to your Facebook or Twitter account.

There's also one more place to share your photo. While filters and effects are nothing new, Jarvis has created a community at thebestcamera.com where photos that have been submitted are displayed on a constantly changing photo wall. These photos are also viewable in the app itself, and by tapping a photo in either location, you can view information about the photographer. On the website, the information also includes a list of the filers or effects that were used on the original photo so you can re-create photos that you find fascinating.

Check out the gallery below for some screenshots of the Best Camera app in action.

First Look: Best Camera App for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Best Camera App for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iTunes 9.0.1 Released; Provides Important Bug Fixes

Apple Releases iTunes 9.0.1 Update

Apple today released iTunes 9.0.1, a minor point update to their new media hub and sync solution. Weighing in at 89.8MB, as befits its .0.1 nature, the changes read like a who’s who of bug fixes, including:

• Resolves issues browsing the iTunes Store.
• Addresses a performance issue where iTunes may become unresponsive.
• Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit.
• Fixes a problem syncing Podcasts in playlists to iPod or iPhone.
• Fixes a problem sorting albums with multiple discs.
• Addresses an issue with the Zoom button not switching to Mini Player.
• Improves application syncing for iPod touch and iPhone.
• Genius is now automatically updated to show Genius Mixes.

Hit up Apple Software Update to grab it and when you do, let us know if it fixes what’s been ailing you…

(And let’s hope iPhone 3.1.1 is on its way soon to do likewise!)

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

Apple Releases iTunes 9.0.1 Update

First Look: Get airborne with Aera for iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch, First Look, App Review

Aera is a new flight game [iTunes store] from iChromo with beautifully rendered graphics and some challenging game-play. I wouldn't exactly call it a flight simulator, as your control of the aircraft is limited. You can't bank left or right, but you do control your up and down pitch. The game is priced at US$2.99 for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Think of Aera as a 2D shooter with exceptionally good graphics and addictive missions that can draw you deeply into the game.

There are several different mission types. In some, you collect points by flying the plane into floating objects, and in others you need to avoid those floating objects. There are also missions where you have to do both, as well as dogfights and aerobatic flights.

Because the controls do not work in the way other flight games work, it's helpful to go through the quick in-game tutorial so you know how the game works. If you try to exit the tutorial and just start playing, you'll be brought back to the tutorial until you have finished it. It really is necessary, because you'll never be able to fly successfully without going through it.

The game also features multiplayer options for other owners of the sim who are on the same wireless network. Aera also features video replay, allowing you to watch yourself crash and burn.

Continue reading First Look: Get airborne with Aera for iPhone

First Look: Get airborne with Aera for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Get airborne with Aera for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Brings Push Gmail to iPhone Users

Review: SoccerCard SKS for iPhone

With this iPhone app, you can make virtual sports cards for each player, and even keep track of their statistics during the season.

Push for Gmail: it’s here, it works, and it’s limited

Filed under: Internet Tools, iPhone

If you use Gmail, you have something to be excited about today, because you can finally have new email messages pushed directly to your iPhone when they arrive.

For many users, however, their first response is "it's about time!" and others have even gone as far as saying "it's finally here, no thanks to Apple." This new feature, unveiled this morning by Google, has even been called a "workaround" to Apple's alleged refusal to support push email, but in reality this isn't the case.

Push: What is it, and how does it work?

To understand why push services have not been available before, let's first discuss what exactly push is. When a client (be it a mail program, Twitter client, or web browser) needs to notify a user when new content or information is available, it has to periodically connect to the server and check for changes.

This is the way email clients have worked for years: the client checks with the server at a defined interval (usually every 5-15 minutes), downloads any new messages, and notifies the user that new mail has arrived. Many other services, such as RSS feeds, Twitter, Facebook, and even the Gmail website work the same way; they just check the server more often, which gives the appearance of real-time notifications.

Other services, such as instant messaging clients, maintain a constant, active connection to the server at all times. When new information is available for the client, the server sends, or "pushes" the information directly to the client as soon as it is available. In corporate environments, mail services such as Microsoft Exchange have paved the way for push email, by having the mail client (usually Outlook, Entourage, or other clients that support Exchange) maintain an active connection to the mail server, which allows the server to notify the client immediately when new mail arrives.

Read on to find out how Gmail push works, and what you need to know to get it set up on your phone.

Continue reading Push for Gmail: it's here, it works, and it's limited

Push for Gmail: it's here, it works, and it's limited originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Push for Gmail: it's here, it works, and it's limited originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T Weighs In Against Net Neutrality Regulations for Wireless Industry

CNET reports that AT&T and other wireless carriers and wireless trade associations are expressing concern over recent comments from U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski regarding his support for "Net neutrality", fearing...

AT&T poised to roll out 3G MicroCell service

Filed under: Hardware, Wireless, Odds and ends, Internet, iPhone

For many iPhone owners in the U.S., the fact that you're tied to AT&T as the wireless carrier has been a serious problem. As an example, until this week, I was lucky if I got 2 bars of signal strength on EDGE at my house and I never had 3G service. Now, for some inexplicable reason, I'm able to get a full 5 bars on 3G on the top floor of my house and about 3 bars on the lower floor.

Unless you're fortunate enough to have a similar miracle take place near your home, you may need to take advantage of AT&T's upcoming 3G MicroCell service. This service literally puts a tiny Internet-attached cell tower in your home or office, blasting out 5 bars of 3G goodness to about a 5,000 square foot area.

The 3G MicroCell comes at a price, of course -- the device is rumored to cost $150 and there will be no monthly charge if you wish to use your existing minutes. You can also add unlimited phone calls through the device for an extra $20 per month, so if you primarily use your iPhone in one location, it might be cheaper to get the minimum service plan for the iPhone and just use the 3G MicroCell unlimited plan for your calls.

AT&T's rollout of the 3G MicroCell service will make the iPhone available to a wider audience of potential users, and may also benefit the overstressed AT&T network by decreasing the number of voice and data calls using the regular cell towers.

At the present time, AT&T is testing the 3G MicroCell service in Charlotte, NC. You can check availability of the service by visiting the AT&T site.

AT&T poised to roll out 3G MicroCell service originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

AT&T poised to roll out 3G MicroCell service originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Approves Record 1394 iPhone Apps In One Day

Netflix iPhone App - Not Coming Anytime Soon

iPhone OS 3.2 — What Do You Want and When Do You Want It?

Apple is no doubt already hard at work on iPhone OS 3.2, the second minor update to the third major release of their mobile platform. Sure, we got iPhone 3.1 just over two weeks ago on Sept. 9, but looking back, we should expect to see the first beta versions of 3.2 sooner rather than later.

By way of comparison, iPhone 2.1 was released on Sept. 12, 2008. iPhone 2.2 Beta 1 was released on Sept. 25, with some tweaks to App Store and Safari’s UI. iPhone 2.1 Beta 2 dropped on Oct. 24, with Google Street View, SDK support for line-in audio, and direct podcast downloads and streaming. The final iPhone 2.2 firmware was released on Nov. 21, and both Google Street View and the ability to get podcasts on-device were great enhancements.

So, it’s not unreasonable to imagine 3.2 Beta 1 could show up before the end of the month, with a final release before the holidays.

Since we’ve already gotten direct TV and Movie downloads (over Wi-Fi), there may not be an analogous improvement to iPod and iTunes this time around. Subscribing to podcasts on device, however, where a push notification alerts you when a new episode is available and you’re on Wi-Fi to download it, is something we’d adore. iTunes LP and iTunes Extras support would also be dandy give their introduction in iTunes 9.

Likewise, Google Voice and Google Latitude having been rejected/held-for-study by the App Store, we may not get a Maps app update either (though Apple baking Latitude into the existing Maps app, Google-willing, could be a great compromise solution). We won’t hold our breath for push Gmail either (not GoogleSync, we mean built-in, doesn’t use up your only ActiveSync slot, genuine push email like MobileMe and Yahoo!)…

Enabling 720p TV-out from the iPhone 3GS and iPod touch G3 would be a great, and competitive addition, especially with a souped up dock-to-HDMI video cable to go with it.

We have our ongoing (though admittedly greatly reduced since 3.0) wish-list: better support for Bluetooth controls (AVRCP), APIs to allow apps to interact with the calendar, some form of background support for streaming audio, turn-by-turn, and other apps that cry out for it, Mobile iChat, remote backup and restore, iTunes music and video streaming, file system access for document handling, etc.

(Yes, we left out bug fixes, as we hope Apple sees those as urgent enough to address in an iPhone 3.1.1 release much, much sooner).

But what do you want to see Apple prioritize for iPhone 3.2?

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

iPhone OS 3.2 — What Do You Want and When Do You Want It?

Push Gmail now available on iPhone

Google has added support for push e-mail to its Google Sync service, which previously only allowed syncing of contact and calendar information.

Google adds support for push Gmail via Exchange ActiveSync

Google Sync's pretty awesome as it is, but it's had one glaring flaw in its implementation: no support for Gmail, just Calendar and Contacts, which means you aren't able to get true push email delivered. Well, they've gone ahead and completed the holy Google trinity today with the introduction of Gmail support into the Exchange ActiveSync mix, so any phone with Exchange support should theoretically be able to get in on the action. We say "theoretically" because they're only quoting support for the iPhone and Windows Mobile at this point, but it seems like anything that can speak the EAS protocol should be able to make this happen. Let us know your trials, tribulations, and successes getting this set up in comments, won't you?

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Google adds support for push Gmail via Exchange ActiveSync originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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