Gamevil’s Zenonia RPG Review

In my opinion, Zenonia  by Gamevil has to be one of the BEST action RPG games in the iTunes AppStore to date. At $2.99 this game has amazing replay value and longevity. You can play as up to three different character classes and choose between good and evil.So far I've ...

New iPhone App Lets You Lock, Unlock And Remotely Start Your Car

Red Alert has an October surprise for iPhone gamers

Electronic Arts plans to bring the Cold War-themed Command and Conquer: Red Alert to the iPhone and iPod touch later this month -- October 23 to be precise.

TapLynx framework helps build iPhone apps without code

A new iPhone framework lets anyone build content-based apps without writing a lick of code.

App Review: Fashion Fix by Roiworld

Filed under: iPhone, iPod touch, App Review

Ever wanted to play an iPhone memory game about dressing up an avatar? Ever wish that the cute brother of your best friend would admire your fashion sense and want to go out on date with you? Well, now there's Fashion Fix for iPhone. And...let me be blunt. Fashion Fix is the most inane waste of time and money you could possibly imagine. And for some reason I cannot begin to fathom, my tween daughters love it. Available in both a free lite [iTunes link] and paid [iTunes link] version, this incredibly stupid app has captured the hearts of my girls.

The game goes like this: You select a level (5 in the free version, 50 in the paid version) and tap through a little "scene". In the one shown at the top of this post, a particularly vapid girl makes smalltalk with Ben, the brother of her friend. Here, Ben is impressed by her complete lack of conversation and intellect, offering to go out on a date with her.

After this conversation, you study 4 preset outfits, committing one to memory in the 15 seconds allotted. You then shop at the "Boutique" to choose a hair style, outfit, shoes, accessories, makeup and so forth. No, I am not kidding. When you're done matching the style you studied, you tap Done.

Once you do so, the program grades your accuracy, awarding up to 300 points based on how well you matched the suggested outfits. Get over 200 points and Ben returns, inviting you on a date because you have awesome fashion sense. Miss too many points, and Ben returns to say "Sorry. I forgot about an important lecture. Gotta run." Apparently, Ben is deeply, deeply into fashion. Unless you dress exactly according to the mandates of the application, you lose. And the cute (albeit effeminate) boy ditches you because he doesn't approve of your looks.

Could this get more shallow?

For anyone who has a feminist bone in their body, or knows a feminist, or once saw Maude on TV, this application is politically incorrect kryptonite. It will suck every neuron from the user's brain, replacing them with soft pink cotton. That pink cotton will, however, be able to memorize fashion plates and duplicate them on demand.

For everyone who has tweenager daughters, make sure you have a nice talk about how inanely stupid this application is, even as you fork over your two bucks. Because the powers of tweenage persuasion cannot be overestimated.

Reminder: there are more app reviews on the TUAW App Hub.

App Review: Fashion Fix by Roiworld originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

App Review: Fashion Fix by Roiworld originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple Working on Radio.app to Bring FM Radio on iPhone And iPod Touch

TomTom iPhone kit being sold in stores - unboxing details

A member of MacRumors forum has reported buying and unboxing the TomTom GPS Car Kit for the iPhone, and MacRumors was nice enough to post about the experience. The kit has been delayed a few weeks, but is now being shipped to stores apparently. More about the insert details here: — Also found within the car kit packaging [...]

Updates on iPhone on Bell in Canada

Filed under: Rumors, iPhone

Last week Canadian carriers Bell and Telus announced that they would be offering the iPhone to customers. At the time details were scarce, but this week more information is available.

Electronista's sources report that Bell will get the iPhone 3G and 3GS on November 4th, just as their HSPA-based 3G network goes live. Releasing the iPhone 3G and 3GS on the same day as a brand-new network ... what could go wrong there?

Information on plans is still sketchy. It's been suggested that users will be able to use Bell's existing Combo plans with the iPhone, but that's not clear at this point. The pricing of the phone itself will be the same, according to Electronista, and contract-free models will be an option at $599, $699 and $799 each.

To receive the latest information directly from Bell, sign up at their information page.

Updates on iPhone on Bell in Canada originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Updates on iPhone on Bell in Canada originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Must-have apps for iPhone photographers

Lo-fi iPhone phone photography is gaining respect as a legitimate art form. Make your shots gallery-worthy with these apps.

Apple Closed Jailbreak Exploit Due to App Piracy?

Did Apple close the 24kpwn exploit in the latest shipments of the iPhone 3GS due to app piracy? MobileCrunch thinks it’s certainly a factor:

While jailbreaking allows for countless wonderful (but otherwise disallowed) apps to run on the iPhone, it also allows cracked versions of paid applications to be installed. As a result, piracy is mind-blowingly, soul-crushingly rampant on the iPhone. Many iPhone developers – such as those behind the popular IM client, Beejive – are reporting that 80 percent of their users are pirates. Yep. For every 10 users on Beejive, 8 of them didn’t pay for it. I’m no saint myself, and all of us here fully understand that a download does not equal a lost sale – but when 80% of the people using your app (and in Beejive’s case, your servers) aren’t paying to keep the lights on, it’s likely seen as a big issue.

As Jeremy posted yesterday, Apple has begun shipping iPhone 3GS with new boot ROMs patched against the longstanding 24kpwn exploit commonly used to Jailbreak the devices. We also saw some reports on the state of app piracy from Pinch Media.

What do you think? Would Apple turn a blinder eye towards Jailbreaking if app piracy wasn’t a factor? Or is Apple duty bound to patch known security exploits no matter what?

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

Apple Closed Jailbreak Exploit Due to App Piracy?

Report: New iPhone 3GS may be jailbreak-proof

The cat-and-mouse game between Apple and a cadre of hackers continues as Apple is reportedly now shipping iPhone 3GS units that are jailbreak-proof.

Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger Reality Review

We have all been there. You know, our iPhone is about to die from a drained battery and no charge cable in sight. Well, the Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger [$29.99 - TiPb Store link] is here to change that. The Seidio charger gives you everything you need for any portable situation. You get a USB cable that actually snaps into place (I love that. Most cables I see these days don’t actually snap in place, they just fit, but not securely) and the always capable wall charger and large grip-friendly car charger.

What really sets this charger apart from the competition is the retractability of the cable. Just like with other retractable cords, you pull on both ends and it expands. Of course, it is convenient if you have your iPhone charging on your Mac or PC to just let is sit right next to your computer without any extra cable mess.

I use my cable on the time. My day starts off with getting in the car for work (yeah, don’t use it at home, I have a cradle for that) and plugging it into the car adapter. I have a good 45 minute commute to work, so this buys me time to charge and listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. Once I am work, I take the cable with me and charge at my desk as need. Yes, I am one of those people that if the iPhone 3GS tells me I have 96% battery, I must make it 100%.

As the day winds down, I repeat the morning process. Now you are probably thinking to yourself, “Why is this guy telling me how he carries his cable around all day?” Well, that is the point isn’t it? The fact that the cable retracts makes it super easy to pull out of my bag and stow it away. I have a separate cable I stash in my bag too, the one that came with the iPhone. Using that cable is annoying as I have to “stuff” it in my bag, where the Seidio cable retracts beautifully with no mess. I know, it is the little things. Because of its portability, this has quickly become my main cable. On the ever-so-small downside, there is not an airplane adapter. That would make this the ultimate in charger cables, but for now, Seidio will have to do with a “fav” rating from this reviewer.

If you are looking for a functional cable such as this, you can pick it up in the TiPb store for $29.95.

Check out more in the gallery below!

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

Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger Reality Review

Apple unresponsive to iPhone IM app developers

Cerulean Studios, maker of the popular Trillian IM client, has received no word from Apple on the iPhone version of its app, even though it was submitted two months ago.

‘Wi-Fi Direct’ to Simplify Peer-to-Peer Wireless Networking

The Wi-Fi Alliance, a consortium of companies that includes Apple, yesterday announced that it has developed a new specification that will facilitate direct peer-to-peer connections via Wi-Fi between devices without the need for an intervening base ...

Apple Bringing Wi-Fi Direct to iPhone in 2010?

Apple has jumped on the Wi-Fi Direct bandwagon, which means we could see the technology introduced into the iPhone and iPod touch as early as 2010. What is it and what does it do? It basically lets devices connect peer-to-peer for data exchange, similar to how Bluetooth currently works. Or, if we understand it right, imagine the Remote app controlling your iTunes or Apple TV, but directly, without the need for shared router in between. Says AppleInsider:

The new Wi-Fi Direct standard is intended for both consumer electronics and enterprise applications. It will include WPA2 security, and management features for enterprise environments. The new technology will use roughly the same power, provide the same data rates, and offer the same range as current Wi-Fi products.

Given the timetable, it might cut things too close for Wi-Fi Direct in a 4th generation iPhone, expected to be announced in mid-June at WWDC 2010, though it might be in time for a 4th generation iPod touch that September. But here’s hoping Apple can get it done. Just think of the phat multi-player gaming pipe it would provide… (Or, you know — pay attention Apple! — Wi-Fi Direct Sync?!)

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

Apple Bringing Wi-Fi Direct to iPhone in 2010?

AT&T remains elusive on official date for iPhone tethering

Filed under: Rumors, iPhone

iPhone users have been waiting for tethering for a long time. More specifically, AT&T customers are still waiting for it. Since the WWDC 2009 Keynote Address, where it was announced that iPhone OS 3.0 would support tethering, AT&T has said they would support it... sometime.

Appmodo.com is reporting that iPhone tethering will not be available this year. They suggested that AT&T had previously gone on-record saying "that iPhone tethering would become available 'sometime this year'" -- presumably referring to this quote on CNet.com, from AT&T Mobility chief Ralph de la Vega who said (in November of 2008) that "iPhone 3G users will be able to use their phones as wireless modems at some point next year," which would obviously mean 2009.

The Appmodo story links to an article by Andrew LaVallee, writing for The Wall Street Journal's Digits blog, who quotes an unnamed spokesman for AT&T who refused to say when tethering would be available and said: "Whenever we offer new features, we want to offer the best possible customer experience. For tethering, we need to do some additional fine tuning to our systems and networks so that we do deliver a great experience."

Appmodo seems to think this is a change in AT&T's official stance, but LaVallee explicitly refers to it as "the company's prior statement."

When it comes to iPhone tethering, has Appmodo gotten the story straight before? Well, on June 17th they quoted a source who said "The highly anticipated tethering option will also be delivered towards the end of July with pricing around $55 per month..." -- then on June 19th, AT&T explicitly denied the $55 cost via their Facebook page.

On July 9th they quoted the same source saying that MMS and tethering were coming in September, and repeated the "around $55" estimated cost which had already been dismissed on the record. Appmodo added, "Our source is from an undisclosed reputable AT&T employee." So much for that. Granted, we've also been off the mark on tethering rumors, but we're trying not to make such a habit of it.

When will AT&T make tethering available? The answer is that no one outside of AT&T and Apple knows. AT&T isn't saying, but what Appmodo is seeing as a change in the answer, the WSJ says is the same line they've heard before. Given the way Appmodo has been reading the tethering tea leaves, I am highly skeptical that this represents an official schedule change -- sure, tethering might not show up until 2013, but that was just as true last week as it is today.

AT&T remains elusive on official date for iPhone tethering originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

AT&T remains elusive on official date for iPhone tethering originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Poll: How’s Google Sync Gmail Working on Your iPhone?

How’s Google Sync Gmail working on your iPhone?(poll)

Roughly 3 weeks ago Google (finally!) added Gmail to their Google Sync service, allowing iPhone users to add push email to the previously available contacts and calendars. It wasn’t a solution for everyone, since it used Microsoft’s ActiveSync, which allows for only one account per device, and many users already had a business Exchange server in that slot. For those without Exchange, however, it’s awesome, right?

Or is it? We’ve had many readers tell us it works great, and others who’ve had some problems — enough that we want to ask, how’s Google Sync working on your iPhone?

Let us know in the poll above, and elaborate as needed in the comments!

(And we’ll insert yet another plea to Apple and Google to give us Gmail via IMAP IDLE in the Mail app already!)

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

Poll: How’s Google Sync Gmail Working on Your iPhone?

Apple Modifies Boot ROM on Revised iPhone 3GS Models to Hinder Jailbreaking

iClarified reports that Apple has apparently recently made a slight update to its shipping iPhone 3GS models, deploying an updated boot ROM that does not allow the exploit typically used to jailbreak the devices to be employed.

The iB...

Mystery Solved: AT&T Carrier File Update 5.6 for iPhone Did What Exactly?

Along with iPhone 3.1.2, AT&T users received a 5.6 carrier file update, but the reason(s) for it weren’t clear. MMS was already enabled, and tethering was nowhere in site, so what was it for? Well, iPhone Savior sat on the phone with Apple support long enough to find out! Turns out, it fixed an MMS bug:

When sending photos or videos in an MMS message, the progress bar would stall at about 90% then result in an error ending with a (!) red exclamation point next to the MMS message. The associated message failed to be properly sent, though standard text messages worked as normal. The 5.6 patch addressed that particular MMS issue.

Anyone out these have that problem prior to Carrier File 5.6? And if so, did it fix it for you? Let us know!

[iPhone Savior via Gizmodo]

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

Mystery Solved: AT&T Carrier File Update 5.6 for iPhone Did What Exactly?

Quick WebApp Update: Google Wave Goes Full Screen for iPhone

Looks like Google Wave, the big G’s cloud-based take on next-generation communication and collaboration, already works on the iPhone. No big surprise, though, it’s browser powered and the iPhone still has the slickest browser in mobile. Google even showed it off on an iPhone during its debut at IO 2009. TechCrunch, however, found this interesting little bit of behavior:

Just like with any Web page on the iPhone, you can save a bookmark on your Home screen, and it creates a little icon which launches mobile Safari to that page. When you save the Wave bookmark to your Home screen, however, something different happens. You go to Wave, but without the Safari wrapper which allows you to navigate to another page or search the Web. Instead, it looks more like a regular app and there is no way to navigate away from it. Everything else works the same as in the mobile browser version.

This feature, as TechCrunch states, has been available to iPhone developers for a while, and helps blur the line between highly localized WebApps, and highly cloud-dependant widgets. If you’re using Google Wave on your iPhone, let us know how it works for you. (And if you work for Google, send us an invite so we can try it.)

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

Quick WebApp Update: Google Wave Goes Full Screen for iPhone