Sneak Peek: Stair Dismount offers… broken bones, mostly

Filed under: Found Footage, iPhone, First Look, App Review

Remember Zen Bound? It's a gorgeous and fun-to-play little puzzle game. So when I heard that SecretExit, the makers of Zen Bound, were about to release a new app, I was excited to get a sneak preview.

Stair Dismount is a very different game to Zen Bound. Although, as you can see in the above video, the audio and graphics quality are consistently high, it's not really fair to compare the two. According to SecretExit, Stair Dismount is more focused on "humor and social elements" rather than problem solving.

The game basically involves pushing someone down the stairs and seeing how many bones they break. Playing this made me feel like the world's worst sadist. Hard to get game playing satisfaction other than tormenting the poor dude.

With Stair Dismount, you can add the face of a Facebook friend and send screen shots of their broken body lying at the bottom of the staircase. Secret Exit dev Jani Kahrama notes, "It feels better with a friendly Facebook face on the guy :)."

Your enjoyment of this will vary by your personal take but for me, I don't think Stair Dismount will be staying on my iPod or be exposed to my kids. Stair Dismount is due to hit the App Store within the week.

About the video: At this time, TUAW can only create preview videos for applications compiled for 3.1 or earlier using a development (not distribution or ad hoc) build and review videos for distribution-compiled apps that are 3.1 or earlier.

Sneak Peek: Stair Dismount offers... broken bones, mostly originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sneak Peek: Stair Dismount offers... broken bones, mostly originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Deals iPhone app pushes bargains in your face

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

Do you use eBay regularly for shopping for goodies? If you do, and if you're an iPhone or iPod touch owner, you probably ought to turn on your device right now and download the new eBay Deals app [Free, iTunes Link].

In eBay parlance, a deal can be one of two things:

1. An eBay Daily Deal, which is a limited quantity item from a trusted seller, provided with free shipping
2. An item that is in big demand (an iPhone, for example) with zero bids and with less than four hours to go in the auction

But wait, there's more! The app also uses push notifications to give you the bad news that you're being outbid on an item or to tell you that an auction is just about over. There's a "Shake for Deals" option that provides random deals when you shake your phone.

The app has a nice little tutorial that shows how the features work and what various icons mean. That's a nice touch for getting users up and running quickly. If you're looking for that perfect gift at a bargain price, you may need to look no further than the screen of your iPhone.

eBay Deals iPhone app pushes bargains in your face originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

eBay Deals iPhone app pushes bargains in your face originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone camera mod for magnification: because you can

We've thought before how nice it might be to have some powers of magnification on the iPhone's cam... but are we going to go out and mod our unit? Probably not, but that doesn't mean we can't admire someone else's work. Taking various lenses and attaching them to the lid of a jar, the modder quite carefully built a contraption that looks a little "hobo Steampunk" to us, but we're still fairly impressed with this little gadget. Hit the read link for full, detailed instructions and more photos if you'd like to make one of your own.

iPhone camera mod for magnification: because you can originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Protect yourself from SSH-based iPhone worms

Filed under: Security, iPhone, Jailbreak/pwnage

The internet has been ablaze with reports of jailbroken iPhones being infested with worms. The exploit takes advantage of unwitting jailbreakers who install OpenSSH on their iPhones via Cydia without taking into account all of the impacts on security. The most notable, and now famous, hole in this theory is that every iPhone ships with the same default password for both the all-powerful "root" user as well as the more-restricted "mobile" user.

Not surprisingly, Apple has officially commented on the situation noting that "the worm affects only a very specific set of iPhone users who have jail broken[sic] their iPhones and hacked it with unauthorized software." It is pretty clear from Apple's statement their feelings on the jailbreak community and its effects on the iPhone and iPod touch.

Luckily, if you need to have OpenSSH installed on your iPhone (who doesn't want a remotely-accessible, full UNIX terminal in their pocket?), there is a pretty simple solution to this problem that will prevent this breed of infestation from ever reaching your iPhone.

1. Remember, this only affects jailbroken iPhone owners who have installed OpenSSH...
2. Begin by installing MobileTerminal via Cydia (alternately, you can login via SSH from Terminal.app or a Cygwin-equipped Windows PC).
3. Type "login", you will be asked for a login name which should be "root" then a password which should be "alpine".
4. Type "passwd" then tap return, you will be asked to type the new password. Tap return and type the new password again.

Repeat this same process for the "mobile" user by replacing "root" with "mobile" in step 3. Also, when using passwd to change the password for "mobile" you may be asked the old password which would be "alpine". It is not necessary to use a different password for "root" and "mobile" but if you're highly security conscious, it wouldn't hurt. The second half of this post includes a screen image of my exact process working successfully on OS 3.1.2 with an iPhone 3GS.

In addition to changing the user passwords for your iPhone, another good security measure is to use one of the jailbreak apps like BossPrefs or SBSettings to have a toggle that will disable SSH when not in use. Obviously, having SSH disabled (or not installed) is the best defense against worms of this sort. Got any other iPhone security tips? Let us know in the comments!

Continue reading Protect yourself from SSH-based iPhone worms

Protect yourself from SSH-based iPhone worms originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Protect yourself from SSH-based iPhone worms originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: NBA Live for iPhone

You might think it would be tough to slim down all the gameplay elements of a feature-rich console title like NBA Live to work on the iPhone. And you'd be right -- NBA Live is a bit of a hodgepodge, mixing elements of awesomeness with assorted weaknesses that detract from the rest of the game. Even with its glitches, though, the game is great fun to play.

Apple launching ads targeting Verizon’s network

Apple plans to air two ads tonight that show off the iPhone's ability to simultaneously use data and voice services on AT&T's network, a feature absent from Verizon's network.

Apple’s Share of Worldwide Smartphone Ad Requests Hits 50%

Mobile advertising firm AdMob today released its October 2009 Mobile Metrics Report, detailing the devices and platforms requesting ads from its network. While much of this month's report focuses on the breakdown of devices using Research in Motion ...

Two new iPhone ads: Apple defends AT&T?

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

Apple's jumped into the Verizon versus AT&T fray, according to BusinessWeek, with a couple of new ads -- and, somewhat surprisingly, they come out in full defense of AT&T. Both ads show an iPhone user in the middle of a phone call who multitasks by looking up movie information, restaurant ratings, and many other things over AT&T's 3G network. The ads end with the question, "Can your phone and your network do that?" with a very prominent AT&T logo in the final seconds of the ads.

As I'm personally somewhat on the outside looking in at the U.S. telecom spats, I don't know how much US smartphone users really miss the ability to do simultaneous data browsing and phone calls while on Verizon's network. Based on what I've heard about AT&T's network reliability, however, there are some areas of the U.S. where you'll be lucky to be able to make and receive calls at all, or hold on to a call in progress, much less multitask in the manner depicted in these ads.

What's most interesting about these ads is how favorable they are to AT&T. It's no secret that Apple's been less than thrilled with AT&T over the course of their relationship, and it's even less of a secret how dissatisfied U.S. customers have been with the telco giant. It's understandable that Apple wants to paint the iPhone in a favorable light, but I'm admittedly surprised that they seem to be going to bat for AT&T at the same time. Sure AT&T is their business partner, but from my point of view this smells a lot like telling your family that your less-than-presentable date for Thanksgiving has 'a really great personality.'

Read on to see the ads in action.

Continue reading Two new iPhone ads: Apple defends AT&T?

Two new iPhone ads: Apple defends AT&T? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two new iPhone ads: Apple defends AT&T? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s Phil Schiller Says App Review Staff Is Your Friend - How Can App Approval Be Made Better?

Sony Announces Plans To Launch Online Store On The Likes Of iTunes

AdMob: iPhone Now Accounts for 55% of US Mobile Web Traffic

AdMob, recently acquired by Google, has released their latest set of mobile metrics [PDF link] and the iPhone and iPod touch platform (iPhone OS) has a comfortable 50% share of worldwide traffic, and 55% of US traffic. That’s up 6.9%. In terms of top handset models, Apple’s iPhone accounted for 22.4%/24.1% (up 5.5%/5.2%) and iPod touch for 9.8%/11.4 (up 1.4%/2.3%)

Also up is HTC on the back of the Android Dream (G1) and Magic (MyTouch) to 5.6%/9.5% (+1.2%/1.8%) and BlackBerry maker RIM to 3.2%/5.4% (+0.1%/0%).

Everyone else was flat or down, with Nokia posting the biggest drop internationally (-2.6%) and Palm in the US (-2.2%).

Droid and other future Android devices will likely change things up for next time, perhaps webOS when it hits other carriers as well.

For now, however, Apple’s iPhone juggernaut continues.

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

AdMob: iPhone Now Accounts for 55% of US Mobile Web Traffic

iPhone Hints: Give thanks for the iPhone’s physical controls

This week's edition of iPhone hints takes a look at the many uses of the iPhone's physical buttons.

Review: Perfectly Clear for iPhone

This image-correction app is best for photos that you want to look as clean and clear as possible. In most cases, a quick run through Perfectly Clear should leave you pleased with the result.

iPhone and Android now total 75% of U.S. smartphone web traffic

Filed under: Odds and ends, Surveys and Polls, iPhone

It's a rather stunning number from AdMob in an October report. The firm reports on web requests from thousands of sites world wide. In the latest report, Apple has 55% of the domestic Smartphone traffic share, and Android has 20%. Interestingly, the Blackberry share dropped 2% to a 12 percent share, and Palm's webOS dropped from a 10% share to 5%.

Windows Mobile OS has 4% of the U.S. Smartphone web traffic.

The AdMob statistics do not show handset sales, but rather are calculated by measuring traffic on more than 15,000 web sites and applications.

The Motorola Droid, running only on Verizon, has captured 24% of all Android traffic, even though it has been out only a few weeks.

The iPhone has been on the market for 28 months. That 55% share of traffic is a pretty robust number for such a relatively new product. The Android numbers, especially those of the Droid are also good news for Google, Motorola and Verizon.

The balance of Smartphone data may change dramatically as the holiday season unwinds, and it will be interesting to watch the ebb and flow of the competing brands.

AdMob was recently purchased by Google. Apple also had reportedly had some interest in the company.

iPhone and Android now total 75% of U.S. smartphone web traffic originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone and Android now total 75% of U.S. smartphone web traffic originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two New Apple iPhone Commercials Take Aim at Verizon

It seems as if Apple has taken some offense to the latest Verizon ad attacks that have targeted the iPhone as well as the AT&T network. Engadget Mobile points out that Apple has fired back with two commercials of their own and really rubbing in the fact that on the Verizon network you can not be on a phone call while checking your email, browsing the web, etc…

So if you were not a fan of the latest AT&T commercials what are you thoughts on these released by Apple?

Yes, we know if you are reading this on your iPhone you will not be able to view the videos, we feel your pain but as soon as there is a YouTube link we will update the post.

Commercial number 2 after the break!

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

Two New Apple iPhone Commercials Take Aim at Verizon

Apple’s Schiller talks App Store, approval process

In an interview with BusinessWeek, Apple senior vice president Phil Schiller discusses the App Store, its controversy-laden approval process, and what it's doing to improve matters.

Apple to Enter Verizon-AT&T Spat With Two New iPhone Ads

BusinessWeek reports that Apple is stepping into the Verizon-AT&T spat with two new ads to be released tonight touting the iPhone's ability to handle voice and data connections simultaneously via 3G. That ability has been featured as one of AT&T's t...

Reeder, iPod, Maps, Bejeweled 2, Notifications, Instapaper – TiPb Picks of the Week

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: Reeder

I love Google Reader. The web interface is nice, but I desperately want an app to sync it with. I have found the perfect app; Reeder. Why? It looks great, has the fastest sync there is and the interface is fast and clean. At only $1.99, this app is a steal! [$1.99 - iTunes link]

James’ Pick: iPod

One of the reasons that I purchased my first iPhone is that I have always been looking to converge all of my devices into one. I travel every week for work and carrying around an iPod, a digital camera, a cell phone and a portable DVD player can be a real pain while trying to go through the security line at the airport. With all of my cords, etc. I almost always get stopped and searched. Now while it seems I am picking the iPhone in general, I most use the iPod function. While being stuck on the runway, delayed at O’Hare, or long cross country flights, I need my music to help me get through the flight. If music isn’t what I want to do, I can always catch up on my latest TV shows and movies. [Built-in]

Justin’s Pick: Maps

I know everyone frowns on picking built in apps, but I haven’t tried any new apps worth talking about so my pick is the Map app. In the past few weeks it’s helped me, more than once, navigate new roads after getting fed up with traffic and turning off the highway onto some random street. Plus, I’ve used the traffic feature to avoid some routes in the first place. Besides TweetDeck, Weather, and Facebook it’s probably my most used app. [Built in]

Matt’s Pick: Notifications

I’ve never regularly used an RSS reader, because I would add a lot of feeds, then when I’d open it, I had all these things to read and that little number badge would be in the hundreds staring at me from my springboard. I happen to be one of those people that if there’s a number badge on an app, then it needs to be resolved immediately. So I deleted the app. Resolved, right?!? The resolution to my issue was using the Notifications app. This allowed me to set up certain RSS feeds to be checked and Push notifications to be sent to me. Notifications doesn’t only do push for RSS, but Twitter, Gmail & more, This allows me to pick and choose which RSS articles (or whatever) to view when they pop up instead of putting them off for later. [$2.99 - iTunes link]

Leanna’s Pick: Bejeweled 2

PopCap Games sure knows how to feed into my addiction of puzzle games. A few months back they successfully took over my life with Peggle and now I’m addicted to Bejeweled 2, more specifically, Blitz mode. Bejeweled Blitz is a one minute speed version of the classic game that is also available on Facebook. With Facebook Connect, Bejeweled Blitz is now with me everywhere I go! Not only is this game terribly addicting, but it looks and sounds amazing as well. [$2.99 - iTunes link]

Rene’s Pick: Instapaper (Pro/Free)

I learned a while ago that I had time to either read, or write — not both. Luckily, technological advances like RSS and Instapaper have let me squeeze in some honest-for-pleasure reading again, if only newsy/opiniony web matter. Still, with drop-dead simple bookmarklet integration on the desktop (find an article, hit the bookmarklet, it’s saved), and transparent syncing between desktop and dedicated iPhone client, no longer is my day filled with “boy I wish I had time to read that non-iPhone-related post” but rather a single tap on Instapaper and it’s now “boy I hope I have time to read this non-iPhone-related post later!” (I purchased the Pro version to support the developer, but there’s also a free version if you want to try before you support) [$4.99 - iTunes link] or [Free - iTunes link]

Crackberry Kevin’s Pick: BlackBerry Bold 9700

{Er, thanks Kevin. We think. Check it out on CrackBerry.com if you must… – Rene]

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.

Reeder, iPod, Maps, Bejeweled 2, Notifications, Instapaper – TiPb Picks of the Week

New jailbroken iPhone worm is malicious

Filed under: Hardware, Security, iPhone, Jailbreak/pwnage

Last month a Dutch iPhone user demonstrated how careless jailbreaking can cause trouble. Namely, after finding users who enabled SSH with the phone's default password intact, he sent those phones a message that read, "Your iPhone's been hacked because it's really insecure! Please visit doiop.com/iHacked and secure your iPhone right now! Right now, I can access all your files." A similar worm caused phones to rickroll their owners.

They could have done worse. This week, someone has. Again from the Netherlands and again finding jailbroken iPhones with SSH enabled, F-secure reports that this infraction puts up an ING Direct login page that lets the hacker gather login credentials and, we assume, move funds to wherever they please. This version also changes the 'alpine' password to block users from getting to the phone via SSH.

We'll have more on this as the story develops, but the moral is this: If you jailbreak your iPhone, you should know what you're doing -- and you should change your SSH password.

[via Engadget & ZDnet Asia]

New jailbroken iPhone worm is malicious originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

New jailbroken iPhone worm is malicious originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T iPhone Exclusivity to Expire in June 2010?

Fortune reports on comments last Friday from Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall that have been receiving a fair amount of attention today. The primary item of interest has been Marshall's claim that AT&T's exclusive agreement to distribute the...