iPhone from a webOS User’s Perspective, Smartphone Round Robin

So the suspiciously familiar Dieter Bohn of PreCentral.net got a guided tour (check out the video) from yours truly to catch him up on all things iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3.0 , and he shared his preliminary thoughts on Monday (same link). Of course, there was only so much help I could give him, so he went on over to TiPb’s iPhone Forums for the real experts — you, and boy have you given him some ninja-level instruction. He still needs you, however, so keep posting in that thread — and remember every day you do you get another chance to WIN AN iPHONE 3GS! (smartphoneroundrobin.com has all the details on that).

As for me, I’m still struggling with Nokia, the S60 N97-mini, and N900. Yeah, wish me luck with that. (Or give me some help and maybe win a Nokia smartphone as well!)

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

iPhone from a webOS User’s Perspective, Smartphone Round Robin

EyeTV now offers HTTP Live Video streaming over 3G via Safari

Filed under: Video, iPhone

Tired of restrictions about what you can and cannot stream over 3G connections? Elgato, the makers of EyeTV, have introduced a novel solution for their many customers to access live and recorded TV shows using an iPhone and a 3G connection. Their new Live3G web site provides a web app solution for remote video access.

The website uses HTTP live streaming to deliver high quality video to the iPhone's Mobile Safari app. Powered by the EyeTV 3.3 update (free to existing owners of EyeTV software), this technology avoids App Store hassles while providing on-demand video access to your home TV recordings and live programming.

As an added bonus, since Mobile Safari has access to the iPhone's TV Out capability (third-party apps can't use it, but Apple apps can), you can use a component or composite video-out cable to display your streamed video on any convenient TV.

If you're worried about other people gaining access to your library of "Dora The Explorer" episodes, or to personal videos you have digitized using an EyeTV box like the 250 plus, don't. You must authenticate yourself with your My EyeTV credentials before being granted access to any library.

The EyeTV update and web site are live now.

EyeTV now offers HTTP Live Video streaming over 3G via Safari originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

EyeTV now offers HTTP Live Video streaming over 3G via Safari originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Has “2 or 3 Year Lead” in Mobile Internet Computing with iPhone and iPod touch

According to Mary Meeker and analysts from Morgan Stanley, Apple has a two to three year lead over its competitors in the mobile Internet space. Even though Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch represent just a small piece of of the global smartphone pie with 17 percent, the two devices are responsible for a astounding 65 percent of all mobile internet use.

The iPhone and iPod touch have significantly surpassed the likes of Netscape, AOL, and NTT’s DoCoMo in the first nine quarters of being on the market with an install base of 57 million users. That’s most impressive if you consider that in the same time frame DoCoMo achieved 25 million users, Netscape 11 million, with AOL coming in last with 7 million.

We can’t say Apple is slaughtering the competition, not with Android coming on strong and other platforms just rebooting (or about to). But, we are not likely to see this trend die anytime soon as Apple continues to gain more and more market share in the smartphone world.

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

Apple Has “2 or 3 Year Lead” in Mobile Internet Computing with iPhone and iPod touch

iPhone Golla Bags — Or, iPhone Cases I’d Want on Judgement Day

Why did I choose the iPhone Golla Bags for iPhone [$19.99 - TiPb Store link] for my first TiPb accessory review? Well, I have tried a wide variety of cases. Being active, I need a case that can withstand life’s little brutalities (includes being dropped, kicked, drooled on by a baby, or just plain surviving a day in my purse). So, when choosing my first review item the question that came to mind was: which iPhone case would Sarah Conner use?

Well, she would probably have a triple-lined Kevlar pouch with extra ammo clips, but if she was stuck with stock, I think she — like me — would go for the iPhone Golla Bag. Here’s why…

These soft, padded pouches come in a variety of colors and designs, from flowery pink to camouflage chic and so can blend in with whatever you are wearing, and are affordable enough that you can justify getting a few and keeping them around to mix and match.

On the less fashion, more function side, Golla pouches allow for easy access for your phone in any situation. Small enough to fit into your purse, convenient enough to attach to a belt loop via the carabineer (D ring), and flexible enough to offer a strap and a lanyard (for those who, like me, have no clue what that is, it is a looping rope with a spring clip), you have all the carry options you’ll need.

In the heat of battle your Golla Bag may be subjected to various terrains and elements, and luckily the Golla pouches are easy to clean. Most stains will come out with a wet cloth, and that includes blood, dirt or anything else you may encounter (just short of Judgment Day).

The inside of the pouch is soft and will protect the phone from scratches, though it comes at the price of having to take the phone out of the pouch each time you need to use it. There are two strips of Velcro on the front of the bags which keep the iphone secure so you don’t have to worry about it becoming unattached and having the phone fall out. The pockets are great in that you can go jogging and bring your phone and have space for some cash and keys.

If you are like me and lose your iPhone ear buds and accessories all the time, the Golla pouch has two extra pockets in order to keep all of your iPhone items in one place when you need them. The side pouch has a zipper for extra security.

Though I love the D-ring for its versatility. The downside to using the D ring is that I worry about getting my precious iPhone caught on something as it dangles. (I also managed to damaged the D-ring on one of the cases during my first week of testing — don’t ask).

Overall Golla bags are a fun versatile pouch that is affordable and comes in a wide variety of looks. Not yet tested against the T-1000.

The iPhone Golla bags were provided for review by TiPb’s iPhone accessory store.

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

iPhone Golla Bags — Or, iPhone Cases I’d Want on Judgement Day

Toshiba Announces 64GB Flash Memory - Is a 64GB iPhone Coming In 2010?

PCalc Lite 1.9 lets users purchase the features they need

PCalc Lite 1.9 now features in-app purchasing to let you buy just the features you need a calculator to do and nothing else.

TUAW gift guide: Griffin eXport In-Flight Video Cable

Filed under: Accessories, Hardware, iPhone, Holidays, iPod touch

You've loaded a movie and a few episodes of "The Office" on your iPhone or iPod touch to keep you company as you fly this holiday. The only problem is that, while quite lovely, the iPhone's screen is not meant for watching The Bourne Identity in earnest. If only you could connect it to the monitor on the back of the seat in front of you.

As if they've heard your pleas, the folks at Griffin have produced the eXport In-Flight Video Cable. It connects with the in-flight entertainment system that a growing number of airlines have begun using. Once connected, you can watch video and listen to music while charging your iPhone or iPod. The cable is 3 feet long and connects with a 30-pin Dock Connector to 9-pin IFES (9-pin Mini-DIN). Just remember to enable Airplane Mode, lest an Air Marshall wrestle you to the ground.

No more suffering through 6 episodes of 30 Minute Meals! The Griffin eXport In-Flight Video Cable for iPod and iPhone costs $39.95US and makes a great gift for the frequent flyer on your list. Look here for compatible devices.

TUAW gift guide: Griffin eXport In-Flight Video Cable originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW gift guide: Griffin eXport In-Flight Video Cable originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MobileMe iDisk app update brings faster downloads, bug fixes

Apple's updated its MobileMe iDisk app for the iPhone to version 1.1, adding some new features and fixing some bugs.

MobileMe iDisk, PCalc and PCalc Lite, I Am T-Pain — Quick App Updates!

Some quick App Store updates this week, including Mobile iDisk 1.1, PCalc and Pcalc Lite 1.9, I Am T-Pain 1.2, and Canabalt 1.2. (Not that the iTunes App Store is letting me download some of them!)

• MobileMe iDisk 1.1 [Free - iTunes link] brings autocomplete for email, saves file sharing emails to your sent folder, allows tap-hold to copy or save to camera roll, cache is now embiggened to 500MB, plus faster downloads and more languages supported (Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish)

• PCalc 1.9 [$9.99 - iTunes link] adds more themes and what-not, but the real news is PCalc Lite 1.9 [Free - iTunes link] which lets you get the basic calc functionality free, and then use in-app-purchase to buy only those features you need, only when you need them. This includes a theme pack ($0.99) and conversion pack ($0.99), and a complete pack ($9.99) to get the full version and a coupon for the Mac app. Math. On demand.

• I Am T-Pain 1.2 [$2.99 - iTunes link] now lets you use Auto-Tune to your existing iTunes library content (the joy… and horror), and more T-Pain music.

• Canabalt 1.2 [$2.99 - iTunes link] throws in global leader boards, new music, and more obstacles. Let’s see how fast we can defenestrate that little runner now! (What, that’s not the goal?!)

Any of your favorite apps get updates this week? Let us know in the comments!

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

MobileMe iDisk, PCalc and PCalc Lite, I Am T-Pain — Quick App Updates!

Federal Trade Commission Files Suit Against Intel For ‘Anticompetitive Tactics’

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced that it has filed suit against Intel, claiming that the company has "illegally used its dominant market position for a decade to stifle competition and strengthen its monopoly." The complaint f...

Operation Cuckoo to oppose Operation Chokehold

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Portables, Internet Tools, iPhone

In what sounds like the title of the worst Bruce Willis movie ever, a group of pro-AT&T Facebook users are up in arms about Operation Chokehold.

Let's start from the beginning. Earlier this week, AT&T's chief executive of Mobility, Ralph de la Vega stated that he wants iPhone users to limit their data usage. Customers became literally furious with rage and, encouraged by Fake Steve Jobs, vowed to do the polar opposite: simultaneously run the most data-hungry apps on Friday, December 18th. Thus, Operation Chokehold was born. There's even a Facebook event for it.

Now, some other Facebook users with Stockholm Syndrome have formed a counter-group called Operation Cuckoo. From their manifesto:

"... you don't urge AT&T to improve its network and terms by attempting to bring it down or violating your contract with the entity. Much the same as you don't put out a fire with a gasoline shower."

Yes, Fake Steve's little stunt is childish and in all likelihood not to be taken seriously (though AT&T is not amused). But if my own iPhone is rendered AT&T-free on Friday because of this bit of nonsense, I'll be pissed.

[Via iPhone Savior]

Operation Cuckoo to oppose Operation Chokehold originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Operation Cuckoo to oppose Operation Chokehold originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Releases Bing App For iPhone

Review: TomTom iPhone Car Kit

Glenn Fleishman reviews TomTom's add-on iPhone Car Kit.

Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver adds BT functionality to your 70s era home stereo

Just now dusting off those vinyl-wrapped cabinets from the glory days of disco? Good, 'cause Belkin's about to breathe new life into 'em. The outfit's newly unveiled Bluetooth Music Receiver presents itself as the device to stream your iPhone and iPod touch jams to your home stereo, but in realty, this thing will work with any BT 2.0-enabled music streaming device. Phones, PMPs, genetically modified children -- you name it. Simply plug the base station (shown after the break) into your home stereo, pair up to six Bluetooth devices with it, and watch as your favorite tunes are transmitted from device to driver sans cabling. It's almost magical, but we're not quite sure if it's $49.99 magical.

Continue reading Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver adds BT functionality to your 70s era home stereo

Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver adds BT functionality to your 70s era home stereo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro iTablet, Remote Mac Control via iPhone, Mighty Morphing iPhone Dock — Apple Patent Watch

In the ever-envigorating game of “What’s That Apple Patent for Anyway?” this time we get a look at a multi-touch click-wheel iTablet, a way to remotely control your Mac from your

First up, an un-thin looking iTablet-style device with a retro click-wheel but an even more interesting backstory, according to 9to5mac, as:

One of the patent applicants for Apple is a one Dr. Carlin Vieri. He’s no longer with Apple (hel left just over a year ago). He happens to be the VP of Engineering for [rumored Apple iTablet screen supplier] Pixel Qi right now.

Second, a patent to allow the iPhone to remotely control your Mac either via gestures, specialized on-screen buttons, and/or Voice Control, as well as support for peripherals like printers. PatentlyApple has the goods, but from the sounds of it, you could email that new PDF home, launching Preview, deleting some pages, then sending it to the printer so it’s waiting, warm and ready when you get in door.

Last, PatentlyApple also shows off a new kind of universal dock. It employs an elastic, spongy material that can morph into the shape of any iPod or iPhone, past, present, or future. Yes folks, it might just make the dock insert extinct.

As always, there’s no telling when, if ever, Apple will make use any of these patents in ant consumer-facing product. But it’s fun to watch.

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

Retro iTablet, Remote Mac Control via iPhone, Mighty Morphing iPhone Dock — Apple Patent Watch

“Apple has a two or three-year lead” in mobile internet domination

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Internet, Apple, iPhone, iPod touch

Philip Elmer-DeWitt has an excellent article over at Fortune's Apple 2.0 blog on Morgan Stanley's The Mobile Internet seminar. The article is full of juicy tidbits, but here is the main course:

Based on past performance, according to Morgan Stanley, Apple is in the "pole position" in the race to dominate mobile Internet computing, which is supposed to be for the 2000s what desktop Internet computing was for the 1990s, personal computing for the 1980s, mini computing for the 1970s, and mainframe computing for the 1960s.

"Apple has a two or three-year lead" according to Katy Huberty, thanks to an installed base of 57 million handsets, 100,000 apps and 200 million iTunes subscribers with credit card numbers on file.

Another interesting tidbit that DeWitt spotlights is a diagram that compares Facebook's 350,000 apps and 137% year-over-year growth with the iPhone's 100,000 apps and 163% growth. As DeWitt points out, "The place where Mark Zuckerberg's 430 million users overlap with Steve Jobs' 57 million is the sweet spot of the mobile Internet. It's here, according to Morgan Stanley, where we find the future of computing."

Be sure to check out DeWitt's article, as it's a great read, but if you want to delve deeper, you can check out the 92 slides of the Morgan Stanley presentation, the 659-slide "key themes" presentation, and the massive 424-page Mobile Internet Report, all in PDF format.

"Apple has a two or three-year lead" in mobile internet domination originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Apple has a two or three-year lead" in mobile internet domination originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nine iPhone GPS navigation apps compared

Glenn Fleishman takes nine iPhone GPS-navigation apps for a test drive. Which one should be your destination?

MIT’s Copenhagen Wheel turns your bike into a hybrid, personal trainer

You really can't fault MIT's branding strategy here. Debuting at the biggest climate change conference since Kyoto, its Copenhagen Wheel is a mixture of established technologies with the ambition to make us all a little bit greener and a little bit more smartphone-dependent. On the one hand, it turns your bike into a hybrid -- with energy being collected from regenerative braking and distributed when you need a boost -- but on the other, it also allows you to track usage data with your iPhone, turning the trusty old bike into a nagging personal trainer. The Bluetooth connection can also be used for conveying real time traffic and air quality information, if you care about such things, and Copenhagen's mayor has expressed her interest in promoting these as an alternative commuting method. Production is set to begin next year, but all that gear won't come cheap, as prices for the single wheel are expected to match those of full-sized electric bikes. Video after the break.

Continue reading MIT's Copenhagen Wheel turns your bike into a hybrid, personal trainer

MIT's Copenhagen Wheel turns your bike into a hybrid, personal trainer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Laying Groundwork for Advanced Mobile Web Apps?

It seems Apple is continuing to invest in advancing web-based technologies to provide a more full feature experienced on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Daring Fireball's John Gruber describes in detail an impressive web framework called PastryKit that...