AT&T CEO: iPad will be ‘Wi-Fi driven’ device

Speaking at an investor conference on Tuesday, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said the iPad will be a 'Wi-Fi driven' device.

iPad to Make Emergency Phone Calls?

9to5mac.com has just posted a interesting little iPad tidbit — it seems as if Apple’s latest creation has the ability to make emergency calls.

The image above is a screen shot taken from within the iPad SDK emulator. To get to the emergency call screen the developer simply enabled the passcode lock and entered in the wrong password five times.

So why would Apple include this within the iPad? Is it a FCC thing because the iPad is a wireless device on a cellular network? Perhaps it’s something left over from the iPhone and will be removed before launch? Our take is that if the iPad can make emergency calls, it can make regular calls and maybe not out of the box but with a little hackery.

Do you think it’s possible we will see some sort of call feature when the iPad drops at the end of this month?

[Via 9to5mac.com]

iPad to Make Emergency Phone Calls? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Review: The Raging Dead for iPhone

In The Raging Dead, you’re given an aerial view of a section of a city and the task of eradicating the zombies before they spread. The challenge of the game is inherit in what makes a zombie plague such a terrifying concept—their victims turn into more zombies.

Apple Pressuring Music Labels Over Participation in Amazon’s ‘Daily Deal’ Program

Billboard reports that Apple has been pressuring music labels over their participation in Amazon's "Daily Deal" program that has allowed them increased exposure and sale pricing on Amazon's MP3 download s...

iON Universal Mobile Power Bank

iON - Universal Mobile Power Bank We've all be told at "great things come in small packages", but upon receiving this particular power bank from iON from FSP Direct, the package itself was the object of admiration! Roughly the size of a 5 stacked credit ...

iPhone Apps for the Oscars

From official Oscars preparation to six-degress of separation, production information to ratings aggregation, the iTunes App Store has something for pretty much everyone. Here’s a sampling of iPhone and iPod touch apps to keep you company during the 2010 Academy Awards.

The Oscars [Free - iTunes link] is the official app from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Feature-packed including the ability to share pics over Twitter & Facebook and view trailers for all nominated films.

IMDB [Free - iTunes link] is the world’s largest collection of movie, TV and celebrity information. A must have.

Awards: The Oscar [$1.99 - iTunes link] is an amazing resource for any fan of the Oscars, has every Academy Award nomination since 1927, tons of helpful information and the ability to guess the 2010 winners.

Vanity Fair Hollywood [Free - iTunes link] is the app that should power all your voting pools. Facebook chat function, gift bags, news and unique Vanity Fair content leading up to the Oscars.

Actor Genie [$9.99 - iTunes link] is an essential app for those who haven’t quite made it to the level where they have their own assistant. Casting info, a who’s who of Hollywood players, helpful tips and top 10 lists.

Six Degrees of Separation [$1.99 - iTunes link] is the pop culture phenomenon brought to life on iPhone and iPod touch. Relies on the notion that any actor can be related to any other actor via his or her film roles.

Rotten Tomatoes [Free - iTunes link] is a great resource for all the info on films and the unique Rotten Tomatoes editorial for your favorite Oscar nominated movies.

The Red Carpet [$2.99 - iTunes link] is offering a $1 million prize for winner(s) who pick correctly in all categories! Includes latest Oscar buzz, movie previews Facebook, Netflix and Twitter integration.

E! Online [free - iTunes link] helps you get your fashion fix with “Live From the Red Carpet” and keep up with all the gossip around Hollywood’s big night.

Bonus: While it’s not an app, iTunes’ “At the Movies” podcast section [iTunes link] has the best free podcast on the subject of movies, from The New Yorker Film & TV reviews podcast to Rotten Tomato podcast. All useful in catching up on the nominees for the oscars and what the movie critics think.

Any other great apps for the Oscars? Any other ways to use your iPhone or iPod touch to better enjoy the 2010 Academy Awards? Let us know!

iPhone Apps for the Oscars is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Virgin America dumps Flash over lack of iPhone support

Filed under: Internet, iPhone

As the smack down between Apple and Adobe continues, Virgin America has dumped Flash from its website because of the lack of iPhone support. Virgin's new website, which launched Monday, replaces Flash with HTML to give users the ability to check in via their iPhones in the future. Virgin plans on moving their new site to HTML 5, once it's cleared standards ratification at the World Wide Web Consortium.

Virgin's Chief information officer Ravi Simhambhatla told The Register: "I don't want to cater to one hardware or one software platform one way to another, and Flash eliminates iPhone users. This year is going to be the year of the mobile [for Virgin]."

While Apple has left Flash out of the iPhone since it debuted in 2007, things stayed relatively civil between Apple and Adobe. That all changed when Apple unveiled the iPad and decided to leave Flash off that as well. Four days after the launch of the iPad, Steve Jobs held a town hall meeting with Apple employees where he trashed Adobe and Flash, saying, "They are lazy. They have all this potential to do interesting things, but they just refuse to do it. They don't do anything with the approaches that Apple is taking, like Carbon. Apple does not support Flash because it is so buggy. Whenever a Mac crashes more often than not it's because of Flash. No one will be using Flash. The world is moving to HTML5." Three weeks later Jobs met with the board of the Wall Street Journal where he allegedly talked smack about Flash again, saying Flash is a dying technology and likened it to floppy discs and CCFL-backlit LCDs.

With iPhone sales soaring with no peak in sight, will Flash still thrive without Apple's support? Then again, it's not just Apple that is turning against Flash. Google is openly committed to HTML5 and Microsoft has its own proprietary Flash competitor in Silverlight. Only time will tell if Virgin's dismissal of Flash is a one-off case or the first domino to fall.

Virgin America dumps Flash over lack of iPhone support originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Virgin America dumps Flash over lack of iPhone support originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virgin America ditches Flash on its site

Airline Virgin America has traded Flash for HTML on its Website, specifically to accommodate mobile users.

iPhone gross profit margins nearly 60%

Filed under: Apple Financial, iPhone

Bernstein Research's Toni Sacconaghi issued a 13-page report last week in which he estimated that the iPhone's gross profit margins were an astounding 57.8%. Those margins tower above Apple's competitors with RIM estimated to have 43% profit margins, Nokia 33%, Motorola 32%, and HTC 31.7%.

Sacconaghi believes that the iPhone's high gross margins could change Apple's business model as the iPhone's share of Apple's overall revenue stream grows from 30% in FY09 to an estimated 45% to 50% in FY11.

Philip Elmer-DeWitt over at Apple 2.0 notes that while the Street generally assumes Apple's profit margins will decline over the next few years, Sacconaghi believes they will increase due to a few key points:

• iPhone prices are actually increasing. In Q3 2009, the average wholesale price was $588. In Q1 2010 it's risen to $638.
• Buyers are still more than eager for the iPhone. There is no sign of price resistance from either customers or carriers. Mobile partners are still lining up to get the iPhone with Apple adding 15 new ones over the past 4 months.

Despite his Rosy outlook, Sacconaghi is reducing his iPhone shipment estimates by 1.3 million units in FQ4 10 and 5.5 million units in fiscal year 2011 under the assumption that there won't be an iPhone for Verizon before mid 2011. He also expects T-Mobile will get the iPhone before Verizon does. As for the iPad, Sacconaghi estimates its gross profit margins to be between 30 to 32%, not the 50% suggested by iSuppli.

Sacconaghi rates AAPL as "Outperform" and has a price target of $250. In his report he states, "We believe that on a cash flow basis the stock is very attractively valued and that the stock is the most attractive secular name in our coverage universe."

iPhone gross profit margins nearly 60% originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone gross profit margins nearly 60% originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vimov helps developers test multitouch iPad apps

Vimov is offering developers writing for the Apple iPad a head-start in testing their apps using an iPhone as a multitouch controller for Apple's iPad simulator

Google Stands Behind HTC in Patent Dispute With Apple

TechCrunch reports that a Google spokesperson issued a statement yesterday indicating that the company will "stand behind" handset manufacturer HTC in its patent dispute with Apple.

"We ar...

HTC says it uses own technology, not Apple’s

Smartphone maker HTC defended itself against accusations of patent infringement by Apple, saying it develops its own technology.

iPad Suppliers Dispute Claims of Shortages at Launch

Earlier this week, research analyst Peter Misek of Canaccord Adams claimed that a "manufacturing bottleneck" at Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn/Hon Hai Precision would result in constrained supplies...

Google Comments on Apple vs. HTC Patent Lawsuit

Without being asked, Google decided to whip out an email to TechCrunch anyway and comment on the Apple vs. HTC patent lawsuit announced yesterday:

“We are not a party to this lawsuit. However, we stand behind our Android operating system and the partners who have helped us to develop it.”

This is interesting in light of suggestions that the real target of Apple’s patent offensive isn’t HTC but rather Android and Google. While some maintain it isn’t like Apple (or at least the crunchy, hippy Apple they hold dear) to use patents offensively, when combined with HTC (read: Google) as target, could it begin to make more sense?

With Nokia, Apple merely counter-sued, to go on the attack against HTC has led to speculation that, because of Google, it’s personal.

The Apple/Google relationship has been the subject of a lot of chatter lately as the once closely-tied partners have become increasingly competitive. As Gizmodo pointed out yesterday, Google CEO Eric Schmidt sitting on the Apple board — whether or not he recused himself from iPhone discussions — and then turning around and releasing Android and Chrome OS, when coupled with allegations that Steve Jobs told employees he believed Google was trying to “kill the iPhone“, more than hints at a possible motivation.

9to5Mac also notes the lawsuit was filed one month to the day after Google enabled multitouch on the Nexus One, which was 6 months after Eric Schmidt resigned from the Apple board.

Sure, Steve Jobs made it a point to defend Schmidt at the recent Apple shareholder meeting, and Google keeps saying things are “stable“, but the best of friends can become the bitterest of rivals. Given the current patent system, Apple has a right to defend their technology — in the case of Google, they could have far more incentive too as well.

If that’s the case, then Apple hasn’t changed at all — when’s the last time we heard about feeling screwed and not retaliating?

Google Comments on Apple vs. HTC Patent Lawsuit is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Apple iPhone with Wi-Fi may soon enter China

China Unicom is in talks with Apple to sell a version of the iPhone with Wi-Fi, something the companies could not do previously due to Chinese regulations.

TiPb Give Away: Slide-a-ma-jig Game for Kids

Slide-a-ma-jig [$0.99 - iTunes Link] is a game for the newest of iPhone users — the kids. You can slide your finger on the screen to switch between 30 different creature body parts as well as tap a button for different backgrounds. Give the iPhone a shake and you will see a random creature appear. There are sound effects as well to go with your new creatures.

To find out more about the application and how to enter the give-away, stay with us after the break.

I had my own little ones try out the game and my 4 year old stated, “Oh this guy is really silly, I like this game.” My 1 year old was able to swipe through the various body parts but then started to bite on the iPhone so I had to take it away. So while they both seemed to enjoy the game, if you give your iPhone to your one year old, its at your own risk…

On the Lucky Radish Amusements website website they also have a printable template where you can create your own pen and paper slide-a-ma-jig.

Now for the promo code givea-way — let us know how you use your iPhone to keep your kids occupied and we will chose three (3) of you at random to get the promo codes. (As usual, promo codes can only be redeemed via the US Apple Store, and they expire so if you get one — use it fast!)

TiPb Give Away: Slide-a-ma-jig Game for Kids is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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iLuv iPhone dock includes “bed shaker”

Filed under: iPod Family, iPhone

The iLuv iMM178 shares a lot in common with many iPod docks available in the market today:

• Play and charge your iPhone or iPod -- check.
• Alarm clock scheduling based on full-week, weekdays and weekends -- check.
• Alarm clock with customizable sounds -- check.
• Alarm clock that vibrates to wake you up -- wait, did I read that wrong, or did that say that this alarm clock will vibrate to wake me up?

That's right, folks. The iLuv iMM178 (couldn't they have thought of a more friendly name?) is equipped with a corded "bed shaker" that, as its name suggests, will vibrate in tandem with your alarm. As the iLuv iMM178 wakes you up to The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," it can also literally give you some good vibrations of its own with its bed shaker. iLuv suggests that the bed shaker be placed underneath your pillow.

In addition to these niceties, the iLuv iMM178 also plays FM radio, and has a time sync feature that reconciles time between it and your iPhone or iPod.

iLuv's website lists the iMM178 at US$99.99, where it's available for purchase.

Alternatively, you can improve your sleep habits with Sleep Cycle (available for $0.99), a bio-alarm clock iPhone app that analyzes your sleep patterns and wakes you when you are in the lightest sleep phase.

iLuv iPhone dock includes "bed shaker" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iLuv iPhone dock includes "bed shaker" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: iQuarium for iPhone

This app is just what it sounds like -- a mobile aquarium for your iPhone or iPod touch. And for $1, it delivers a good deal of fun.

AT&T: We’ll Carry iPhone for “Quite Some Time”, Variable Pricing, LTE in 2012

According to the Wall Street Journal, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson took the opportunity, while speaking at an investor conference, to once again talk about the iPhone remaining on his network, and also touch on the iPad, problems in New York and San Francisco, variable pricing, and Apple’s new darling, the iPad.

• While Stephenson doesn’t seem to have insisted the iPhone would remain exclusive on AT&T, he does say the iPhone will remain an important part of their offerings for “quite some time”.
• He’s pleases with the steps AT&T is taking to address network problems and dropped calls in New York and San Francisco. “We’re hitting our metrics,” he said. “I feel really good about our path.” And call quality should improve by mid-2010.
• Stephenson claims AT&T is carrying half of US wireless traffic due to the amount of data use the iPhone generates. Carriers will have to eventually move to “variable pricing” so that heavy users are charged more and light users, less.
• AT&T is “not in a tremendous hurry” to roll-out their 4G network; it won’t be widely available, and there won’t be a good amount of products using it, until 2012

So if we mash that all together, even if the iPhone also pops up elsewhere, you’ll still be able to get it on an improved AT&T network with tiered pricing (perhaps similar to the iPad’s $15 for 256MB, $30 for unlimited) until LTE is wide spread in 2012 and the iPhone 4G replaces everything.

How’s that grab you?

AT&T: We’ll Carry iPhone for “Quite Some Time”, Variable Pricing, LTE in 2012 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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TiPb Apps 3.3: Brushes for iPhone (Macworld 2010)

Live from Macworld 2010, Rene and Leanna talk to Steve Sprang about Brushes [$4.99 - iTunes link] for the iPhone and the iPad version he showed off during Apple’s recent keynote.

TiPb Apps 3.3: Brushes for iPhone (Macworld 2010) is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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