Potential Hiccup in iPhone 4 Free Case Program?

It’s cool that Apple is willing to give us  free bumpers and cases, but their system may be a little “flawed” to say the least.  After the announcement went up, I immediately downloaded the bumper app and typed in my iTunes password, it brought me to the selection screen. (By the way, is anyone else only seeing black bumpers? Where’s all the colors?!?)  Seeing only black was available, I went ahead and got a black.  My order processed no problem. Unless you count the ridiculous 3-5 week shipping window.

Here’s where the problems begin.  We have 2 iPhone 4s in our house, both linked to the same iTunes account, which I’d assume isn’t that uncommon for couples and spouses who obviously share joint bank accounts.  Well,using the other iPhone 4, we downloaded the app, launched, typed iTunes password, and it told me I already had an order placed.  D’oh!

I called Apple to ask them what was going on and their solution was for me to just make another iTunes account for the other iPhone.  To me, that’s not a solution, that just creates more of a hassle for me.  It’s something I shouldn’t have to do to begin with.  What would have been wrong with a process where you just enter your iPhone 4 serial number in order to redeem? Then users could do this online or from their phones.  That would have been pretty fool proof in my opinion.  Doing it by iTunes account is just a bad idea in general.

Anyone else having this issue? Or is their system just wigging out?  Apple didn’t seem to have any idea what was going on.  I’m still expecting an e-mail back from a rep at Apple as to whether or not they can just process my second order for me.  I’ll update if I hear anything further.

Update: Apparently you don’t have to log in with an iTunes ID, it can be an Apple ID too. It does appear they are checking the serials as well. (Obviously to prevent people from logging into multiple iTunes accounts or Apple IDs on the same device to get more than one free case).  I’m still curious as to why or if they’re checking iTunes accounts as well, as there really is no need if they’re going off serial.

Update 2: It looks as if a lot of users are saying their orders went through just fine with the same iTunes/AppleID – perhaps it was a glitch that got worked out or a bug? Who knows, but be sure to let us know if you have issues as well.  Mine eventually went through ok but we did have to use a different AppleID for the second phone.

Potential Hiccup in iPhone 4 Free Case Program? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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iOS 4 App Updates: Foursquare, Pulse News Mini, Paypal, iTranslate, eBay Mobile

We’re still keeping our eye out for great iOS 4 apps that take advantage of the new APIs and features available to developers under iOS4. We’ve found a couple more good ones to share with you guys, and as always, if you see any good ones, drop ‘em in the comments so we can check them out too!

Foursquare

Even though Foursquare has already received a general update for iOS4, it seems they’re still adding new features. Along with several needed bug fixes, they’ve added support for in-app sms and e-mail as well as more support for iPhone 4 retina display. I was pretty disappointed in Foursquare for quite a while as far as the GPS refreshing and multitasking but it appears this version fixed most of my complaints. It’s nice to see they’re taking an active role in improving the overall user experience.

[iTunes Link]

Pulse News Mini

I took a look at this app about a month ago. It’s still got a ways to come functionality, but its hands down one of the most gorgeous RSS apps available for iOS. I’ve found myself using Pulse for quick reading and using Reeder when I actually want to sit down and catch up on any missed RSS feeds I hadn’t had time to read. This version adds support for the iPhone 4 retina display as well as adding some speed enhancements. It also adds a cool feature where you can bump phones with a friend that uses Pulse and share your feeds and articles. Beats e-mailing them a link for sure.

[iTunes Link]

Paypal

The Paypal app got a much needed update a few months ago that added more core functionality, but since then, it’s somewhat sat stagnant beyond minor bug fixes. It appears this version adds iOS4 support but Paypal hasn’t elaborated on exactly what that entails. I don’t believe there is retina display support (at least it doesn’t look any sharper to me). I’m assuming basic enhancements such as multitasking and better compatibility is what they’ve added. I had a few crashes with the Paypal app on iOS4 but since the update, it appears to be crash free.

[iTunes Link]

iTranslate

I know there’s tons of translation apps out there, but iTranslate still remains one of my favorites. It’s simple and clean. This version adds support for the retina display for iPhone 4 users as well as fast app switching and in-app SMS. If you’re looking for a simple translator, it doesn’t get any easier than this app.  There’s also a plus version and in-app purchase available for text to speech.

[iTunes Link]

eBay Mobile

I’ve been a fan of the eBay mobile app since it came out. It’s been nice to be able to browse through auctions quickly on the go. This update adds support for fast app switching and high resolution images for iPhone 4 users. It also addresses some issues as well as adding an easier Paypal solution in-app. If you haven’t picked it up yet, it’s free. Check it out!

[iTunes Link]

Hope you guys are having as much fun with iOS 4 as we are! Let us know your thoughts on these updates as well as anything you guys may stumble upon that we missed!

iOS 4 App Updates: Foursquare, Pulse News Mini, Paypal, iTranslate, eBay Mobile is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Survey Finds U.S. iPhone Users Generally Pleased With AT&T

CNNMoney.com reports on a recent survey from market research firm Yankee Group showing 73% of surveyed U.S. iPhone customers being "very satisfied" with AT&T as their carrier provider. The high figure appears rather surprising given AT&T's m...

Dragon Dictation now supports Twitter, Facebook

Attempting to bring us one step closer to a typing-less future, Nuance Communications on Friday released version 2.0 of its popular Dragon Dictation app for the iPhone and iPad, adding support for Twitter, Facebook, and multiple languages.

Sega releases Ecco the Dolphin, Space Harrier for iPhone

Sega has released ports of its classic Sega Genesis titles, Ecco the Dolphin and Space Harrier II, for the iPhone and iPod touch.

TUAW Braintrust: Choosing an iPhone 4 case

Filed under: iPhone

The iPhone 4 bumper/case program has finally launched via Apple's new Case Program application. Now it's decision time. Which case do you choose? If you're like me, you haven't really tested out a lot of these options in real life.

I've used the Bumper for the past few weeks and can recommend it. It is pretty minimal and unobtrusive, but is a bit of pain to keep putting on and taking off in order to work with my old dock. It has a good reputation in crash tests and I do like the way that the bumper offers physical extensions to the built-in buttons -- but it's not my iPhone 4 in question here, it's yours.

So let's turn this matter over to the TUAW braintrust. Tell us which of the cases on offer is best, in your opinion, and why? Can you recommend any of these choices as a better option over the bumper? If so, how does that case excel in day-to-day use? Let us know in this handy poll and don't forget to add your thoughts in the comments for this post.

View Poll

TUAW Braintrust: Choosing an iPhone 4 case originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Braintrust: Choosing an iPhone 4 case originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Otterbox Defender Case for iPhone 4 – first look

We’re planning something really fun for later in the summer and Otterbox was kind enough to send us out some Otterbox Defender Cases for iPhone 4 so we could start the prep work. If you’ve used an Otterbox Defender on previous iPhones, you know what you need to know. Same great protection, all new form factor. If you haven’t used one before, this is basically the full plate armor of iPhone protection in AD&D parlance. You have the hard plastic inner shell for structural support, the soft silicone outer skin for grip and scuff proofing, and a holster to keep it loaded and ready to go on your hip.

If you absolutely have to have it as soon as possible, head on over to the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store and place your pre-order.

Pictures after the break!

Otterbox Defender Case for iPhone 4 – first look is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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AT&T Wi-Fi use soared 30 percent in second quarter

AT&T subscribers are piling on to the carrier's public Wi-Fi hotspots, racking up more than 68 million connections in the second quarter, AT&T says.

iPhone, Android, and why smartphone openness is a lie

I’ve written several times that the “openness” argument made against Apple’s iPhone in general, and by Google against Apple in particular is overblown and often disingenuous. Sure, other smartphones might theoretically be more open at the platform level, but when it comes down to manufacturers and carriers, the end user-facing openness is just not there. We’ve already been through how manufacturers can lock down ROMs, carriers can lock out side-loading and add bloat-ware, and Google themselves can remote kill apps. But we haven’t had real look at just how much of the “completely open” platforms are, you know, completely open.

Enter Robert Werlinger from sibling site PreCentral.net who is at OSCON 2010 and sat in for a talk by the Free Software Foundation on why open-source doesn’t always mean open on smartphones.

Just how proprietary are the implementations of Android? After examining what isn’t open source and why in contemporary Android phones (and on HTC G1), Williamson set out to see just how open he could make his phone while still maintaining phone functionality. After stripping all of the proprietary software with the exception of the modem firmware and audio routing software, he was left without: A camera, GPS, WIFI, Sensors, 3D , Bluetooth, Market. A surprising lack of functionality in an operating system that is presumably so “open”. Indeed, Android employs a similar licensing structure to MeeGo and Symbian: The Kernel is GPL and everything is Apache 2.0, allowing for proprietary modifications.

Bottom line, on a truly “open” Android device, you can’t even make a phone call. Eric Schmidt’s “completely open” is hyperbole when it comes to end users, even power end users. Robert sums it up nicely:

The biggest problem from an enthusiast standpoint is that folks like Cyanogen will continue to exist in a legal grey area, as members of the “open handset alliance” continue to perpetuate the myth that its platform has anything to do with openness.

Apple’s iOS is based on the open-source, BSD-licensed Mach kernel and network layers wrapped up in a completely proprietary UI and totally closed and controlled app platform. That has advantages and disadvantages and every user — from hax0r girl to soccer dad — will have to decide what better suits their needs.

Any company that thinks they can re-frame the discussion around false “openness” is in for a surprise, however, just as any user switching platforms over philosophy is going to get burned. That’s why philosophy be left out of the discussion and smartphone platforms and their backers compete with each other based on technology. In that arena, Google and their Android partners are catching up fast (even overtaking depending on who you asked). In that arena, Microsoft’s newly reborn, and proprietary Windows Phone 7 is just as interesting as Palm’s extremely open if not open-source, and newly acquired webOS, RIM’s ultra locked down, uber-secure BlackBerry as much competition as Nokia’s slowly opening Symbian.

Don’t believe me? Believe the FSF. Just like cake, “open smartphones” are a lie.

iPhone, Android, and why smartphone openness is a lie is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Review: Despicable Me for iPad

This Namco developed strategy game plays similarly to the classic Lemmings and features twenty unique levels full of puzzles, obstacles, and challenges.

AT&T Offers Details on iPad 3G Activations and Usage

As part of its quarterly earnings conference call yesterday, AT&T offered some insight into the iPad's performance on the its network, with Silicon Alley Insider providing a summary of the data.
<b...

OnStar expands smartphone control over entire 2011 GM lineup

It's safe to say that General Motors is struggling for relevancy these days and, while the Chevy Volt could be a huge step into the modern era for the company, that still leaves every other car looking a bit -- traditional, technology-wise. OnStar is going to help, expanding its Volt-specific controls to the entire 2011 lineup of GM cars. When we saw OnStar's Volt app earlier this year we loved how it not only let you control recharging but also unlock the doors and monitor system specs from anywhere. While monitoring recharging status obviously won't be much good if you're rocking a good 'ol ICE vehicle, you will still be able to start the car remotely, unlock doors, and also monitor stats like tire pressure and oil level from your iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android handset, as demonstrated in a video after the break. Yes, you'll need to be an OnStar subscriber to use the app, with rates currently starting at a somewhat steep $18.95 per month. Now, if only there were an app that could help us to afford a new ZR1.

Continue reading OnStar expands smartphone control over entire 2011 GM lineup

OnStar expands smartphone control over entire 2011 GM lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s free iPhone 4 case program: What you need to know

You've got questions about Apple's free Bumper and case program for the iPhone 4, and we've got answers.

Apple begins bumper refund program and free orders

Filed under: iPhone

In last week's press conference held about iPhone 4 reception issues*, Apple made mention of distributing not only bumpers for iPhones going forward, but refunds to those who had already purchased bumpers or other iPhone 4 cases. So if you didn't get one before they were pulled from Apple stores, progress is being made.

A number of tipsters have written in to let us know they received email from Apple this evening about their refunds being processed. Read the whole thing after the break. We've heard of the "Cash For Clunkers" program, but what would you call this one? "Bucks for Bumpers"? "Ante For Antennagate"? Leave your best answer in the comments.

Update: the page on Apple.com is now available. To claim your free case, you will need to download an app.

Continue reading Apple begins bumper refund program and free orders

Apple begins bumper refund program and free orders originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple begins bumper refund program and free orders originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 gyroscope games hit the App Store

The iPhone 4 included an interesting gyroscope function, and games are starting to appear on the App Store. Macworld UK takes a look at some early movers.

White iPhone 4 delayed further to “later this year”

Filed under: iPhone

Waiting for a white iPhone 4? Stop holding your breath and start making chalk marks on the wall, because it's going to be a while longer.

Just one week ago, the white iPhone 4 delay was mentioned at the Apple press event, with an ETA for the end of July. This morning, however, Apple put out a very brief press release citing manufacturing challenges and a new delivery estimate for the white model: "later this year."

Modders, put on your thinking caps -- your window of opportunity has been extended.

[via TechCrunch]

White iPhone 4 delayed further to "later this year" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

White iPhone 4 delayed further to "later this year" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Struggling to Keep Up With iPad Display Demand

Reuters reports that Korean manufacturer LG is struggling to keep up with demand for LCD screens destined for Apple's iPad, even as it seeks to cut production on larger LCDs used in television sets amid w...

Apple begins iPhone 4 Case Program: apply for your free case or Bumper now

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Apple_begins_iPhone_4_Case_Program_get_your_free_case_now'; Well, there's nothing like masking bad news with good news, right Apple? Just moments after quietly announcing that the white iPhone 4 is now scheduled to ship sometime between tomorrow and your New Year's Eve party, the company has also fired up its iPhone 4 Case Program. Just as Jobs promised last week at an emergency press event, this program will ensure that anyone who purchases an iPhone 4 prior to September 30th will be able to receive an iPhone 4 Bumper or select third-party case from the company at no charge. 'Course, you need to be located in a country or territory that Apple actually ships to, but if that's all squared away, feel free to hit up the App Store to download the iPhone 4 Case Program app. Once there, you'll need to sign into your iTunes Store account, select your Bumper or case and wait oh-so-patiently (read: "3 to 5 weeks"). Better hurry -- wouldn't want the servers to get overloaded, now would we?

Oh, and if you happened to have already purchased a Bumper, the company should be hitting your credit card with a full refund (including any applicable taxes and shipping) momentarily. As for the case / Bumper choices? Every single option is available in any color you like... so long as it's black, of course. There's a black Apple Bumper option, an Incase Snap Case, Belkin Shield Micra, Griffin Motif, Griffin Reveal, Speck Fitted and Speck PixelSkin HD, but again, don't go in hoping to select your favorite hue. Yeah, you're free to bicker about free things -- we won't judge.

Update: If you're one of those wise guys who purchased an iPhone 4 right away just to sell it, you can forget about getting a free case for the handset you no longer own. Apple has arranged this so that only one case can be ordered per iPhone 4, so even if you ordered two under your account name, you'll need two phones to place both of those orders. Check out the error message below if you still don't believe us.

Apple begins iPhone 4 Case Program: apply for your free case or Bumper now originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple starts taking free iPhone 4 case orders, by app

Apple on Friday started to take orders for the free iPhone 4 cases it promised at last week's press conference. Strangely, however, it's taking such orders via a custom app that it designed.

Apple launches free case program, app

Apple’s free iPhone 4 bumper/case program has just gone live on the web… and in an app. (Insert app for that joke here if you really, really have to).

If you haven’t bought a bumper already:

1. Download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the App Store. 2 Launch the app on your iPhone 4 and sign in using your iTunes Store account or Apple ID.
2. Select your Bumper or case.

For iPhone 4 purchases made before July 23, 2010, you must apply no later than August 22, 2010; otherwise, you must apply within 30 days of your iPhone 4 purchase. To qualify for this program, you must purchase your iPhone 4 by September 30, 2010.

There’s also information on how to get a refund for those who did purchase a bumper already from Apple or AT&T.

Have you gotten your refund yet? Or are you getting a free case? Let us know which one in comments!

[Apple.com, iTunes app link, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple launches free case program, app is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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