iPhone OS 3.0 walkthrough

Filed under: Software, iPhone, iPod touch

It's official: The iPhone 3.0 firmware is now available. As you wait for your copy to download and install, you'll need something to read -- and we've got a complete walkthrough of the new software. Join us as we take you through most of the new features and how to use them.

Push Notifications
This has been one of the most requested features for quite a while, and in iPhone 3.0, it's finally a reality. Push notifications allow iPhone applications to provide a faux backgrounding service. In our testing, Apple's notification service works so well that you would almost think the application was running in the background.

When you download and install an application that features notifications, you get a new Settings menu called "Notifications." In this panel, you will be able to select, per application, how you would like to receive notifications. You can choose any variety of sounds, alerts or badges. Sounds will be a predefined sound from the application that will sound only if you have the ringer on; alerts will give you a pop-up alert that will either appear on the lock screen or in any application you might be in at the time; badges will give you a counter on the application icon on the home screen.



Spotlight Searching
Quite a few people (including myself) have wanted an app launcher on the iPhone. While Spotlight Searching doesn't make up for the lack of an actual app launching application, it does provide some solace to the app loving iPhone users out there. Spotlight resides on the home screen, taking up one of the screens. When you are on the first home screen, sliding to the right will display the searching interface.

While simple, the interface allows you to type in a name, phrase, or other search terms and have the whole phone searched. Enter a contact, it will display the contact name. Enter a song, it will show the song and allow you to go to the iPod application. Enter a calendar event, and with one click you can view that calendar and the event schedule.

There are some shortcuts and settings that go along with Spotlight. If you want quick and easy access to the Spotlight feature, you can have it automatically launch by double clicking the home button (you can change this setting in Settings > General > Home). Just as you have the ability to order search results in Spotlight on your Mac, Spotlight on your iPhone allows you to do the same type of order. Just navigate to Settings > General > Home > Search Results. From this screen, you can enable/disable certain search results and control the order in which the search results are shown.




Read on to learn more about the iPhone 3.0 software update, and to see more of the new features.

Continue reading iPhone OS 3.0 walkthrough

iPhone OS 3.0 walkthrough originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone OS 3.0 walkthrough originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why original iPhone owners will be left out with Push Notifications

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Bad Apple, iPhone

If you bought the original iPhone, you have the pride of being the first to own one... but you will also be left out when you install and use some of the nice new features in the iPhone 3.0 update.

One of the most awaited features, push notifications, requires a constant data connection. While the iPhone 3G can handle data and voice simultaneously when using a 3G/HSDPA connection, on EDGE (the cellular data service that the original iPhone uses) you are unable to take calls and maintain a persistent data connection. As a result, if you turn on the push notification service, you will be unable to receive voice calls.

Some iPhone owners might consider this a slap in the face from Apple, while other iPhone users will just be glad that their phone now has notifications. Either way, the good thing is that the voice mail system uses a data connection, so you will still get your voicemails.

Push notifications could also end up being a flop for other iPhone users too. Due to the structure of the service, push notifications can get lost in transit, and pushes to the same app (possibly all pushes) kick older ones out of the push queue.

Let us know your thoughts about push notifications on the first generation iPhone in our poll and comments!

View Poll

Why original iPhone owners will be left out with Push Notifications originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Why original iPhone owners will be left out with Push Notifications originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: Get Home for iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, First Look, App Review

If you own a GPS system, then you're sure to know about the best feature ever invented for GPS: The "Take Me Home" button. Most GPS systems can store your home location and route you back to it with a single tap. The iPhone, of course, doesn't have one of these features ... until now.

Get Home [iTunes link] gives you many options for finding your way back home. You can add a button to the main screen of the app that will call a taxi, find your current location, call a contact, text message a contact, get walking directions, or find a bus route. At the bottom of the app's main screen, you will find how far away you are from your home location. From this same screen, you can tap any of the buttons you've added to open the Maps app and perform the requested action; for instance getting walking directions. If you select to phone a person or text a person, those actions will be carried out immediately as well.

Get Home is a good application for people who like to do a specific task from one application. The main purpose of this application, which is to find a way home, can be carried out mainly with the Maps application and saving bookmarks. That being said, Get Home does work as advertised and does have a nice interface. You can purchase Get Home from the App Store for $1.99 US.

First Look: Get Home for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Get Home for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW Review: RadTech ProCable Shortz

Filed under: Accessories, iPod Family, iPhone, iPod touch

RadTech manufactures a lot of accessories for the iPhone and iPod, but one recently caught my attention. The recently released ProCable Shortz cables are handy in tight places where you need a USB to 30-pin connector cable. I use mine in my car to hook up my iPhone to the stereo via a USB cable. Before the ProCable Shortz, I had a regular sized 30-pin cable and it took over my glove box with a tangle of wires. These cables can also come in handy when you want to charge or sync your iPhone/iPod with your MacBook, but don't want a tangled nest of wires sitting beside you on the desk.

The RadTech ProCable Shortz come in many flavors, but the most recently released USB to 30-pin iPod connector cables come in two sizes and two colors. You can pick up these cable in either 7-cm or 20-cm lengths, and either in white or black. The build quality is similar to Apple's own cables, and in some ways the cabling seems stronger. Prices are not terrible either: Only $7.95-US for the 7-cm cable or $8.95-US for the 20-cm cable. Compare that to Apple's $19.00 US dock connector cable. The ProCable Shortz are available on the RadTech website.

TUAW Review: RadTech ProCable Shortz originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Review: RadTech ProCable Shortz originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A look at three new Gameloft iPhone games

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

I have been in love with Gameloft games on the iPhone since I bought my first one last year. Not only do their games have great graphics, they also have great controls and game play. Gameloft has recently released several new iPhone/iPod touch games, and I'm going to give you a first look at three of them: Terminator Salvation, Assassin's Creed, and Let's Golf.

Terminator Salvation ($5.99 US)
If you have followed the Terminator franchise or television series, then you may already know the plot of this game. In this third person shooter, you'll travel around as John Conner, the leader of the resistance against the machine invasion. The game is in a 3D landscape of Los Angeles in 2018, and the gameplay is what we've come to expect from a Gameloft game. There is an "analog" control in the bottom left of the screen that allows you to move around; when you are ready to pan around the landscape, you can do so my touching and dragging anywhere on the screen. By touching the fire button in the bottom right of the screen you can fire the weapon.

There are four different control types to choose between: using the Virtual Pad (details described above), the wheel pad (drag your fingers along the corner of the screen to adjust viewing angle), the accelerometer (tilting the iPhone/iPod touch to move the characters around on-screen), or reversed accelerometer. You can also reverse the orientation of the screen in the controls; this is a feature that I think all iPhone games should have. In the game, you can play either the roles of John Conner or Marcus Wright -- when you assume each of the characters, you will gain different abilities. There are 6 weapons and 8 levels that you can unlock, which will undoubtedly provide you with many hours of play.

This game really packs a punch in the iPhone gaming scene and is definitely worth a look. You can check out Terminator Salvation on the App Store for $5.99 US.



Assassin's Creed ($9.99 US)
Assassin's Creed has been around for a few years on many of the larger game platforms (PS3, Xbox, etc.), but recently came to the iPhone/iPod touch, and puts the same great gameplay into the hands of players around the world. In the game you play a master assassin named Altaïr who goes out on a quest to find an object that will end the crusades in the Holy Land.

In this realistic 3D RPG, you'll find yourself in sword fights, learning combat moves, and in hand-to-hand combat with enemies you encounter. You will be able to earn 6 weapons throughout the game, and there are mini-games to unlock. I love RPG games, and this one definitely kept me coming back for more until I completed every level. Hands-down, this is the best iPhone game that I have ever played -- I was blown away from the first time I picked it up. Beautiful graphics, great controls with virtual "analog" stick, and great cinematic cuts in-between levels and missions.

You can check out Assassin's Creed on the App Store for only $9.99 US -- this will well worth the price in my opinion.


Let's Golf ($4.99 US)
The iPhone has its fair share of golfing games, and I've taken a look at a few of them myself, but I have yet to find one that provides both great gameplay and great graphics. Until now. Let's Golf provides the right amount of features that any golfer would love to have, such as the ability to control what your player looks like or precision controls for your swing.

You have the ability to choose between several playing modes including instant play and tournaments. There are also over 63 holes located in 4 separate 3D environments: Fiji, America, England, and Scotland. If you are a casual player, you'll enjoy the basic controls, but if you are an experienced virtual golfer, you can switch to the advanced controls where you can precisely adjust the power of the swing and even add spin.

For $4.99US, this game is packed with features, and even includes a local Wi-Fi multiplayer mode that will allow you to challenge your friends to a golf match. You can check out Let's Golf in the App Store.

A look at three new Gameloft iPhone games originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 18 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A look at three new Gameloft iPhone games originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 18 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: Moments

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Have you wanted to remember an event, or just remember a small bit of information for later? On the Mac there's a cool application called Stickies, but there really wasn't a great application for doing this same thing on the iPhone ... until now. Enter Moments [iTunes link]. This small application is your one stop for remembering small pieces of information or events.

Even though this application has a simple agenda and interface, it is executed beautifully. Moments has an interface composed of three gorgeous themes: corkboard, steel, and a fabric print. Sticky notes are aligned in a grid of 2 x 3 across the screen. You can reorder your stickies, and when you run out of room a new screen will be created that is similar to the layout of the iPhone home screen. When you create a new sticky, you are able to create just a note, or a "moment." A moment has a date associated with it, and can be something in the past or future. A note just has a larger text area that will let you add more information.

Overall, this application is really nice for remembering things, and looks just as good as built-in iPhone apps. However, there are three things that I would like to see: (1) User selected sticky note colors, (2) A place to add more details about a specific note or email the note, and (3) More themes to choose from. This application is really great the way it is, and is well worth $.99 US in the App Store. You can check Moments out on the App Store, or check out our gallery of pictures.

First Look: Moments originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 07 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Moments originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 07 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iTunes Connect now lets developers see crash reports

Filed under: Developer, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Apple has offered developers a glimpse as crash reporting since the iPhone 2.0 firmware was released, however, it was a kludge to get users to email you the crash reports from their ~/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/MobileDevice directory. Apple has a solution that will make this a lot easier.

Enter iTunes Connect, where Apple recently added the ability for developers to view crash reports from users. iTunes connect is where developers can manage applications they have on the App Store, check their sales, and get promotional codes for their apps. When you log into iTunes Connect you will be presented with the following information regarding crash logs:

Crash logs for applications are now available. To view them, go the Manage Your Applications Module below, click to view the desired application's details, then click View Crash Report.

When you navigate to Manage Your Applications > your app details > View Crash Report, you will be presented with a few items that could help you debug apps. Namely, developers can view most frequent crashes, timeouts, and memory usage right from iTunes Connect. You can find out more about crash logs on the iPhone by going to Apple's Developer tech note.

Thanks to Erica and others for sending in this tip!

iTunes Connect now lets developers see crash reports originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 02 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iTunes Connect now lets developers see crash reports originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 02 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dev 101: The “Hello World!” app

Filed under: Features, How-tos, Developer, iPhone, iPod touch

In the last iPhone Dev 101 post, I told you a little about creating your first project using Xcode; however, in this post, I want to show you how to create your first application that will run in the iPhone simulator. In honor of staying with the classic way of teaching programming, we'll create a "Hello World!" application as our first one.

Creating the new project
If you have installed the iPhone SDK/Xcode, then you can launch Xcode by navigating to /Developer/Applications. Once there, you can double click on the Xcode application (you may also find it handy to just drag the icon to the dock if you will be using it a lot).

Once Xcode launches, click File > New Project. Under the iPhone OS section on the left side of the resulting window, select "Application." Select "View-based Application" from the templates that show up on the right side, and then click the "Choose" button. You will then be prompted to specify a project save name -- this will also be the name of your resulting application, so choose your project name wisely.

You're project has now been created, and the Xcode window that is displayed will contain all of your code, resources, etc. There isn't much there now, but the application is fully functional at this point. You can click the "Build & Go" button in the toolbar, and the application will be compiled and launched in the iPhone Simulator. Again, this is a fully functional application, but it doesn't do anything useful at this point -- the usefulness of the app is up to your coding, but Apple supplies you with the base code and dependencies.

Continue reading iPhone Dev 101: The "Hello World!" app

iPhone Dev 101: The "Hello World!" app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone Dev 101: The "Hello World!" app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dev 101: Creating Xcode projects, brief Xcode UI overview

Filed under: Features, How-tos, Developer, iPhone, iPod touch

In our last iPhone Dev 101, a continuing series on iPhone development, we talked about resources that you can use while you are coding with Cocoa. In this dev post, I'm going to walk you through Xcode and creating your first project.

First we need to open Xcode, so once you have the SDK installed, you'll need to open /Developer/Applications/ and look for Xcode.app. This is Apple's IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that allows you to code, debug, test, and build all of your iPhone and Mac applications. When you open this application, nothing specially really happens, although you might see the welcome center -- if you see this, you can choose to disable it at startup by using the check box at the bottom.

To create a new project, select File > New Project. In the resulting window select iPhone OS Application > View-based Application, and click "Choose." You will then need to specify a save name and location for the resulting files that will combine to create your application. In the resulting Xcode window, you should note that most of the work is already done for you!

At this point you have a fully functional application. Try it out: click the "build and go" button at the top of the window and wait while the app is compiled and opens in the iPhone Simulator. The app definitely doesn't do much, but still, it's a running application you made without writing any code.

Continue reading to learn more about Xcode, and get a brief UI overview.

Continue reading iPhone Dev 101: Creating Xcode projects, brief Xcode UI overview

iPhone Dev 101: Creating Xcode projects, brief Xcode UI overview originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone Dev 101: Creating Xcode projects, brief Xcode UI overview originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dev 101: Useful Cocoa Development Resources

Filed under: Features, How-tos, Developer, iPhone, iPod touch

It has been a while since the last iPhone Dev 101 post (and I must apologize for that -- sometime life can get in the way of different things, and this was one of those times). In this Dev 101 post, I want to take you through a few of my favorite resources for Cocoa/iPhone development. Some of these resources are books, while others are sites, but all of the resources are valuable to up and coming developers (and experiences developers) alike.

Books
Some books are just invaluable and couldn't be replaced with another. Aaron Hillegass' Cocoa Programming for Mac is just that book. Currently in it's 3rd edition, the book gives you much of the Cocoa programming information that you need to program for both the Mac and iPhone. There are only a few subtle differences in programming for these platforms, namely the use of the Cocoa Touch. If you ever have the chance, going to one of the Big Nerd Ranch Cocoa programming classes gives you the ability to learn Cocoa hands-on.

Another title that is useful to beginning iPhone developers is the Beginning iPhone Development book. This book has a useful approach to stepping into the world that is programming on iPhone. It talks about numerous topics including UI design, Quartz, and OpenGL. Also covered in the book are APIs like CoreLocation and interfacing with the camera.

If you already know Cocoa and a little about iPhone development, Erica Sadun's iPhone Developer Cookbook is a great jumping off point to start development. She assumes, however, that you already understand Cocoa.

Continue reading to learn about more valuable books, websites, and resources for iPhone/Mac developers.

Continue reading iPhone Dev 101: Useful Cocoa Development Resources

iPhone Dev 101: Useful Cocoa Development Resources originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone Dev 101: Useful Cocoa Development Resources originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Q&A with Transactions app developers: Kyle Richter and Ian Baird

Filed under: Developer, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

I recently had the opportunity to sit down (virtually) and have a chat with Kyle Richter and Ian Baird, two iPhone developers who have come up with the game-changing Handshake app for contact sharing on the iPhone (TUAW review), then released the credit card and payments app Transactions (TUAW review) which can transform any iPhone or iPod touch into a basic point-of-sale device. We talked about how they came up with the idea of their Transactions application, and they shared their experience of developing for the iPhone.

Cory: What was your vision behind creating Transactions, and why did you pursue this idea and turn it into an iPhone application?

Kyle: When working with a platform that is as new as the iPhone the goal is to try and find niches that haven't yet be filled or not properly filled. While I was out jogging with Ian one evening it hit me that a lot of businesses have a need to accept credit cards anywhere. It felt like a perfect solution for the iPhone so we started to research the feasibility.

Ian: One of the driving influences for us has been to take advantage of the "democratizing force" of the platform. We have Authorize.net for the higher end, more professional users who will use this app on a day to day basis. We also felt we needed to make this application accessible to the farmer who's selling his or her produce at the farmer's market. Or the craftsperson selling his or her wares at a trade show. That was the motivation for including the Paypal option. It doesn't require a merchant account. That's a *big deal*.

Continue reading to hear more from Kyle and Ian about their iPhone programming experience, and advice for prospective iPhone developers.

Continue reading Q&A with Transactions app developers: Kyle Richter and Ian Baird

Q&A with Transactions app developers: Kyle Richter and Ian Baird originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Q&A with Transactions app developers: Kyle Richter and Ian Baird originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple posts iPhone event video

Filed under: Other Events, Developer, iPhone

As the day is slowly drawing to a close (quite literally for iPhone developers who are downloading the SDK), Apple has finally put up the video from the iPhone 3.0 event today. You can watch Greg, Scott, Phil, and others as they discuss Apple's plans for the new iPhone OS and SDK. Be sure to check out our coverage of the event, and our roundup of all the new iPhone OS features.

You can watch the QuickTime stream here.

Apple posts iPhone event video originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple posts iPhone event video originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dev Center is back, get your beta now

Filed under: Other Events, Developer, iPhone

Just as developers around the world are hearing about the new iPhone features, Apple has updated their Dev Center. With the new site, existing developers will get immediate access to the new iPhone 3.0 SDK. That is if you are able to login. Currently the Dev Center is experiencing extremely slow load times, and kicking some users off when they try to login.

It will be interesting to see if non-developers will register for the $99/year program, just to get access to the beta of iPhone 3.0. Be sure to take part in our poll below.

View Poll

iPhone Dev Center is back, get your beta now originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone Dev Center is back, get your beta now originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3.0 feature roundup

Filed under: Other Events, iPhone, iPod touch

If you've been listening to all the clamoring on Twitter, or perhaps have seen the updated Apple page, then you know there was an iPhone event today to discuss a new version of the iPhone OS, version 3.0. While you will have to wait until the summer to get the new version (unless you join the developer program), Apple showed off over 100 new features that we're all excited about. iPhone developers are also getting some love from Apple with over 1,000 new APIs.

Some of the biggest updates include:

• Push notifications will be standard in iPhone 3.0. Apple claims that there was a scaling issue when they first announced this feature last year, with thousands of developers clamoring to use it, so it had to be delayed. Developers will be able to build message, sound, and badge alerts into their applications.
• iPhone will support cut, copy and paste -- copy text and pictures, then paste them in any application on the device. If you change your mind about the newly pasted data, just shake to display a menu asking if you wish to undo the paste.
  
• In-App purchasing -- developers will have the ability to charge a fee from within the application for more levels in a game, magazine subscriptions, eBooks, etc. This solves the problem of the 20 ebook readers that only allow you to read one book each.
  
• MMS -- you'll be able to use MMS on your iPhone 3G (yes, 1st gen iPhones will not get the fortune of using MMS due to the use of a different cell radio). The new Messages application will be taking the place of the SMS app and will allow you to send voice memos and pictures to your friends.
  
• Peer-to-Peer connectivity -- allows iPhone apps the ability to find other iPhone users over WiFi or Bluetooth. This can be using for anything from gaming to sharing data.
  
• Third-party Accessories -- app developers can now access third-party accessories attached to the iPhone. This could allow for developers to interface with their own accessories to create a truly unique experience on the device. One of the demonstrated uses was a prototype blood glucose meter for the iPhone, from a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, which is already getting attention from our readers; it's not for sale yet!
  
• Apple will now be allowing applications the ability to get GPS coordinates from Core Location and turn that into software that provides Turn-by-Turn directions for iPhone users. However, due to the terms of use with Google maps, developers will be required to license their own maps for this use (meaning that Turn-by-Turn GPS applications will almost certainly be paid apps). This isn't a problem for vendors like TomTom or Telenav, who already have licenses for their map data.
• A landscape keyboard option is now available in all iPhone applications, including the infamous Mail.app.
• Voice memos will allow iPhone users the ability to capture audio and then email it, or send it through the Messages application as a multimedia message.
• System-wide Spotlight searching is built right into the home screen. To the left of the first home screen, there is a magnifying glass, so by flicking to the left of the first home screen will show this search app. You can search for anything, including mail, music, and notes. There is no word yet on how this will interface with third-party applications.
  
• Stereo Bluetooth audio devices are now supported through the use of A2DP technology.

iPhone owners should note that A2DP technology and the use of MMS will not be available on 1st generation iPhones. This is probably due to the iPhone Bluetooth spec used, and Apple has confirmed (during the Q&A session after the keynote) that MMS is not available because of the cell radio used.

iPhone OS 3.0 will be available for regular users "this summer." iPhone developers will be able to get the beta of OS 3.0 sometime today -- Apple is still busy updating their iPhone Dev Center, but we'll let you know when it is available.

iPhone 3.0 feature roundup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone 3.0 feature roundup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones

Filed under: iPhone, Jailbreak/pwnage

Since the initial launch of the iPhone in 2007, people have wanted some type of video recording or streaming application. Of course, the iPhone SDK agreement doesn't allow this type of integration with the iPhone, but some developers have already gone ahead with creating these applications, and releasing them to iPhone owners with jailbroken devices. One such company is Ustream, who released their broadcasting application for the iPhone just a few weeks ago.

With a jailbroken iPhone and the Ustream Broadcaster, you have the same options as if you were sitting in front of your computer logged into Ustream broadcasting. Once you enter your Ustream credentials, the application will automatically log you in each time you open it. Once it determines you have a sustainable Internet connection, you will get a split pane view: the upper pane will show your live video, while the lower pane will show the live chat. Across the bottom you have a broadcast button, which will set your video live online, a record button, and a mute button. There is also an "ask viewers yes/no" button; tapping this button will pop-up yes and no buttons on your viewers screen where you can poll them for a specific question.

You have a myriad of options in the Broadcaster preferences. You can choose the video quality by selecting either High (auto) or low quality. You can also choose whether or not to broadcast audio, auto record, or send location. At the bottom of the preferences section you have the ability to send a Twitter message letting viewers know when you go online.

In all, I found this application to be extremely useful for broadcasting to Ustream while mobile. The frame rate and quality is also high enough that your viewers won't be bored to tears waiting for the next frame -- I was actually surprised at how good the quality for the viewer was. I only had one major complaint with the application: when you are connected via the cell tower, the application doesn't automatically switch you to low quality for EDGE; instead you get a message saying that frames are being dropped and you might want to switch to low quality. Other than that, this app is stellar and well worth jailbreaking your phone if you must have it. You can find the download instructions for Ustream Broadcaster on the Ustream website.

First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six fun and useful iPhone apps

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Some iPhone apps are fun, some are useful (and some are neither). In this set of iPhone app reviews, we've got a mixture of each. In this batch of mini-reviews: iShred, Quik, Pro Basketball, Silly Songz, Wordology, and Silver Revolver.

iShred ($4.99US)
If you like playing the guitar or other musical instruments, then you might want to consider this app -- it could be one of the most full-featured guitar apps on the iPhone. From the ability to create and record your own songs, to the ability to listen to others play songs around the world -- iShred [iTunes link] has it all. There are over 2,000 built-in chords, scales, and fret positions that get assigned to the two fret rows at the top of the screen. When you tap a fret and strum the strings, a sound will be played.

When you set up the frets for a certain song, you have the ability to save this setup for later. You can also save your songs or transfer them to another iPhone anytime you have a wireless connection. The application includes other effects including several virtual stomp boxes, like:

• Adrenaline: A treble booster
• HK-2000 Delay: Echo
  
• Hot Fuzz: Distortion
• Kömpressör: Power chords
  
• Sybil: Dual chorus pedal
• Trembler: Tremolo
  
• Wahsabi: Tilt control for wah pedal
  

You can use up to four of these effects on a song. Getting to play your own songs is a cool feature of this app, but something just as cool is the ability to listen to others playing their iPhone guitars. AirPlay, a built-in feature, allows you to do this. Just open the AirPlay feature and watch as other users from around the world rock out. Overall, this application is great for guitar aficionados or people who just want to be able to play guitar anywhere. You can pick up iShred in the iTunes App Store for just $4.99US.




Quik Search (free, pro version available)
Searching different sites on the iPhone can be a kludge, especially if you don't like having only two search engines available natively with Mobile Safari. Quik Search [iTunes link] hopes to solve this by adding different sites and engines. Quik allows you to customize your search experience by adding a list of sites that you wish to search to the main screen of the application. You can choose from over 50 pre-designed search engines/sites (including Google, Amazon, Twitter, and of course, TUAW). Just enter your search term in the application and press the blue arrow ... your search query will be sent away to the site of your choice and you can view your results in the Safari-like browser built into Quik Search.

You might ask "What if they don't have my favorite site/search engine?" Well in that case, you can create your own "search plugin" by entering the name, adding an icon, and entering the template search string. The application helps you to understand what a template search string is, and how to format it for Quik. You can also enable/disable "Launch Safari" when searching (if you don't like the built-in browser).

If you are looking for a better search solution on the iPhone, then this application could definitely save you some time and energy. You can get Quik search for free on the App Store, although it is ad supported. If you wish to get rid of the ads, you can purchase a pro version [iTunes link] for $1.99US.

Continue reading Six fun and useful iPhone apps

Six fun and useful iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Six fun and useful iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: Transactions for iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

First they wowed us with Handshake for iPhone, now the same developers are back at it again with Transactions [iTunes link] for iPhone. Transactions gives you the ability to charge a credit card from anywhere! This application is excellent for small business owners who need to process credit cards away from an office.

Transactions interfaces with PayPal and Authorize.net and allows you to easily type in a credit card number, expiration date, CCV2 code, amount, and zip code. Once you have that information, you can select a contact to automatically auto-fill the purchaser's address and phone number. You can also enter in the name, email address, and additional notes about the transaction. When all of these fields are completed, return to the main screen and tap "charge" -- the information is whisked away using 128-bit SSL encryption to the appropriate service (either PayPal or Authorize.net). If the information was correctly entered you receive a message telling you the transaction went through.

Transactions gives you the ability to easily import your PayPal and Authorize.net account information using a useful tool on their site. They send an email to your device with a special URL that inputs your account information when opened. The application allows you to view all of the transactions completed, and allows you to export them as a a CSV file that opens in Excel, Numbers, and other applications that can read comma separated files. All of the information stored within Transactions is kept safe inside of Apple's Keychain, and you can password-protect the application to enable even more security.

Transactions is now available on the iTunes App Store, and comes in two flavors: paid and free. The free version is limited to 2 credit card transactions per 12-hours, while the paid version removes this limit. If you use the free version and plan to upgrade to the paid version, you have the ability to transfer all of your settings from the free version to the paid version -- a first on the iPhone. You can visit the Transactions website for more details about this iPhone application. You may also want to note that Authorize.net or PayPal Website Payments Pro account is required, and that some fees may apply.

First Look: Transactions for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Transactions for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Found Footage: Blackboard course management system coming to iPhone

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

If you work in any type of academic environment, there's a huge chance that you might be using Blackboard for your CMS (Course Management System). Blackboard is a system that is prevalent across many college campuses and is even used by some high schools to manage course work, grades, assignments, and more.

In this found footage, Northwest College of Agriculture captured a video demo at ConnectED of the upcoming Blackboard application for iPhone and iPod touch. The application will allow you to connect to your schools Blackboard server and get important information from your account. I personally can't wait for this application to ship, and I'm sure many college students and professors are eager to use it. According to the representative in the video, the application will be free when it launches. If you didn't catch the application layout, you can see it on Flickr.

Thanks, Micah!

Found Footage: Blackboard course management system coming to iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Found Footage: Blackboard course management system coming to iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 Fingers does iPhone game bundle right

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Software bundles are normally things that appear for computers, however, one developer believes that the iPhone deserves the same money-saving offer. The 5 Fingers Bundle [iTunes link] does just that -- it combines five awesome games into one application for one price.

While bundles are not something new on the App Store, the implementation of this bundle is something special. The user interface for switching between the different games is amazing, and makes it feel as though there was care taken in creating this bundle.

The games included in the batch are:

• Blackbeard's Assault by Warhorse Games
• BurnBall by IMS (TUAW Review Here)
• Chopper by Majic Jungle Software
• Sneezies by Antair Corporation
• Up There by Veiled Games

It would definitely be neat to see more developers follow this route. You can find more information about the Five Fingers Bundle on their website, or by visiting the iTunes App Store where you can purchase it for $4.99US.

5 Fingers does iPhone game bundle right originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

5 Fingers does iPhone game bundle right originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: Wild West Guns

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

We've been gushing over Gameloft's foray into iPhone game development for a while now, and it seems that the more good things we say about them, the better the iPhone games they make. Their latest game is no exception. Wild West Guns [iTunes link] brings gun fights and western themes right to your iPhone -- just draw your iPhone from its holster and tap to open this app.

The game is composed of different levels ranging from saloons, stables, and a moving train (my favorite level). You tap on different objects (people, animals, tin cans, signs etc.) to shoot the gun; when you do, people will fall over in a realistically animated style. There are six different levels inside of 5 different difficulties (normal, hard, survivor, reload, and sniper) making for an extended life of the game.

Probably the coolest thing in the game is that you aren't limited to only shooting the target at hand ... you can shoot pretty much anything in the background to earn points. My favorite scene was in a saloon where you were able to shoot the candle holders, windows, etc. to earn more points. Sometimes an enemy might grab you, and you have to shake your iPhone in order to break their grip. This makes for an interactive play experience that isn't found in most iPhone games.

If you like apps that feature gunplay, then you'll no doubt find Wild West Guns entertaining and fun. If you do plan on playing this game in public, however, we suggest that you mute the volume or play with headphones. Wild West Guns is available from the iTunes App Store for $4.99US.

First Look: Wild West Guns originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Wild West Guns originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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