Using a Wireless Keyboard with an iPhone using BTstack Keyboard

Posted on December 26, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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A few days ago, the BTStack keyboard package was released to Cydia. This package, which we posted about recently, allows owners of jailbroken iPhones to use a Bluetooth keyboard with their iPhone 3G or 3GS, or 2nd generation or later iPod touch. The package is available for US$5.00 from Cydia.

Since the iPhone was first introduced, there have been efforts to bring support for external accessories. The iPhone 3.0 external accessory framework allowing accessories that connect to the universal dock connector or use Bluetooth has been closed, and only a few companies have developed accessories using the framework. The BTStack project by Matthias Ringwald offers a more complete and open Bluetooth stack for jailbroken iPhones. The stack has even been used with an iPhone and a Wii Remote over Bluetooth. To use a Bluetooth keyboard for quick and easy data entry into your iPhone, you'll need to jailbreak your iPhone, which can be done with an application like blackra1n.

Read on to find how I set up my iPhone to use the Apple Wireless Keyboard, and how it works with the iPhone.

Continue reading Using a Wireless Keyboard with an iPhone using BTstack Keyboard

Using a Wireless Keyboard with an iPhone using BTstack Keyboard originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Using a Wireless Keyboard with an iPhone using BTstack Keyboard originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple requiring the HTTP live stream protocol for iPhone apps

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Amidst all of Apple's recent app non-rejections and changes to allow APIs that were private, it was announced earlier this week that the company is now requiring developers of apps that implement live streaming video to use the HTTP Live Stream protocol.

The HTTP Live Stream protocol uses web standards to implement video, and also allows for use of iPhone-friendly formats like H.264 encoded streams for QuickTime (supported on the iPhone since iPhone OS 3.0).

This change also requires developers to create a minimum stream of video no larger than 64kbps, for use with slower connections.

It's still not known if this will have any impact on AT&T's position on streaming video over a 3G connection, but developers are still trying to find ways to work around Apple's restrictions. One example is the EyeTV update that was released earlier today, which works via Mobile Safari to stream video over a 3G connection.

Apple requiring the HTTP live stream protocol for iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple requiring the HTTP live stream protocol for iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Developers now can use private API for screen capture on iPhone, says Apple

Posted on December 15, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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As Apple seems to be lightening up and accepting more applications using private APIs (including Ustream and others that stream video from the iPhone 3G), word comes that the review team is now officially allowing the UIGetScreenImage() function to be used in applications distributed in the App Store.

An Apple forum moderator stated in the developer forums:
"After carefully considering the issue, Apple is now allowing applications to use the function UIGetScreenImage() to programmatically capture the current screen contents." The function prototype is as follows:

CGImageRef UIGetScreenImage();
Apple also states "that a future release of iPhone OS may provide a public API equivalent of this functionality." It's also noted that "At such time, all applications using UIGetScreenImage() will be required to adopt the public API."

This function, which is a part of the Core Graphics framework, allows an application access to what's being currently being displayed on the screen. It's useful for things like capturing a screen shot, as our own Erica Sadun's BETAkit does to allow developers to send screen shots to a developer. It also allows streaming video from the iPhone camera, as an application like this captures what's being displayed on the screen from the camera, and records it or sends it somewhere.

What other features devs are hoping to see opened up? There's things like general calendar access, Core Surface, and XMPP and app-settable timers that developers would like to take advantage of in their SDK apps.

I hope this is a sign of what's to come for the iPhone SDK, and that we'll see more things like this opened up soon for App Store distribution.

[via the Apple Developer Forums, dev membership required]

Developers now can use private API for screen capture on iPhone, says Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Developers now can use private API for screen capture on iPhone, says Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple countersues Nokia for patent infringement

Posted on December 11, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Apple today filed a countersuit against Nokia for patent infringement as a response to the lawsuit Nokia filed against Apple back in October. The countersuit is over the 13 patents that cover many different communication technologies that are used in the iPhone, which Nokia clams to hold the patents. These patents cover the GSM, UTMS 3G, and Wireless-LAN standards used in the iPhone since early 2007.

Bruce Sewell, General Counsel and senior vice president for Apple stated: "Other companies must compete with us by inventing their own technologies, not just by stealing ours."

We'll post any more details on these lawsuits as this develops, so stay posted.

Apple countersues Nokia for patent infringement originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple countersues Nokia for patent infringement originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple introduces iPhone developer RSS news feed, takes time off from iTunes Connect

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Late yesterday, Apple introduced a RSS feed for news from the App Store Resource Center, which was introduced a few months ago, and gives iPhone developers news about what's going on with the App Store for developers. Apple promises to deliver current turnaround time for app reviews (kind of a hot topic), program updates, development and testing techniques, and much more. Add it to your reader of choice.

In related news, iTunes Connect will be unavailable from December 23rd to December 28th. You'll remember that Apple did the same thing last year. You'll won't be able to access anything in iTunes Connect in that time, which includes, sales reports, app submission, generating promo codes and more. Hey, even geeks need a holiday break, right? Make sure your pertinent business is concluded before then and enjoy the break!

Apple introduces iPhone developer RSS news feed, takes time off from iTunes Connect originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple introduces iPhone developer RSS news feed, takes time off from iTunes Connect originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CSStringTokenizer, a Cocoa Touch front end for tokenizing strings

Posted on October 27, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Have you ever wanted to work with rather deep elements of Core Foundation in the iPhone SDK with some sort of front end? August Joki has just come up with a project that provides a Cocoa Touch wrapper for the CFStringTokenizer type in the Core Foundation framework.

As you can see in the screen shot at right, the demo provides various aspects about the current string including the string in a letter, word, or using a WordBoundary. It works just like CFStringTokenizer can, but can be accessed using this front-end.

If you're wondering what CFStringTokenizer actually is, it's useful for breaking a string into a token, which can specified by words, sentences, or paragraphs. You're also able to further modify the tokenization once you break it down.

This is something that's going to be useful for iPhone developers who like to work with a Cocoa Touch interface to bring lower-level elements of the iPhone OS into their apps, and also to developers who work with natural language strings.

To download this project, go over to the cocoa-stringtokenizer project page on GitHub.

CSStringTokenizer, a Cocoa Touch front end for tokenizing strings originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)CSStringTokenizer, a Cocoa Touch front end for tokenizing strings originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EyeTV app removed from the App Store over streaming workaround

Posted on October 17, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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That sure didn't last long. Just shortly after the discovery of an 3G "backdoor" for the EyeTV app, it has been pulled from the App Store.

The workaround let users of the app stream video over a 3G or other cellular network connection, something that AT&T has objected to in the past. Specifically, users can connect to ElGato's My EyeTV service to schedule and stream recordings.

When users try to stream video outside of a Wi-Fi connection, a dialog box appears saying that a Wi-Fi network is required, but streams the video anyway. Elgato says they have just submitted an update to Apple, after Apple removed it from the App Store, removing "test code" that allowed this streaming:

"Some test code that enabled live TV streaming over the cellular network was accidentally left in the the EyeTV App. Apple requested that we remove the code since their agreement with AT&T does not allow redirecting TV signals over the cellular network. The code was removed and a 1.0.1 version of the EyeTV app was submitted," they told TotalApps.

This app rejection is similar to the removal of the Commodore 64 app, that was pulled after hidden access to a BASIC interpreter was discovered. This removal adds just more trouble and frustration to users and developers, especially because of the current state of the Google Voice app.

[Via Total Apps]

EyeTV app removed from the App Store over streaming workaround originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)EyeTV app removed from the App Store over streaming workaround originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Apple adding FM Radio to the iPhone and iPod touch?

Posted on October 13, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Just like the 5th generation iPod nano that was introduced last month, Apple may soon be adding the capability to tune in to FM radio stations on the iPhone and iPod touch. As some of you may remember, the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chipsets in the iPhone 3GS and the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod touch models already have the capability to support FM radio tuning.

It's also reported that you'll be able to listen to the radio in the background, allowing you to use apps at the same time, just like you listen to music synced to your iPhone or iPod touch. It would also support Live Pause and iTunes Tagging, just like the 5th generation iPod nano does. Also, it would allow you to buy the song directly from your iPod touch However, this feature remains one the the remaining issues with FM radio on the iPhone and iPod touch.

Would you listen to FM radio stations on your iPhone or iPod touch, or do you prefer listening to Podcasts or Music synced from iTunes or from a streaming radio service on your iPhone or iPod touch? Let us know in the comments below!

[Engadget via 9 to 5 Mac]

Rumor: Apple adding FM Radio to the iPhone and iPod touch? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Rumor: Apple adding FM Radio to the iPhone and iPod touch? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tweetie 2 is now on the App Store

Posted on October 9, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Tweetie 2, the upgrade to the extremely popular app from atebits for Mac and iPhone, is now available on the App Store [iTunes Link]. The upgrade, as you probably know, costs $2.99 for new or existing users of Tweetie. It seems like it's been somewhat of a long wait, but you can finally go over to the App Store to download it.

Tweetie 2 for Mac is still coming sometime soon, as the iPhone version was intended to be released first.

What do think of Tweetie 2? How does it compare to the other Twitter apps for the iPhone. Leave a comment below and let us know!

Tweetie 2 is now on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Tweetie 2 is now on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone OS 3.1.2 is out

Posted on October 8, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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In just a little under a month after iPhone OS 3.1 was released, Apple has just released an update for the iPhone OS, upgrading it to 3.1.2. This update fixes the widely reported issue where the iPhone would not wake from sleep, and also fixes an issue involving video playback and cellular service. This update is available for the original iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, and the iPod touch.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

iPhone OS 3.1.2 is out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iPhone OS 3.1.2 is out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AP Stylebook comes to the App Store

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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If you're a journalist, writer, or editor, you've probably either heard of, used, or referenced the AP Stylebook in some way. Now, the AP has released an iPhone app of the AP Stylebook [iTunes Link]. It's searchable, allows you to make notes, and offers features for easy access of suggested writing styles. However, this app costs $28.99, which is considerably more expensive then the printed version, which is available for $18.95 from the AP. If you're out a lot, and don't want to carry a big spiral-bound book around with you, you might want to consider this, although the price of this app may be limiting.

AP Stylebook comes to the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)AP Stylebook comes to the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple announces 2 billion downloads, 85,000 apps from the App Store

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Just after reaching 1 billion downloads five months ago, Apple announced this morning that the iPhone App Store has reached 2 billion downloads since its launch in July 2008. Also, Apple announced that 85,000 apps are available to download or buy from the App Store, and there are now over 125,000 registered iPhone developers with the iPhone Developer Program.

These apps are available now to the 50 million devices running the iPhone OS (iPhone/iPod touch), creating an ever-expanding group of users.

Apple announces 2 billion downloads, 85,000 apps from the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple announces 2 billion downloads, 85,000 apps from the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T states more MMS details for Friday

Posted on September 24, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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As the AT&T iPhone MMS launch is only one day away now, Engadget is reporting that they heard some launch details from AT&T. Specifically, AT&T has stated that it expects MMS for the iPhone to launch in the "late morning" Pacific time, which would mean it "early afternoon" Eastern time.

Also, this update will arrive as a carrier settings update, which means you'll have to connect your iPhone to iTunes to update. These updates are very small and don't require a restart. Just make sure you and your iPhone are ready to update on Friday.

AT&T states more MMS details for Friday originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)AT&T states more MMS details for Friday originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google contradicts Apple, states Apple rejected Google Voice

Posted on September 18, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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The Google Voice story grows even murkier today as new details arise about its App Store rejection. When the FCC launched an inquiry into the presence of the Google Voice app on the App Store, Apple, AT&T and Google all provided formal response letters. Portions of Google's letter were kept confidential from the public. Today, after several requests, Google finally released their entire FCC letter to the public.

In it, Google states that Apple did in fact reject the Google Voice app for the iPhone, and that Phil Shiller met and talked to Alan Eustace at Google about the rejection. Google's letter contradicts what Apple has stated, that they never actually rejected the Google Voice app.

Today's news adds another element to the disappointment and confusion over the presence of Google Voice on the iPhone. Apple stated to Engadget that they did not reject Google Voice and that they continue to look into bringing it to the App Store. TUAW has contacted Apple for a further statement about the rejection details. We have not heard anything back yet.

[via Engadget]

Google contradicts Apple, states Apple rejected Google Voice originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Google contradicts Apple, states Apple rejected Google Voice originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple aims to ease iPhone purchasing at the Apple Store

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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While Apple has taken many steps to make the iPhone easier and more available to purchase, Apple could take more steps to make the process easier and quicker. MacRumors is reporting that Apple is about implement "iPhone Activation Zones" inside Apple Stores. They would included employees, which will be known as "iPhone Experts," who will be identified by unique clothing and name tags, and will be dedicated to activating and setting up iPhones for customers. Also, customers would be able to pre-authorize their purchase online and have their iPhone almost ready for them to purchase in-store. These optimizations could come as early as tomorrow, so keep your eye out for any changes.

Apple aims to ease iPhone purchasing at the Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple aims to ease iPhone purchasing at the Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC Responses: Google’s turn to answer to the FCC

Posted on August 21, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Along with Apple's and AT&T's response, Google has also responded to the FCC's inquiry on the Google Voice rejection. Unfortunately, the contact between Apple and Google on the rejection has been removed from the letter, which will not clear up everything just yet. There's no apparent reason why these details have been kept confidential. Anyway, Google's letter states first the features of their Google Voice app, mainly the standard features of Google Voice on other smartphones.

Next, in the question below, the FCC asks what Apple's explanation was for rejecting and for any communication Google has had with Apple.
What explanation was given (if any) for Apple's rejection of the Google Voice application (and for any other Google applications for iPhone that have been rejected, such as Google Latitude)? Please describe any communications between Google and AT&T or Apple on this topic and a summary of any meetings or discussion.

Google's answer to this question simply states "[BEGIN CONFIDENTIAL]" and "[END CONFIDENTIAL]"

Next, they go on to asking if Google has any other applications that have been approved on the App Store. They answer that they have Google Earth and Google Mobile (search) already approved and currently on the App Store. They also note Google provides the map data for the "Maps" application on the iPhone.

In the next question, they state that they don't have any other proposed applications pending to be submitted to the App Store.

When asked about other methods to access Google Voice on the iPhone, they answer that a user can can call in to their Google Voice number or visit Google Voice on Safari to access some Google Voice features on their iPhone.

Finally, they ask about the practices of Google's Android Market, Google's competitor to the App Store for devices that run Google's Android OS.

You can read the entire letter over at our sister site, Engadget.

FCC Responses: Google's turn to answer to the FCC originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)FCC Responses: Google's turn to answer to the FCC originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile stops offering prepaid Sidekick data service to unlocked iPhone users

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Over the past week, some T-Mobile iPhone customers noticed that their data service suddenly stopped working. Users with unlocked iPhones had been paying $1 a day for unlimited data and text messaging using the Sidekick data plan. It was a great value.

Customers who contacted T-Mobile support received mixed answers. Representatives stated that service was down in their area or that they needed to upgrade to their normal data plan.

Yesterday, T-Mobile sent a tweet on their official Twitter account that they would no longer service iPhone customers using the prepaid Sidekick plan. So just like AT&T cutting off prepaid GoPhone service to iPhone customers, T-Mobile has now eliminated an affordable data option for unlocked iPhones. At this time, it appears that Android-specific data plans remain unaffected.

TUAW has contacted T-Mobile for an official statement on the matter but we have not heard anything back yet.

Thanks Gabe for the tip!

T-Mobile stops offering prepaid Sidekick data service to unlocked iPhone users originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)T-Mobile stops offering prepaid Sidekick data service to unlocked iPhone users originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s the Feds! FCC quizzes Apple, AT&T and Google about Google Voice apps

Posted on July 31, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Earlier today, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) sent out letters to Apple, AT&T and Google, readable here [FCC's letter to Apple, to AT&T & to Google] asking each company about its involvement in the Google Voice app rejections. The agency is asking Apple to explain why the Google app was rejected and the third-party apps removed, if any VoIP apps have been approved, and whether there are general rules and regulations covering application approvals (something many developers would also love to know).

It's worth noting that none of the Google Voice apps are VoIP (voice over IP) applications in the traditional sense, as they rely on the cellular carrier's voice network to handle calls, so it's not clear if the FCC understands this or if the agency is heading down a blind alley on this particular topic.

To Google, the letter asks if any other Google apps have been accepted in the store (we know there are a few), whether Apple explains the rejection process or the reasoning behind the treatment of Google Latitude, if there are other ways to use Google Voice on the iPhone (again, a somewhat naive question, as the service works fine via touchtone commands and Mobile Safari), and lastly and most intriguingly, what the app approval process is for Android applications (should be a short answer: "C'mon in, the water's fine!").

Finally, the agency is asking AT&T how the carrier was consulted on this decision, if any VoIP applications are running on their network (again, missing the point, since GV ≠ VoIP -- more relevant that there are BlackBerry apps for Google Voice that are happily on AT&T handsets), and whether AT&T can provide a list of rejected applications on the store while detailing the role it plays in approving possible 3G-enabled services like Sling.

The FCC has given the three companies until August 21 to respond to their letters; while the overall scope of the questions betrays quite a bit of agency unfamiliarity with the workings of the Google Voice service and the App Store, any movement toward openness and clear answers is positive. Hopefully, these responses will offer some insight into the story of this whole mess that has given everyone such indigestion over the past week.

[via Engadget, links to FCC via BusinessWeek]

It's the Feds! FCC quizzes Apple, AT&T and Google about Google Voice apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)It's the Feds! FCC quizzes Apple, AT&T and Google about Google Voice apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Security researchers to unveil iPhone SMS vulnerability later today

Posted on July 30, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Two security researchers, Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner, have discovered a serious security vulnerability affecting SMS messaging on the iPhone that will be unveiled later today at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas. This flaw affects all iPhones and can allow an attacker to gain complete control of an iPhone, including the ability to make calls, browse the web and access the camera. This exploit is caused by corruption in the iPhone's memory handling and is executed by sending a burst of text messages by using a uncommon text character or by sending a hidden message.

So far, Apple has been rumored to have a fix in the works, but there's been no confirmation yet when it will be available. The researchers also say that there's nothing you can do to protect your iPhone from this vulnerability, other than to turn off the phone. More details on this issue will be discussed later today at Black Hat, hopefully outlining a path to fix this issue.

Meanwhile, the two developers have already demonstrated this flaw in action to CNET's Elinor Mills, proving its existence and extent of the threat.

We'll be providing more coverage on this issue once it's unveiled, so stay tuned to TUAW.

Security researchers to unveil iPhone SMS vulnerability later today originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Security researchers to unveil iPhone SMS vulnerability later today originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple posts iPhone OS 3.1 Beta 3 for developers

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Joachim Bean.
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Apple has just released Beta 3 of iPhone OS 3.1 for iPhone developers. As this remains under NDA, I cannot post any details about changes to the OS. The updates include the OS for the device, as well as the SDK used to develop iPhone applications. If you're a registered iPhone developer, head on over to the iPhone Dev Center to download your updates.

Apple posts iPhone OS 3.1 Beta 3 for developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple posts iPhone OS 3.1 Beta 3 for developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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