Oldboy director Chan-wook Park shoots new movie on iPhone 4

Last year I caught a top ten list somewhere that listed the top movies ever with twist endings. All but one of them I'd already seen, that one being the critically acclaimed Korean film Oldboy, directed by Chan-wook Park. Seeing as it was available for streaming on Netflix, I pulled it up that night. Suffice to say, it has one hell of a twist ending, and I'll warn you now that it's... uncomfortable.

Oldboy isn't the only movie on Park's resume, though it's arguably his most recognized. The director is adding yet another film to his IMDb page, and this one has a different sort of twist involved: It was filmed entirely on an iPhone 4. The film, titled Paranmanjang ("life full of ups and downs" in Korean) clocks in at about 30 minutes and was made on a budget of only US$133,000. Park says he took advantage of the iPhone 4's small size and low price (relative to the project) to easily utilize multiple iPhones for many different camera angles.

I wonder what iPhone apps Park made use of in the recording of his film, other than the native Camera app. Would there be any reason he'd want to not shoot natively and do the full post-processing later on larger gear?

Paranmanjang is set to hit theaters on January 27 in South Korea.

Oldboy director Chan-wook Park shoots new movie on iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Oldboy director Chan-wook Park shoots new movie on iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skateboard-inspired griptape wrap for the iPhone 4

SlickWraps has a $20 skateboard-inspired adhesive wrap for the iPhone 4 that's complete with scratchy skateboard griptape on the back, faux woodgrain on the front and sides. All of the necessary cutouts are there, including one for the Apple logo in the back.

Instead of it being scratched, the iPhone 4 will be doing the scratching. I imagine a phone with griptape won't be all that easy to remove from a tight pocket, so think about that before slapping this on your device.

[via iPhone Savior]

Skateboard-inspired griptape wrap for the iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skateboard-inspired griptape wrap for the iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hollaback: an iPhone app to combat harassment

This week the anti-harassment website ihollaback.org has released an iPhone app that they hope will help encourage women to stand up and report cases of harassment in public places.

The Hollaback iPhone app does pretty much what you'd expect it to do. If you're being harassed or are witnessing someone being harassed, you can whip out your iPhone running Hollaback, take a photo of the violator and upload it to the Hollaback servers along with location data. A follow-up email comes back to you later, where you're asked to detail what happened. Once that's done, the scumbag's photo and your story are posted for all to see on the company's website. Though the US$0.99 app is now available in the App Store, I wasn't able to test it out because, well, I doubt I'd find volunteers to try it out on.

Allowing these incidents to be reported so quickly and easily could be a great way to help authorities nail down problem-ridden locations, but I have to wonder if whipping out a cell phone rather than running away or calling for help is the answer. Maybe you're better off pretending to make a call. Also, why is there a price tag on this app, when it was reportedly paid for already with donations?

Hollaback: an iPhone app to combat harassment originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hollaback: an iPhone app to combat harassment originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 7th Guest coming to iPhone in December

Retro games continue to make their way to the iOS platform. One of the latest early-'90s games about to make its way to iOS is Trilobyte's FMV adventure/puzzle game, The 7th Guest. The company says it is due to come out sometime early next month.

When it debuted in 1993, The 7th Guest was one the first computer games to come out on CD (CD!) and was originally priced at US$79.95. For the iOS version, you'll only have to fork over $3.99. It seems this won't be a universal app, as it's labeled as an "iPhone" game. Perhaps an HD version will be in the works if the iPhone version is a winner.

Are you a newcomer to The 7th Guest and interested in picking this one up? Or are you an old 7th Guest veteran who wants to try the app out on your iPhone next? Give us your thoughts in the comments.

[via Joystiq]

The 7th Guest coming to iPhone in December originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The 7th Guest coming to iPhone in December originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another hardware keyboard solution for iPhone

There are many iPhone detractors who still won't let go of the fact that the iPhone doesn't have a physical keyboard. Whether it's because the on-screen keyboard is too difficult to use, or the move away from "the norm" is too jarring, it's what holds back many from making the switch or from liking the iPhone they already have.

There have been physical keyboard solutions for the iPhone for some time now, like the 4iThumbs and iTwinge overlays, but now there's a new type of keyboard from ThinkGeek that connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and doubles as a case. The $49.99 keyboard is powered by its own rechargeable batteries (recharges via USB) and, when not in use, can flip to the backside of the phone.

Unfortunately, once the keyboard is flipped to the back, it's obstructing the camera, so taking photos is going to be cumbersome with this thing attached. It's also going to add a bit of bulk to your phone, but what do you expect when you're carrying around a separate keyboard for the thing?

[via iPhone Savior]

Another hardware keyboard solution for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Another hardware keyboard solution for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Boy decals for your iPhone 4

Looking to amaze and impress your gaming friends with a new decal for your iPhone 4? Well then feast your eyes on the Game Boy Color sticker for your iPhone!

The vinyl adhesive decal affixes to the back of your iPhone to give that retro-gaming look to your iDevice. The same seller makes the skin in other colors, as well as a classic Nintendo console controller. Each sells for US$6, and it's not exactly clear whether or not they're easily removed once the novelty has worn off. I guess you could always just stick it on a case.

Alright, maybe it won't so much amaze or impress. But old-school gamers will find them just nostalgic enough to prompt a purchase.

[via DVICE]

Game Boy decals for your iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Game Boy decals for your iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White iPhone shows up in Apple Store app

As reported earlier today, Apple has updated the App Store app, and with that update seems to come indication that the much coveted white iPhone 4 may be making its way to stores soon.

If you open the App Store app and navigate to the "Stores" area, then attempt to make a product reservation for an iPhone, you may note that there are black AND white versions listed. Unfortunately, if one attempts to reserve one of the white versions of the iPhone, you'll get the notice pictured. Attempting to reserve a black iPhone appears to work, though.

Still, this is promising indication that things may be changing soon, if you're one who has been holding out for one of these.

White iPhone shows up in Apple Store app originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

White iPhone shows up in Apple Store app originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon’s FiOS Mobile Remote app ready for iPhone

Verizon has had their FiOS DVR Manager app available for some time now. Now the company has released another offering to the App Store in the way of a wireless remote.

Using the Verizon FiOS Mobile Remote requires you to be connected to your FiOS-provided wireless network in order to work. Once you follow the simple steps presented by the app, you'll be paired with your cable box and have the ability to quickly change channels, traverse the on-set programming guide and control the DVR. You know, like the actual cable box remote already does.

I've tried the app out, and it was certainly painless to setup. The controls are surprisingly responsive and, dare I say, may actually work faster than the standard IR remote. The biggest plus to using the app is the presence of a QWERTY keyboard. No more cursor-ing around an on-screen keyboard to search for programs!

I'm not really sure why Verizon didn't just roll these functions into the DVR Manager app, but I guess they have their reasons. Both apps are free and in the App Store now.

[via electronista]

Verizon's FiOS Mobile Remote app ready for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Verizon's FiOS Mobile Remote app ready for iPhone originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Incident update includes iPhone as iPad controller

I'm a sucker for retro 8-bit games, and the addicting iPhone/iPad game The Incident is no exception. Its interface is simplistic, but gameplay is fast and fun. What's more, it's a universal app that costs only $1.99 -- a bargain!

The app has just recently undergone a significant update, including a new "Endless Night" mode, additional objects and music, and new balloon power-ups/downs. But the neatest addition to the app is the ability to use your iPad as the gameplay screen and an iPhone as the controller!

I gave the game a go in controller-mode, and it was surprisingly responsive. Tilt the phone to move Mr. Soloway to the left and right, tap the screen to jump -- that's all the controls you need, and they work flawlessly. Thankfully they made it difficult to accidentally tap out of controller mode, requiring you to use a slider to deactivate.

Of course, you need both an iPad and iPhone to try the new controller feature. If you have both, definitely give it a try. Hopefully we'll see a lot more games give this feature a go in the future.

The Incident update includes iPhone as iPad controller originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Incident update includes iPhone as iPad controller originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Delicious Library may regain iPhone support… sort of

Once upon a time, Delicious Library was available for the iPhone, and it was quickly yanked from the App Store due to infringing upon Amazon's API TOS. I learned all of this after recently purchasing the fantastic OS X application, and then wondering why it didn't have an accompanying iPhone app. So, over a year since the app was pulled, I had to ask the folks at Delicious Monster what was up -- would it be coming back, somehow?

The answer I got back wasn't all that promising. Since Delicious Library still makes use of the Amazon API, it's still infringing upon Amazon's API rules if it goes on a mobile device. However, there's nothing stopping the OS X application from doing what it does. So, I asked, why not marry the two together?

Delicious Library has the ability to make use of Bluetooth-enabled scanners to read barcodes, and since the iPhone's camera is perfectly capable of reading the same barcodes, couldn't it be used as a scanner interface to Delicious Library?

"That's an idea we're actively exploring, as it wouldn't upset Amazon's terms of service, and it'd be cool," Chief Delicious Monster Wil Shipley told me last month. "But we have nothing to announce at this time, except our next product is not going to be this."

The next product he was talking about was most likely the recently announced Google Googles client, Noogle Noggles. So, could a scanner-centric Delicious Library iPhone app be next? It certainly seems plausible.

Delicious Library may regain iPhone support... sort of originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Delicious Library may regain iPhone support... sort of originally appeared on TUAW on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Mobile announces fall iOS game lineup

If you've been waiting for SimCity to make its way to iPad/HD format, you don't have much longer to wait.

EA Mobile has recently announced its game release slate for the rest of fall 2010. Along with FIFA 11, EA Sports NBA Elite 11, and others, the company will be releasing the iPad-specific SimCity Deluxe HD. The game will obviously feature a bigger, interactive display and an optimized HUD that takes advantage of the increased screen real estate. Unfortunately, the price for SimCity is unknown, though it's expected to debut in November.

Other games on EA's slate include High Caliber Hunting, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Heroes Lore. Battlefield is a console-style warfare simulation with 14 single-player levels; High Caliber Hunting sounds like your run-of-the-mill hunting game; and Heroes Lore is a Korean RPG featuring 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 battles. It appears that you can expect some of these games to run around US$5 or so when they're released.

[via MacNN]

EA Mobile announces fall iOS game lineup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

EA Mobile announces fall iOS game lineup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Curtis buried with iPhone

As many of you have likely heard, actor Tony Curtis passed away in his home last week at the age of 85, due to cardiac arrest. Curtis was best known for his lead roles in movies such as Some Like it Hot and The Defiant Ones.

The late actor was put to rest Monday, the funeral being attended by family and friends. It's reported that Curtis was buried with some of his most cherished possessions, including a Stetson hat, an Armani scarf, driving gloves, a copy of his favorite novel ... and his iPhone.

I'm not really sure what's more surprising about Curtis being entombed with his iPhone: that he's buried with it for eternity, or that an 85-year-old man was so enamored with an iPhone that he (or others) felt it should remain with him. How many people of that age even know what an iPhone is?

Unfortunately, it's only a matter of time before the jokes of Curtis calling from the grave are in full force.

[via 9 to 5 Mac]

Tony Curtis buried with iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tony Curtis buried with iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Multitouch casing could remove buttons from iPhone, iPad

Back before the iPhone was formally announced, there was talk that Steve Jobs was simply not happy with the product because Apple's engineers couldn't figure out how to eliminate all of the physical buttons. There was just no practical way to put the functions of a power switch or home button into a touch-only interface. But all of that hasn't stopped Apple from trying.

A recently-filed patent by Apple clearly shows that the company means business when it comes to sleek, clutter-free interfaces. This particular patent aims to take advantage of multiple sides of a device (in this case, it appears to be the iPad, as pictured), including parts of the casing, in order to perform functions that physical buttons currently handle.

Talk of an interactive case has come up before, but with this new patent, it's clear the minds at Apple are still churning about in search for that holy grail of button-free, ultra-portable devices. I'm just not so sure there will be a way to get rid of them entirely -- who wants to have to resort to a paperclip to reset their device?

Multitouch casing could remove buttons from iPhone, iPad originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Multitouch casing could remove buttons from iPhone, iPad originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angry Birds introducing Mighty Eagle, costs real money to skip levels

If you're an Angry Birds player like me, you've hit a couple of levels you've had to play ten or more times before finally being able to progress. Curse those speedy yellow birds! Give me more bombers! If that's you, Rovio Mobile -- creators of Angry Birds -- have the solution to your frustration, announced recently at the Nokia World conference. But the bad news is that it's going to cost you.

Meet the new, angriest of the Angry Birds: Mighty Eagle. Via an in-app purchase (with real money) of a can of sardines, you'll be able to summon this new bird for a one-time shot at clearing an entire level. If you want to make use of Mighty Eagle again, you can try going back to the previous level where he was used and clear it without him. Then, voila -- you can use him again in a later level.

Check out the video introducing Mighty Eagle after the jump.

Continue reading Angry Birds introducing Mighty Eagle, costs real money to skip levels

Angry Birds introducing Mighty Eagle, costs real money to skip levels originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Angry Birds introducing Mighty Eagle, costs real money to skip levels originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom offers free car kit adapter for iPhone 4

Attention, folks who purchased the TomTom car kit for their iPhone 3G or 3GS, only to upgrade to a won't-fit-quite-right iPhone 4: you're in luck. TomTom is now providing a free adapter for the aforementioned car kit that allows an iPhone 4 to fit properly.

Apparently the adapter is simply a piece of plastic that one sticks into place over a spot at the bottom of the dock. It's included in the kit packaging from September 1, though if you bought a car kit before then, you can claim your adapter from TomTom for free.

The TomTom car kit retails for about $120. Obviously, to make full use of the TomTom car kit at all, you'll want to have the $40 iPhone app to go along with it.

[via Electronista]

TomTom offers free car kit adapter for iPhone 4 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TomTom offers free car kit adapter for iPhone 4 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro new iPhone dock has pricey, film noir feel

If you're feeling nostalgic and have US$250 burning a hole in your pocket, perhaps we've found the iPhone dock for you.

The iRetrophone Skyliner, designed by artist Scott Freeland, is a retro-style iPhone dock (compatible with 3G, 3GS, and iPhone 4) within a custom-designed, old-style desktop telephone. The iPhone connects via a standard connector within the dock, providing charging power and a working handset -- yes, the handset works.

Combine this dock with the aptly-named iRetroPhone iPhone app, and your iPhone retro-izing is complete. But for $250? They lost me there.

[via iPhone Savior]

Retro new iPhone dock has pricey, film noir feel originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Retro new iPhone dock has pricey, film noir feel originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mooncharge solar charger for iPhone 4 won’t charge via moonlight

For many people on the go, a full charge on their iPhone just isn't enough to get them by. Oh sure, they could hunt around for a standard wall outlet or plug into their laptop, but that's not always possible. So, they might carry a portable battery pack, like the splash Intense. But for green-minded folks, maybe something more sustainable?

The Frostfire Mooncharge is a solar-powered, portable charger for your iPhone 4 that attaches directly to the back of your device. Fully loaded up with the power of the sun (or via USB), it will power your iPhone for an extra 315 hours on standby and provide up to 27 additional hours of music, 10 hours of video, and five hours of talk time. From no charge at all, 20 minutes of sunlight will fill its battery pack to provide five extra minutes of calling or 50 minutes of standby power.

A few negatives for this device, right from the start, are: 1) it appears extremely bulky, and there's no reported weight for the device, 2) its name is sadly misleading, and therefore 3) we have to leave our caves and brave daytime sunlight to take advantage of its full potential.

[via MacStories]

Mooncharge solar charger for iPhone 4 won't charge via moonlight originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mooncharge solar charger for iPhone 4 won't charge via moonlight originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angry Birds fever continues

Here's one Angry Birds fan who took things to a whole new level. An industrious fan decided to recreate one of her favorite iPhone games using balls, clay, eggs, slingshots and cardboard boxes for a sort of "live" version of the popular iPhone/iPad game. I sure hope that's not a wick on the top of the big black bird ... or do I?

Meanwhile, everyone's talking about the previously-reported rumors of an Angry Birds movie. Variety recently spoke with Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio, creator of Angry Birds, where he talked about the success of the game and a short word on a probable sequel.

Add to all of this that Angry Birds is slated to hit the Sony PSP, PS3 and the Nintendo DS. Is it possible we'll get sick of all this Angry Birds-ness before it's allowed to become as big as Hed hopes? The title is certainly primes for moving in more directions, so long as Hed gets the ball rolling quickly.

Angry Birds fever continues originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Angry Birds fever continues originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google app gets updated with push notification for Gmail

After many months of users having to resort to third-party or jailbroken apps to get push notifications from Gmail, Google has finally released an updated version of its iPhone app that now handily does that all for you.

The update -- which is now freely available in the App Store -- allows you to sign into one or several Google accounts and set up Gmail and Google Calendar push events, which work just as you'd expect. It's not yet clear how consistently quick the app is at alerting you of new mail, though it seems to have a significant delay upon initial testing. So far connectivity to my Gmail account using the Mail app responds much quicker.

As you can see from the screengrab of the update, you can specify quiet times for notifications, which could be handy if you tend to get a deluge of mail in the wee hours of the night. Google customers rejoice: push notifications are finally here!

Google app gets updated with push notification for Gmail originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google app gets updated with push notification for Gmail originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moleskine case hides your iPhone, prison-style

I really do love the look of moleskine books. When you've got a well-worn leather moleskine book, bursting with notes and bookmarks, you sort of feel like you're holding onto the long lost notes of Dr. Henry Jones Sr. on the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. No? Just me?

If you're completely nuts about all things moleskine, there's a new iPhone case that should be right up your alley. As seen pictured, the case looks like a hollowed-out moleskine book that fits your iPhone, complete with traditional elastic band. In essence, the iPhone replaces what would be oh-so-passe paper. Finally, a classy way to hide your cell in your cell during prison guard shakedowns.

[via The Daily What]

Moleskine case hides your iPhone, prison-style originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Moleskine case hides your iPhone, prison-style originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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