iPhone Accessories

Not all iPhone apps developed by enthusiasts find a place in the Apple App Store, it seems. The latest rejection is for Manomio whose application emulates videogames available from the Commodore 64 home computer system. It featured a virtual joystick and keyboard, portrait and landscape gaming and a fully-licensed C64 emulator code. Manomio developed the app along with Kiloo which owns the Commodore 64 license but still had to face the axe owing to some SDK clause. The rejection letter received by Manomio cites its inability to post the app in the App Store as it violates the iPhone SDK agreement. It says that interpreted code can not be downloaded and used in an app except for code that is interpreted and run by Apple’s Published APIs and built-in interpreters. This came as some what of a surprise to Manomio as the App Store already has many such apps including the CHIP-8 emulators, programmable calculators and Z-machine interpreter Frotz, to name a few. Not all iPhone apps developed by enthusiasts find a place in the Apple App Store, it seems. The latest rejection is for Manomio whose application emulates videogames available from the Commodore 64 home computer system. It featured a virtual joystick and keyboard, portrait and landscape gaming and a fully-licensed C64 emulator code. Manomio developed the app along with Kiloo which owns the Commodore 64 license but still had to face the axe owing to some SDK clause. The rejection letter received by Manomio cites its inability to post the app in the App Store as it violates the iPhone SDK agreement. It says that interpreted code can not be downloaded and used in an app except for code that is interpreted and run by Apple’s Published APIs and built-in interpreters. This came as some what of a surprise to Manomio as the App Store already has many such apps including the CHIP-8 emulators, programmable calculators and Z-machine interpreter Frotz, to name a few.

I have this love/hate relationship with Apple and their iPhone. I remember fondly my first ever memory of using a computer and yes it was an Apple in school way back when I was in 3rd grade. Ever since then I have been awed and mesmerized by Apple. Fast forward to 2007 when they launched the iPod MP3 player and a smartphone in one unit that we have come to know as the iPhone. In one swift move, they changed the fate of the smartphone industry forever. I got it right away and  couldnt get enough of it at the beginning. However, as time passed, I really grew tired of tapping that silly screen all the time. I needed a freaking QWERTY keyboard back in my life meaning, I really needed my old BlackBerry. I was lost and floundering. I just couldnt do it. I know people swear by being able to type fast on that thing, but for me, it just didnt cut it. Either I type really really fast or maybe its a flaw that I have. Then the syncing was another issue. The constant syncing! I admit that I didnt sync my BlackBerry that often; I was a little lazy but never had to face any dire issues because of it. But with the iPhone, everything always came back to syncing and I just didnt get it how people used to download tons of songs and podcasts and contacts that took for ever! Patience is not one of my virtues, as you can tell. In addition, I was getting tired of AT&T. I think they have dwindled down to Sprints level but since they have the iPhone exclusivity, AT&T still seems to be able to maintain their status near the top. Regardless, I still hung on to my iPhone and when the iPhone3G launched back in 2008, about a year ago, I upgraded on launch day.  I still had faith and hope that this new device would be better and faster and smarter. But the same issues that plagued me before were there again. Dont get me wrong, the title of this post is my love/hate relationship and theres positives for the iPhone. For one thing, the  measley 2 megapixel camera is better than you can imagine and I captured some of the best moments of my life on it, including my newborns images. Also, the Apple App Store really started rockin and for someone who had never had time to play games on her phone before, all of the sudden I made time for games and all other fun kinds of apps made their way into my life. Things were going great but then reality sunk in. I need my smartphone for emails and work too! And the iPhone just couldnt cut it. In order to save the meager battery life, I was having to reduce how often I needed emails pushed to me. 15 minutes is long enough but 30 minutes was just killing me! And with no spare battery option, I didnt have time in my day to continuously keep charging the phone. So, after a long battle with the iconic iPhone I decided it was time for us to part ways. This was very recently and I admit when the new iPhone 3G S launched last Friday, I had half a mind to go and buy it. In fact, I almost did but then I stopped myself. Not this time Apple. PS If you are curious to know what phone Im using now, drop me a note.

Smartphones are a Godsend.....web, e-mail, phone calls, camera, games, music, apps.....nevertheless, the biggest downfall of having and using a smartphone to your little hearts desire, has got to be the short battery life.  Sure you can try and save the juice for when you think you might really need it, but whats the point in buying and having a smartphone?  Its probably a given that smartphone battery life will not drastically improve in the near future, so I say instead of saving battery life....drain it, and find an alternative solution to this dilemma.  And the  iPower 1800 mAh Backup Batttery for the iPhone, iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS is a great answer to this problem.  This little guy gives you a whopping 40 hours of music time, 10 hours of video time and up to 7  hours of talk time.  Very impressive for  something that measures in at 62 x 60 x 12.9 mm, which is most likely on of the smallest 1800 mAh batteries around.  The design, look and feel of the Battery is identical to that of the iPhone.  Beauty meets beauty with a black lacquered finish, clean lines and silver accents.  Included with the BackUp Battery is a retractable USB charge cable.  And whats nice about this Battery is that it connects directly to your iPhone or iPod, no tangled cables or plugs to fuss with.  Simply connect and go.  This is a Li-Polymer battery, far superior than a Li-Ion battery, keeping its charge for up to 12 months and is good for up to 500 charges....So go ahead and get one.......you know you want to.

Yesterday when the iPhone OS 3.0 was released in the afternoon a lot of people had a hard time getting the update done thanks to a traffic jam on Apples website. For those of you who have been living under a rock, available now for your iPhone, the free iPhone OS 3.0 Software Update offers great new features besides the ones in the previous updates. You can even run the next generation of iPhone apps, like peer-to-peer games among others. The new features seem to be a handful of interesting ones.

Apple has heeded the top request for cut, copy and paste. Go ahead and quickly cut, copy and paste text from application to application. You can select entire blocks of Web text with a tap and also copy and paste images from the Web.

If you are finding it difficult to type then rotate the iPhone to landscape to use a larger keyboard for mail, messages, notes and Safari. MMS messages can be sent including video, audio and contact info. You can tap to take a pic or shoot a video from inside Messages also. MMS support is expected from AT&T soon.

For those on the go here is good news. You can capture a memo, meeting or audio recording. Voice memos works with built-in iPhone mic or with mic on your headset. Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync lets you create meetings and you can subscribe to calendars with CalDAV support. You can buy movies, TV shows, audiobooks and also download stuff like music videos and audiobooks from iTunes Store on your iPhone.3.

Stock Apps, Stereo Bluetooth for connecting Bluetooth stereo headphones, Auto Login, Syncing notes to Mac or PC from your iPhone are other features in the new OS. Parental controls, direct login to iTunes Store, YouTube Login, Shake to shuffle to change music, support for 30 languages and running next gen apps are added goodies.

Last but not the least MobileMe Find My iPhone and Remote Wipe helps you locate your lost iPhone and also protect your privacy by deleting all data before others could lay hands on them.

If you are a parent desirous of keeping an eye on your child’s Web escapades and if he/she is armed with an iPhone, iPod Touch or Netbook then this is for you. Mobichip’s Internet safety service ensures online safety for your children and keeps them safe from inappropriate content. Costing just $9.99 per year Mobichip.com service helps you as parents to keep tabs on your children by choosing between three predefined age appropriate content filtering levels – elementary, middle school and high school. The levels are based on education-class technology standards that meet Federal Child Information Protection Act CIPA requirements. You can also customize disallowed categories and build your own list of allowed and disallowed Websites. Mobichip.com filters inappropriate content and tagged photos even from allowed sites. The service also includes a Web site which allows you to track Internet surfing history and set parental controls. As responsible parents you can be relieved that your kid with an iPhone or iPod Touch will be kept away from undesirable Web sites. Let children realize the power of the Web safely.

Today Im going to take a look at the Amzer Mirror Screen Protector with Cleaning Cloth, a screen protector that not only does a great job at protecting your iPhone and soon to be iPhone 3G S; but it also gives you something handy to always have on you: a mirror! Using it is very simple, you simply clean the device using the included microfiber cleaning cloth remove the first side of the adhesive, align it on the screen using the speaker as a guide, attach it, smooth out the bubbles and remove the other side of the adhesive. After 24 hours or so, if you applied is correctly, it should be nice, smooth, and bubble free. If you do mess up, you can take if off and reapply it, as long as it doesnt get dirty. Of course, the great part about this screen protector is it is very reflective, when off, the phone is basically a mirror, but once on, most of the reflectivity disappears. It does offer great protection though while still being very usable I actually like the screen more with the screen protector due to its slick feel, and its not terribly hard to remove when/if it gets damaged. In conclusion, this is a great product for anyone who wants to keep up with their appearance, spy on people around corners, and keep their device safe and clean.

iPhone 3G iPhone 3G S HxWxD 4.5x2.4x0.48 inches 4.5x2.4x0.48 inches Weight 4.7 ounces 4.8 ounces Colors Black Black or White Processor/Speed 620 MHz processor Full details never released "Up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G" Specifics undisclosed Display 3.5 inch multi-touch display 480x320 resolution 163 pixels per inch 3.5 inch multi-touch display 480x320 resolution 163 pixels per inch Fingerprint retardant coating Connectivity UMTS/HSDPA 850, 1900, 2100 MHz GSM/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz Wi-Fi 802.11b/g Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR UMTS/HSDPA 850, 1900, 2100 MHz GSM/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz Wi-Fi 802.11b/g Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Camera 2.0 Megapixel camera 3.0 Megapixel autofocus camera Video Recording Video Editing Cut/Copy/Paste Yes Yes Battery Life Speculated 1150 mAH 5 hours talk time 300 hours standby time 5 hours of 3G internet usage 6 hours of Wi-Fi internet usage 24 hours of audio playback 7 hours of video playback Estimated 1450 mAH Battery 5 hours talk time 300 hours standby time 5 hours of 3G internet usage 9 hours of Wi-Fi internet usage 30 hours audio playback 10 hours video playback Memory 8GB 16GB or 32GB MMS Yes Yes +video Price $99 $199 for 16GB $299 for 32GB Other Spotlight Search Voice Memos Digital Compass Spotlight Search Voice Memos Voice Control Well there is a side by side of all the current information I could compile about the new iPhone 3G S and the additions to the old 3G iPhone. I have highlighted things exclusive the the 3G S in red, while I have colored new features to the old iPhone in blue. The big thing you may notice is that on the outside at least, the iPhone 3G S is exactly the same, and from what I can tell from released images, its the way across the board. This is great news for customers who have invested in accessories for their previous iPhone, as all of them should still be compatible. As you can see, the iPhone 3G misses out on a lot of new features that are hardware based. Some people have complained about this, but I think its unrealistic to expect Apple to upgrade the hardware on your old devices to get all the features; and by now people should expect an annual iPhone release around early summer. I am a bit questionable about why some of the software based features arent included. Video recording for example is something the old phone is capable of, since people have hacked the functionality onto the device, and likewise Voice Controls seem like it could reasonably be done with a software update. I can only assume the new iPhone 3G S has a new microphone built into it that assists in video recording and other voice based functionality. Spotlight Search is a pretty interesting feature, it basically allows you to search all the information on your device, oddly reminding me of the Palm Pres Universal Search functionality, without the web support oddly. Of all the new features in the list, the one Im most excited about is actually... the fingerprint resistant coating. Yea, I know, odd choice, but if this coating actually works and if it could be used on other device, its quite the exciting development for many phones that are frequently smudged up. Overall, I must say Im not terribly excited about the changes; I realize many iPhone users will be excited about these upgrades, but the vast majority are features we should have had at launch, and most arent innovative at this point either, the only exception being what looks to be a fairly full featured video editing program. Either way, this is at least a great upgrade for Apple fans and it definitely makes me consider upgrading to one of their phones again.

Well AT&T has come out and given a firm release date on the new Apple iPhone 3G S, and its right around the corner: June 19th, next Friday! The struggle is now on, and the summer phone wars have officially begun, with the Palm Pre coming in first followed closely by the June 19th release of the new iPhone. I have to wonder if the 3G S news is directly in response to the Pre release, but if so, it was a clever move indeed. If you dont want to read the full press release here are the noteworthy details: iPhone 3G S will cost $199 16GB and $299 32GB for new and qualifying customers. iPhone 3G will cost $99 8GB for new and qualifying customers. The 16 GB iPhone 3G will be available for $149 while supplies last. Whats really cool though is that you can pre-order the phone this evening, either in stores or online, and have it delivered to you the day it is released, a nice bundle of joy for any phone or Apple nerd out there. Additionally, AT&T is apparently planning on increasing network speeds as well, which will apparently increase speeds to a maximum theoretical of 7.2 Mbps. So this is fantastic news all around for Apple and AT&T fans. Full press release after the jump!

iPhone 3G S Preordering Available Online and at AT&T Stores Today

Dallas, Texas, June 8, 2009

AT&T* today announced it will offer Apple iPhone 3G S, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, in its retail and online stores beginning June 19. In addition, the company today will begin selling iPhone 3G starting at $99 for new and qualifying subscribers. AT&T offers the nations fastest 3G network and the best worldwide coverage of any U.S. carrier.**

"iPhone 3G S is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, and were extremely proud to offer it to our customers on the nations fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Were also pleased to offer these innovative phones and plans at incredible values, including free Wi-Fi access at nearly 20,000 hot spots."

Based on independent market research, twice as many smartphone users have chosen AT&T over any other U.S. carrier. "I expect this great new iPhone 3G S and a $99 iPhone 3G on our mobile broadband network will spur even more smartphone customers to choose AT&T," said de la Vega.

PRICING AT&T will offer iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G at a variety of attractive prices:

* iPhone 3G S will cost $199 16GB and $299 32GB for new and qualifying customers. * iPhone 3G will cost $99 8GB for new and qualifying customers. * The 16 GB iPhone 3G will be available for $149 while supplies last.

Prices above require a 2-year service commitment and approved voice and data plan. Options are available to purchase these phones without a 2-year contract commitment.

PREORDERING Customers may preorder iPhone 3G S beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET today at in AT&Ts more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations or later this evening at www.att.com/iphone. All preorders will be processed on a "first come, first served" basis beginning June 19. Customers who preorder online will have iPhone 3G S delivered directly to their home or office; customers who preorder in a store can pick theirs up at the same store on or after June 19. Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on June 19 exclusively for customers who have preordered.

CONSUMER PLANS AT&T customers can choose from several monthly plans that start as low as $69.99 per month for voice and unlimited data e-mail and Web browsing. All iPhone plans include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling.

AT&T FamilyTalk® offers extra value for families who share minutes. Plans start as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone lines with bundled voice and unlimited data. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.

BUSINESS PLANS Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk®, a shared minute plan specifically for small businesses. Companies can share up to 20,000 minutes per month between as many as 40 employees. In addition, business customers and employees of many businesses are eligible for discounted service rates. For more information, contact an AT&T business sales representative or visit www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.

NETWORK AT&T operates the nations fastest 3G network, delivering the power and benefits of mobile broadband to consumers and businesses. iPhone 3G S will be compatible with High Speed Packet Access HSPA 7.2 technology, which offers theoretical peak download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, though actual speeds will vary as these capabilities become available. AT&T plans to begin deploying HSPA 7.2 later this year, with completion expected in 2011.

In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity.

Today, AT&T offers 3G service in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., with more than 20 more planned for the end of this year. AT&T also leads in Wi-Fi, offering free broadband connectivity to iPhone customers in nearly 20,000 hot spots including Starbucks and Barnes & Noble, and nearly 80,000 hot spots around the world.

Additional news regarding iPhone 3G S will be posted in the AT&T Media Newsroom at www.att.com/iphone_news.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.

About AT&T AT&T Inc. NYSE:T is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T|DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. -Via AT&T

Digital Compass 3 megapixel Autofocus camera with video handsfree voice controls, call numbers, contacts, play music artists/playlist/controls/shuffle, control with phone or headset cut/copy/paste MMS Tethering Spotlight Search Same design Improved performance/speed faster rendering of web pages smoother better gamplay experience due to increased power longer battery life same apps work Video editing Shoot pictures/video in portrait or landscape mode

In a recent candid discussion on the WSJ, Adobe finally talked about the holdup on getting Flash support on the iPhone:

But while Adobe later this year will release a trial version of Flash for phones running operating systems made by Palm Inc., Google Inc. and Nokia Corp., there is still no timetable for a version of Flash that will run on Apple Inc.s iPhone or Research In Motion Ltd.s BlackBerry.

Mr. Lynch says Adobe has engineering teams dedicated to working on each major smart phone. In the case of the iPhone, the hold up isnt entirely technical. "We need to have Apples agreement before we can do it," he says. Apple and RIM declined to comment.

So why would Apple and other manufacturers not want Flash? Sadly, my main inclination is that this is an effort to stifle competition, if all phones and even computers could run the same flash based applications, many developers would flock away from native platforms to Flash so they could develop one program that could work on a large range of platforms; something that is becoming more and more tempting as additional application platforms are released. If developers did this, it could substantially hinder Apples bottom line, now that Application sales are a major point of profit for their business and losing exclusivity on applications could and likely would cost them sales. On the flip side, if Apple instead embraced flash and made its applications available through its application store they could in fact find a whole new market. Apples other possible concerns include potential bad content, software conflicts and more, but considering that Flash can be run on almost any device given the right coding, it just doesnt seem to me like Apple is really trying.

Meanwhile, longtime ally Apple has balked at putting Flash on its devices. Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs last year said Flash is too slow to run on the iPhone for technical reasons and Flash Lite doesnt run enough programs to be included. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen says customers have been pressing his company to make Flash work on the iPhone.

In the end, shouldnt it be what the customers want, not a man in a questionably tight turtleneck? -via WSJ