A company called XSKN has revealed a case design described as an “iPhone 3G” case. The 3G version of the case is shown here, followed by the Original iPhone case:

The differences are slight, but correspond to the leaked specs given to case manufacturers. It also appears to be slightly thicker which was also previously claimed. The image of the iPhone itself appears to be a stock photo of the original iPhone, so no conclusions can be drawn from the icons and interface seen.

via http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/19/3g-iphone-case-revealed/

Posted on May 20th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone Accessories | No Comments »

When Apple ships its iPhone 2.0 update—and the accompanying App Store for distributing third-party software for the phone—you won’t have to wait too long for native iPhone apps built by Google programmers.

“We expect to have applications at Day One,” said Vic Gundotra, Google’s vice president of engineering.

Google’s Map application has been a showcase feature for Apple’s iPhone.

Then again, that’s hardly a surprise for iPhone users—Google’s contributions have been a part of the iPhone since the mobile device was unveiled. Google’s Maps feature played a central role of Steve Jobs’ first iPhone demo at the January 2007 Macworld Expo. When the phone shipped that June, it included an application for accessing and viewing videos from Google-owned YouTube. Since the phone’s launch, Google debuted an optimized Web-based app that makes tools like Gmail, Calendar, Reader, and others available to iPhone users who go to www.google.com via the phone’s Safari browser.

Google has certainly benefitted from its close ties with the iPhone, which Gundotra calls “the pre-eminent phone in the world.” And the phone’s initial reliance on Web-based apps certainly fell right in Google’s wheelhouse.

But the way Gundotra sees it, the entire mobile industry stands to benefit from what Apple has done with the iPhone.

“Google has many Web-based applications we would like to be available in mobile form, but we have two challenges,” Gundotra said. “The mobile platform is not as technology capable as the desktop. And the mobile platform is unbelievably fragmented.” Unlike desktop computing, which features a few dominant browsers, the mobile world is a mishmash of incompatible formats, forcing developers to create separate versions of their programs for each platform.

Apple addressed that with the mobile version of Safari, which Gundotra hailed as “a better mobile browser than anyone had ever delivered before.” And Gundotra believes other phone makers will follow Apple’s lead and adopt WebKit-based browsers of their own, tackling the problem of fragmentation in the mobile phone market.

“Apple’s leadership will benefit not just the iPhone, but will make all mobile browsers better,” Gundotra said.

In the mean time, Google is turning its attention to building native programs for the iPhone with the software development kit announced by Apple in March. While not divulging the specifics of what Google is planning, Gundotra says the company is eager to take advantage of access to the native device. It also plans to continue offering Web-based apps, which offer the advantage of continuous updates and improvements.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” Gundotra said

via http://www.macworld.com/article/133434/2008/05/google_iphone.html

Posted on May 20th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone News, iphone applications | No Comments »

Representing perhaps the first genuinely useful native peer-to-peer application for the iPhone, iSlsk, which is capable of accessing the Soulseek music sharing network, has debuted.

SoulSeek was created by Nir Arbel, a former Napster programmer, and offers access to a vast peer-shared library of files, composed primarily of music. THe network boasts hundreds of thousands of active users.

The iSlsk iPhone application allows users to search the SoulSeek database, select files for download, and even queue transfers. The music is automatically added to the iTunes library on the iPhone and is instantly playable. You can see the application in action in the embedded YouTube video below. Tap here to watch it if you’re on an iPhone.

Installation of iSlsk requires a jailbroken iPhone. Follow our guide to third-party applications to jailbreak your iPhone and get it ready for applications, then make sure you have the “Big Boss” repository added to Installer.app. This source should be added automatically when you install the “Community Sources” package as described in our guide, but you can also manually add it going to Installer.app and following these instructions: tap the “Sources,” button, then tap “Edit” in the upper-right corner, and finally “Add” in the upper-left corner. Enter the URL of the source you would like to add (thebigboss.org/repo.xml) and press “OK.” Installer.app will add the source, and you will be able to find the new application(s) in the normal “Install” menu.

Posted on May 19th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone Videos | No Comments »

Orange today announced a new agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to Orange customers in Austria, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jordan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland and Orange’s African markets later this year.

It looks like you will see unlock iPhone everywhere isn’t it? Last week, Singtel and its associates have announced to bring iPhone to Singapore, India, the Philippines and Australia. Early this month Vodafone also revealed its plan to offer iPhone in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey.

via http://www.slashphone.com/orange-brings-the-iphone-to-customers-in-europe-middle-east-and-africa-16484

Posted on May 19th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone News | No Comments »

Many months ago, I wrote about adding data packages to AT&T Pay As You Go accounts. I had hacktivated my iPhone to use the PAYG SIM to see how long it took to go through an entire 5MB data feature package. Answer? A few minutes. In case you don’t see where I’m going with this, let me add that I just got off the phone with AT&T a few seconds ago. They have now officially added a new feature data package: for $19.95 you get unlimited data for 30 days.

The way this works is as follows. You go to an AT&T store and buy a $100 prepaid SIM. This SIM is good for one year of use. You get a phone number, you get $100 of credit. Calls cost you either $0.25/minute or $1/day of use plus $0.10/minute. You pick which one when you set up the account.

Read on for the rest of the details.

Next, you hacktivate your iPhone. iLiberty+ or any of the other tools out there allow you to stick in an AT&T SIM and activate the phone. This is not unlocking; this is adding authorization files directly to the phone. Your iPhone’s modem remains unaffected and pristine.

Finally, you call 611 and enter the new phone number and your PIN. Tell the mechanical lady that you want to “Buy Features” and when she asks, “Data Packages”. Choose the Unlimited MediaNet option. This costs $19.95 against that already-purchased $100 amount, and you’re good for an entire month of unlimited data use.

What are the drawbacks? First, you *must* watch your dates and times carefully. When you go past your 30 days, you start paying at the outrageous standard data rate of $10/MB. Read that again. If you use the iPhone without the data-plan functioning, you might spend $20 to view a 2MB picture of a dog — the way I did back in September.

Second, PAYG plans are not sanctioned by Apple. That means your non-AppleCare warranty coverage is practically non-existent. Caveat Emptor. It’s not much worse than buying an iPod touch, but you will be SOL if you need any kind of Apple support.

Finally, if you plan to use data every single month, you’ll need to keep adding money to your account every 5 months. The $100/one year arrangement only works until the money runs out. Make sure you’re ready to re-fund that account as needed.

If you’re willing to put up with all these negatives, you end up with a contract-free unlimited-data iPhone with the option of making calls for just $20/month or so. It’s an amazing deal. You don’t need a doctor’s note. It works for both the hearing and hearing impaired alike. Just keep careful track of the plan and you’re good to go.

via http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/12/finally-a-data-only-iphone-plan-for-20-month/

Posted on May 19th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone Plan | No Comments »

Plazes is getting a native iPhone app when the iTunes store opens up next month. Described as “Twitter with geotagging, points of interest, and social networking features” (quote and news from Techcrunch), services like Twinkle for the iPhone are going to have some competition soon. The service runs on the basic idea of connecting people and giving you updates when people are in the area (their website shows a spontaneous night out happening because everyone is on Plazes).

I  personally think these things are pretty bloody awesome, and I think Twitter is amazing as it is (Plazes has Twitter integration :P) — but I don’t really have many people to interact with in my area. Maybe in a couple of years as people get more and more ‘connected’ (and maybe disconnected personally, but let’s not wax philosophical) I’ll have more reason to use services like this.

But for those of you who do, here’s a demo video of iPlazer.

Posted on May 16th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone News, iphone applications, iPhone SDK | No Comments »

Singapore Airlines has announced the integration of iPod and iPhone connectivity starting today on its newly reconfigured, all-Business Class Airbus A340-500 flights between New York and Singapore, and between Los Angeles and Singapore from August. The mechanism projects iPhone or iPod-stored content onto the in-seat 15.4-inch widescreen LCD via the standard 30-pin connector, which also supplies power and audio connectivity.

A press release states:

“iPod and iPhone will still allow for the announcements and instructions made by Singapore Airlines cabin crew and pilots to be heard even while content is being played. Customers can take advantage of iPhone’s airplane mode to safely use the iPhone through the integrated system. iPod and iPhone integration will commence with Singapore Airlines’ A345 non-stop flights from Newark - Singapore on May 15, and on the carrier’s Los Angeles - Singapore non-stops from August.”

via http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2008/05/15/singapore-airlines-offers-in-flight-iphone-connectivity/

Posted on May 16th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

A much publicized patent application published in December 2007 revealed that Apple had explored allowing handheld owners (such as the iPhone) to place orders from local stores. The system would, for example, allow customers to order a drink with the press of a button on their iPhone which would then notify them when their order was ready.

A new patent application today expands that concept to different types of local content, including events, movies, concerts and could even present you with general information and reviews about local restaurants. This location-based content could also include ordering food as detailed in the previous patent application, but also movie tickets and music purchasing.

Beyond this, it appears local content could be customized, with businesses publishing content themselves to be distributed to passers by. A particularly useful example would be at an Airport where flight schedules, maps, weather, and city information could be offered. Presumably, those with a properly equipped iPhones (or other devices) would be able to access this content simply by connecting to their local Wifi network

via http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/15/apple-explores-delivering-location-based-content-to-iphone-users/

Posted on May 16th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Though officially sanctioned third-party applications are, by Apple’s estimation, less than six weeks away, unofficial “jailbreak” applications distributed through Installer.app continue to enjoy widespread popularity. As an unofficial application itself, however, Installer.app is subject to some significant troubleshooting issues. The following is a guide to some of the more common problems encounter with the application. First let’s look at some important information about the way Installer.app works.

The app stores configuration files in ~\Library\Installer and /var/mobile/Library/Installer. Here are the files you will find there:

• LocalPackages.plist list of applications currently installed used by the uninstall feature to remove apps. This is the most important file and therefore you might consider keeping a backup copy of this file in a safe place after performing any installations. Loss of this file means that you cannot uninstall the applications and rebuilding the file is tedious at best and not recommended.
• PackageSources.plist list of all the application sources the installer is currently using for installations. Keeping a backup of this file is also recommended since it contains a list of your favorite application sources.
• RemotePackages.plist list that is generated every time the sources are refreshed. Contains all the packages available excluding the packages already in your LocalPackages.plist.
• Temp the directory used for temporary file storage used by installers for downloaded content, zip files, extracted files, etc.
• TrustedSources.plist list of all sources that the Installer App trusts. Attempts to install an application that is not from a trusted source results in a warning message to the user. Trusted sources would be for example Nullriver and other community sources.

The plist files are like OS X basic text XML files that should be edited very carefully. If you don’t know what you are doing be sure to ask someone for help. It’s important that the XML/HTML tags in the file are correctly formatted.

You can troubleshoot Installer App in iPhone OS 1.1.3 or higher by opening a terminal window on your Mac or PC and using SSH to access your iPhone (as described in our guide). After connecting via SSH, run these commands:

• Su mobile
• Enter /Applications/Installer.app/Installer to run Installer App
• Use Installer App as you would normally and watch the terminal window. It will display useful debugging information as Installer App goes through it’s steps to perform the action that you selected.

Next, let’s look at some common problems that you might encounter while using the Installer Application and how to fix them.

Installer Application Opens and Closes Immediately Try reinstalling the installer application especially if it does this from the start. However if it used to work and now it’s not working then the issue is probably caused by something else. Therefore you might consider plist corruption. On firmware version 1.1.3 or higher the plist files are located at /var/mobile/Library/Installer. We recommend backing up these files periodically especially after installing applications.

Problems Installing Applications or Main Execution Script Failure Now that Installer App allows for queuing application installations you might encounter this problem where when you try to install or uninstall an application it refuses to leave the queue. Applications will refuse to leave the queue until either of these processes is successful. This means this error will repeat itself as the application tries to install or uninstall again. You might also check the Installer App’s permissions since to work correctly under OS 1.1.3 or higher it has to be owned by root and have 755 attributes. Fix these using SSH with the following commands:

• Chmod +s /Applications/Installer.app/Installer
• Chown –R root:wheel /Applications/Installer.app

If none of this works you might want to contact the developer for the application you are trying to install. Debugging it yourself could prove to be very time intensive.

Installation Fails and Installer Quits Most likely you are out of disk space. The iPhone has two partitions. The space used to store your media (music, videos, etc.) is the larger of the two. Therefore the smaller partition is the one that’s running out of free space. There is an application called BossTool that will allow you to move fonts, ringtones, or applications to the media partition.

Installer Takes To Long Loading Sources or Duplicate Updates. We discovered that if you loaded multiple sources for applications that 1) Installer App takes way to long to refresh or 2) when updating applications if it exists in more than one source you can encounter multiple entries for the same application often with version conflicts. We suggest that you only install community sources and not add any extra ones. If you see duplicates in the updater remove some of the sources. The problem is that if you don’t clear some of the sources you mind find yourself endlessly looping for updates, etc.

Ultimately if none of these procedures work, the best thing to do is sync your iPhone or iPod Touch and do a firmware restoration. You’ll have to re-jailbreak your device, but the problems should be eliminated.

via http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2008/05/14/installerapp-troubleshooting/#more-684

Posted on May 15th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone Tips | No Comments »

In a report published earlier suggests that the 3G iPhone could come in more than one color. These colors include white, black, and silver. The report also claims that Apple partner Swisscom has already set their usage prices for 3G and and SMS usage for the new device. The report clearly states it is speculation, so it should be taken as such.

According to the report one of the first carriers to get the new iPhone will be Swisscom, which would explain the early preparation. The rumor continues to speculate that there will be a 32GB version of the iPhone, whats more they even have some rumored price points. The 16GB 3G iPhone will sell for $627, and the 32GB 3G iPhone for $760. Again, this is not confirmed.

via http://www.iphonebuzz.com/3g-iphone-to-come-in-three-color-choices-142564.php

According to the report, the 16GB model will only be available in silver. The 32GB color will come in white, black, and silver. This is perhaps an incentive for subscriber to purchase the more expensive model. The new iPhone will be on sale in 118 Swisscom shops, and in Apple stores, including Geneva and Zurich. According to the report, the device will ship in June.

via

Posted on May 15th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: iPhone News | No Comments »