Friday, January 25, 2008

Why don't you have an iPhone?


SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- As I said in my column published today, I believe Apple will ship iPhone 2.0 this summer. What features would that phone need in order for you to buy one?

Apple's Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said Tuesday that Apple "felt confident" about reaching its goal of 10 million iPhones by the end of 2008.

Wait, what?

To date, Apple is only one third of the way there, and all the Apple fanboys already have their iPhones. So where is Apple going to get another 7 million iPhone buyers?

The most likely answer is: Apple will announce a cool new iPhone this summer that will do two things:

1. Convince existing users to toss their current iPhones and buy a new one.

2. Convince current non-users to jump on the iPhone bandwagon.

Regardless of which category you fit into, what is it going to take to win you over? GPS? 3G? Laptop modem functionality? Lower price? Another carrier? A miracle?

Here's your chance to sound off. What's it going to take?

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

IPhone 1.1.3 Jailbreak Today?


By Charlie Sorre

Picture 1.pngThe folks behind the two hacks to Jailbreak the iPhone and iPod Touch 1.1.3 firmware have been in a dilemma. Release now and risk having the hack broken again when Apple ships its official software development kit for the iPhone, or sit on the hacks and release them after the next Apple update.

According to iPhone Atlas, there may be a third way. One of the two jailbreak methods will be released today, and the other held back until after the SDK is launched. A nice workaround in theory, but it seems that the hack we'll get might include some hardware modification, which will put it out of most user's abilities.

Also, many current third party applications won't work on 1.1.3. Apple tightened security on the iPhone by making all applications run as a regular user instead of the root, or super user. Apparently the NES emulator has already been updated to work, with other programmers hard at work on their own applications.

Phone 1.1.3 jailbreak to be released “tonight or tomorrow” [iPhone Atlas]

The AT&T leaves: Wireless strong; U-Verse buildout continues; Outlook in tact


by Larry Dignan

AT&T reported its fourth quarter earnings and the big takeaways are that wireless growth is strong and enterprise spending is chugging along.

AT&T’s earnings report garnered a little more attention this time around given that CEO Randall Stephenson rattled the markets with comments that consumers were struggling. AT&T did what it could to reverse that damage by reiterating its outlook for future years and touting successes.

Rest assured AT&T execs will be questioned about consumer spending on its conference call. By the numbers, AT&T reported earnings per share of 71 cents a share, or $4.3 billion, in line with Wall Street estimates. That earnings figure was adjusted for a few moving parts–notably the acquisition of BellSouth. On a net basis, AT&T had earnings of 51 cents a share, or $3.1 billion. AT&T’s fourth quarter revenue tally was $30.3 billion, up from $15.9 billion a year ago.

But those numbers only scratch the surface. AT&T is a massive company and the performance of its individual units are often more interesting.

A few “T” leaves to note:


The iPhone effect…

AT&T had a net fourth quarter gain of 2.7 million wireless subscribers–an impressive figure. Those gains were up 13.5 percent from the fourth quarter a year ago. AT&T said the gains were driven by retail additions (think iPhone subscribers). AT&T’s churn fell to 1.7 percent, down 10 basis points from a year ago. Post-paid churn was 1.2 percent. Meanwhile, AT&T’s fourth quarter wireless revenue was $11.4 billion, up 16.3 percent from a year ago. Wireless data services revenue jumped 57.5 percent from a year ago.

t1.png

So what’s going on? Obviously, the iPhone has given AT&T some serious wireless momentum. The bet to partner with Apple appears to be paying off big time for AT&T even if the terms of the deal are likely to favor Steve Jobs & Co. The iPhone has given AT&T a little coolness. Since AT&T has partnered with Apple I’ve started to notice they have other cool phones in the lineup. That’s a subtle point that’s hard to quantify, but it’s real.

t2.png


U-Verse rollout continues…still second fiddle to Verizon’s FiOS

AT&T’s U-verse video services ended 2007 with 231,000 subscribers, up from 126,000 a quarter ago. AT&T’s TV install rate was 12,000 a week. The company continues to expand. Broadband revenue grew 13.7 percent in the fourth quarter to $1.4 billion. Total broadband connections was 14.2 million. This investment is important for AT&T, but U-verse seems to be decidedly behind Verizon’s FiOS in development.

AT&T sees more than 1 million U-verse video subscribers by the end of 2008.


Enterprise demand is showing signs of life…

AT&T said its recurring enterprise service revenue was up 1.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Big deal you say? That growth is certainly better than the 3.5 percent decline in last year’s fourth quarter. IP data services is showed a 20.9 percent gain in revenue in the fourth quarter compared to a year ago. The company projected “positive growth in enterprise revenues throughout 2008 with line of sight to mid-single-digit enterprise revenue growth by 2010.”

Overall, AT&T’s report was solid. It’ll be an interesting tap dance listening to executives reconcile the consumer is on the skids comments from a few days ago with this report.

iPhone Software v1.1.3 enhances Maps, SMS, more...


By AppleInsider Staff

At the Macworld Expo on Tuesday Apple announced a free software update for its iPhone handset that allows users to automatically find their location using the redesigned Maps application; text message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented from the new iTunes Movie Rentals right on their iPhone.

New iPhones shipping from the factory will include the software update and existing iPhone customers will automatically get the update for free when they sync their iPhone with iTunes, the company said.

"iPhone doesn't stand still -- we're making it better and better all the time," said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. "We've delighted millions of users with this revolutionary and magical product and it's great to share these improvements with them."

Maps, one of the most popular and helpful applications on iPhone, has a new interface that is simpler and easier to use and adds incredible new features such as the ability to find your location automatically. With just the tap of a button, iPhone can now triangulate your position using nearby Wi-Fi base stations or cellular towers. You can use this as a starting or ending point for directions or to find local points of interest. The new hybrid map view combines map view and satellite view so you can see major street names overlaid on satellite imagery.

Users can now also create Web Clips -- icons on the home screen that take you directly to your favorite websites, including to the exact spot you have zoomed into. Web Clips are a great way to easily track websites that you frequently check such as news, blogs, sports sites and movie listings. In addition, users can now customize their home screen by repositioning any of the icons, and even create up to nine different home screens that they can easily flick between.

iPhone's new software update also adds the ability to send the same SMS text message to multiple people, and iPhone saves a history of your text messages, so with one tap you can send a new message to the same group.



iPhone Software


With Apple's new iTunes Movie Rentals, movie fans can rent movies on their computer, easily and quickly transfer them to their iPhone, and watch them anywhere on iPhone's 3.5 inch screen. Users can also now navigate forward or backward through their movies by chapters, select alternate language tracks and view subtitles, if available.


Pricing & Availability


The iPhone software update 1.1.3 is available immediately for free via iTunes 7.5 or later for all existing iPhone customers in the US, UK, Germany and France. New iPhone products shipping from the factory will include the software update and existing iPhone customers will automatically get the update for free when they sync their iPhone with iTunes.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

AT&T Offers iPhone Plans for Business Customers


Brad Reed, Network World

AT&T began offering enterprise data plans for iPhones this week, marking the first time the carrier has pitched its popular consumer device directly to businesses.

According to AT&T, each iPhone enterprise plan will require signing a two-year service agreement that will include an activation fee. All three enterprise plans offered by AT&T include unlimited domestic data services, such as Internet and e-mail. The plans offer three different options for Short Message Service, including a plan that allows 200 text messages per month ($45), a 1,500-per-month text plan ($55) and an unlimited text message plan ($65).

Much like the consumer version of the iPhone, the enterprise iPhone offers Internet access through the Safari Web browser and built-in connection capabilities through Wi-Fi, EDGE and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. The company says that enterprise iPhones will have VPN support, including RSA SecurID, which will provide access to corporate Intranets. The phones will also give users access to corporate e-mail through IMAP or POP3 services, the company says.

Questions Remain

While AT&T's enterprise iPhone offering is sure to generate a lot of interest, the company still has to answer questions about whether the devices are compatible with corporate security infrastructure, as many security experts have warned companies about the potential dangers of allowing iPhones to connect to corporate networks. Last June, for instance, Gartner told IT executives to keep iPhones away from their networks, noting that the device lacks a firewall and does not support e-mail platforms such as Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes. Andrew Storms, director of security operations at nCircle Network Security, expressed similar concerns and noted that the devices lacked security management tools needed to manage which devices can and cannot connect to corporate networks.

Others, however, have argued that security concerns about the iPhone are overblown and that consumer devices are constantly encroaching upon corporate networks.

"If you are responsible for keeping data inside of your organization, for the love of everything that is holy, please don't spend too much time on the iPhone," said David Goldsmith, one of the principals at security consultancy Matasano Security said, in a posting to the Matasano blog last year. "Allow us to remind you about all of the data breaches that are happening thanks to insecure wireless access points, tape backups disappearing, wrapping your newspapers in customers' personal financial information and stolen laptops."

For more information about enterprise networking, go to NetworkWorld.

Skyhook's Wi-Fi Location Technology for iPhone/iPod touch


Written by Arnold Kim

Mac News

USAToday profiles Skyhook Wireless who helps provide some of the technology behind Apple's new GPS-like location features in the iPhone and iPod Touch's Google Maps application.

Skyhook Wireless was formed in 2003 and uses a database of Wi-Fi hotspots to determine your geographic location. The process is explained:

"Every Wi-Fi access point, whether public or private, sends out a signal every second or so, like a lighthouse. We pick up those signals and use our technology to calculate your exact location."


While Wi-Fi hotspots are detected based on these signals, no direct connection is made to them. To seed the system with data, Skyhook sent teams of drives around the US and Canada to map out hotspots. They say they have 70% of North America covered, and are currently adding Europe and Asia. Unlike GPS, Skyhook's system works better indoors and in urban settings.

Of interest, Skyhook generally receives a payment per device sold with the technology, and this fee may be built into the fee Apple is charging for the iPod touch software update. For the iPhone, Apple starts with Skyhook's Wifi database first, and if unable to find a hotspot, it then falls back to using less-precise cellular tower information provided by Google.

A company called Navizon had provided very similar technology for iPhone users as an unofficial 3rd party application.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Conice 6x Optical Zoom for iPhone Camera




DealExtreme sells a 6x Optical Zoom lens for your iPhone's camera.

As noted by Mobilewhack, the attachment costs $15 and doubles the weight of your iPhone.

iPhone 1.1.3 Jailbreak Debate


iPhone Atlas claims that while the jailbreak method for 1.1.3 has reached a state that is suitable for end users, the developers of the jailbreak are still debating whether or not to release it ahead of Apple's official SDK release.

There appears to be some limitations to the 1.1.3 jailbreak, with applications running in "restricted user mode" meaning that the popular Installer application will not run properly in its current form.

Apple in Talks with Thailand's AIS over iPhone


Reuters reports that Apple is in talks with Thailand's Advanced Info Service about selling the iPhone in Thailand.

"We are negotiating on details, including a revenue sharing standard. Apple needs a local operator to promote iPhone," Prattana Leelapanang, assistant vice president for AIS's wireless business marketing, told Reuters.

The news comes after reports of Apple and China Mobile terminating talks over revenue sharing terms.

AT&T Launches Business Plans for iPhone


As rumored, AT&T launched business plans for the iPhone today.

To use iPhone as a business customer, you’ll need to sign up for a 2-year service agreement or a renewed 2-year service agreement if you’re an existing AT&T wireless customer.

$45/mo. 200 SMS. Unlimited Data. Visual Voicemail
$55/mo. 1500 SMS. Unlimited Data. Visual Voicemail
$65/mo. Unlimited SMS. Unlimited Data. Visual Voicemail

For international travelers, there are Data Global Add-Ons for the iPhone that can be purchased in addition.

$24.99/mo. 20MB Data Global Plan.
$59.99/mo. 50MB Data Global Plan.

Clean up your iPhone with... er... wiper-wielding bikini babes


By Nick Hawkesmoor


Sick of the muck that's mounted-up on your iPhone's monitor? Fancing having a bikini-clad lassie lather it up and give it a wipe or two? iWash is a new service that lets you get exactly that - virtually.


The cute bit's the fact that she does it from inside the handset's screen.


iWash's creator, US nightclub chain ClubWest, has three young ladies ready to download - for $5 a throw - and clean your screen. Or you can get the gist of it from this video, gratis:









Can't see the video? Download Flash Player from Adobe.com


Any drool you leave on the outside of your iPhone is entirely up to you to clean... ®


Optus enters iPhone race


Optus has emerged as the dark horse in the race between mobile carriers for exclusive rights to launch the iPhone in Australia.

Thailand's largest mobile operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS), said it was negotiating a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Asia.

The telco's chief marketing officer, Sanchai Thiewprasertkul , told the Bangkok Post that AIS was collaborating with Singapore Telecom (SingTel) and Optus to launch the iPhone throughout the region.

Optus is a wholly owned subsidiary of SingTel, and SingTel owns 21.4 per cent of AIS.

"Mr Sanchai said that AIS, in collaboration with SingTel and the Australian mobile operator Optus, were discussing phone volumes, marketing terms and business model partnerships," the Bangkok Post reported.

Optus spokeswoman Melissa Clare declined to comment on the matter but said Optus continued to look at emerging technologies to deliver to customers.

The iPhone is now on sale in the US and Europe. Apple said it will launch the touch screen phone-music player hybrid in Australia this year. But that hasn't prevented many Australians from importing the device from the US and, using various hacks, unlocking it for use on local mobile networks.

Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo has said he had conversations with Apple about bringing the iPhone to Australia, and many predicted a deal would be announced early this year. Apple has refused to comment.

Telstra is the only Australian carrier with a nationwide EDGE (2.5G) network, which is the maximum speed supported by the iPhone. However, the device still works on regular 2G networks run by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said battery life issues prevented the company from releasing a 3G iPhone from the outset but it has been widely reported that Apple is building 3G support into the next revision of the device.

Nick Ingelbrecht, research director at analyst firm Gartner, said the iPhone's success in Australia would depend on its cost. In the UK, the minimum outlay for an iPhone plan is $100 a month.

Ingelbrecht also said if the first official iPhone in Australia was just the same 2G model that was launched in the US last June, consumers may view it as a bit "old hat".

"The cachet will be a little diminished by the time it is launched here," he said.

Ingelbrecht said the market was moving very quickly to adopting the 3G network as a baseline and offering a phone that only worked on the slower 2G network could affect the uptake.

At the Macworld conference in San Francisco last week, Jobs lauded the iPhone's early success so far, noting it was selling at a rate of 20,000 units a day since its US launch in June.

In the UK, the iPhone's performance was less impressive, with sales for its first two months falling 10,000 units short of exclusive carrier O2's expectations, the Financial Times reported.

This week, US telco AT&T announced it would be offering the iPhone to business customers, a surprise move as the device attracted early criticism for its lack of business-friendly features. The move by AT&T suggests the iPhone's target market is expanding, which should provide added incentive for local carriers battling to bring it to Australia.

AIS has so far refused to give further details on the negotiations with Apple or when they would be completed.

Last week, it was reported that iPhone talks between Apple and China Mobile broke down after the Chinese telco refuse to agree to Apple's strict terms stipulating partner telcos must give a significant chunk of their iPhone plan revenues to Apple.

The same issue could become a sticking point in AIS's iPhone plans.

"Given our one baht a minute of airtime, it would not make sense and would be impossible for us to share revenue with Apple," Sanchai told the Bangkok Post.

Latest iPhone firmware unlocked


The latest version of the firmware for Apple's iPhone has fallen to hackers less than a week after its release.


Two hackers working separately have both succeeded in jailbreaking version 1.1.3 of the firmware, iPhone Atlas reports. One of the hacks requires hardware modification, so it's not suited for those of a nervous disposition or lacking in electronics expertise.


You can see the hack in action on this video:









Can't see the video? Then download Flash Player from Adobe.com


Another hack by Jonathan Zdziarski, developer of the NES emulator for iPhone, is software only but somewhat complicated. If previous experience is anything to go by, easier jailbreaks will emerge over coming days. ®

Monday, January 21, 2008

Keepin' it real fake, part CVII: Is it an iPhone, or a scale? You decide!



There's something kind of odd going on here that elevates this one beyond your garden variety KIRF, and into the hall of fame of ill-advised fakery. What we have here is a pocket-sized scale, with a cover that makes it look exactly like an iPhone -- until you look a bit closer and see that somebody did a rework of the interface in MS Paint. The mind boggles! The American Weigh CP3-500 is only $52 in case you're interested in exploring this mystery further, we're getting out while we're ahead.

The $20 iPod touch upgrade: really for legal reasons or no?


So the rising discontent with Apple's new habit of selective feature enabling got us thinking -- while we're not experts on the subject, the generally accepted reasoning for the $20 iPod touch upgrade fee is the accounting requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act: iPhone and Apple TV updates are free since revenue from those products is realized as a subscription over a period of time, but iPod touch updates can't be free since Apple just records that revenue directly. That certainly makes sense to us when applied to things like the 802.11n Enabler, which was trivially cheap and turned on unadvertised hardware features, but it strikes us as being a pretty big stretch when applied to a $20 package of new software applications. iPod name or no, the iPod touch is essentially a little computer, and the whole purpose of software is to enable "significant unadvertised new features" on a computer. For Apple (or anyone) to say that a mail app is a "significant new feature" for a computer is pushing the line just a bit far, and it makes us wonder how the company accounts for new versions of iTunes, QuickTime, and Safari, each of which add new features to already-sold Macs -- and how things are going to play out when the iPhone / iPod touch SDK is released next month. We've got a call into Apple to get to the bottom of it all, we'll let you know what (if anything) we find out.

Disclaimer: Although this post was written by an attorney, it is not meant as legal advice or analysis and should not be taken as such.

iPhone goes corporate: AT&T announces business plan


Without a 3G iPhone announcement at MacWorld, Apple remains focused on increasing the penetration of their generation-one handset. True to the rumors circulating the intertubes last week, AT&T is now offering the iPhone to business customers. Plans break down as follows:
  • 2 year commitment, voice service, and data plan required
  • $45 per month for unlimited data, visual voicemail, and 200 SMSes; $55 ups the SMS limit to 1,500; $65 for unlimited everything
  • An extra $25 per month nabs a 20MB monthly data plan good for 29 countries, $60 per month ups the limit to 50MB
  • Activate by 31 March and qualified accounts will receive a service credit of $25 per month good through 31 December, 2008 -- yeah, that's a sweet deal
We have a funny feeling that the timing of this has something to do with IBM's imminent announcement of Lotus Notes mail for the iPhone. Now get on the horn to IT, they'll be dreading your call.

Feeling regretful? Downgrade to that v1.1.3 iPhone / iPod touch



Maybe you got word that the iPhone development community supposedly has a jailbreak method for v1.1.3 -- but they're not releasing it yet. (They claim they want to wait until the next firmware update in February that will enable the SDK, so Apple won't patch the hack in the mean time.) We understand if you're feeling a mite bit let down, so if you jumped the gun (or just didn't hear the good news), restoring your phone back to trusty old v1.1.1 isn't too big a feat. That supposed jailbreak video is after the break though, if you want to whet your whistle.

iPhone does guitars, spying with ease



Just when you think you've reached the apex of your iPhone's capability, there comes another accessory-maker, modder, or developer to prove you wrong. One new feature comes in the form of a piece of software for Jailbroken iPhones (or touches) called PocketGuitar. The premise of this software is simple -- it allows you to "play" the phone like an actual instrument, as well as strum along to your stored music -- thus fulfilling a number of twisted, rock-nerd fantasies. When you're done perfecting a version of "Frankenstein," you can use your phone to stalk your estranged lover... provided you're using Conice's 6 x 18 zoom attachment for the phone, a hideous plastic beast that snaps onto your normally trim device. Hey, no one ever said stalking was going to be easy.

[Via Mobilewhack]

Read - Virtual Guitar for iPhone and iPod touch
Read - Conice 6x18 Zoom Attachment for iPhone

Macworld 2008 rumor report card: some hits, mostly misses




As far as novelty news goes, Apple tea leaf reading and rumor speculation seems fairly fruitless (no pun intended). Oh sure, just about everyone entertains the indulgence, even if it's only a debunk, but you can always count on a seemingly endless torrent of unnamed sources dishing the latest leaks leading up to Macworld (and any big Apple event). We were almost afraid to look, but we went ahead and compiled a report card for this year's predictions. Warning: it ain't pretty.

Please note, all rumors listed originate from sources at or close to Apple, feeding info to publications. This doesn't include sites or posts digging up evidential information, like the MacBook Air domain name stuff.

AppleInsider - MacBook ultraportable to have external optical drive: correct! Still, this was pretty clear, almost no ultraportables have optical drives. Being that there was no mention made of Remote Disc, we're gonna give this a half point.
AppleInsider (twice - our take both times) - MacBook ultraportable to have 13-inch LED-backlit display, internal NAND flash, SSD option: right, wrong, and right again (half point!).
Bloomberg (our take) - iPhone comes to Canada: nope.
Bloomberg (our take) - Warner Bros, Fox, Disney, Paramount and Lionsgate to rent on iTunes: nailed it!
Boy Genius Report (our take) - Jay Z and Apple found record label: not yet. (But who knows, it might be announced later!)
Boy Genius Report - Ultraportable absolutely definitely launching: correct!
BusinessWeek - Major Apple TV update planned (including a possible tuner), but Jobs can't get Universal and Sony to sign on for rentals: eh, vaguely right about the ATV update, but otherwise basically wrong.
Financial Times (our take) - Fox signed to movie rentals, and will also distribute pre-ripped iTunes movies on discs: totally correct!
Gizmodo - Macworld "will be bigger than usual" with "overloaded" keynote and tons of new product revisions: nope.
Macrumors (our take) - Lots of laptop upgrades, one with multi-touch trackpad: correct (kind of). There obviously weren't multiple notebook revisions, but the trackpad was dead on.
Macrumors forums (our take) - "Leaked" keynote #1: total fabrication.
Macrumors forums (our take) - MacBook ultraportable endowed with super-wide trackpad: so very wrong.
New York Times (our take) - Apple got more than just Fox to sign on for rentals: true. Half point, though, for lack of any specifics despite "multiple sources."
Variety (our take) - 24 hour rentals: correct!
Void Inside (our take) - "Leaked" keynote #2: also a total fabrication.
Wired - Details and description of the ultraportable: (mostly) wrong. Described as: thin, tapered profile with "aluminum and glass". Close! But we all knew it'd be thin and aluminum -- the multi-touch capable iMac-esque glass display gives this one away.

Does Japan Need the iPhone?



by Kenji Hall

The world's most sophisticated users of wireless technology may be unimpressed by Apple's high-tech gadget

The Japanese fell for the iPod. So why should they not embrace the iPhone, too? It's tempting to think that Japan's love affair with Apple's (AAPL) iPods would extend to the mobile phone that shares the same high-tech DNA. After all, the iPod controls about 50% of the Japanese market for portable media players, according to Tokyo market researcher BCN, and Apple's carefully cultivated image as a maker of hip, edgy, yet user-friendly gizmos should work in its favor.

But when the Cupertino (Calif.) company wades into the world's most advanced wireless market next year, it could find Japan's 98 million cell-phone users a hard bunch to please. For one thing, consumers here won't be as starstruck by the iPhone's high-tech gadgetry as users elsewhere. Japan's 10 handset makers, which dominate the domestic market, already offer dozens of models typically costing several hundred dollars that send e-mail, browse the Internet, shoot photos and videos, and even pick up live TV broadcasts. Most come with a built-in global positioning system, and some even double as credit cards and commuter passes or safeguard personal data using fingerprint or face-recognition technology.

In its current form, the iPhone doesn't work on Japan's advanced third-generation, or 3G, network. Rumors abound that Steve Jobs & Co. will release a new, faster 3G iPhone next year. But analysts are skeptical that will be enough to please consumers in Japan. In its current form, the iPhone's 3.5-inch touchscreen and its access to online applications such as YouTube and Google (GOOG) Maps are about all that set it apart from other handsets in Japan.

Potential Turnoff

In other ways, the device is inferior, and some of its functions won't be all that useful. The iPhone's Wi-Fi networking, for instance, won't get much of a workout since few Japanese retailers are wired for such short-range broadband wireless Internet service. "I don't think it's going to do that well," says Makio Inui, a managing director at UBS (UBS) in Tokyo. He predicts the iPhone's high price and limited features will be a turnoff for many in Japan.

Where the iPhone will fill a need is with consumers like Keiko Ohashi. The 32-year-old sales manager already owns an iPod, doesn't care for all the bells and whistles of Japanese handsets, and prefers the full QWERTY keypad and browser of a computer-like device. "I'd love to get an iPhone," she says.

She may get her wish. In recent months, Jobs has met with Masao Nakamura, chief executive at Japan's No. 1 wireless operator, NTT DoCoMo (DCM), to discuss a possible deal, DoCoMo spokesman Shinya Yokota said. Connecting the iPhone to DoCoMo's high-speed 3G network isn't the only draw for Apple. It also could tap into DoCoMo's sales and marketing muscle. That gives Apple a better shot at grabbing a chunk of the roughly 50 million cell phones sold in Japan annually, and meeting its target of selling 10 million iPhones worldwide by 2008. (Apple had sold 1.4 million by Oct. 22.)

Stumbling Blocks in DoCoMo Talks

But industry executives think the negotiations are likely to get bogged down. DoCoMo declined to elaborate on the details of the talks, but Jobs is reportedly pushing for a cut of the iPhone's revenues. (Apple officials couldn't be reached for comment.) DoCoMo executives are likely to strongly resist such demands. One reason: Caving in to Apple would embolden other handset makers to try to win more favorable terms from DoCoMo.

DoCoMo also might balk at the idea of letting iPhone owners activate their handsets using Apple's iTunes online music store, as AT&T allows in the U.S. DoCoMo subscribers now can only activate their phones at a licensed DoCoMo shop. Letting iPhone owners circumvent DoCoMo's sales channel suggests they also would be able to avoid using DoCoMo's proprietary i-mode portal site and all the music, shopping, and investing services that are offered through it. Stripped of the high-margin earnings from services, DoCoMo would simply be left managing the towers and servers of a wireless network. "If that happens, DoCoMo would be reduced to the dumb pipes they live in fear of becoming," says one telco industry executive, who requested anonymity.

The two sides have a few other options. DoCoMo could rent spectrum to Apple in an arrangement known as mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO. But that would set Apple back at least $30 million just for the data centers to handle voice calls and data transmissions, and Apple would have to hire a local staff to manage the operations of a full-service wireless carrier. The two could work out a hybrid solution, such as having Apple pay a fee for spectrum in exchange for a cut of the iPhone's revenues from DoCoMo. But finding a middle ground could take some time.

Belkin Releases New Cases for iPod Touch and iPhone


By: Christopher Meinck

Belkin today announced an assortment of new cases for the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPod.

Belkin iPhone case

Click to enlarge.

New iPhone and iPod Touch cases include:

  • Formed Leather with Removable Belt Clip: Features premium formed leather construction, screen protection, removable stainless steel belt clip and allows for full accessibility to the screen and navigation.
  • Micro Grip Case: Durable molded rubber construction, reflective lining material and hand washable.
  • Sport Armband Plus with FastFit system: Features FastFit, an adjustable one-handed clamp fastening system. Holster detaches from armband to clip onto clothing or bag. Clear screen protector and made from water wicking material. Features reflective highlights for use durning nightime. Cable capsule manages earphones in flexible rubber dome.
Belkin Armband Plus for iPod Touch

Click to enlarge.

Belkin has also announced the release of a variety of iPod Nano and iPod Classic cases.

GizMac Accessories Announces Titan Clear iPhone Case in Colors


By: Christopher Meinck

GizMac Accessories today nnounced their Titan Clear iPhone Case would now be available in colors.

Titan Clear iPhone case

"GizMac’s original Titan Clear for iPhone case is great for people that want to see the Apple iPhone through crystal clear polycarbonate, but the addition of colors will make the difference for others," explained Ken Vitto, Marketing Director for GizMac Accessories, "The MacWorld attendees are receiving the first look at these cool looking new colors that take on slight color changes."

The Titan Clear case protects the iPhone with its tough, clear colored polycarbonate shell, but still allows some of Apple iPhone’s striking appearance to show through. The translucent color combined with the curves of the case produces subtle color changes that make the Titan Clear iPhone case unique.

Colors for the new Titan Clear iPhone case are smoke and pink. Smoke is a form of black that appears darkest on the curves, yet can exhibit an almost pewter look on the front and back in bright light. Pink is slightly luminescent and can be considered a “hot” pink, while bright light will show some red with traces of orange.

The Titan Clear for iPhone in black and pink colors will retail for $34.99 U.S. and will be available late January. Additional details can be obtained on the GizMac Accessories web site at http://www.gizmac.com.

PimpMyNews on your iPhone


A well executed iPhone version of the gossip website:

PimpMyNews iPhone

Steve Jobs Keynote complete iPhone section


Here is the complete Steve Jobs keynote related to the iPhone (HD Format):





Kanjiroushi Japanese Dictionary


Kanjiroushi Japanese Dictionary

Kanjiroushi Japanses dictionary includes all you need for studying japanese: Lists of hiraganas and Katakanas. A dictionary of the 1945 most common Japanese Kanji, 100 000 words and 40 000 sentences. Tests to train your knowledge of the kanji meaning, Hiragana and Katakana reading.

iPod touch and iPhone Web apps
Kanjiroushi Japanese Dictionary

Kanjiroushi Japanese Dictionary

iPhone/iPod Touch 和英辞書


What is it?

It's a free online Japanese-English dictionary optimized for the iPhone and the iPhone Touch. You can search it in both Japanese and English.

That's marginally useful to me! Where I can get it?

The dictionary can be accessed by pointing your iPhone or iPod Touch at http://usknitting.com/dictionary/ in Safari.

The UI has been developed exclusively for the iPhone, and recently updated for the iPod, and I do not recommend using it on other devices. There are plenty of other, more appropriate alternatives that use the same dictionary, including WWWJDIC.

Well, how do I use it?

On the iPod Touch, you can just type the English or Japanese word you are searching for, and the dictionary will do its best to find what you're looking for. There is sadly still a lot of work to be done to refine the results.

Because the iPhone doesn't yet allow direct Japanese input, searching for Japanese in this dictionary can be accomplished by using wāpuro rōmaji. While it is very forgiving in its conversion, please make sure you use:

  • for long katakana vowels
  • n'i when you mean んい and not に, and so forth
  • n when you mean ん, never m

While there are filters available to restrict searches to only search the Japanese half or English half of each entry, the default dictionary search attempts to search both at the same time. It's usually easiest to type the word you're looking for and trust that it will be found. However if a word has valid interpretations as both romaji and English (ex. 'moka') you may need to restrict your search.

In addition to the language filter, there is also a filter to restrict the dictionary to only common words. Note that this is for common Japanese words, and it may or may not result in common English words.

Is there anything else I should know?

The dictionary used here, JMDict, is licensed from Monash University's Electronic Dictionary Research & Development Group. I'd like to thank Jim Breen and the numerous other contributors to this project for making this possible and free.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or other murmurings, I would love to hear them at jacob@barss-bailey.org.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

iPhone putting on a Lotus Notes suit?


If you’re looking to gain respect for your gear as a serious business-class tool, there’s no better way than to infiltrate those Big Four accounting firms still using Lotus Notes. According to a piece carried by the Associated Press, Lotus Notes eMail is coming to Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch. We kid you not. The announcement is expected as early as Sunday the 20th, the day IBM’s annual Lotusphere conference kicks off in Orlando. The software is free for those with existing licenses which means IT is going to have a hell of a time keeping it out of users’ hands. If true, the application would presumably be the first official, third-party app developed with Apple’s new iPhone SDK. IBM is also expected to announce their free Lotus Symphony flavor of OpenOffice for the Mac at the same time. An IBM spokesman seemingly confirmed the announcements by saying that Apple and IBM have, “a lot in common. We’re going to cross-pollinate.” Let’s just hope they manage to untangle that jumbled Notes UI for finger-friendly navigation during the mating ritual, eh?

Jobs: China Mobile talks aren’t off, because they were never on


In a Macworld post-keynote interview with CNBC yesterday, Steve Jobs was pimping the iPhone’s numbers since launch (over four million sold — a number Wall Street didn’t like, but what can you do?) between rants about the MacBook Air’s qualities and, at some point, got on the topic of bringing the iPhone to China. The popular rumor over the last couple months has been that Apple had been working with China Mobile on making a launch happen but that talks eventually broke down. Here, Steve says that’s simply not the case; a single rep from China Mobile visited the Apple campus all of once, and that’s it. He’d love to bring the iPhone to the Far East (or so he says), but the fact remains that there aren’t any heated discussions going on with the major players. At least, that’s what Steve claims — and as we all know, CEO reality can be very, very different from real reality.

The skinny on iPhone and iPod touch firmware 1.1.3


So let’s just boil down the newly-available firmware 1.1.3 to the nitty gritty, shall we? Here’s what Apple’s latest juicy morsel is going to do to your iPhone (or iPod touch, if that’s how you roll and you have $19.99 to spare) once you can finally reliably get it from iTunes:

  • Maps: New hybrid view, same as Google Maps. Satellite imagery and street mapping available on a single view.
  • Maps: Location triangulation. Uses nearby WiFi access points and GSM towers (on the iPhone, anyway) to roughly guesstimate your current location.
  • Web Clips: Web bookmarks can now be saved as home screen icons, including zoom and location information.
  • Home screen: Icons on the home screen can now be rearranged.
  • Home screen: Up to 9 home screens can now be created and “flicked” between.
  • SMS: A single text message can now be sent to multiple recipients; groups can be recalled for future use.
  • iTunes: Movie rentals are now supported.
  • iTunes: Support for lyrics.

Additionally, the iPod touch now features Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather, and Notes, all of which were previously exclusive to the iPhone. Cheers!

Updated firmware 1.1.3 is available for iPhone and iPod touch, sort of


Well, seems Steve wasn’t fibbing when he mentioned we’d see the iPhone and iPod touch update today, as it does seem to have landed. Hit the link below to get at the package if the auto updater just isn’t doing it for you — and judging from our luck so far, there are some issues. Note that you’re going to need iTunes 7.6 to roll this update out.

Read - 1.1.3 update package for iPhone
Read - 1.1.3 update package for iPod touch

Video: iPhone firmware 1.1.3 doing its thing


Enjoy this special moment that can only occur between one happy iPhone user and their consenting device. You’ll get to witness the miracle of icon rearranging, the joy of Google Maps location finding, and the unending pleasure of homescreen Safari bookmarks. We didn’t grab the multiple SMS recipient function on film, but we assure you it’s exactly like it should have been to begin with.

iPhone speaker too quiet? Stab it with needles


If you’re like us, you feel more than a little annoyed with iPhone’s speaker volume. Yes, whether you’re waiting for a call, trying to have a speakerphone conversation, or just listening for sweet DTMF tones — the thing kind of stinks. Perhaps it’s time to take extreme measures, as some owners have resorted to… like sticking a needle through the holes in the speaker enclosure. Yes, according to daring “modders,” it’s possible to get a 40-percent increase in volume via this simple-yet-destructive trick of perforating the thin plastic which covers the speaker. Apparently, the phone gets so loud post-surgery that the volume is actually startling to some users. Feeling like you’re brave enough to really void that warranty? Let us know the results!

v1.1.3 Firmware brings back Bricked iPhones


All iPhones that were bricked after attempting a firmware upgrade from an unlocked iPhone can now get their iPhones back by upgrading to Apple’s latest v1.1.3 firmware. Put the iPhone in recovery mode, and hook your brick up to your computer to start iTunes. After restoring and upgrading, iTunes will not automatically activate your iPhone so you will have to restart your iPhone (Top + Home) to get signal and data connections. The downside is that you won’t be able to jailbreak again and will have to settle with checking your stocks, finding where you’re located, and watching icons wobble as you move them as a jailbreak looks unlikely for v1.1.3.

Bricked iPhone

1.1.2 iPhones now unlocked… 3 days too late


Teenager George Hotz, aka GeoHot, the original iPhone unlocker is back. In a post to his personal blog he states that he has successfully unlocked a 1.1.2 firmware and bootloader 4.6 iPhone. Better yet, he posts the not-for-dummies version of the instructions to downgrade the bootloader to version 3.9 in preparation for running AnySim. We haven’t tried this ourselves so remember, as GeoHot himself states, this hardware method “could brick your iPhone.” You haven’t upgraded to 1.1.3 already have you? If so, you’re stuck with AT&T.

Update: We’re now hearing that a software unlock for 1.1.2 / 4.6 iPhones is right around the corner. So don’t crack that case just yet kids.

Griffin in-car WindowSeat puts iPhone at eye-line


With firmware 1.1.3 and the advent of turn-by-turn navigation on the iPhone - albeit using assisted-GPS, which could prove to be too slow or inaccurate to give you timely directions - there’s now a legitimate market for in-car holders of your precious Apple phone and good reason to keep it in your eye-line (because that old “glovebox pixies might steal it” excuse didn’t fool anyone). Griffin Technology will be launching their own in March; called the WindowSeat, it’s pretty much as you’d expect: a suction cup and a cradle.

Griffin Technology WindowSeat

Griffin Technology WindowSeat

Still, for $19.99 it’s not too shabby, and they’ve even thought to put a handy release tab in the lower left-hand corner so you can stylishly whip your iPhone out when you arrive at your glamorous destination (rather than fiddling about like some sort of dashboard pervert).

Of course, this would be even more use if Apple had put A2DP stereo Bluetooth into the iPhone - then you could use it with an FM transmitter and stream your music through your car’s radio.

iPhone’s sales in UK, less than expected


According to the Financial Times, O2 didn’t hit its target of selling 200,000 iPhones in the first 2 months. Experts are expecting a price cut soon in the UK market. I think we will see that price cut only when a new iPhone will be released. O2 is already happy with the iPhone launch because 190,000 iPhones sold means around 90,000 new O2 customers who were with other mobile providers. So it’s definitely a big win for O2 in the current saturate market where the only way to gain customers is to “steal” them from competitors.

Also it provides to O2 new contract customers, because the iPhone comes only with a contract, so it’s a guaranteed revenue for at least 18 months.

GMail on iPhone gets IMAP upgrade with firmware 1.1.3


GMail gets IMAP on iPhoneIf you’re both an iPhone and GMail user then you might have another reason to eschew any illicit unlocking and go straight for the 1.1.3 firmware upgrade: it quietly changes the connection between the Google email service and the Apple handset from POP to IMAP. Basically, that means that any changes performed on the iPhone - such as marking emails as read - are mirrored on the desktop GMail interface, and vice-versa.

“If you configured Gmail access on your iPhone by tapping the large ‘Gmail’ icon in mail setup, please note that installing software update 1.1.3 will automatically convert Gmail on your iPhone from POP access to IMAP access. This means that actions you take on your iPhone will now sync with actions in your Gmail web interface (i.e. messages you read on your iPhone will show up as ‘Read’ in the web interface). This also means that messages you delete on your iPhone will be moved to the Trash folder in the Gmail web interface, and thus deleted after 30 days. Please exercise caution when deleting messages, as this behavior is markedly different from POP access” Google FAQ

[via Krunker]

Google warns of Issues with Gmail and iPhone Software update 1.1.3


Google has a warning out for those of you who are using Gmail on the iPhone along with iPhone software update 1.1.3:

via MacNN:

The company says that if users setup mail on their iPhones simply by tapping the "Gmail" icon, the v1.1.3 upgrade will convert access from POP to IMAP. The result is that messages read on an iPhone will also appear as read in the Gmail web interface and any deletions will move messages to the web Trash bin, where they will be permanently deleted after 30 days.

You can always manually configure Gmail's IMAP or revert to POP.

The change is just one of many changes that Google made to Gmail this week. Other changes include: automatic refreshing and contact completion on the iPhone. On regular gmail: expanded chat, the ability to integrate non-Google e-mail accounts and larger attachment limits.

iPhone Supersession Tips and Hints


At Macworld, one of the speciality programs was a lecture series called iPhone Supersession given by Ben Long and Christopher Breen.

The iPhone Supersession takes you way beyond the basics, exploring areas including converting the media you own to an iPhone compatible format, contact and event organization, the best of Web-based iPhone applications and accessories, and power management. Need more? We'll explore popular (and not so popular) hacks for turning your iPhone into a portable entertainment and information powerhouse.


Christopher Breen has kindly posted his slides to download in PDF format.

The presentation is a remarkably comprehensive overview of iPhone usage and the most important tips and tricks to effectively use your iPhone. Even power users might find some excellent information, and it's certainly a must-read for new iPhone users.

The presentation is broken down into the following sections:

Text and typing, Sync or swim, Smarter about playlists, The portable information manager, Email matters, Picture this, Content connection, Third-party applications, Web apps, Travel tips, Custom ringtones, Accessories, Troubleshooting

Whatever happened to: the iPhone’s planned two-pane Inbox?


2-pane-email.jpg

On his personal blog, Engadget chief Ryan Block illustrates his recollection that a year ago at Macworld 2007, one Mr. Jobs showed the then unreleased iPhone as containing a two-pane e-mail client.

As you see, two-pane as being an Inbox with a list of recently arrived emails, and then the ability to tap on the message split the pane in two in order to read the first few lines of the message at the same time your main Inbox UI stays open.

Admit it. You can do this in Outlook Express, Eudora, Incredimail, Thunderbird, almost every other every other desktop centric email client. Would be a nice feature to have on your iPhone, no?

But as Ryan show us and some of us now realize, there’s no double-pane in the iPhone’s email inbox.

OK, I’ll spare you the “one-pane, no gain” pun. (Well, I guess I didn’t, but my pun-banning girlfriend is out of town for the weekend w/out her laptop, heh).

My next question would be to ask you if you wish there were two panes.

On the iPhone email client, that is.

Apple's iPhone Misses UK Sales Targets


Sales of Apple's iPhone in the UK have reportedly fallen short of expectations. O2, the UK network with exclusive rights to the iPhone said at the launch that it expected to sell some 200,000 handsets in the first two months after the launch. The sales target was considered by some analysts as being artificially lower than expectations so that the company could claim a "staggering success" if the target was smashed. However, sources have told the London Financial Times that sales barely reached 190,000.

O2 declined to comment on iPhone sales figures, but said it was "delighted with the response to the iPhone, which has seen unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction". It also confirmed the iPhone was its fastest-selling handset ever "by a significant margin".

Equally, the UK retail chain CarphoneWarehouse refused to comment on sales volumes when announcing its results last week, but comments about the high footfall in the stores being successfully converted to other handsets may hint that iPhone enquiries are not translating into sales as easily as the companies had expected.

iPhone sales had been strong in the run up to Christmas, but had subsequently tapered off, according to people familiar with the situation.

On the web: Financial Times