My girlfriend was browsing for Christmas gifts online today when she came across these cute handmade, animal iPhone cases on Etsy. She forwarded me a link and said I should share the cases with my readers. Good idea!

Since the Holidays are right around the corner, check out these (literally) one-of-a-kind animal themed iPhone cases. It looks like there is only one of each case in stock, so supplies are very limited. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend.

Disclosure: I have no affiliation to these sellers on Etsy. I just thought these simple felt & fabric iPhone cases might bring cheer this holidays to the iPhone owners in your life.

1. 
   Owl by SydneyAngel
2. 
   Orange Kitty by VintageCoquette (Sold)
3. 
   Baby Lamb by Coolbeans717
4. 
   Penguin by SydneyAngel
5. 
   Panda by SydneyAngel
6. 
   Tree Monkey by FamilyCraft45
7. 
   Owl by rutik
8. 
   Monkey by crafttreasures
9. 
   Bird by FamilyCraft45
10. 
    Panda by crafttreasures
11. 
    Teddy by SydneyAngel
12. 
    Lion by crafttreasures
13. 
    Neko by FamilyCraft45
14. 
    Cute Pig by SydneyAngel
15. 
    Ducky by motherof4scrapper
16. 
    Cute Chick by SydneyAngel
17. 
    Bear by knittingdreams
18. 
    Cutie Giraffe by FamilyCraft45
19. 
    Bird by SquirrelsNest
20. 
    Sweet Pup by VintageCoquette
21. Bunny by FamilyCraft45
22. 
    Silly Doggy by nokomomo
23. 
    Vegan Pig Brown Faux Leather Case by squierrellicious
24. 
    Jellyfish by buttoneyesboutique
25. 
    Deer by SquirrelsNest

Search Etsy.com for more handmade iPhone cases.

Click to enlarge:

“iPhone or Droid” XKCD comic

Girl: Well, it depends what you want. The iPhone wins on speed and polish, but the droid has that gorgeous screen and physical keyboard.

Boy: What if I want something more than the pale facsimile of fulfilment brought by a parade of ever-fancier toys? To spend my life restlessly producing instead of sedately consuming? Is there an app for that?

Girl: Yeah, on both. Wait, no, looks like it was rejected from the iPhone store.

Boy: Droid it is, then.

—

The comic knocks the iPhone, calling it a flashy device for media-hungry children, while the Droid is presented as the more pragmatic choice with its “gorgeous screen and physical keyboard.” I got a kick out of the allusion to Apple’s ridiculous App Store approval process.

This comic arrives in the middle of the saga between iPhone and Droid, Verizon’s popular new Google Android phone. So what do you think? iPhone or Droid?

P.S. Don’t forget to visit the “iPhone or Droid” comic on the XKCD site and hover your mouse over the image to see the hidden message.

The ink manager collects separate ink strokes, determines when a whole phrase has been entered and passes that phrase to a handwriting recognition engine.

Whether you were going to get upset or get excited about the idea of a stylus for your iPhone, don’t do either… yet.

The patent suggests the technology is for “pen-based computers,” especially for entering data into forms, and the word “tablet” is mentioned 58 times in the application.

Although the patent refers to a “tablet” specifically, I could definitely see Apple deploying this technology on a future iPhone model if it worked out on their forthcoming tablet.

Think about it. Apple is going to have to seriously focus on hardware now that App Store developers do most of the work creating apps. We finally have copy & paste on our iPhones. We finally have a video camera. What are they going to woo us with next? Well, what about “digital ink recognition” technology?

But a Stylus for iPhone?

If you recall, one of the selling points Steve Jobs pitched to the public when the iPhone was revealed at Macworld in January 2007 was that it was a multitouch interface with no stylus.

Will this patent make a stylus-based iPhone more appealing? Do you want a stylus for filling out forms on your iPhone? What do you think?

Just yesterday I wrote a post recommending 4 ways for Apple to fix the App Store approval process. I warned that Apple’s tight control of the App Store would drive developers away.

Well, guess what happened today: Facebook for iPhone developer Joe Hewitt has quit the job in a decision he says “has had everything to do with Apple’s policies.”

The web is still unrestricted and free, and so I am returning to my roots as a web developer. In the long term, I would like to be able to say that I helped to make the web the best mobile platform available, rather than being part of the transition to a world where every developer must go through a middleman to get their software in the hands of users.

Several questions come to mind:

• Why does Facebook have only one iPhone app developer?
• Do the Facebook app’s numerous flaws have something to do with the long and tedious App Store approval process?
• Who will replace Hewitt as the Facebook for iPhone developer? Will Facebook for iPhone get better or worse?
• Will more developers ditch the iPhone? Will they flock to a more open mobile platform (i.e. Android)?

I hope two things happen as a result of this news:

1. Apple fixes its App Store approval process. Read my 4 suggestions on how Apple should do that.
2. Facebook appoints a team to work on its iPhone app, rather than a single individual.

I applaud Hewitt for taking a stand against Apple’s “Big Brother” approach to the App Store. I agree with Hewitt that the web is fundamentally free, and the mobile web should be as well.

Update: Facebook VP of Communications says that Facebook does not (officially) agree with Hewitt, and that a new team of developers will “take over iPhone related development.” Read the story on TechCrunch.

What Do You Think?

Was Hewitt right to quit his job as Facebook’s iPhone app developer? Will Apple finally fix (or remove) its App Store approval process? Let me know what you think in the comments.

It’s good to know Apple is giving developers some insight into the App Store approval process by providing status updates, but Apple needs to do more to embrace developers, who have been a crucial part of the iPhone’s success.

Here are 4 changes we need to see in the App Store approval process:

1. Shorten the approval time for trusted developers. I remember waiting weeks between when Facebook submitted their Facebook 3.0 app to the App Store and its actual arrival to the App Store. Must Apple continue to make trusted companies wait weeks before their apps are approved (or rejected) in the App Store? If anything, Apple could appoint more employees to the approval committee to make it a more pleasant process for the people who keep the App Store afloat, developers. Update: Facebook’s iPhone app developer has quit, citing his discomfort over the App Store approval process.
2. Stop rejecting apps that criticize public figures. Apple recently rejected Bobble Tap because it contained caricatures of politicians that were not even objectionable. The developer said the app was in good taste, just an informational database. Judging by the screenshots of the app, I agree. Apple, lighten up and let people express themselves however they want. If apps are threatening or illegal, we have the government to deal with that. We don’t need you to police the App Store. Update: Apple has reversed its decision about the Bobble Tap app.

   

3. Don’t diss Google. Apple rejected the Google Voice app, claiming that the app “duplicates features that come with the iPhone.” But plenty of apps duplicate native iPhone features. Look at how many apps in the App Store record voice, display weather and even send text messages. Apple, if you continue to ignore Google they are going to ignore you, and you don’t want that, especially considering the Android army that is about to be unleashed. Play nice, boys.
4. Allow adult content. It’s called “Parental Controls,” Apple. It changed television by allowing parents to block objectionable content from children. It could change the iPhone, too. Just add an “18+” Restriction to the Settings and we’re all set. Apple, stop trying to play Mom and Pop and let adults be adults.

These solutions are good for Apple, these solutions are good for developers. As far as I’m concerned, if it places Apple in a good light with iPhone developers, it’s a smart business decision. You don’t want all your App Store developers flocking to Android, do you Apple?

Dear Facebook,

Pardon my passion, but it must be said: the Facebook iPhone app is f**ked up. I hoped it wouldn’t come to cursing, but you just won’t listen, and I need your attention.

Facebook is the most downloaded app in the App Store, yet still your company manages to ignore some critical issues with the app.

Words can’t explain my frustration with the Facebook iPhone app these days, so I’ll shut up and let these 5 screenshots do the talking:

(All screenshots accompanied by the relevant bug report on Facebook.)

1. Discussion Topic: I can no longer post pics on friends wall

   

2. Help Center Topic: iPhone: Your video could not be uploaded at this time. Except this time is 100% of the time.

   

3. Discussion Topic: Time Zone data incorrect even in 3.0.1

   

4. Discussion Topic: bug: posted “links” to photo albums show no pics

   

5. Discussion Topic: “Your message could not be delivered at this time”

   

Notice that no one from Facebook has replied to any of the discussion topics above? Some of these Facebook iPhone app issues occur less frequently than others, but all are common enough to be an annoyance, and an impediment to my work.

Facebook is not just a venue for vain status updates. I use Facebook as a tool for organizing people and a vehicle for marketing my work, and a mobile Facebook offers enormous potential for keeping in touch with customers/users/constituents on the go. But these problems with Facebook for iPhone prevent me from doing my job well, and they need to be fixed if I am going to continue to take your social network seriously.

Why is it that some independent developers — like those who develop iFitness, for example — are able to keep up with customer feedback and make improvements, yet this social networking giant will let even obvious issues go unattended?

These issues are demonstrative of a larger customer service problem at Facebook. I am sure the talented Facebook developers could resolve some of these things in a day with a simple update. Yet as of right now we don’t even know if Facebook is aware of the issues. Am I going to have to wait a year for another major update to the Facebook app before I can use it to its full potential?

PLEASE, go take a look at the Facebook for iPhone fan page. Look at the Wall: “No recent posts.” Look at the Discussion Board: many complaints, few responses. Look at the Notes: the latest is three months old, “What’s New in Facebook for iPhone 3.0.”

The Facebook for iPhone fan page lists a whopping “17,312,515 monthly active users,” and still no one at Facebook is taking the time to update or reassure us that you’re working on the issues.

Look, I applaud the Facebook for iPhone developers for the great work they’ve done so far, but seriously Facebook, you have to dedicate more resources to your iPhone platform.

Facebook, your iPhone app is f**ked up! Now please fix it.

(Quite) Sincerely,
Chris

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Droid made its debut via a viral Verizon ad that pointed out all the things the iPhone “iDoesn’t” do.

Verizon’s Droid Ad

The Droid ad campaign drew eyes, despite some of the Verizon ad’s questionable claims. The mighty Google even helped Verizon publicize its phone by placing a Droid ad on the Google home page. And apparently, the Droid launch last week caused (some) lines at Verizon stores.

Will Droid Outsell iPhone?

So, is the Droid an “iPhone killer,” as the iPhone doomsayers portend?

Doubtful. Yes, Verizon’s Droid is impressive, but the Droid itself is not compelling or innovative enough to cause a storm of sales that could match Apple’s unprecedented iPhone sales. Droid is cool, but it’s no game changer.

Nevertheless, given the prominence of the Droid ad campaign and the popularity of Google’s new Android 2.0 mobile operating system, it is likely that Droid will cause a dent in what has for the last year been a smartphone market dominated by Apple.

What’s more important is that Droid will soon be joined by an army of mobile phones powered by the Android mobile OS.

Verizon’s Droid: One Soldier in an Army of Androids

Droid itself can’t take down iPhone. But it can gnaw at Apple along with the army of Android piranhas that will meddle into the marketplace in the coming months.

Droid is the beginning of the “Android army” phenomenon that no one is talking about yet. If you don’t recall, Google’s Android mobile phone software is open source, meaning any carrier can use it on any hardware. And that is the power of Google’s Android.

Think about it. The Droid is a collaborative effort between Verizon (the carrier), Motorola (the hardware maker) and Google (the software provider). There are infinite possibilities for collaboration on Android phones, while iPhone in the US is backed by just two companies, Apple and AT&T.

Collectively, the Android Army will possess the power — and market share — needed to seriously compete with Apple’s iPhone. If you don’t like iPhone, you don’t buy iPhone. If you don’t like Droid, you can still buy some other Android-powered phone. That scenario does not play well for Apple.

And while many people point to the iPhone App Store as proof of iPhone’s permanence in the marketplace, Google’s Android Market contains third-party apps that are usable across Android mobile phones, while iPhone apps are usable on iPhone only.

When Google unveiled Android in November of 2007, I argued that Android would present serious competition for Apple’s iPhone, but I did not consider the potential of the Android army that is in the works.

How Will iPhone Compete With the Android Army?

Can Apple singlehandedly fight off an army of mobile phone giants backed by Google, while iPhone remains bound to the immensely unpopular AT&T?

I don’t think even Steve Jobs, who was recently named CEO of the Decade by Fortune, can fend off the approaching Android army and maintain iPhone’s dominance of the smartphone market.

Apple better wake up and think about a new strategy, because it’s about to face a mighty competitor in Android.

What Do You Think?

Will the future see a smartphone space that is no longer defined by iPhone and BlackBerry? Will the Android army take down iPhone? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Mashable reports that Nokia has sued Apple, claiming that the iPhone infringes “on 10 of the company’s patents relating to GSM, UMTS and WLAN technologies.”

The lawsuit, analysts predict, could cost Apple $1 billion. And some say Nokia has a strong case.

What Do You Think?

Is Nokia right to sue Apple? Will the lawsuit award Nokia some much-deserved money or will it hurt Nokia’s image more than help it? Please share your opinion in this poll:

The question for us iPhone users is: Will Google attempt to launch a Google Audio iPhone app, and if so, will Google Audio for iPhone go the way of Google Voice?

Remember when Google submitted its Google Voice iPhone app to the App Store last July? Apple banned the app, citing “duplicate features that come with the iPhone,” because Google Voice would create competition for AT&T’s calling & SMS services. Would a Google Audio iPhone app be banned for competing with iPod and the iTunes Store?

What Will a Google Voice iPhone App Look Like?

We don’t yet know what Google Voice will look like, or what it will do. But if Google’s history of innovation is any indication, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is somehow a game-changer. And that could be bad news for Apple.

After all, iTunes is by far the leader in music downloads. Any competition from Google in the market for online music would certainly be unwanted.

Of course, there’s already a Pandora iPhone app that lets you stream music and bypass the iPod, but Pandora doesn’t give you on-demand access to specific songs. Google Audio will presumably offer music downloads. What if a Google Audio iPhone app let you download songs to the app itself?

Could a Google Audio iPhone app make iTunes irrelevant? If so, can we expect Apple to ban Google Audio from iPhone? What do you think?

I recently reviewed the Kindle iPhone app and exposed some serious weaknesses. How will the upcoming iPhone app for Barnes & Noble’s new Nook ebook reader be better than the current Kindle iPhone app?

Although the Nook iPhone app is yet to debut, here are 3 reasons I think it could be a Kindle killer unless Amazon steps up its game.

1. If the image posted on Barnes and Noble’s new eReading blog, Unbound, is any indication, Nook will have a “Find” feature that lets you search for specific text in books. The Kindle iPhone app lacks any kind of search feature.
2. It seems to me that one of the icons on the bottom panel of what is presumably the Nook iPhone app says “Import.” If so, Nook may let you import content into its iPhone app. With Kindle for iPhone, you are bound to the books you buy in the Kindle store. I hope Nook will be unbound by DRM restrictions and allow you to view other ebooks and content.
3. Nook will let you lend books to people who use iPhones, Blackberries and iPods. This kind of sharing is not possible with the Kindle iPhone app.

Up In the Air

Still undetermined is whether the Nook iPhone app will let you copy and paste content, and whether ebooks you purchase will be viewable online as well as on your iPhone and Nook reader. Kindle does not let you read your books online or in PDF form.

What do you think? Is Nook looking like it might be a Kindle killer?