Appletell

First South Caroline Apple Store to open this weekend

Josh Holat — 2008-07-24T16:59:00-05:00

Section: Apple, Apple News, Retail & Apple Store

Our fellow Apple fans in South Caroline can finally rejoice, as their first Apple Store is to open this weekend. Located at 301 King St. in Charleston, it will open on Saturday, July 6th at 10 A.M. There are no workshops scheduled yet and no word on whether this store will open with a fresh stock of iPhones behind its doors. Customers will be able to meet with the Genius Bar, schedule One to One Lessons, and have a good time with their fellow geeks.

If you plan on attending this opening, be sure to take some photos for us and tell us all about your experience. If they will have iPhones, I’m sure the line will be nice and long on opening day. If not, you’re in luck. I look forward to seeing more expansion from Apple in their retail department, because all of these Apple Stores are really helping drive product sales.

Via [Apple Store Page]

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Three new iPhone 3G ads

Josh Holat — 2008-07-24T16:30:00-05:00

Section: Apple, Apple News, Commercials, iPhone + Communications, iPhone

Apple is at it again with three new iPhone 3G ads. This time around, they are much more like the original iPhone ads and less like the first iPhone 3G ad. Two of the three ads, Everyone and Unslow, really push (pardon the pun) the idea of 3G and how it is twice as fast as the original iPhone’s EDGE network speeds. The third commercial is called Work Friendly and talks about the iPhone’s ability to “push” calendars, e-mail, and work contacts to the cloud almost instantly.

Everyone

Unslow

Work Friendly

What do you think of this round of videos? Is it fair of Apple to promote these features even though they themselves have publicly stated that it isn’t really “push” yet? I’ll let you be the judge of that in the comments.

Via [Apple’s Ad Page]

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AT&T working on iPhone voice command software

Josh Holat — 2008-07-24T15:57:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, Carriers, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps

AT&T has a voice command software application in the works for Apple’s iPhone. Based on their WATSON speech recognition engine, it uses Speech Mashups that call upon the entire web for their information. Although it won’t work for voice dialing, it will work for other neat actions. The downside? I don’t believe this is meant to be fully featured voice command software, which is kind of a shame.

Although it is not at all what you would expect (voice control for the entire iPhone), it is a first step. Hopefully, Apple will comes to their senses and realize how much their customers want fully featured voice command software, because I’m sure there are a few companies willing to make some nice apps for it. And with new laws in states like California that require drivers to use hands free headsets, many people will absolutely need voice dialing in their cars. Please, Apple?

Via [Macsimum News]

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Is there an iPhone app update bug?

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-24T12:29:00-05:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps

One of our readers has tipped us off about a potential iPhone app bug that manifests itself when updating software. In this particular case, the reader was attempting to install the second update of Cro-Mag Rally. On the first update, iTunes notified him the update was available. This time around, he wasn’t notified; instead, he was presented with the Check for Updates link when seeking it out, even though the iTunes App Store indicated a new version was, in fact, available.

I’ll let him explain the rest.

The problem is with how iTunes installs app updates. Like I said, I had already updated Cro-Mag Rally once before. What I didn’t realise at the time was iTunes didn’t actually overwrite the original file—it creates a duplicate! Yes, you read correctly. iTunes created another file in the Music/iTunes/Mobile Applications folder called “Cro-Mag 1.ipa” to sit along side the original ‘Cro-Mag.ipa’ file. I checked the info of the app currently in my iTunes library at that time, and sure enough, it’s file name was “Cro-Mag 1.ipa.” Now we’re getting to the problem. You see, when iTunes is checking for app updates, it must be going by file name rather than app name. So, in this case, iTunes has been
checking for updates for “Cro-Mag 1” instead of “Cro-Mag,” and, of course, it won’t find any.

To prove this, I removed Cro-Mag Rally from the iTunes Library, but kept the file. Then I deleted the original “Cro-Mag.ipa” file and re-named the other, removing the “1” from its name. Then I added it back to iTunes with its new name of “Cro-Mag.ipa” by dragging it to the iTunes window. Immediately, I had the message at the bottom of the window telling
me of an update available!

Have any of you had the same problem? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to let Apple and the product’s developer know, as well. Doesn’t seem like a hard fix...the right people just need to be aware of the issue.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Rumor alert - (Red) iPhone for the holidays?

Indraneel Purohit — 2008-07-24T10:59:00-05:00

Section: Apple News, Rumors, iPhone + Communications, iPhone

Apple’s iPod nano and shuffle have gone the way of (Product) RED, and rumor has it that the iPhone is to do the same later this year. This may all be wild speculation, but with companies striving to show their humanitarian side, anything is possible. A (Product) RED device is coated red, and sells at a 10 dollar (or so) premium. That extra money is donated to a charitable cause (the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa), something a lot of people would look to do during the holiday season.

A red iPhone would also add a little push to the brand at a time after the extreme interest dies down.

Check back for more as it happens.

Via [iPhone Savior]

Full Story » | Written by Indraneel Purohit for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Take our readership survey, win a HDTV

Adam Berger — 2008-07-24T03:00:00-05:00

Section: Features, Appletell Announcements

Here at Appletell we are committed to bringing you great content day after day, allowing you to stay in the know about everything Apple. We have opted to offer you all this information for free, by serving various banner ads (and sometimes video ads) across the site. Thankfully there are a few bigger advertisers interested in learning more about you, our readers, so we can offer ads that you may actually be interested in—helping you and helping us.

Please click here to take our readership survey.

Ps. If you fill out the entire survey you can enter for a chance to win a 37” LCD TV, as a thank you from us.

Full Story » | Written by Adam Berger for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell Review - Tap Tap Revenge for iPhone/iPod touch

Patrick Lutz — 2008-07-24T02:02:01-05:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Features, Review

Genre: Rhythm
Developer: Tapulous
File Size: 9.4 MB
Version Reviewed: 1.1
Requirements: iPhone 2.0 software
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
Rating: 4+
Price: Free

It’s not really surprising that Tap Tap Revenge (formerly Tap Tap Revolution) by Tapulous has been released in Apple’s App Store. The new game has been revised from its old version that Tapulous released through Installer on jailbroken iPhones and iPod touches, and has been given a new name to accommodate its transition. Tap Tap Revenge is Tapulous’ first submission into the App Store, with Twinkle and Friend Book released just a few days later.

Tap Tap Revenge is an incredibly fun game for the iPhone and iPod touch. It’s somewhat of a clone of the popular game Guitar Hero for other consoles, except that you use your finger to hit the notes. The game allows single and multiplayer functionality, the ability to download more tracks to use with the game (although its old functionality of allowing you to use your own songs for the game has been removed due to Apple’s strict rules on App Store apps), and the ability to participate in Tapulous’ tournaments to win cool prizes.

The general functionality of the game in general is superb—it plays very well with minimal lag, and no crashing at all. The graphics are great, even though it has a very simple design, and the audio quality of the songs that are playable within Tap Tap Revenge is also very good. Tap Tap Revenge has been beautifully designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch, and has the feel of the Guitar Hero series. Best of all, though, is that the game is absolutely free from the App Store! I would think a game such as this would go for at least $4.99, but their decision to make it free created a lot more popularity, since everyone can play.

Overall, Tap Tap Revenge is a very fun and addicting game, with new songs and additions to come very soon. Great job to Tapulous.

Appletell Rating:

Download Tap Tap Revenge

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LemonQuest presents Circulate Prologue for iPhone, iPod Touch

NEWS — 2008-07-24T01:58:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Circulate Prologue takes advantage of the accelerometer technology of the iPhone and iPod Touch to rotate several colorful spheres into a spinning vortex…
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

MobileMe is here…again? Free 60-day trial

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-23T21:48:00-05:00

Section: Software + Apps, .Mac, MobileMe, Web Applications, Mac + Computers, Software

MobileMe, Apple’s upgrade to their previous .Mac web service, has been available pretty much since the iPhone 3G launch. We’ve seen MobileMe 30 day extensions and MobileMe reviews since then, so why are some Apple users just now seeing the official release announcement? Perhaps Apple was waiting until the kinks were worked out before beginning the big promotional blitz, as their e-mail campaign seems geared towards attracting new users:

The simple way to keep everything in sync. Stay up to date with email, contacts, and calendars that sync across your iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. Access it all using the feature-rich web applications at me.com. You’ll also get an email address at me.com, easy online photo sharing, 20GB of online storage, and more.

Obviously, the rest of us already knew about this and have been taking advantage of these features for a couple weeks now. Those new to the service, however, can sign up for a free, 60-day trial. I recommend Mac users take advantage of the trial; the apps really are pretty sweet.

Product [MobileMe]

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Macintosh/iPhone software update round-up - July 23, 2008

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-23T21:45:00-05:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone software updates and announcements for July 23, 2008:

WebIS introduced Note2Self 1.0, their easy-to-use audio recorder for Apple iPhone. Designed from the ground up to take advantage of the iPhone’s unique abilities and interface, Note2Self keeps track of task items via the e-mail inbox.
Houdah Software has released HoudahSpot 2.2, their popular search utility for Mac OS X Leopard. HoudahSpot 2.2 revamps the BlitzSearch feature. BlitzSearch combines the simplicity of Spotlight with the power of HoudahSpot. Additionally, HoudahSpot 2.2 improves AppleScript support, as well as integration with third party tools PathFinder, LaunchBar and QuickSilver.
Extensis this week celebrates its fifteen-year anniversary as a local, Oregon-based software developer. To commemorate this milestone, Extensis is holding an anniversary celebration for employees, including activities centered on supporting community service. All the funds raised by Extensis employees during the anniversary celebration will be matched by Extensis and donated to The Oregon Food Bank.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Interesting iPhone tip - play music and a game at the same time

Josh Holat — 2008-07-23T20:27:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone, Features, How-To

Some games can come with some pretty annoying, repetitive music. Sometimes you just want to listen to your own, or maybe even a podcast. Up until now, you would just have to deal with it. However, if you want to play your own music while you game on your iPhone, or just find that Super Monkey Ball music annoying, there is an answer. An interesting trick from Mac OS X Hints provides the solution to this question, and although it’s weird, it’s cool.

To achieve the ultimate music serenity, you must start by listening to your music. Then, start the game and wait for its music to take over yours. After that, press the sleep/wake button on the top of your phone. Press it once more to wake your phone and, voila, you now have your own music. You could also simply double tap the home button to bring up the iPod controls, but where is the fun in that?

Via [Mac OS X Hints]

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iPhone applications meet Digg like website

Josh Holat — 2008-07-23T20:16:00-05:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iTunes, iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps

Digg fan? iPhone application fan? Then you’ll love the new site from Lockergnome that brings a Digg like interface to sorting through iPhone applications. Simply head over to their site, register, and then be on your way to either voting up or down your iPhone applications. The list of submitted applications can be sorted release date or popularity, so you will always be on top of what’s going on in the app world. Currently, Pandora is the most popular with around 200 votes, and Shazam is close behind.

The App Store has been a huge success for both Apple and third party developers. Tons of applications are being added everyday, and millions are being downloaded. The functionality of the iPhone has grown exponentially in recent days, and developers have been giving their applications their all. Let’s just hope Apple can keep up with all of these new apps and fix some of their issues. Be sure to check out this site to keep track of the hottest applications around.

Via [Lockergnome]

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iPhone 3G sales twice as fast as first gen iPhone sales

Josh Holat — 2008-07-23T20:12:01-05:00

Section: Apple News, Retail & Apple Store, iPhone + Communications, iPhone

Taking the first two weeks or so of the first gen iPhone sales in comparison to the iPhone 3G sales will show that the iPhone 3G sales are about twice as fast. The main reasons for this differential are most likely the lower initial price, as well as the hot, new software. Chief executive Randall Stephenson said, “In the days following our exclusive U.S. launch of this new device, powered by the nation’s fastest 3G wireless network, customer response has been everything we had anticipated and more.” This news comes along with large Apple 3Q profits, which took place even before the iPhone was released.

Although we won’t know for certain how many iPhones were sold until Apple tells us, it is definitely a lot more than the first generation (keep in mind, it was released in many more countries this time). Despite the activation problems, the iPhone 3G still managed to sell out in pretty much every single location except eBay. This product has been a huge success for both Apple and AT&T, and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.

Via [AppleInsider]

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Gadget Wrap launches Nano Case Value Pak for iPod nano

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-23T13:05:00-05:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod Accessories, Cases, iPod nano

Gadget Wrap—distributor of the KeySkin keyboard cover for MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Apple aluminum wired and wireless keyboards—has announced the release of the Nano Case Value Pak, the next product in its new line of high quality product offerings.

Designed for today’s busy, the Nano Case Value Pak is constructed from durable silicone to provide protection and a tailor-made fit. In addition to a silicone case, each Nano Case Value Pak comes complete with a custom armband, belt clip, neck lanyard, screen protector, and fashionable matching ear caps, and is available in white, pink, blue, black, and black with white accents.

Priced at $29.99 USD, the Gadget Wrap Nano Case Value Pak is available directly from the Gadget Wrap website.

Product [Nano Case Value Pak]

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Apple updates iLife apps

Patrick Lutz — 2008-07-23T11:52:00-05:00

Section: Apple News, Updates, Software + Apps, iLife, MobileMe, Mac + Computers, Software

Apple has updated its iLife ‘08 applications and accompanying software. The updates are available for download from Apple’s Web site, and can also be downloaded through the Mac Software Update tool.

The new versions are as follows:

iWeb 2.0.4
iLife Support 8.3
iMovie 7.1.4
iPhoto 7.1.4

The updates mostly “… address general compatibility issues, improve overall stability and address a number of other minor issues,” according to Apple. iPhoto 7.1.4 is the only exception, which contains new holiday greeting card and postcard themes for use with Apple print products.

There is also one cosmetic change to the updates: .Mac’s apps’ menu commands have been replaced with references to Apple’s newly launched MobileMe Service, which is pretty much an upgrade from .Mac, a move that Apple executives characterized as a “branding” update. Earlier this month, Apple released an update, the Mac OS X Update for Mobile Me 1.1, which included general system fixes that enhanced MobileMe’s compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5.4.

iLife Support includes system software components that are shared by all iLife ’08 applications.

Via [Gear Live]

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Mobile blogging via the iPhone gets easier with WordPress app

Arnold Zafra — 2008-07-23T11:46:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps

Taking the lead off Six Apart’s Typepad application for the iPhone, Automattic has released the WordPress application for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The application is now available in the iTunes Apps Store as a free download. Although you still can’t add links or remotely hosted images, nor can you use the good old paragraph formatting features that users have grown accustomed to, the WordPress application features some useful functionality that you can use on your iPhone and iPod Touch.

The WordPress mobile application features full support for tags and categories, support for camera phone pics and library photos, support for multiple blogs, password protection and auto-recovery of posts if you get interrupted by phone calls.

The WordPress mobile application works with both WordPress.com hosted blogs and self-hosted blogs on versions 2.5.1 and later. You may download the application here (link will direct you to the iTunes Apps Store).

Product [WordPress for iPhone]

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Official Spore box art released and it’s, well, you tell me

NEWS — 2008-07-23T11:44:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - Millions of lifeforms have already been created, and these are the best they could find for the box? *sigh*…
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

MacBook Touch coming in October?

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-22T23:09:00-05:00

Section: Apple News, Rumors, Mac + Computers, Laptops

Okay, so I know this guy who knows this guy who knew this guy who read on Gizmodo that MacDailyNews has a source who leaked that the MacBook Touch will be coming in October. Obviously, it’s just a rumor, and we’ve heard such rumors before, but here’s what has the Apple web abuzz:

This source apparently leaked wireless iTunes a week before it was announced.
Steve Jobs mentioned in the Apple earnings report yesterday that Apple’s “...busy finishing several more wonderful new products to launch in the coming months.” He also promised, “...technologies and features that others can’t match.”
October’s a great time for a device, considering the shopping season.
People really, really want this to be true.

Think MacBook screen, possibly a bit smaller, in glass with iPhone-like, but fuller-featured Multi-Touch. Gesture library. Full Mac OS X. This is why they bought P.A. Semi. Possibly with Immersion’s haptic tech. Slot-loading SuperDrive. Accelerometer. GPS. Pretty expensive to produce initially, but sold at “low” price that will reduce margins. Apple wants to move these babies. And move they will. This is some sick ####. App Store-compatible, able to run Mac apps, too. By October at the latest.

Whether this Apple Tablet comes to fruition, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. If you really need to find out ahead of time, find out who makes those fingerprint screen wipes for the iPhone and iPod touch and see if they all suddenly start buying boats and big TVs.

Via [Gizmodo]

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell Review: Speck PixelSkin case for the iPhone 3G

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-22T20:15:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, Features, Review

Developer: Speck Products
Price: $24.95
Availability: Out now
Pros: Easy to get on and off, soft and comfortable in your hand.
Cons: Lack of any screen protector.
Overall: Good case, but not my personal favorite.

With the iPhone 3G recently released, we are seeing an onslaught of cases coming to market. The decision for a case will be easy for some, as it seems a lot of manufacturers are making the same—if not similar—models as their original iPhone counterparts. But, what are you to do if this is your first iPhone, or if you are looking for something new?With so many from which to choose, this can be difficult.

Speck has quickly introduced a few case models that fit the new iPhone, one of which is the PixelSkin. This case is made from a soft rubber material, and is available in a variety of colors: marshmallow white, licorice black, spearmint green, sherbet pink, huckelberry purple, corncob yellow and blueberry blue. I had the white, black and green case sent to me for review purposes. The black and white are pretty standard colors, and the green was really nice, although it seemed to be slightly darker in real life compared to the image online.

These cases are pretty simple to put on; simply slide the phone in and stretch the skin around the corners. The PixelSkins have openings for the camera lens, headphone jack, and ringer switch, as well as the dock connector and speakers on the bottom. Unlike some other cases, the volume and the power button are covered, but they are still just as easy to hit and adjust as if they were exposed. The headphone jack, in my experience was wide enough to be used with the variety of headphones I have lying around the office.

The front edges of the case are raised a little and offer protection should you place your iPhone down on the table with the display side down, but the PixelSkin does not ship with any screen protector. That is not a big issue, as the display is pretty scratch resistant, but I prefer the extra protection offered by many other cases in this price range which include a protector film for the display. It seems a little strange that it was not included.

Overall, this is a decent case, I like, the soft comfortable grip it offers, but that added some bulk and made it slightly more difficult to put in a front pocket. While it would not be my first choice for a case, I can say that it’s worth the money, and the variety of colors is real nice.

Appletell Rating:

But the PixelSkin for iPhone 3G

Keep reading to check out a few images of the three color options that I had for review…

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple 3Q results: Mac sales reach all-time high

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-22T11:43:00-05:00

Section: Apple, Apple News

Apple announced yesterday their financial results for its fiscal 2008 third quarter, which ended June 28, 2008. The Company posted revenue of $7.46 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.07 billion, or $1.19 per diluted share. These results are up from revenue of $5.41 billion and net quarterly profit of $818 million, or $.92 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 34.8 percent, down from 36.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 42 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

The great news about these numbers is that they’re not helped by the release of the iPhone 3G, which came out two weeks after the quarter ended. Instead, they’re the result of shipping 2,496,000 Macintosh computers during the quarter, representing 41 percent unit growth and 43 percent revenue growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple also sold 11,011,000 iPods during the quarter (7% revenue growth over the year-ago quarter) and 717,000 iPhones (compared to 270,000 in the year-ago-quarter).

“We’re proud to report the best June quarter for both revenue and earnings in Apple’s history,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We set a new record for Mac sales, we think we have a real winner with our new iPhone 3G, and we’re busy finishing several more wonderful new products to launch in the coming months.”

Ah, yes. Several more wonderful new products. Let the speculation begin. New iPod designs? The elusive iTablet? The return of the eMate (one can only dream)?

Via [Apple]

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Open Tech unveils Mac clone

Indraneel Purohit — 2008-07-22T11:36:00-05:00

Section: Mac + Computers, Desktops

Learning absolutely nothing from the entire Psystar saga, Open Tech has announced their version of the Mac clone. With an Open Tech machine, you receive specs that looks something like this:

Intel Pentium D 945 3.40GHz Dual-Core Processor
500GB Hard Drive (7200 Rpm)
3GB of DDR2 Ram (667 MHz PC 5400)
Optical Drive (Burn and read DVDs and CDs)
500 Watt Power Supply
Power Up ATX mid-tower case-Black
Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11g

However, it has been stated that the computer will be fully customizable when it releases. A main difference from Psystar’s failed Open Mac is that no OS is installed onto the computer. Instead, the user is given instructions on how to install OS X or any other OS onto the computer.

It is highly likely, given the prior events with Psystar, that Apple will press charges or (at the very least) issue a ceast-and-desist to Open Tech.

Product [Open Tech]

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Remote control your Mac…without MobileMe!

Aaron Kraus — 2008-07-22T11:29:00-05:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, Mac + Computers, Networking, Software

Have you ever found yourself away from your computer, and wished you could access that document, or your music library, or fire up your e-mail application because you can’t remember your Gmail password? Apple provides this ability in Leopard (OS X 10.5), but it requires two Leopard-running computers and a $99 yearly subscription to MobileMe. And even then, there are a few limitations.

So, what can you do if you don’t meet the requirements for Back to My Mac? That’s where LogMeIn helps (pronounced “log-me-in”, not “log-mein” like the chinese food)! It overcomes the major hurdles presented by Back to My Mac, and does it with style:

OS: Mac OS X (desktop or iPhone!), Windows, Linux - as long as it runs Safari, IE, or Firefox.
Bandwidth: Dial-up to Fiber optic. Video settings in the screen sharing allow tweaking from full color sharing to basic black-and-white for slow connections.
Cost: Free. More advanced features require an upgrade to LogMeIn Pro, but the basic version is yours to use at will for no cost.

LogMeIn may be downloaded from their website. Click on the green “Download” button, then follow the installation instructions. Computers to be controlled require the downloaded LogMeIn Agent to be active, but the controlling computer does not. This is especially useful for public computers or your iPhone where admin rights are not granted to users. To remotely control a computer, you simply navigate back to the LogMeIn website, sign in, and a list of computers available for control is presented. Plug-ins are available for all major browsers (IE, Firefox, and Safari), but a no-installation-necessary java client is also available in case you need it.

In over a year of use, the LogMeIn service has experienced only two minor outages. In each case, an upgrade to the service was being performed that required it to be taken offline. For Mac users who can’t always access a Leopard-running computer, LogMeIn is a superior choice to Back to My Mac. If you perform remote tech support for family and friends, it can also be invaluable (assuming you are not troubleshooting internet connectivity issues). And for business users, LogMeIn provides a plethora of options for remote connectivity, including VPN, backup, and remote network administration, though these services are not free.

Product [LogMeIn Free]

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Appletell advice: Sell your iPhone 3G now, buy 5 later

Michael Goonan — 2008-07-22T11:26:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone

Even though the iPhone 3G launch didn’t go as smoothly as Apple had hoped, they still managed to sell over 1 million of the phones. Now that most Apple and AT&T stores are currently out of stock (and have lines forming for what little they do have), some people are really cashing in for their iPhone 3Gs on eBay, generally at least quadrupling their money.

The average 8GB iPhone is going for about $800-$900, while most of the 16GB models are going for well over $1,000, with one even topping two grand. And, as if paying these outrageous prices is not enough for the buyers, they are going to have to hack them unless they found an “unlocked” version due to Apple and AT&T’s new in-store-only activation policy.

So my personal advice to you is that if you managed to get your hands on an iPhone 3G on launch weekend, sell it now and buy four or five of them when they come back into stock. I know that I won’t convince anybody to actually do that, but it is the smart thing to do if you’re willing to wait a little bit to get your new iPhone anyway. But I don’t blame you if you can’t tear yourself away. I doubt I would be able to.

Via [Macworld]

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Macintosh/iPhone software update round-up - July 21, 2008

Kirk Hiner — 2008-07-21T22:30:00-05:00

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone software updates and announcements for July 21, 2008:

Effigent Inc. announced that its flagship product, PowerEasy Suite, has had a successful beta program, and is now generally available. PowerEasy takes advantage of the new features of Mac OS X Leopard, as well as integration with the iPhone. The PowerEasy solution enables small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage key accounting sales and purchasing operations in a single integrated system, which includes financials, distribution, and time and billing.
You Software has announced the immediate availability of You Control 1.7, the award-winning utility for creating custom menus on the Mac. This update introduces improvements for better support of iCal on Leopard, as well as a number of enhancements and fixes for other modules in You Control. The Calendar module is one of 19 modules included with You Control. You Control modules are the building blocks that allow users to create a wide variety of custom menus, with all kinds of information directly available from the menu bar.
Ilium Software has announced the immediate availability of eWallet for iPhone and iPod touch devices. eWallet is an award-winning secure information and password manager application that’s used to store important personal information like credit card numbers, passwords, PINs and much more. The release follows on heels of eWallet 6.1, made available earlier this month for Windows Mobile and Palm OS devices.
Celmaro has announced the immediate availability of Webbla 1.0, a visual bookmark library for Mac OS X Leopard. Webbla creates automatically webpage thumbnails for each added bookmark and display them in a list or icon view. Bookmarks can be personalized with tags, rating and a description and organized in collections and smart collections.
Grantwood Technology, LLC announced the release of the tuneband for iPhone and iPhone 3G, an armband product designed to comfortably secure the iPhone in place during exercise, with the ability to access the screen and buttons.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell Review: Maximo iMetal Isolation headphones, iMetal Stereo headphones for the iPhone

Robert Nelson — 2008-07-21T21:26:00-05:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod Accessories, Headphones, iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, Features, Review

Developer: Maximo
Price: iP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset: $69.99, iMetal Stereo Headphones: $69.99
Availability: Out now
Pros: Both models offered great sound quality and comfort.
Cons: The mic picked up some extra background noise. Otherwise the iMetal Isolation headphones rubber ear pieces felt a little thin.
Overall: Quality headsets at a decent price, would not hesitate to recommend.

I recently had the opportunity to check out a couple sets of iPhone headphones from Maximo, and yes they fit (without an adapter) in the recessed jack on the original iPhone without any problems. I was sent two sets of headphones to review, the iMetal IP-HS2 Isolation headphones and the iMetal IP-HS1 Stereo headphones.

Both sets of headphones shipped with a carrying case, 2-foot extension cable and user guide. The iMetal IP-HS2 Isolation headphones shipped with three sets of rubber tips to allow for a little more of a custom fit, and the iMetal IP-HS1 Stereo headphones shipped with just a basic set of foam covers.

Maximo iMetal IP-HS1 Stereo headphones:
First up are the non-isolating headphones. These are just your standard earbud style headphones, but offer good sound quality and are comfortable in-ear, even for an extended duration. When I first unboxed this set, I was initially taken aback because they seemed a little large; not the earbud portion, but the metal connector coming off the earbud that attaches to the cable itself. I initially thought that it was going to feel a little awkward, but this set was actually pleasant to wear—maybe the little extra weight balanced them out a little bit.

Maximo iMetal IP-HS2 Isolation headphones:
Next up we have the sound-isolating headphones, and I was a little more excited to review these. I prefer sound-isolating headphones and regularly use them, but while these offered a good sound quality, I am not sure they are the best at isolating. These headphones shipped with three sets of rubber ear pieces, and they felt a little thin. They did a decent job of keeping outside noise away, but it was hard for me to get a really solid feeling fit. These also felt slightly uncomfortable after an extended period of wear, something I typically do not experience with sound-isolating headphones. I think with a better set of tips, these headphones would be much improved.

Common Features:
As for the microphone, I had just about the same experience with both models. The mic was at a good level; not too high up, but not low enough to make speaking at a normal level hard. The calls I made were all of an acceptable level. I had a few issues with the person I was calling complaining of background noise, but that is somewhat expected when wearing a mic on your chest. The call quality seemed good, and, for the most part, the people I called were able to hear me without any issue.

Both headsets also feature a button which hung a little below the microphone that could be used to play your music, pause it, and skip tracks, as well as answer and end a call. I liked the way the button is set up; a decent size overall that added a little weight to the headphones. It’s not enough to be heavy, but enough to keep it from swinging to much. The button is metal on the one side with a rubber piece where you are able to click. This is a nice touch, because it makes it easy to work without having to think about which side to click on.

Also, as previously mentioned, they both work with the recessed jack on the original iPhone, which means you don’t have to spend any extra money on an adapter cable.

Bottom Line:
Out of the two pairs, I was happier with the iMetal IP-HS1 Stereo headphones and found myself using them more often because of the comfort level.

I already have recommended the iMetal IP-HS2 Isolation headphones to a good friend, who was impressed with them once he started using them. My friend was also a little concerned about the thin feeling of the rubber tips, but mentioned he was still able to get a comfortable fit.

iP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset Rating:

Buy iP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset

iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headphones Rating:

Buy iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headphones

Keep reading for a few more “real-world” pics of the Maximo iMetal headphones…

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

iPhone Dev Team Updates Pwnage Tool already

Josh Holat — 2008-07-21T21:22:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps

Hot on the tail of the recent Pwnage 2.0 tool for the iPhone, the iPhone Dev Team has already updated their app to version 2.0.1. This version brings a couple of large fixes, but it isn’t necessary if the 2.0 version already worked with your iPhone. There are three different sites where you can download this version of the software, as the initial release caused several of the iPhone Dev Team’s servers to crash.

The list of updates includes:

It auto-finds the bl39 and bl46 files better, if they’re on your computer.
It creates the ~/Library/iTunes/Device Support/ folder if not present, which should help with some 1600 errors people have been having.
Many people have reported the PwnageTool not starting up at all (the icon never stops bouncing). This issue should be resolved now.
The Sparkle AppCast URL is fixed in this version, so automatic updates should work for future releases.

Hopefully, Apple will follow by example and upgrade their software, too, as they have some buggy behaviors. If you have successfully jailbroken/unlocked the iPhone 2.0 software, tell us about your experience in the comments. It sure is amazing how efficiently and quickly these guys can crack this stuff.

Via [iPhone Dev Team Blog] Download [Pwnage Tool 2.0.1 (19.7MB .zip)]

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

How to get the most out of your iPhone battery

Josh Holat — 2008-07-21T20:17:00-05:00

Section: iPhone + Communications, iPhone Accessories, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Originals

Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments about the new iPhone 2.0 software is that all those apps can really take a toll on your battery life. With the iPhone being the central hub of my online life when I’m on the go, I really don’t want it dying on me in the middle of nowhere. I’ve searched the web and talked to friends about the best way to keep my battery power at its highest, and this post will outline what I came up with.

Buy a car charger. Perhaps the most obvious thing to do would be to buy a car charger, so you can always charge your iPhone. You can find them for relatively cheap from Apple’s website, and some even allow you to play music through your car’s speakers.
Turn off Wi-Fi, Location, and 3G when not in use. These three features, when not in use, can destroy your battery life by using up resources that you aren’t currently needing. When you don’t need them, go into the Settings application and simply turn them off. It can be sort of a nuisance to have to do this every time you don’t need them, but the saved battery life will be worth it.
Turn down the screen brightness. A lot of people overlook this one. You don’t always need a super bright screen when you are outside, so you can easily save battery life by pumping down the brightness in the Settings menu. As long as you don’t turn it down too far, you will barely notice anything different.
Treat it right. Although batteries can be a really confusing technology, there are some ways to treat them right. Most people will tell you to let it drain completely at least once a month to “exercise” the battery. Furthermore, try not to leave it connected to a charger 100% of the time. When storing, drain the battery to about half power and leave it in a nice, dry location.

Have anything to add? Let everyone know in the comments!

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell Review: Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D for iPhone

Josh Holat — 2008-07-21T16:48:01-05:00

Section: iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iTunes, iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Features, Review

Genre: Action
Developer: Vivendi Games Mobile
File Size: 7.0MB
Version Reviewed: 0.7.4
Requirements: iPhone 2.0 software
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
Rating: 4+
Price: $9.99

Although not as hyped as Super Monkey Ball, Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D from the App Store provides just as much fun. Making use of the accelerometer for steering and the touch screen for destroying your enemies, this racing game is great for any iPhone gamer.

Before I go into detail about the game, let me tell you what it is about. Crash Bandicoot has been around for a while on systems such as PlayStation. Although there are many varieties of the game out there now, many of them revolve around racing and using certain weapons to stop your opponents from winning. The characters are made up (some are quite strange), and the cars look like go-carts. Even though it is a little odd at first, the gameplay is really fun!

The first thing you notice (as in pretty much any game) are the graphics. The graphics aren’t as sharp as Super Monkey Ball, but I don’t think they are meant to be and are perfect for the type of game this is. In addition, there is practically no lag at all when playing the game. The menu system looks great, is simple to use, and has cool transitions. You can choose to play in a cup (tournament), story mode, time trials, or practice, and there are also options for setting the sensitivity of the accelerometer as well as the sound volume. It’s very easy to get addicted to.

Next is the gameplay. After choosing the type of game you want to play, you face off against any amount of computer competitors. You steer by titling the iPhone, and the goal is obviously to beat the computer players around the race track. Along the way, you can run into boxes to pick up weapons that can be used to halt the other competitors. However, you must also avoid some hazards that are built into the track (boulders, crabs, etc). If you win, you usually unlock some other aspect of the game: new tracks, characters, or game modes.

The game itself is very fun, and the controls make it that much better. I have experienced no problems playing the game so far, and I like the idea of unlocking new stuff as you beat levels. It doesn’t drain the iPhone the battery as fast as Super Monkey Ball, either, which is another plus. Furthermore, you may remember one of my major gripes from Super Monkey Ball was that you have to start at the beginning of each world every time. This game doesn’t do that. Upon launch, it will ask you if you want to start from your previous location, which is quite handy.

This game is a definite buy for any racing or iPhone gaming fan.

Appletell Rating:

Buy Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D for iPhone/iPod touch

Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Psystar liquidation: Mac clone company HQ for sale

Indraneel Purohit — 2008-07-21T16:46:01-05:00

Section: Apple

Psystar, makers of Macintosh clones, were recently sued and mugged by Apple. Now, the company is selling their headquarters, which is essentially a large warehouse in Doral, Florida, for $4.6 million. The property, however, is owned by Constructora Canahuati, which have no connection to Psystar. The 47,000 square foot structure is “priced for quick sale” at a price of $97.65 per square foot. The company was originally based in Miami, but soon moved to Doral.

Maybe this will help pay for Psystar’s severe losses.

Via [Yahoo]

Full Story » | Written by Indraneel Purohit for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

KavaSoft releases KavaTunes 3.2, the web jukebox for iTunes

Stephen Chinnadorai — 2008-07-21T10:50:00-05:00

Section: Software + Apps, Music, Web Applications

KavaSoft have just released the latest version of their web jukebox for iTunes: KavaTunes 3.2. KavaTunes is essentially a web app that looks and works just like iTunes, meaning that you can browse, search and play your iTunes library from any web browser, anywhere in the world. KavaTunes also features continuous playback, which means songs will play one after another in a playlist automatically—without any gaps. If you want album artwork added to your library, KavaTunes can do that too. Web catalogs that resemble the iPod’s interface can be created; visitors can play music via this interface. Your personalised home page shows your music taste through several different categories: most played artists, recently added albums, recently played songs and top rated albums. If visitors like what they’re hearing, they can click a link to buy it from the iTunes Store.

KavaTunes 3.2 brings a re-designed music preference pane, which gives the option of whether vistiors can download music from the site. The volume of playback can also be customised. KavaTunes costs £35, and can be purchased from their website.

Via [MacMegaSite]

Full Story » | Written by Stephen Chinnadorai for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

PopCap survey indicates kids with ADHD may benefit from casual games

NEWS — 2008-07-21T10:47:00-05:00

FROM GAMERTELL - It’s difficult for the parents of a child diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to find ways to control their child’s disorder and help him or her live a normal childhood. PopCap Games recently contracted Information Solutions Group to conduct a unique survey in April 2008 in which 2,728… MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »