The Best iPhone Blog

iZoo game for iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:55:00 +0000

I've discovered the new game — iZoo, that may take yours weekend :) In fact, this is the clone of Bejeweled game with few new features.
It can be downloaded from the repositary for Installer right here:
http://www.touchrepo.com/repo. xml

Enjoy =)

Create Custom Web Clips for your 1.1.3 iPhone or iPod Touch [IPhone]

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:06:00 +0000

via Lifehacker.com

Web site Clipalizer creates custom Web Clip icons for your iPhone or iPod touch for any web page. But Web Clips lets you define your own image, so why would you want to use it? Well, either 1) the image you want isn't on the web page or 2) the page defines their own Web Clip icon, which overrides any image you try to define. For example, I prefer my Clipalizer icon for Lifehacker to the default icon assigned by our site. The trick is that the Clipalizer site is sort of like a TinyURL redirect service, so it turns the image you upload into the default web clip for that URL. After you add it to the homescreen, it redirects you to your bookmark page every time you launch it. Clever. If you haven't jailbroken and upgraded to the 1.1.3 firmware yet, here's how.

Clipalizer

Add Voice Dialing and Commands to Your iPhone with VoiceDial

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:06:00 +0000

via Lifehacker.com

iPhone only: Nagware iPhone application VoiceDial brings the power of voice activated phone dialing and application and bookmark launching to your iPhone. You can set VoiceDial to run on the home screen button double-tap for easy access and record voice tags up to three times to improve accuracy. I've been testing it out today and so far it's been successfully matching anything I throw at it. Aside from voice dialing, you can launch any application installed on your iPhone or any bookmark in Safari through the same voice command interface. VoiceDial is nagware, costing $28 for the full version. You can grab the fully working demo (as far as I've noticed the initial nag screen is the only lock) through Installer, which for the time being requires a jailbroken iPhone. Wanna learn more about making the most of your iPhone? My iPhone book might be for you.

Voice Dial for iPhone

iPhone wallpapers pack / Computers

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:10:00 +0000

Now I've prepared for you a complete pack of wallpapers for your iPhone. Today's subject is Computers.

There are 28 cool wallpapers there. I hope, you'll like it :) Download

P.S. All this pictures are from iphone-wallpapers.us.

iPhone Air Hockey - Best use of multitouch yet!

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:28:00 +0000

iApp-a-Day brought iPhone users a surprisingly fun game, Air Hockey. This 2-player game takes advantage of the multi-touch display by having the player's finger control their air hockey mallet. The game can be a bit buggy at times, especially when your mallet goes out of control and hits the puck into a million different directions, but overall it's an awesome game when you have a partner to play with. To use, iPhone users must jailbreak their phones to get installer.app, which will then allow them to install iApp-a-Day.

Instructions how to install you can read at Gizmodo.

PocketGuitar. Transform your iPhone in a guitar!

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:46:00 +0000

Do you want to always have the small guitar in your pocket? You're lucky, because I've found the new app for iPhone — PocketGuitar. Try it, it's cool even you've never played the guitar before :)

Download and get instructions how to install you may at this site.

See how it works in video below:

Stream your iPhone or iPod touch music from any iTunes

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:03:00 +0000

via Touchtip.com

This is totally cool! You can easily stream the music off of your iPhone or iPod touch to any computer running iTunes. We tell you how in five easy steps.

Jailbreak your device (we recommend this one-tap hack)
Run Installer.app from your home screen
Go to the Resources tab in Installer.app, tap ‘Edit’ then ‘Add’
Type ‘http://home.mike.tl/iphone’ as a new resource
Refresh your repositories then go to the ‘Install’ tab of Intaller.app
Find ‘Firefly Media Server’ and install it

Make sure your firewall settings allow communication and enable “Look for shared library” in your iTunes sharing preferences. Now your iPhone or iPod touch music library will show up as a Shared library in iTunes (the default iPhone password is ‘dottie’, the iPod touch password is ‘alpine’). Stream away.

iPhone ringtones

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Here're all ringtones from iPhone in MP3. So you may use it at any other phones or for anything else uses you find.

Download iPhone ringtones free [2Mb]

How to Make Custom IPhone Ringtones Without Paying Apple $2

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:52:00 +0000

By Scott Gilbertson
via wired.com

Ambrosia Software's iToner is one of several desktop applications that help users generate free ringtones for Apple's iPhone.

Apple started selling iPhone ringtones for $2 apiece through its iTunes store last week, but if you aren't afraid of a little tinkering, you can get that "Hey Ya" or "Sexy Back" ringtone without shelling out the extra bucks.

Users have to pay Apple $1 for a song, plus an extra $1 to convert that song into a ringtone. Of course, hackers immediately set out to find a way to generate iPhone ringtones for free. In a classic game of cat and mouse, Apple has spent the last few days trying to block iPhone owners from installing free ringtones on their devices -- only to watch hackers come up with workarounds just hours after each patch is released.

Apple has continued to update its iTunes software (which syncs with the iPhone to add ringtones) to block the specific loopholes uncovered by the hackers. In fact, iTunes was updated almost immediately after the first loophole was uncovered Friday.

Despite Apple's best efforts, the chase continues. The most-popular desktop applications for installing custom ringtones were updated this weekend, in one case only hours after Apple updated its software to block them.

Mac users can rely on applications like iToner ($15 from Ambrosia Software), which is a full-featured ringtone manager for the iPhone. Windows users can get similar functionality from iPhoneRingtoneMaker ($15 from Efiko Software).

These options feature drag-and-drop ringtone management, including the ability to use just about any sound file and the option to set specific songs to play when specific people call. The latest iTunes update appears to have crippled iPhoneRingtoneMaker for some users, but the developers at Efiko are working on the problem. IToner is currently up to date.

Granted, the methods described below may very well be rendered obsolete the next time Apple updates iTunes or the iPhone's firmware.

So, to keep the instructions up to date, we've also posted them in Wired's How To Wiki. You can follow along there and help keep the instructions detailed and current as the Whack-A-Mole game continues.

ITunes 7.4

The simplest DIY method involves just using iTunes and some free software. Apple quickly disabled this ultrasimple free ringtone method with the release of iTunes 7.4.1, but if you haven't yet upgraded to 7.4.1, this method will work.

Shortly after the release of iTunes 7.4 -- which came out last Wednesday, the day ringtones were announced -- users noticed that the main difference between ringtones and regular audio files were their file extensions. Regular AAC files have the file extension .m4a, while ringtones use the file extension .m4r.

ITunes 7.4 will automatically create a new folder for storing ringtones in your music library the first time you open a .m4r file, provided you have the "Keep iTunes Music Folder Organized" option checked. This folder is where you'll want to put your ringtone files, but first you'll need to edit the song down to a suitable size. The size of an allowed ringtone on the iPhone tops out at around 3 megabytes.

For Mac users, there are several ways to whittle down your tracks. You could use Apple's Quicktime Pro or Garageband if you have them. You can also edit MP3s in the free Audion 3, which features a nice waveform editing tool. Windows users can edit audio files with the free Audacity. Pick the 20 to 30 seconds you want to use as your ringtone, and save the file as an MP3.

Next, add the shortened file to your iTunes library, then right-click on it in iTunes and choose "Convert to AAC." The clip will need to be an AAC file in order to be used as a ringtone. Finally, change the file extension to .m4r, and move the AAC to the "Ringtones" folder in your music library.

Since both Windows and Mac OS X like to hide file extensions, the renaming part can be tricky. Make sure you aren't just appending a file extension to the hidden one. On a Mac, choose "Get Info" in the Finder and make sure "Hide extension" is unchecked. In Windows, make sure the "Hide extensions for known file types" option in Windows Explorer is turned off.

When you sync your iPhone, you should see the new ringtones displayed in your phone's sound settings.

ITunes 7.4.1

Even if you have already upgraded to iTunes 7.4.1, all hope is not lost.

First, complete all the steps listed above for version 7.4. Then use this simple trick: Head back into the iTunes music folder and change the extension of your .m4r ringtones back to .m4a. Convoluted, yes, but it does work. For now.

More Alternatives

Or, rather than mess around with your file extensions, you can also use applications that automate the process. Rogue Amoeba's MakeiPhoneRingtone and AppleGazette's iRing are both free downloads for the Mac. Create the ringtone clip, and these apps will handle the rest.

There is another method of getting custom ringtones on your iPhone as well, though it requires using the Jailbreak application and a bit of command-line sauce.

Using Jailbreak to unlock your iPhone and installing the SSH application will let you interact with the iPhone's file system just as you would any other external device. You'll be able to install ringtones and much, much more.

The legality of all this futzing is still being debated. Some say using a song you purchased (either on a CD or online) as a ringtone does not constitute fair use and may be grounds for copyright infringement. So, proceed with caution.

And before you go crazy making a dozen ringtones, we can't help but suggest you consider another ring option: the ever-popular vibrate setting. Like a timeless black suit or little black dress, vibrate is classy, demure and doesn't annoy the hell out of everyone within 20 feet of you.

Basic iPhone FAQ

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:29:00 +0000

What is iPhone?

iPhone is a cellular phone created by Apple. iPhone combines an iPod music/video player, a cell phone, and an internet web and email client into one device. iPhone is intended to compete in the "smartphone" market. Originally priced at $499 (with 4 GB of storage) or $599 (for 8 GB of storage), Apple reduced the price on Sept. 5 to $399 for the 8GB model, dropping the 4GB model.
How many songs/videos can iPhone hold?: There are two iPhone models, one with 4 GB of storage and one with 8 GB of storage. Some of the iPhone's storage is used for its operating system, so not all of this space is available to store songs and videos. About 300 MB is used by the OS, and our 8 GB model had 7.24 GB of free space before it was set up by iTunes.
What OS does it run?: iPhone runs a version of OS X, similar to the desktop Mac OS X operating system.
Is it a Mac? Can it run Mac programs?: No. iPhone lacks many of the programmers' interfaces required to create a Mac program, and has a radically different user interface from a desktop Mac.
Does it use an Intel processor?: Disassembly photos indicate iPhone uses an ARM-type processor with just 1 Gigabit (125 MBytes) of RAM, complementing the 4GB or 8GB of flash memory. (ARM processors feature very low power consumption and were used in Apple's Newton MessagePad, iPods (other than the Shuffle) and many current cell phones.)
Can I run other programs on iPhone?: No. Only the programs supplied by Apple for iPhone can run. Some developers are creating web-based applications that will run in iPhone's web browser.
Are there games for iPhone like there are for iPods?: No.
How bright is the screen? Is it viewable in sunlight?: iPhone adjusts its brightness for ambient conditions. We found it usable in direct sunlight, although videos and photos appeared washed out.
Does it sync with my Mac/PC?: Yes, iTunes provides synchronization services for Safari bookmarks on Mac or PC, Internet Explorer bookmarks on PC, Mac Mail/Outlook/Outlook Express email accounts, iTunes music and video, Mac Address Book and Outlook contacts, and photos from iPhoto or a PC folder.
Can it sync wirelessly?: No, it must be docked like an iPod to sync.
What is the color and material of the back of the iPhone? In some pics it looks white, in others it looks matte silver with a shiny Apple logo. What is it?: The back of iPhone is satin-finish metal, except for the bottom fifth, which is black plastic. The antennas are located behind this black panel, similar to the Motorola RAZR's innovative antenna design.
What comes in the box?: iPhone, Stereo Headset, Dock, Dock Connector to USB Cable, USB Power Adapter, Documentation, Cleaning/polishing cloth

More additional FAQ you can read at macintouch.com iPhone FAQ

Mobile Phone Blog iPhone Review - Revolutionary

noreply@blogger.com (Alexey Kot) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:26:00 +0000

via mobilephoneblog.org
I begin the review with this: The iPhone is the hands-down, bonified, 100% legit, coolest gadget ever. I had high expectations for the device, and they were exceeded. Apple has done it again, and all the mac addicts out there will be happy with this first addition. And let me stress this: this is the first edition.* The iPhone lacks numerous features that many people are already complaining about as 'show stoppers'. Get over it, the software will improve, the hardware will improve, and it will evolve into the greatest hand held platform this world has ever seen. Come on, OSX in our pockets people.

*Does anyone remember the first iPod!!! it was a brick, black and white text, and the click wheel was loud and lousy. Now, iPods are slick machines that everyone loves, but it took 5 generations and 7 years to get there. It feels like everyone forgot this...

My PROS

Start with the 'LOCK' feature to get a feel of the touchscreen, it is wicked awesome. It is used in all the applications, in different ways. My favorite so far is the photo gallery, where you can slide your finger over an image to move back and forth between images.
Using the touchscreen to navigate: brilliant, just brilliant. In a single moment, Apple has erased the pain of using tiny little buttons to navigate a hand held device, which is definitely one of the main drawbacks of using a hand held device as a primary means of typing instrument. This is a significant point.
The iPod functionality: WOW. WOW. WOW.
Movies and TV shows, in landscape, are like HD quality.
when you turn the phone 90 degrees, it turns into landscape in many applications like iPod, photo gallery and Safari, giving the user a large surface to enjoy
Syncing could not be easier...it really could not. If you are any type of iTunes and iPod user, its a snap. If you have never used either, its still a snap.
EMAIL application works very well, as does SAFARI.
Built in speakers are a nice touch. Obviously for speakerphone they are needed, but they work well with iTunes
Weather, clock, timer, alarm, maps and stock prices at your fingertips, very handy, and very well presented
The overall interface detail is so smooth, its like butter
Vibrant LCD, sweet looking icons
Text is made crystal clear in emails and web browsing
Visual voicemail is unique and very interesting, allowing you to see a list of who left messages and more. This is actually a really nice feature, and very one of a kind
The phone uses the same connection type as the ipods...I was worried they would give us a new type of connection. but, not so. all the extra usb cables I have will work just fine. This also means the phone will plug into your car audio system like an iPod.

The list of things I like is long, and I highly recommend getting your hands on an iPhone to truly understand what a breakthrough device it is. Or read any of the hundreds of blog entries on the subject. The entry at Cult of Mac is good, or head over to Technorati for more.

Though far from perfect, the iPhone is exponentially better than any other device I have handled.

I do want to show my list of cons, and these are limited to the features that the phone should have:

No A2DP - meaning, no streaming bluetooth audio, no hooking up a sweet set of cans that you can use for tunes and phone calls (without a dongle handing from your hip). This is the one item I am most disappointed about. I cannot hook up a bluetooth stereo headset to enjoy the tunes and take calls...I do not know enough about the tech to know if a software upgrade will fix this, but that would be nice.
No JAVA or FLASH - means, no gaming!!! no flash madness!!!
Though I find NO official info on this, it appears that you cannot use your own music as ringtones. As far as I can tell, the only thing you can do is PURCHASE ringtones from the iTunes store, after you have purchased a song. So, you pay for a song, then pay again for the same song to be a ringtone. I cannot find any official info on making an iTune song a ringtone. Odd.
No high speed 3G network...now, I knew this all along. But you use the device on a WiFi network, and its sweet. On EDGE, its a little worse than OK, now that we are all broadband junkies.
No flash for the camera

Bottom line: go get an iPhone, or least head down to an Apple store or ATT store and play around with it, take it through its paces. You will quickly discover its genius. And you will be buying each generation of the iPhone, get your bank accounts ready.