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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Introduces iPhone 3G
PR: On Monday Apple
introduced the new iPhone 3G, combining all the revolutionary features
of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first
generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile
services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft
Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications
already built with the recently released iPhone SDK. In the US the new
iPhone 3G is priced at a stunning $199 for the 8 GB model, and
just $299 for the 16 GB model.** iPhone 3G will be available in more
than 70 countries later this year, beginning with customer availability
in 22 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
UK and the US - on July 11.
"Just one
year after launching the iPhone, we're launching the new iPhone 3G that
is twice as fast at half the price," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "
iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box,
runs the incredible third party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and
will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this
year."
iPhone 3G gives users ever faster access to the Internet and email
over their cellular network with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for
voice and data connectivity around the world. iPhone 3G supports WiFi,
3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to ensure
the fastest possible download speeds. The new iPhone 3G also makes it
easier to multitask with simultaneous voice and data communications, so
with iPhone 3G you can browse the web, get map directions, or check
your email while you are on a call.
iPhone 3G includes the new iPhone 2.0 software with both the iPhone
SDK and key enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange
ActiveSync to provide over-the-air push email, contact and calendar
synching as well as remote wipe and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted
access to corporate networks. The iPhone SDK allows developers to
create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone's groundbreaking
Multi-Touch user interface, animation technology, accelerometer and GPS
technology on the world's most advanced mobile platform.
iPhone 3G includes the new App Store, providing iPhone users with
native applications in a variety of categories including games,
business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The App Store on
iPhone works over cellular networks and WiFi, which means it is
accessible from just about anywhere, so you can purchase and download
applications wirelessly and start using them instantly. Some
applications are even free and the App Store notifies you when
application updates are available. The App Store will be available in
62 countries at launch.
Additional features available with the iPhone 2.0 software include
the ability to do real-time mapping and track your progress with GPS
technology, mass move and delete multiple email messages, search for
contacts, access a new scientific calculator, turn on parental control
restrictions for specified content, save images directly from a web
page or email them to your iPhone and easily transfer them back to your
photo library on your Mac or PC. iPhone 3G delivers an amazing 10 hours
of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours using 3G, with up to 5 to 6
hours of web browsing, up to 7 hours for video playback and up to 24
hours for audio playback.
iPhone 3G takes advantage of MobileMe, a new Internet service that
pushes email, contacts, and calendars from an online "cloud" to native
applications on iPhone, iPod touch, Macs and PCs. With MobileMe email,
messages are pushed instantly to iPhone, removing the need to manually
check email and wait for downloads, and push keeps contacts and
calendars continuously up-to-date so changes made on one device are
automatically updated on other devices. With iPhone, you can even snap
a photo and post it directly to a MobileMe Gallery to share with
friends and family.
iPhone 3G will be available in the US on July 11 for a suggested
retail price of $199 for the 8 GB model and $299 for the 16 GB
model in both Apple and AT&T's retail stores and requires a new two
year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers. iPhone 2.0
software will be available on July 11 as a free software update via
iTunes 7.7 or later for all iPhone customers. For further information
about iPhone 3G pricing and availability in the US and internationally,
visit www.apple.com/iphone.
*Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site
conditions.
**Based on iPhone 3G (8 GB) and first generation iPhone
(8 GB) purchases. Requires new two year AT&T rate plan, sold
separately.
Link: iPhone
3G
iPhone 3G Coming to Canada (and 22 Other Countries)
on July 11
PR:
Rogers Communications and Apple on Monday announced that the highly
anticipated iPhone 3G will be available in Canada on July 11. iPhone 3G
combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking
that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for
expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which
includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the
hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently
released iPhone SDK.
"Rogers has a long history of bringing Canadians the very best in
wireless services, networks and handset innovations," said Rob Bruce,
president, Rogers Wireless. "With iPhone 3G, we will provide our
customers with an amazing mobile experience over Canada's fastest
wireless network."
"We're excited to be working with Rogers to bring iPhone 3G to
Canada," said Tim Cook, Apple's COO. "We can't wait to get this
revolutionary phone in the hands of even more people around the
world."
iPhone 3G will operate on Rogers' High Speed Packet Access (HSPA)
wireless network, the fastest mobile network in Canada. HSPA is
nationally available in the top Canadian urban centers from Vancouver
to Halifax, covering more than 60 percent of the population. iPhone 3G
will also operate on Roger's coast-to-coast GSM/EDGE network, proven to
be the country's most reliable wireless network. More details on
pricing and retail availability will be available soon.
*Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site
conditions.
The iPhone 3G is to be Available in More Than 70 Countries,
including:
- América Móvil and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Mexico
on July 11
- AT&T and Apple to Launch iPhone 3G in the US on July 11
- Bharti Airtel and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to India
- Globe Telecom and Apple Bring iPhone 3G to Philippines
- Hutchison Telecom and Apple to bring iPhone to Hong Kong on July
11
- O2 and Apple to Launch iPhone 3G in the UK & Ireland on July
11
- Optus and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Australia on July 11
- Orange and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Austria, France, Portugal
& Switzerland on July 11
- Rogers and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Canada on July 11
- SingTel and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Singapore
- Softbank and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Japan on July 11
- Swisscom and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Switzerland on July
11
- Telecom Italia Mobile and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Italy on July
11
- Telefónica and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Spain on July
11
- TeliaSonera and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Denmark, Finland,
Norway & Sweden on July 11
- T-Mobile and Apple to Launch iPhone 3G in Austria, Germany &
the Netherlands on July 11
- Vodafone and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Australia, Italy, New
Zealand & Portugal on July 11
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and
media company. We are engaged in wireless voice and data communications
services through Wireless, Canada's largest wireless provider and the
operator of the country's only Global System for Mobile Communications
("GSM") based network.
Link: Rogers
Communications
AT&T to Offer Next Generation iPhone on Its
High-Performance 3G Network
PR:
AT&T Inc. has announced it will be the exclusive US provider of the
new iPhone 3G, details of which were outlined earlier today at Apple's
Worldwide Developer's Conference in San Francisco.
Under the terms of a new agreement with Apple, AT&T remains the
exclusive US carrier of the iPhone 3G, which will be available
beginning July 11 at a starting price of $199 with a two-year contract.
The iPhone 3G boasts several significant enhancements, including:
- 3G broadband wireless connectivity, which gives customers a home
broadband-like speed experience when surfing the Internet, sharing
files and using media-rich Web applications.
- Business-class capabilities, including e-mail, viewed on a large,
touchscreen device and designed to meet the needs of companies of all
sizes.
- The ability for developers, including AT&T, to create
customized consumer and business applications using the Apple software
developer's kit (SDK).
Customers can get more information on the iPhone 3G at:
http://www.att.com/iphone.
AT&T expects that the iPhone 3G's attractive pricing and rich
set of features including business e-mail and other applications,
combined with the broadband speeds of AT&T's 3G network, will spur
significant subscriber and revenue growth - particularly in wireless
data - and strengthen AT&T's wireless leadership and long-term
growth profile.
"The iPhone 3G will take mobile communications and computing to a
whole new level by combining a terrific user interface with a great
experience accessing the Internet and subscribers' favorite
applications on our 3G wireless network at unsurpassed speeds," said
Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T
Mobility. "Combine our high-performance 3G broadband wireless network,
the new iPhone's business-class capabilities and a starting price of
$199, and I expect that we will continue to increase revenue per user
and attract customers who spend the most on wireless. The device is
built, and priced, to sell."
AT&T will sell iPhone 3G in more than 2,200 company-owned retail
stores and kiosks, as well as through its direct business sales
teams.
The new agreement between Apple and AT&T eliminates the
revenue-sharing model under which AT&T shared a portion of monthly
service revenue with Apple. Under the revised agreement, which is
consistent with traditional equipment manufacturer-carrier
arrangements, there is no revenue sharing and both iPhone 3G models
will be offered at attractive prices to broaden the market potential
and accelerate subscriber volumes. The phones will be offered with a
two-year contract and attractive data plans that are similar to those
offered for other smartphones and PDAs. AT&T anticipates that these
offers will drive increased sales volumes and revenues among
high-quality, data-centric customers. Currently, less than 20 percent
of AT&T's postpaid subscribers have integrated devices capable of
voice, Web and data applications. Based on the company's experience,
average monthly revenues per iPhone subscriber are nearly double the
average of the company's overall subscriber base.
With a two-year contract, the price of an 8 GB iPhone 3G will
be $199; the 16 GB model will be priced at $299.
Unlimited iPhone 3G data plans for consumers will be available for
$30 a month, in addition to voice plans starting at $39.99 a month.
Unlimited 3G data plans for business users will be available for $45
a month, in addition to a voice plan.
In the near term, AT&T anticipates that the new agreement will
likely result in some pressure on margins and earnings, reflecting the
costs of subsidized device pricing, which, in turn, is expected to
drive increased subscriber volumes. The company anticipates potential
dilution to earnings per share (EPS) from this initiative in the $0.10
to $0.12 range this year and next, with a 2008 adjusted consolidated
operating income margin of approximately 24 percent and a full-year
2008 wireless OIBDA margin in the 39-40 percent range. As recurring
revenue streams build without any further revenue sharing required,
AT&T expects the initiative to turn accretive in 2010.
AT&T's 3G Wireless Network
The iPhone 3G harnesses the power of AT&T's broad and powerful
3G mobile broadband network, which offers 3G mobile phones download
speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps. AT&T's 3G network is currently available
in 280 leading US metropolitan areas; by year-end, the company plans to
offer 3G service in nearly 350 metro areas. Following the recent
turndown of its TDMA network, the company is further enhancing its 3G
network, with improved coverage quality made available through
reallocated 850 MHz spectrum.
AT&T's 3G network is the best positioned among American carriers
to grow in line with customer demand, evolving to next-generation
speeds incrementally during the next few years. Between 2005 and the
end of 2008, AT&T will have invested more than $20 billion in
wireless network improvements and upgrades.
AT&T has the best global coverage of any provider, with
voice-roaming available in more than 200 countries and data-roaming in
more than 145 countries, including more 3G roaming than any other
carrier.
In addition, the new iPhone 3G will operate in WiFi mode through
wireless modems in homes and offices, as well as public hot spots.
Marketing the iPhone to Businesses
iPhone 3G includes new business capabilities, including access to
corporate e-mail and intranets, as well as the ability to certify
mobile business applications to suit the needs of an array of
industries, ranging from health care and real estate to higher
education and financial services. Starting July 11, AT&T will begin
marketing to its business customers, which includes all of the Fortune
1000. To prepare for the rollout, AT&T will be conducting extensive
training among its thousands of enterprise and small business sales
force and customer-support employees. AT&T is the world's leading
provider of corporate wireless e-mail solutions.
"We're anticipating significant demand from companies of all sizes
based on the feedback we've received from the many corporate customers
who have already purchased the first-generation iPhone, as well as from
companies waiting for the new iPhone's business applications," said Ron
Spears, group president, AT&T Global Business Services. "Businesses
will benefit from all of the iPhone's new features, as well as the
ability to maximize productivity by using the combination of 3G
broadband connectivity and customized applications."
Through its work over the years with the developer community,
AT&T has developed a robust catalog of hundreds of enterprise
applications (www.att.com/choice). AT&T will work with Apple, using
the SDK process, to enable many of these applications, which today
operate on other AT&T-powered wireless devices, to also work on the
iPhone. The growth of mobile applications represents a huge opportunity
for companies to improve productivity through reduced overhead
expenses, access to real-time information and higher levels of speed
and efficiency.
Unleashing Innovative Applications With the SDK
AT&T is working closely with Apple to roll out several new and
innovative applications that take advantage of the iPhone's advanced
capabilities. For example, AT&T is finalizing YELLOWPAGES.COM
mobile for the iPhone, an innovative location-based application that
combines local search with social networking capabilities, giving users
the ability to search for information, share reviews and plan
activities with friends, neighbors and coworkers. In addition, the
company will work to certify many of its existing mobile applications
for businesses, created in conjunction with third-party developers, for
use on the iPhone.
iPhone 3G Will Need to Be Activated In-store; No
Online Ordering
iPhone
Atlas reports:
"Our earlier speculation has been confirmed: iPhone Atlas has
learned that there will be no iTunes-based activation for the iPhone
3G. Activation will take place at the time of purchase, either at
AT&T or Apple retail stores. This apparently means that there will
be no online ordering of the new model, which is due to ship on July
11th."
Link:
iPhone 3G Will Need to Be Activated In-store; No Online
Ordering
iPhone 3G + AT&T Service Actually More
Expensive
TidBITS' Adam
C. Engst says:
"The Reality Distortion Field is starting to wear off, and I'm
getting a bad feeling about the iPhone 3G. Don't get me wrong - my
complaint isn't about the iPhone 3G itself or how much it costs, but
about how much more it will end up costing customers than the original
iPhone thanks to higher monthly fees, and how Apple and AT&T are
hiding that price increase from potential customers....
"...both Apple and AT&T are making a big deal about the iPhone
3G being cheaper, Apple with the 'Half the price' tag line and AT&T
with its '$199 Starting Price Significantly Expands Mass Market Appeal'
line in the press release, along with the bare-faced statement that
lowering the initial price will 'accelerate subscriber volumes.' That
initial purchase will indeed be cheaper, but anyone who doesn't take
the higher monthly fees into account is either being deceived or is
just plain stupid. I know it's standard marketing practice to take
advantage of the math-challenged with tricks like this, but it still
feels underhanded...."
"As I reported in 'Apple Announces iPhone 3G to Ship
on 11-Jul-08' (2008-06-09), an unlimited personal data plan will
cost $30 per month, up $10 from the original iPhone plan, when coupled
with a voice plan that starts at $39.99 per month. (ZD Net.com has
a list of rates
for individual and family voice plans....
"So buying an iPhone 3G may cost $200 less than before, but paying
the monthly bill will set you back $240 more over your 2-year contract
with AT&T....
"...SMS messages are no longer included in the data plan either, so
you'll have to pay extra for them."
Link: iPhone 3G Actually $160 More
Expensive
New iPhone Actually More Expensive: How
Apple/AT&T Pulled the Wool over Everyone's Eyes
The
Apple Watchdog says:
"New iPhone blah blah blah. At first the new price tag seems
shockingly attractive. '$199? They're going to sell a zillion of these
things!' Well, they probably will, but the new phone is actually MORE
expensive than the old one. Everyone stick with us through some
grueling mathematics to see why:
"The new iPhone's data plan is $30/mo., or $10 more per month than
the old phone's ($20). Over the mandatory 24-month contract you sign
when you get the phone, that's an additional $240. Remember that
number, we'll need it later."
Link: 'Why the New iPhone Is Actually
More Expensive', or, 'How Apple/AT&T Pulled the Wool over
Everyone's Eyes'
Apple's $199 iPhone: How Can It Be So Cheap?
PC World's
Yardena Arar reports:
"Apple's announcement of a next-generation 3G iPhone wasn't a big
surprise for most people at today's World Wide Developers Conference.
But the low prices at which the new models will debut - $199 with
8 GB of memory and $299 with 16 GB - certainly surprised me.
"How could a phone with more memory, more radios (3G/GPS
technology), and better battery life go for, essentially, a third of
what the original cost a year ago? Sure, tech prices go down, but
usually vendors hold the line on prices when they add new
performance-improving features.
"I surveyed a handful of experts to see what they had to
say...."
Link: Apple's
$199 iPhone: How Can It Be So Cheap?
Carriers to Sell Unsubsidized iPhone 3G for Nearly
$800
iPhone
Atlas reports:
"We've received word that Vodafone in Italy plans to sell
unsubsidized iPhone 3G models for 499 euros and 599 euros for the
8 GB and 16 GB models respectively. At current rates, that
converts to about $775 and $930 respectively. Vodafone says these
models are meant to be used with prepaid plans.
"Other carriers, including AT&T in the United States, have yet
to reveal pricing for unsubsidized iPhone 3Gs, let alone indicate that
they will sell the phones unsubsidized at all. Currently AT&T has
only announced that it will sell subsidized phones starting at $199
with two-year contracts."
Link:
Carriers to Sell Unsubsidized iPhone 3G for Just Under $800
New iPhone's Business Model Is Tough on
Unlockers
AP Technology
Writer Peter Svensson says:
"The new iPhone and the way it will be sold look set to shut down a
small industry that arose to make the first version of the iconic phone
available around the world.
"The original iPhone, which launched in June last year, was
initially available only in the US and only for use on AT&T Inc.'s
network. In little more than a month, however, enterprising hackers
found a way to "unlock" the phone to make it usable on other networks,
including networks in other countries....
"Apple announced a new iPhone Monday for use on 3G, or
third-generation, data networks. It will stem the flow of unlocked
phones in two ways."
Link: New iPhone's
Business Model Is Tough on Unlockers
How to Make the New iPhone Work at Work
InfoWorld's
Galen Gruman says:
"With the release of Apple's iPhone SDK now come and gone, and the
enhanced IT-oriented capabilities planned for the next major iPhone
device and software update now unveiled, it's clear that iPhones are
going to be corporate mainstays....
"So, where to begin gearing up the iPhone for use at work? How can
you satisfy executive demands to make the iPhone fit for corporate
essentials while maintaining security and manageability? For those
looking to get a jump on business-enabling the iPhone, here's a handy
guide on what's currently possible and how to get it done, as well as
what is promised to be supported in the 2.0 software and 3G iPhone due
in July...."
Link: How to
Make the New iPhone Work at Work
5 Reasons to Buy the iPhone 3G
PC World's
Melissa J. Perenson says:
"When the iPhone was introduced, I found it tempting . . .
very, very tempting. But just enough features and capabilities were
missing from Apple's initial cell phone offering that I held off on
buying one....
"...Apple is once again in the spotlight, and that has everything to
do with the iPhone 3G features the company revealed . Should you queue
up when the iPhone 3G becomes available on July 11? Read on."
Ms. Perenson presents a five-point argument for buying the new
iPhone:
- Price
- 3G browsing speed
- Greater international support
- Applications galore
- iPhone: Still at the head of the class
Link:
Five Reasons to Buy the Apple iPhone 3G
5 Reasons Not to Buy the iPhone
3G
InformationWeek's Eric Zeman says:
"To be sure, the 3G iPhone announced during yesterday's WWDC keynote
is a big improvement over the original. But there are still a few
detractors to keep certain people away. Here are five reasons
explaining why you may want to avoid the 3G iPhone."
- 5. The Camera.
- 4. The Price.
- 3. Still no keyboard.
- 2. Lack of other upgrades.
- 1. The 3G radio.
Link:
Five Reasons Not to Buy the 3G iPhone
First Impressions of the iPhone 3G
All Things
Digital's Walt Mossberg says:
"I'll have a full, detailed review of the new 3G iPhone in a few
weeks, but here are some first impressions based on Apple's
announcement today."
The Biggest Pluses
- Speed
- Price
- Third-party programs
The Biggest Minuses
- Still locked to one carrier
- Still missing some features
- Still has a wimpy camera
Link:
The 3G iPhone: First Impressions
iPhone 3G's Power Adapter Is Tiny
CrunchGear's
Doug Aamoth reports:
"Nothing worse than packing a power adapter that's damn near the
size of your actual cell phone. Chalk this one up to the 'little
things' that makes people like Apple products; the new iPhone has a
tiny, tiny power adapter."
Link:
Hey, Thanks Apple: iPhone 3G's Power Adapter Is Tiny
Apple to Charge iPod touch Owners for New OS
- Again
Register Hardware's
Tony Smith reports:
"WWDC Apple will release version 2.0 of the iPhone operating system
in early July, CEO Steve Jobs has revealed. Existing iPhone owners will
get it for free - iPod touch owners, however, will have to cough up
$10....
"Still, touch owners aggrieved by the $10 upgrade charge may feel
happier knowing that the update costs half of what the last one did but
delivers more.
"But you have to ask, is Apple really so ungenerous it can't take
$10 on the chin?"
Link:
Apple to Charge iPod touch Owners for New OS - Again
For iPods and iPhones
iLounge's The Free iPod + iPhone Book
4 Now Available
PR: How could anyone improve a book that readers have already
dubbed "the iPod Bible" and downloaded millions of times? Popular web
site iLounge answers that question and many more in The Free iPod +
iPhone Book 4, a brand-new, 268-page encyclopedia of all things iPod,
iPhone, and iTunes. Packed with tons of new information, the redesigned
and streamlined fourth-edition is iLounge's best publication yet,
guaranteed to help readers make the most of Apple's popular digital
media products.
How could anyone improve a book that readers have already dubbed
"the iPod Bible" and downloaded millions of times? Popular web site
iLounge answers that question and many more in The Free iPod + iPhone
Book 4, a brand-new, 268-page encyclopedia of all things iPod, iPhone,
and iTunes. Packed with tons of new information - including some
life-changing news about its creators - the redesigned and streamlined
fourth-edition is iLounge's best publication yet, guaranteed to help
readers make the most of Apple's popular digital media products. It is
available for immediate download from the main page of iLounge.
"As fantastic as they are, iPods and iPhones no longer include
detailed manuals or software," explained Jeremy Horwitz, Editor of the
Book and iLounge, "so we created a one-stop, comprehensive guide to
virtually everything you can do with them. Whether you're looking for
help, free music or videos, the latest accessories, or the resale value
of your used iPod or iPhone, the Book has what you need, and much
more."
Building on its acclaimed predecessors, The Free iPod + iPhone Book
4 now features ratings of over 1,800 iPod and iPhone-related products
and services, plus in-depth guides to each of Apple's media products,
including iTunes and Apple TV. New to this year's edition are "iDesign
Retrospective," a look at how talented designers created the world's
most impressive iPod accessories, and "iPhone Baby," a modern maternity
and paternity article where two expectant parents explain how Apple's
breakthrough cell phone transformed the way they share baby news, shop,
and relax. Other sections include:
- Sneak Peeks: The Book includes exclusive world premieres of over 20
new iPod and iPhone accessories, including new speakers from iHome,
earphones from Etymotic and Scosche, in-car accessories from Monster
Cable and Griffin Technology, and cases from some of the world's top
designers.
- All Things iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV: Split into 16 sections that
cover the full lifespans of Apple's media devices - from purchase and
initial connection to use, repair, and eventual sale - this massive
guide also helps users learn how to fill, customize, and accessorize
these devices. With newly expanded parts on choosing earphones, finding
iPhone-compatible car accessories, and creating device-optimized
videos, the All Things guide now also contains direct links to the
iLounge.com website for additional, personalized assistance.
- 150 iTunes Answers: Completely reorganized and updated for the
latest version of Apple's iTunes digital media software, 150 iTunes
Answers now offers a full 100 pages of helpful tips and pictures.
Starting with how to transfer an iPod's or iPhone's contents back to
your computer, then including special sections on the iTunes Store,
maximizing sound quality, and much more, 150 iTunes Answers now can be
read from front to back or as individual tips from a master index.
- The Next-Generation iPhone and Photo Galleries: Beautiful
photographs and images submitted by iLounge readers depict the past,
present, and future of Apple's iPhone family, as well as the latest
globe-trotting iPods.
"The Free iPod + iPhone Book 4 is a necessary read for users of
Apple's media players," said Dennis Lloyd, Publisher of the Book and
iLounge. "We've overhauled every single page of last year's edition for
easier viewing on desktop, laptop, or pocket-sized screens - you can
even read this Book on your iPhone or iPod touch. By making this
incredible publication available as a hassle-free download, we continue
our mission of providing the world's iPod and iPhone owners with the
best possible information, free of charge."
Downloads of The Free iPod + iPhone Book 4 in the popular
Adobe PDF format are available now from the iLounge. iLounge's famous
2008 Buyers' Guide and past editions of The Free iPod
Book can also be downloaded for free.
Link: The Free
iPod + iPhone Book 4
iPod.iTunes 4.0 Released
PR: crispSofties has released version 4.0 of it's
unique-featured "iPod.iTunes" synchronization software. iPod.iTunes 4.0
synchronizes songs, videos, playlist and meta data in both directions
between iPods and iTunes libraries.
Some of its features:
- Suppresses iTunes' own iPod synchronization with one click, to
avoid the deletion of the iPod you want to transfer from.
- Synchronization, so only missing content is created, without
duplicates of files and playlists.
- Simple to use, including active guiding.
- iPod.iTunes can be used to...
- Keep songs/videos and playlists on different Macs and iPods up to
date.
- Do a full restore of songs, videos and playlists from iPod - i.e.
after a hard disk failure or if you buy a new Mac.
- Revert accident deletion of songs, videos and/or playlists in
iTunes, if these are still on your iPod.
- Transfer an iTunes library from one Mac to another via an
iPod.
- Synchronize to a "foreign" iPod (not linked/synched to your iTunes
library) without deleting content on it like iTunes does.
- Clone an iPod (see the application's Help menu).
- Backup an iPod. (see the application's Help menu).
New in version 4.0:
- Support for iPhone / iPod touch with applied jailbreak.
- iTunes' auto sync suppression
iPod.iTunes now keeps the user entirely free from fiddling around
with the right iTunes- and iPod Settings. iPod.iTunes did this already
for years regarding the right iTunes Settings. Now iPod.iTunes also
makes sure that iTunes cannot delete what you want to transfer from the
iPod back into iTunes.
iPod.iTunes will inform about the current iPod connection state and,
if necessary, with a single click you can ensure that nothing will be
deleted by iTunes' automatic iPod synchronization when you connect your
iPod.
- Meta data: iPod.iTunes now supports every possible iTunes meta data
for songs and videos.
- Application Update: Even simpler than before. If a new release is
available you get a message from which you can directly choose to
update iPod.iTunes with a single click.
- Help: In addition to the help tags for the interface elements there
are now on every tab (and some dialog panels) help buttons, pointing to
appropriate manual pages.
- iPod Eject button: To avoid corruption of iPod's in disk mode it is
required by OS X to properly eject the iPod's disk volume before
unplugging the cable (just like any other hard drive). This can be done
directly from within iPod.iTunes now.
- Many little user interface Improvements.
- Many other internal improvements and little bug fixes.
- The color of the application icon has been changed to
white/blue.
A demo version is available so you can try before you buy (the demo
skips some content during synchronization). One license is 24.90 Euro
(about 39 ). There is currently a special "Friendpack"-offer running
where an additional full license cost only 7 Euro.
This update is, like all updates in the last five years, free for
all registered iPod.iTunes version 2.x/3.x customers.
Link: iPod.iTunes 4.0
RemindYou Unlocks Time Management for the
iPhone
PR: Make Your Day Media has announced availability of its new
time management application, RemindYou, for the Apple iPhone.
RemindYou is a simple, yet powerful application which turns the
iPhone into a time management dynamo by significantly increasing access
to the user's appointment schedule. RemindYou synchs iCal, Outlook, or
Entourage events to the lock screen of the iPhone and displays upcoming
appointments every time they use the phone.
"Everyone is familiar with Apple's commercials showing the iPhone
being answered with the swipe of a finger. That screen, a picture of
the earth from space, is perhaps the most viewed, under utilized screen
on the iPhone - it is seen every time the phone is unlocked - literally
dozens of times a day for the average user. RemindYou retrieves the
owner's appointment schedule and overlays it onto that screen," said
Make Your Day Media, CEO, Benjamin Shell.
"Once installed, you begin to rely upon your iPhone for your
appointment schedule, something you can not do easily without
RemindYou. It's addictive and can literally change the way you use your
iPhone. It becomes second nature to glance at your schedule every time
you unlock the iPhone to answer a call, check your email, or browse the
web."
"You'll never miss another meeting, conference call, or soccer game
because you forgot to check your appointment schedule. RemindYou's
effectiveness lies in its simplicity," said Shell.
RemindYou features include:
- Adjustable font, size, and color
- 24-hour time format support
- Ability to dim bright wallpapers
- Show appointments 6 weeks away.
- Can show over a dozen appointments
- Low-power requirements, will not drain iPhone battery
- 14-Day Free Trial Download
RemindYou is available to everyone as a free download with a 14-day
free trial and a lifetime license can be purchased for only $19.95,
which includes all RemindYou features.
Until available in the new Apple iPhone 2.0 App Store, RemindYou is
a native iPhone application published for "jailbroken" phones and can
be installed under the "Productivity" category of Installer.app.
Link: RemindYou
iPhone Golf & Audio Recording Apps
Available When iTunes App Store Open
PR: Plum Amazing has announced their first applications, Plum
Caddy for the iPhone and iPod touch and Plum Record for the iPhone.
They will be available as soon as the iTunes AppStore comes online.
Plum Caddy is the first golf mapping and scoring application for the
multi touch platform found on the iPhone and iPod touch. Plum Caddy can
be used on any golf course in the world to track strokes, putts and
other golfing statistics. Plum Caddy provides an attractive and
intuitive interface for keeping track of your score, as well as the
locations of each shot. The user can use the touch interface to place
where their shot went on a map of the hole and track the number of
strokes and other statistics.
By remembering every shot on every hole on every course ever played,
Plum Caddy provides the golfer with instant historical information,
such as club used and location of any shot. Much more coming in the
future.
Plum Record is an audio recording application for the iPhone. Plum
Record will allow users to record any sound, lecture, music, dictation
(medical, legal, etc.), nature sounds, notes, and reminders. While
recording audio (not telephone conversations), the user can annotate
with text and pictures (taken by the camera). Later the recordings can
be played back and the annotations viewed.
Plum Caddy and Plum Record will be available for iPhone and iPod
touch as soon as the iTunes AppStore opens. Please visit the website to
get on the list to be the first to hear when these applications are
available and to learn more.
Link: Plum
Amazing
Ifbyphone Enhances Voice Communications for
iPhone and iPod touch
PR: Ifbyphone, the telephone application platform company,
today announced the new Ifbyphone Voice Broadcast application for Apple
iPhones.
Ifbyphone's Voice Broadcast application for iPhones enables users to
send recorded messages to as many recipients as they wish without using
any of the users' calling-plan minutes. The Ifbyphone telephone
application platform delivers the broadcasts either immediately, or at
a future scheduled time.
The new Ifbyphone application will work with any iPhone running the
v2 software, both the original iPhones and the highly anticipated new
version. In addition, the Voice Broadcast feature will also work with
the iPod touch, providing access and capability to a wider
audience.
"Sales professionals and others are sure to find this new capability
invaluable," said Ifbyphone CEO Irv Shapiro. "For example, a sales
manager who is leaving town can now schedule a voice broadcast to go
out to his or her sales team while away. What's more, this is an ideal
application for Mom or Dad. With a couple of clicks, they can send
messages to everyone in the family."
After installing the Ifbyphone broadcast application, which will be
available via iTunes distribution, the voice broadcast message is then
created through a few fast and easy steps:
- Select the Ifbyphone Voice Broadcast application on the
iPhone.
- Select the group of recipients from the iPhone's Address Book and
enter the delivery date and time.
- The Ifbyphone service then calls out to the iPhone so the message
can be recorded.
- The call-back recording feature allows users to schedule messages
even if they are outside of WiFi range, since the voice message is
recorded on the voice side of the network.
On the iPod touch, the user will select the phone number of a phone
he or she wants to be called on to record the message with
Ifbyphone.
"Since the voice broadcasts are delivered by the Ifbyphone telephone
application platform, no iPhone calling-plan minutes are used, nor is
there any requirement for the iPhone or iPod touch user to be online at
the scheduled delivery time," Shapiro said.
The Ifbyphone iPhone Voice Broadcast application and the enhanced
Ifbyphone Voice Broadcast API (Application Programming Interface) will
be available to users and developers starting July 1. The application
is free, but requires an active Ifbyphone subscription.
In addition to the iPhone application, Ifbyphone also announced the
release of an enhanced Voice Broadcast scheduling API. This new API
supports the integration of voice broadcast messaging into any contact
management or CRM solution and provides much of the core functionality
of the Ifbyphone iPhone Voice Broadcast.
Link: Ifbyphone
Marware CEO Sleeve for iPhone 3G
PR: Marware Inc. announces the CEO Sleeve for the Apple
iPhone 3G. The CEO Sleeve is a slim, attractive leather sleeve that
combines elegant protection and quick access to the iPhone 3G. This
case is uniquely designed to appeal to the more discriminating,
style-conscious wearer.
Marware Inc. announces the CEO Sleeve for the Apple iPhone 3G.
Constructed of soft Nappa leather, this sleeve works well on a belt or
in a purse or bag. The elastic siding provides a snug fit, while the
open top provides quick and easy iPhone 3G access. Marware's patented
Multidapt® low-profile belt clip is comfortable, convenient,
interchangeable, and removable. Open top design allows full access to
the headphone minijack and sleep/wake button.
Features:
- Soft leather iPhone 3G protection with microfiber interior
- Stylish perforated design accents with contrast stitching
- Interchangeable Multidapt® low-profile belt clip
- Elastic siding for a snug fit
- Easy access to headphone minijack and sleep/wake button
- BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth
included
- Marware's Lifetime Guarantee
The CEO Sleeve is available in black perforated Nappa leather with
contrast stitching. It retails for $24.99 and is available now for
pre-order online (shipping prior to July 1, 2008). Please check
marware.com for updated shipping dates. Marware is a leading provider
of case solutions for Apple iPhones, iPods, Notebooks, and
Software.
Link: Marware CEO Sleeve for
iPhone 3G
Marware CEO Premiere Leather Holster Case
for iPhone 3G
PR: Marware announces its latest leather holster case for the
Apple iPhone 3G, the CEO Premiere. The CEO Premiere is a stylish,
premium leather hip case for iPhone 3G. This classically designed case
features textured, perforated leather with elegant contrast stitching
and an ultra-slim permanent belt clip.
Marware Inc. announces the CEO Premiere for Apple iPhone 3G.
Constructed of soft textured Nappa leather, this versatile case can be
worn on the hip or slipped into a purse or bag. The secure magnetic
flap holds the iPhone 3G safely in place when not in use, while the
opening on the bottom allows the iPhone 3G to be easily pushed out of
the case when needed. Side openings allow access to headphone minijack
and sleep/wake button, without obstructing the speakers.
Features:
- Soft leather iPhone 3G protection with microfiber interior
- Stylish perforated design accents with contrast stitching
- Secure magnetic closure
- Built-in, slim belt clip for bag and belt attachment
- Easy access to headphone minijack and sleep/wake button
- Push-thru access for easy removal
- BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth
included
- Marware's Lifetime Guarantee
The CEO Premiere is available in black smooth Nappa leather. It
retails for $29.99 and is available now for pre-order online (shipping
prior to July 1, 2008). Please visit marware.com for updated shipping
dates. Marware is a leading provider of case solutions for Apple
iPhones, iPods, Notebooks, and Software.
Link: CEO Premiere Leather Holster
Case for iPhone 3G
New Belkin Cases Protect Your New iPhone
3G
PR: New Belkin cases offer greater protection for your new
iPhone 3G, while giving you full access to widescreen touch controls.
Cases fit a variety of lifestyles whether you are a workout buff or a
road warrior.
Availability
- July 2008 in the US with launches in Europe, Asia, and Australia to
follow soon after.
Formed Leather Case (F8Z338) - $29.99
- Ultra-slim formed-leather construction
- Soft-microfiber lining
- Opening aligned with iPhone speaker
- Light and rigid protective layer
- Available in black and pink
Leather Sleeve with Clip (F8Z331) - $29.99
- Complete protection with full access to widescreen touch controls
and dock connector
- Allows charging while in case
- Belt clip included
- Camera-lens cutout
- Form-fitting leather construction with suede interior
- Suede interior
- Available in black and pink
Clear Acrylic Case (F8Z329) - $29.99
- Dockable, removable base cabinet
- Slim, form-fitting
- Full access to connectors, microphone, and touch screen
- Durable polycarbonate construction
Slim-Fit Case (F8Z330) - $29.99
- Durable nylon with soft-microfiber lining
- Slim profile
- Belt clip
- Light and rigid protective layer with shock-absorbent padding
- Opening aligned with iPhone speaker
Silicone Sleeve (F8Z342) - $24.99
- Textured and multicolored with custom-pattern exterior
- Access to all controls and dock connector
- Form-fitting construction
- Camera-lens cutout and speakerphone and microphone openings
- Allows charging while in case
- Available in black/infrared, gray/grapefruit, and pink/gray
Leather Flip Folio (F8Z337) - $34.99
- Leather construction
- Easy-access holster design with multipurpose pocket
- Microfiber inner-case lining with light and rigid protective
layer
- Openings for earphones, docking port, speaker, camera, and
proximity sensor
- Magnetic-closure design allows one-handed open/close of case
Micro Grip (F8Z332) - $24.99
- Textured, custom-pattern, rubber exterior for added grip
- Reflective
- Access to all controls and dock connector
- Form-fitting construction
- Camera-lens cutout and speakerphone and microphone openings
- Allows charging while in case
- Available in pink and black
Eco-Conscious Formed Leather Case (F8Z336) - $34.99
- Complete iPhone protection with direct access to widescreen touch
controls and dock connector
- Allows charging while in case
- Camera-lens cutout
- Form-fitting leather construction with natural-felt interior
Sport Armband Plus with FastFit (F8Z334) - $29.99
- Features removable sleeve for iPhone, low-profile belt clip, and
key pouch
- Lightweight, water-wicking materials
- Includes Cable Capsule for added headphone-cord management
- Complete iPhone protection
ClearScreen Overlay - 3-Pack (F8Z233) - $12.99
- Protects the active screen area of iPhone
- Crystal-clear film maintains LCD brightness
- Static-cling plastic for stay-put adhesion
- No interference with touchscreen responsiveness
- Free of sticky residue after removal
For more information, visit:
Link: Belkin
