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iPhone 3.0 Beta
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
Protection
iPod and iPhone Deals
These price trackers are updated regularly.
iPhone 3.0 Beta
Apple Previews Developer Beta of iPhone OS 3.0
Apple on Tuesday previewed its
iPhone OS 3.0 software and announced the immediate availability of a
beta software release to registered developers. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta
release includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over
1,000 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) including In-App
Purchases; Peer-to-Peer connections; an app interface for accessories;
access to the iPod music library; a new Maps API and Push
Notifications. Apple also announced over 100 new features that will be
available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer including cut,
copy and paste; MMS;* landscape view for Mail, Text and Notes; stereo
Bluetooth; synching Notes to the Mac and PC; shake to shuffle; parental
controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and
automatic login at WiFi hot spots. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release will
also include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for
all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search across the iPhone or
iPod touch.
"The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with
incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and
developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition," said
Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product
Marketing.
The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK include over 1,000 new APIs
and are available today for all iPhone Developer Program members to use
for development and testing of their apps for iPhone and iPod touch.
Included in these APIs is the ability to leverage the incredible
purchase model of the App Store within apps. In-App Purchases will
allow developers to offer subscription content and provide the ability
to sell new content and features in a simple and secure process.
Developers can also more easily create peer-to-peer games for iPhone
and iPod touch by using Bluetooth.
Another key developer feature in the iPhone OS 3.0 beta software is
the ability for apps to interface with hardware accessories, creating a
whole new element of control for iPhone and iPod touch accessory
developers as well as a new ecosystem of solutions for customers.
Developers will also be able to use Apple's new Maps API to integrate
Google Mobile Maps services within their apps which will offer Google
Map tiles, current location, custom annotations and geocoding. The
iPhone OS 3.0 beta software includes the Apple Push Notification
service which provides developers with a mechanism to alert users with
sounds, text or a badge.
The new iPhone OS 3.0 software will be available to iPhone and iPod
touch users this summer with over 100 new features including cut, copy
and paste which can be done within or across applications; MMS to send
and receive photos, contacts, audio files and locations with the
Messages app; and the ability to capture and send audio recordings on
the go with the new Voice Memo app. Landscape view will be available
for Mail, Text and Notes. Search capabilities will be expanded,
allowing customers to search within Mail, iPod and Notes or search
across all key apps by typing a key word or phrase into the new
Spotlight search, conveniently accessed from the Home screen.
The updated Stock app will add the ability to display recent company
news and current trading information like opening or average price,
trading volume or Market Cap, and will offer a landscape view to see a
full screen of any stock chart. Customers will also be able to view
shared calendars right on their iPhone with CalDAV support and sync
their calendars with iCal, Yahoo, Google and Oracle.
Today, the groundbreaking App Store has more than 25,000
applications available to consumers, and 15 more countries have been
added so the App Store is now available in 77 countries, allowing
developers to reach more than 30 million iPhone and iPod touch users
around the world. Developers set the price for their applications and
retain 70 percent of all sales revenue. Apple covers all credit card,
web hosting and infrastructure costs associated with offering
applications on the App Store.
The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK will be available for
registered developers to download starting today from
developer.apple.com . iPhone customers will be able to download the new
iPhone OS 3.0 software for free this summer and iPod touch customers
will be able to purchase a software update for $9.95 (US).**
*MMS messaging is available only on iPhone 3G; fees may apply. MMS
may not be available in all areas.
**Some features may not be supported by older hardware.
iPhone 3.0 Update to Offer 100 New Features
Macworld's
Jonathan Seff reports:
"iPhone users and app developers got a sneak preview at what the
future holds for them on Tuesday, when Apple showcased its upcoming
iPhone 3.0 software. The next major version of the iPhone operating
system, slated for a summer release, promises a number of changes aimed
at end-users and software makers alike.
"For iPhone users, that number is more than 100 - the amount of new
features Apple promises in iPhone 3.0. Topping the list is the ability
for users to copy and paste information - including text, blocks of
HTML, and photos - in the iPhone's built-in apps. Users will also be
able to copy and paste between applications...."
Link: iPhone
3.0 Update to Offer 100 New Features
iPhone 3.0 Adds Copy & Paste, MMS, Global
Spotlight Search
AppleInsider's
Prince McLean reports:
"At the preview of the new iPhone 3.0 platform, Apple announced new
features for users that include the ability to select text for copy and
paste between applications, MMS, and scores of other new features."
Link:
iPhone 3.0 Adds Copy & Paste, MMS, Global Spotlight Search
Apple Intentionally Crippled Bluetooth in iPod
touch 2G, Wants $10 to Unlock It
ZD Net's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
reports:
"As a rule, I think that Apple employs some very smart people. But
every so often the company does something that just pushes the
boundaries of milking their customers too far.
"Take the revelation yesterday at Apple's iPhone OS 3.0 preview
event, where is emerged that the next software update to come down the
pipes will activate Bluetooth in iPod touch 2G devices . . .
that is, for a fee of $10 (OK, for the pedantic out there, the charge
will be $9.99)."
Link: Apple Intentionally Crippled
Bluetooth in iPod touch 2G, Wants $10 to Unlock It!
News, Reviews, & Opinion
AT&T Offering iPhone 3G at No-commitment
Price
The Boy
Genius Report reports:
"Time to clear out some inventory, boys! AT&T, starting March
26th, is going to start offering the 8 GB and 16 GB iPhone 3Gs at
a no-commitment price. These prices are $599 and $699 respectively. The
good news is that you do not need to perform an activation/unbrick at
the point of purchase, so you can buy the devices for your grandma,
your best friend, or for half of China before you head back
home...."
Link:
AT&T Offering iPhone 3G at No-commitment Price, No
Activation
iPhone in Canada: 3 Years Contract with Rogers, No
AppleCare Option
wheresmyapplecare.ca says:
"As a Canadian iPhone user, I have been curious about the absence of
the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone in Canada. A quick search on
Apple.com quickly reveals the iPhone Protection plan in the US, so why
not in Canada?
"In an effort to answer the question 'Where's My AppleCare?' I tried
a few different channels at both Rogers and Apple. I called the
AppleCare support number for Canada (1 (800) 263-3394) and asked if I
could purchase it. I was told by the representative that it is not
currently available, nor could they tell me when I would be able to
purchase this in Canada. Hrmm. I gave a try to Rogers support as well.
They told me that I would need to call Apple for any kind of hardware
support.
"I decided it would be easier to talk to somebody in person, so I
headed over to my local Apple Store. While the store employee was very
friendly and aware that you could purchase AppleCare for iPhone in the
US, they too had no idea when it was going to be available to
Canadians. I started to wonder a little more about Apple's plans to
offer extended warranty on iPhones to it's friendly neighbors to the
North...."
Link: Canadians Say: 'Where's My AppleCare
for iPhone?'
Google Ends Free Text Messaging Party for iPhone
Users
The
Apple Blog's Darrell Etherington says:
"The iPhone, despite aggressive attempts to block such efforts by
AT&T (with Apple's help), did occasionally offer some apps that
actually managed to save users some money in one way or another. For
instance, for a while, people could tether their phones to their
computers in order to share the data connection without having to pay
an additional, expensive fee to AT&T or getting a separate dongle
and data subscription. And, for a brief time, you could also send
unlimited, free text messages using your data connection, in case you
didn't have an SMS option attached to your subscription.
"I say for a brief time because Infinite SMS, one of the apps that
allowed you to do this, was recently informed that the service they
provided would no longer be available. They were not, however, cut off
by Apple, as might be expected. Instead, the bad news came from Google,
whose Google Talk service they were taking advantage of to offer free,
web-based SMS to buyers of their own app...."
Link:
Google Ends Free Text Messaging Party for iPhone Users
iPhone Screen Repairs Revisited
Macworld's Ted
Landau reports:
"A few months ago, I wrote about a 'dead strip' problem with the
screen on an original iPhone. The matter was happily resolved after a
visit to the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store.
"More recently, I had an entirely different screen-related problem,
this time with an iPhone 3G. Again, the ending was a happy one. The
problem was a small white spot on the iPhone screen. The spot was
definitely under the glass, not removable by any cleaning I could
do....
"So it was off to the Apple Store again...."
Link: iPhone
Screen Repairs, Revisited
Apps & Services
Photogene 'Mini-Photoshop' for iPhone
Macworld's
Megan Morris says:
"There's much to love about the iPhone, but the built-in camera
isn't on that list. Even if you can get past the low resolution and
lack of flash, you still have to resign yourself to the fact that you
can't edit any photos you take with the camera - at least, not without
the help of some third-party apps....
"Add Photogene to the list of helpful image editors from the App
Store. Developed by Omer Shoor, this user-friendly app makes cropping,
adjusting, and adding fun effects to your photos a breeze...."
Link: Photogene
'Mini-Photoshop' for iPhone (available through the
iPhone App Store)
WordDigest English Dictionary, Thesaurus, and
Spell Checker for iPhone
PR: Global Delight - publishers of Mac, iPhone and iPod
products - today released its first mobile application for the iPhone
platform. WordDigest is an intelligent and fast English dictionary,
thesaurus and spell checker tool all integrated into one complete
package.
WordDigest has a built in dictionary containing more than 147,000
words, IPA pronunciations for 87,000 words, built-in hyperlinked
thesaurus for more than 28,000 words and built-in hyperlinked
intelligent spell checker. WordDigest also has a provision to search
words on the Internet. The search results have been optimized to suite
the display on any iPhone or iPod touch. It also has options to set
bookmarks for favorite words, maintaining history of previously
searched words and also to alter the text size.
"WordDigest integrates a industry strength dictionary, thesaurus and
spell check into one package thus eliminating the need of having
multiple apps for reference," says Mr. Rohith Bhat, CEO of Global
Delight. "Its intuitive word-search and spelling suggestions are quick
giving you in-depth information of words without an Internet
connection," he added.
System Requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch,
- requires iPhone software v2.0 update
WordDigest is priced at $3.99 and can be downloaded from the App
Store. As an introductory offer, WordDigest can be purchased for $1.99
from App Store for a limited period.(available through the
iPhone App Store)
PhoneCam 1.0 for iPhone
PR: Tidal Pool Software today announces the release of
PhoneCam 1.0 for Apple iPhone. PhoneCam turns your iPhone into a
wireless webcam. It allows you to transmit images to your website from
anywhere there's a WiFi or cell data connection available. It
automatically uploads images to an FTP server either manually or at a
predefined interval. Capture images manually or on a timer as
frequently as every 5 seconds. Upload each image with incrementing file
names or replace them with each capture.
Tidal Pool Software announces the release of PhoneCam 1.0 for Apple
iPhone. PhoneCam turns your iPhone into a wireless webcam. It allows
you to transmit images to your website from anywhere there's a WiFi or
cell data connection available. Capture images manually or on a timer
as frequently as every 5 seconds. Upload each image with incrementing
file names or replace them with each capture.
PhoneCam includes support for saving multiple servers and file names
so you can quickly change where to upload images to. It also supports
both PNG and JPEG image types, an image quality setting (JPEG only),
and multiple image sizes.
Key Features:
- Image capture and upload to a website (requires FTP access)
- Support for saving multiple servers and file names
- Image update interval - manual, preset timer interval (from 5
seconds to 24 hours), custom timer interval
- Replace image after each capture or save them all with incrementing
file names (e.g.. image-1.jpg, image-2.jpg, etc.)
- Starting file number setting (e.g.. image-100.jpg, image-101.jpg,
etc.)
- JPEG and PNG image types
- Compression image quality setting (JPEG only)
- Image sizes from 60x80 to 1200x1600 (full resolution)
- Support for both portrait and landscape orientations
System Requirements:
- Apple iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later
- Apple iPhone or iPhone 3G
- FTP access to a website
PhoneCam is now available for purchase on the Apple App Store for
just $1.99.
Link: PhoneCam (available through the
iPhone App Store)
Accessories
ThumbTacks Micro-Microphone for iPod nano 4G/iPod
touch 2G
PR: Say hello to this new tiny recordable mini-mic. Now
your iPods can listen. Plug and play with your Nano 4G or Touch 2G.
Key Features:
- Ultra small Microphone
- Unique "ThumbTack" design
- Outstanding quality sound recording
- Hi quality gold-plated non-corrosive plug
- Works with third party Apps
Introducing ThumbTacks
The first thing you'll notice about ThumbTacks is that it's a
familiar day to day object in your life. This unique design feature not
only looks great, but is also the perfect shape to easily push and pull
out of your iPod. This distinctive yet functional design was only
achievable due to our meticulous design and detailed engineering. We
shaved everything out to bring you the smallest mic of its kind, while
still tough enough to withstand your everyday use.
Unleash the Power of your iPod
ThumbTacks allows you to fully unleash your iPod's secret
potential*... Recording, It couldn't be simpler to use! Push your
Thumbtack into your 3.5mm headphone jack and your iPod will
automatically turn into a voice recorder. So next time when you need to
record class dictations, office meetings, or even covering the next big
story.
One big consideration when designing Thumbtacks was its tiny
size. But, equally important was the microphone quality. Thumbtacks
excels in comparison to similar products which are larger and bulkier
and considerable time was spent testing a multitude of microphones in
different acoustic environments to ensure we had the best quality
micro-microphone of it category.
Note: Please upgrade your iPod to the latest firmware before using
ThumbTacks.
$12.99 + $3.00 s/h
Link: ThumbTacks
Monster High-Quality Headphones Will Soon Feature
New iPod shuffle VoiceOver and Control
PR: Monster has announced that within the next few months its
line of high-quality headphones will integrate full support for Apple's
exciting new third generation iPod shuffle with VoiceOver. Monster's
lineup, including its popular Beats by Dr. Dre family of
high-definition headphones, highly acclaimed Turbine In-Ear Speakers
and new upcoming models, will provide users with a convenient on-cord
control that gives them access to their iPod's playlists and also lets
them adjust play, pause and volume functions - all while hearing their
iPod shuffle "speak" to them. Monster will also soon introduce a
special adapter for adding iPod shuffle VoiceOver control to any
headphone.
"Monster's iPod products are all about helping users maximize their
musical experiences," noted Kevin Lee, Little Monster and vice
president of Marketing Strategy and Business Development. "We created
our entire headphone line because we truly believe that sound matters
to the enjoyment of music. We're thrilled to be able to complement the
new iPod shuffle with easy-to-use control features built into our
headphones so customers can enjoy the high-quality Monster audio
experience they've come to expect."
Monster has long demonstrated its commitment to enhancing and
maximizing the iPod experience, providing consumers with the world's
best quality FM Transmitters and Direct Connect chargers. And it was
Monster's dedication to the principle that "sound matters" in music
that led to the creation of its high-quality, high-definition
headphones, giving iPod users the opportunity to enjoy dramatically
better audio. Now, with the integration of VoiceOver control, Monster
is giving its headphone customers the chance to further improve their
iPod experience, enjoying not only great sound and style, but actually
being able to control their music with their headphones. This will
allow users to leave the iPod where it should be, in their pocket or in
its case.
The new third-generation iPod shuffle with the VoiceOver feature can
speak song titles, artists and playlist names. When users want to know
the name of the song or artist playing, they can simply press a button
on the conveniently located headphone controls and iPod shuffle tells
them the song and artist name. iPod shuffle can even announce status
information, such as the
Link: Monster
V-MODA to Debut 2009 Headphone Line Compatible
with New Apple iPod shuffle
PR: Music lifestyle brand V-MODA announced today that it is
developing a revolutionary headphone line with integrated controls
compatible with the new third generation iPod shuffle featuring
VoiceOver. The new V-MODA Audio Volume Control (AVC) headphone line
will perfectly complement the iPod shuffle as well as the latest
generation of iPods and MacBooks, which already support the inline
playback and volume control functionality.
"By leveraging Apple's latest features, our new AVC headphone line
will allow Apple consumers to enjoy their new iPod shuffle with
convenience, style, and ease," said Val Kolton, V-MODA CEO and founder,
independent DJ and producer. "We're proud of our long-standing
relationship with Apple and what we've forged together, and we look
forward to creating more high-fidelity, high-fashion products in the
future."
The new third generation iPod shuffle with the VoiceOver feature can
speak song titles, artists and playlist names. When you want to know
the name of the song or artist playing, simply press a button on the
conveniently located headphone controls and iPod shuffle tells you the
song and artist name. iPod shuffle can even announce status
information, such as battery life.
The first AVC headphone will be available in the second quarter of
2009, while V-MODA's other AVC products, including on-ear and DJ
headphones, will be launched later in the year.
V-MODA is the remixed blend of high fashion and high fidelity based
in Hollywood, California. It designs and markets innovative products
that are inspired by the sonic sensation of live concerts and club DJs
from the Balearic isle of Ibiza, Spain, to Hollywood, Calif., and
beyond. V-MODA offers the ultimate music experience where technology,
design and fashion collide, resulting in an unmistakable vibe.
Link: V-MODA
Etymotic Research to Support Integrated Controls
for New iPod shuffle
PR: Etymotic Research have announced that an upcoming version
of its headsets will support the new integrated control functions of
Apple's third-generation iPod shuffle, giving users the ability to
play, pause, adjust volume, switch playlists and hear the name of the
song and artist with just the press of a button. Etymotic is well
positioned to complement this advancement, building on the unique
remote control features of the company's present wireless Bluetooth
stereo earphones.
"The VoiceOver feature, which lets the user hear the name of a song
or artist, is a clever innovation from Apple," said Etymotic President
Dr. Mead Killion. "The 4 GB capacity of the new iPod shuffle means
that on a device measuring only 45x18 mm, our most demanding customers
can store an impressive amount of uncompressed music."
Etymotic customers are traditionally audiophiles. The appeal of
Etymotic earphones and headsets is their practically perfect, uncolored
frequency response and unmatched noise isolation. "Our Isolator
Earphones are the smallest high-fidelity stereo earphones in the
world," said Dr. Killion, "and combined with the new iPod shuffle,
users should get a nearly weightless, palm-sized music system with
fidelity that is unmatched by anything that size."
Link: Etymotic Research
Protection
Proporta's Beachbuoy Keeps Your iPod or iPhone
Safe and Dry
PR: The
Beachbuoy is guaranteed to be waterproof up to 5 metres/16 feet
underwater and has been tested and approved by the British Standards
Institute - BSI (IP57 and IP58). With this watertight protection, you
can take your MP3 player to the beach or your PDA to the pool, and the
Beachbuoy will keep your valuables safe and sound - and 100% dry
Summer is quickly approaching (hooray!) which means trips to the
beach and holidays abroad, if you're lucky. But whether it's a desert
island holiday, or just a trip to the local leisure centre, if you need
to keep your devices dry this year, the Morfica Beachbuoy is perfect
for you.
The Beachbuoy is guaranteed to be waterproof up to 5 metres/16 feet
underwater and has been tested and approved by the British Standards
Institute - BSI (IP57 and IP58). With this watertight protection, you
can take your MP3 player to the beach or your PDA to the pool, and the
Beachbuoy will keep your valuables safe and sound - and 100% dry.
The Beachbuoy measures 13.5 x 8.5 x 3.5cm (LxWxD), and is ideal for
those who love spending their summers outdoors, or in the water, but
still need their gizmos and gadgets close to hand. Enjoy.
The BeachBuoy sells for $11.37.
Link: Beachbuoy
Grantwood Technology Ships tuneband for iPod touch
2G in Assorted Colors
PR: Grantwood Technology, LLC today announced the release of
assorted colors for tuneband for iPod touch 2G, an armband product
designed to comfortably secure the iPod touch 2G in place during
exercise, with the ability to access the screen and buttons. The
tuneband armband is made with the same material as their highly
acclaimed tuneband for iPod touch. Each tuneband consists of a
comfortable and flexible armband strap that can accommodate both large
and small arms.
Grantwood Technology, LLC today announced the release of the
tuneband for iPod touch 2G (second generation), an armband product
designed to comfortably secure the iPhone in place during exercise,
with the ability to access the screen, volume controls and buttons.
The tuneband for iPod touch 2G is one of the most popular armbands
sold, now we are making available seven skin colors: black,
cloud/clear, navy blue, pink, red, teal, blue, and purple.
Each tuneband consists of a comfortable and flexible armband strap
that can accommodate both large and small arms. We also have extra
large armbands available upon request. The rest of the package includes
a durable silicone skin that allows access to all ports on the iPod
touch 2G, including volume, screen, camera and home button.
We also supply a low-tack, cut-and-peel screen protector that helps
guard against smudges, moisture, and daily wear-and-tear. The tuneband
armband is made with the same material as our highly acclaimed tuneband
for iPod nano and our original tuneband for iPod touch.
The iPod touch 2G is compatible with the Nike+iPod system. In
addition to the tuneband armband, Grantwood Technology also sells the
Shoe Pouch for Nike+iPod as a perfect combination for runners desiring
to use the Nike+ system with non-Nike shoes.
"The tuneband for iPod touch 2G is one of the most popular armbands
available," explained Michael Banks, MD, cofounder and CEO of Grantwood
Technology, LLC. "We have now added 6 more colors to the original black
skin that was available."
Link:
tuneband for iPod touch 2G
