Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
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iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone Accessories
iPod Accessories
iPod and iPhone Deals
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
Usability Data Proves iPhone Really Is Better
Blackfriars' Marketing's Carl Howe reports:
"I've been claiming that the iPhone's usability is the keystone of
its market appeal for a while. Well, ComputerWorld now has some hard
usability study data to back that claim up. They had Perceptive
Science, a usability consulting firm, pit the iPhone against a Nokia
N95 and the HTC Touch (which is a Windows Mobile 6.0 device) with 10
consumers:"
iPhone Unlocks May Irreparably Damage iPhone
Software
CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 24 - Apple has discovered that many of the
unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet cause
irreparable damage to the iPhone's software, which will likely result
in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future
Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed. Apple plans to
release the next iPhone software update, containing many new features
including the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, later this week.
Apple strongly discourages users from installing unauthorized
unlocking programs on their iPhones. Users who make unauthorized
modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone
software license agreement and void their warranty. The permanent
inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not
covered under the iPhone's warranty.
Apple, AT&T Voiding Warranties on Modified
iPhones
BloggingStocks' Brian White reports:
"AT&T, Inc. is about to step into a 'vocal minority' land mine
when it comes to interacting with customers using that expensive Apple,
Inc. iPhone on its network. Let's put it this way: if you're a
techno-tinkerer and have modified the software on that iPhone but need
to bring it to AT&T (which probably sends it to Apple) or an Apple
store for service, prepare to be disappointed: you may be turned away
forever, even if your unit is under warranty.
"This situation sounds like a legal pickle of pretty big
proportions. Apple iPhone purchasers 'buy' an iPhone and are free to do
whatever they want with it - by law, right? The problem seems to arise
when iPhone owners change the software on their phone, specifically
using a 'hack' to make the iPhone usable on wireless carriers other
than AT&T, among other things."
Link:
Apple and AT&T Voiding Warranties on Modified iPhones
Apple Warns that Updates May Damage Modded
iPhones
MarketWatch reports:
"Fans of Apple Inc. are always anxious to tout the inherent
superiority of the company's hardware, software and even
advertising.
"But apparently that's not stopping them from trying to unlock their
cool new iPhones, so that the devices will work on other wireless
networks besides that of AT&T Inc. A few weeks ago, some teenager
posted instructions about how to do it on YouTube.
"Since then, other hacks have surfaced, and the issue has become
serious enough that Apple had to issue a warning late Monday against
such actions.
"The company's warning was as artfully designed as one of its
machines."
Link:
Apple Sends Customers an iSicilian Message
Regain Battery Life after Installing Third Party
Apps
iPhoneAlley's Michael Johnston says:
"So you've just finished hacking your iPhone and installed every
application you could find, but what the heck happened to your battery
life? In the process of installing various things, you've likely
installed OpenSSH, the tool which allows remote login to your iPhone
from a computer. The problem is, SSH requires that a listener called
SSHD constantly runs, waiting for a remote login attempt. This in turn
drains your battery. The solution is to disable SSHD when you don't
need it. Read on for the how-to.
"For most seasoned iPhone hackers, disabling SSHD is a piece of
cake. Unfortunately, it's not very easy or convenient. Instead, us
mortals need a simple tool."
Link:
Regain Battery Life after Installing 3rd-party Applications
iPhone: Four Devices and More . . . in One
The Register's Tony Smith says:
"We've already reviewed Apple's iPhone, so why are we taking another
look? There are several reasons. First, a different reviewer means a
different opinion. That applies to any product, of course, but Apple's
claim that the iPhone is 'revolutionary' perhaps justifies an
alternative appraisal.
"Second, the first review was of a device limited by the shackles of
AT&T's two-year subscription requirement. With an unlocked model,
this reviewer is much less restricted. Thirdly - and this is the
killer, really - having used the iPhone as my sole communications
device for a time, I think it's bloody marvelous and I'd like to
explain why."
Link: Apple
iPhone - Four Devices and More . . . in One
iPhones and Politics in Iran
Cyber Persia's Reza Hashemi says:
"Smart people like smart things. When you like something you
naturally want to own it. That is the reason all the Apple iPhone
lovers around the world are so happy for 200$ price reduction, but the
story of owning an Apple product in Iran is totally different.
"Most of the products are available in Iran after one or two weeks.
You get higher price, higher risk , no trained Apple technicians, and
no official support and service because there is no official Apple
representative in Iran.
"Why? Politics!
"I mean US sanctions against Iran and US companies.
"Ok, You decide to have an iPhone and pay more. What's the
problem?"
"If Apple contracts with all the mobile operators in the world, I'm
sure there are some exceptions and those exceptions are mobile
operators in Iran.
"Why? Politics!
"The current price for an unlocked iPhone in Iran is
US$1,400....
"From Apple core values of innovation, design and customer respect,
you get nothing.
"Why? Politics!
"This is how politics enters into everyday life of electronic
products consumers and Apple fans inside Iran and makes Iran a high
risk and high profit market...."
Link: iPhones
in Iran!
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPod touch Screen Fault Due to Haste?
Macworld UK's Jonny Evans reports:
"Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Apple has admitted to
some problems with some units of the newly-shipped iPod touch.
"While Apple hasn't issued any explanation yet on why some units of
the new device display dark areas of video in a way in which they look
like photo negatives, a post on the company's own support forums may
shed a little light.
"One poster there - who claims to be an engineer with experience in
the LCD industry - believes the problem lies in the anti-reflective
coating used, combined with Apple's desire to ship the product
quickly."
Link: iPod
touch Fault a Quality Control Matter?
iPhone and iPod touch 'Very Similar' Inside
DailyTech's Michael Hoffman & Jason Mick report:
"The iPod touch is virtually identical to the iPhone, according to a
disassembly performed by repair firm iFixit, published in a blog
detailing its disassembly and comparison with an iPhone.
"The first major change is that the battery in the iPod touch is
able to take up more space since a large speaker or microphone is not
necessary. The touch screen that allows users to navigate through the
iPod controls is located immediately beneath the battery. The touch's
battery measures 54 x 64 x 2.8 mm; the iPhone's battery is larger by
volume but smaller by proportion, 43.6 x 50.5 x 5.4 mm.
"The rear lid has been improved by the addition of wireless contact
points, allowing it to be removed faster and more efficiently. The
headphone jack is built directly into one of the circuit boards, which
could lead to more difficult repairs.
"The ARM processor and Samsung NAND memory in the iPod touch is
virtually identical to the same components found in the Apple
iPhone."
Take Notes on an iPod touch
Mac OS X Hints' rflorence says:
"Many users have complained about 'missing' features in the iPod
touch, like an email application, the ability to add entries to the
Calendar, and a note taking application. Until the iPod touch is
'hacked' to allow the installation of third-party apps, or for those
who don't want to hack the iPod touch, it is possible - and not
entirely inconvenient - to use the Contacts database to take notes that
are then automatically uploaded to the home computer when the iPod
touch is synced."
Link: Take
Notes on an iPod touch
iPod touch 'Top of Our Christmas List'
Computeractive's Cliff Joseph says:
"Touch-screen, wireless networking: what can't the new iPod do?
"Yes, it's expensive, but the touch-controls and wireless internet
put the Touch at the top of our Christmas list.
"From the moment Apple unveiled its iPhone a few months ago, it was
clear that the phone's innovative touch-screen control system was going
to appear in the iPod as well. And now, at the same time as the phone's
UK launch, the iPod touch has appeared."
Link:
Review: Apple iPod touch Portable Video Player
iPod classic: Timeless or
Anachronistic?
tech.co.uk reports:
"Could this the the classic iPod's last hurrah?
"There's never been a better time to buy a classic iPod. It sounds
good, build quality is excellent and it boasts huge amounts of storage.
Just don't expect it to be cool anymore. It's passed that mantle on the
iPod touch and iPhone
"What does the word 'classic' suggest to you? A timeless
masterpiece, a nostalgic yearning for the past. Or something that's
past its prime? The new / old Apple iPod classic is all these things
and more. Let us explain . . . The arrival of the iPhone and
iPod touch, and even the iPod nano have suddenly turned the iconic iPod
into something of an anachronism....
"Does this feel like an end of an era, a last hurrah? Yes it does.
Apple has probably done enough with its iPod refresh to keep it at
number one in the sales chart this Christmas and it's great to go out
on a high. Will we still be singing the classic's praises this time
next year? Only time and Apple and tell."
Link:
Apple iPod classic 80 GB Review
iPhone Accessories
Ringtonator Converts Music to Ringtones and
Vice-Versa
Ringtonator Studio allows you to open and edit QuickTime clips, then
export them into iTunes's ringtone format. It works by using QTKit to
edit/export the M4A format, and then AtomicParsely to edit the exported
song's metatags so that iTunes recognizes it as a ringtone. It also
utilizes the open-source Cocoa add-on SMDoubleSlider.
Supports MP3s
To use: check 'edit manually' if you wish to crop your ringtone.
Drag MP3 from Finder into the Ringtonator. This version only allows for
1 song to be edited at a time (no multiple-file drags for now, doing so
will result in only the first file being edited). Edit the opened song
to your desire, if you mess up, CMD-R reverts to saved state, while
CMD-W closes the song (not the app!). Once you finish, press export. If
the original file was not an M4A, it will take a minute to do, just
give it some time. Now find the original file again in the finder.
There should be a new file next to it called '"original file"
Ringtone.m4r'.
New in version 1.5:
Added MP3 support, renamed files to .M4R to keep up with latest
version of iTunes. Also added QTKit with threaded export and cropping
capabilities. Removed progress bar for now, replaced with an
indeterminate spinny thing.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later, iTunes.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: Ringtonator
Std.
IceWear iPhone Silicone Case
IceWear iPhone is a strong and attractive silicone case for iPhone.
Like all IceWear products, IceWear iPhone utilizes our patented rib
technology for a strong grip. Made of the same high-density silicone
used in diving masks, IceWear iPhone protects iPhone from accidental
bumps and drops.
IceWear iPhone leaves the iPhone multi-touch display
unobscured, allowing for complete control and viewing of the screen. We
added embossed edges around the screen to help prevent scratching.
TuneFilm, a clear protective film that covers the multi-touch display
of the iPhone for extra protection, is included free with every IceWear
iPhone.
With IceWear iPhone, all ports on iPhone are open for easy
access. The headphone jack, dock connector, camera lens, and buttons
are easily accessible. You can attach and use the USB docking cable
without the need to remove IceWear iPhone from your iPhone.
IceWear iPhone features
- High-density transparent silicone
- Easy to put on, easy to take off
- Complete access to iPhone multi-touch display and connectors
- Unobstructed view of the multi-touch display
- Patented rib design grips in your hand and grips to almost any
surface
- Clear protective film TuneFilm included free
- Washable with soap and water
$29.95
Coming Soon!
Link:
IceWear iPhone Silicone Case Announced
iPhone Remote Lets You Remotely Access Your
Mac from Your iPhone
Remotely access your Mac through a collection of mini Web apps on
your phone
Features:
- Stream music and videos from your computer
- Screen capture with mouse click and basic typing support
- Simple iTunes Remote control
- Browse your files
- Run AppleScript remotely
- iSight image capture
- Basic Spotlight search
- Easily create and add more apps
Security Considerations
- This is still a developer prototype and is intended only as a demo
to get people started.
- It will have the same access privileges as your user account
- The login and password you specify will be stored on disk, so
should be different, but as strong as your account password.
- Don't leave it running if you aren't using it
Usage
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: iPhone
Remote
iPod Accessories
Lowly Cassettes Return as Designer iPod nano
Case
45 NANO CASES are made from reclaimed cassette tapes rebuilt to fit
to your 1st and 2nd generation iPod nano. Choose from the 45 tapes
currently available
Audio cassette
tapes are making a pop culture comeback, this time as protective
designer cases for iPod nanos by Contexture Design.
Known as '45 nano,' the cassette-cases follow January 2007's release
of '45,' Contexture's limited-edition iPod cases custom-made from vinyl
7" records.
"Reusing an old music medium to protect technology that surpassed it
really resonates with us as music fans and sustainable designers," says
Trevor Coghill, Contexture Design cofounder.
"Before iTunes' playlists, people made mix tapes," says founding
partner Nathan Lee of the similarities between cassettes and digital
music players. "And like iPods and nanos, tapes were also a really
portable music technology."
One side of the cassette-cases has been hollowed out to fit first-
and second-generation iPod nanos, shielded by a clear plastic window
that includes openings for access to the music player's controls,
headphone jack and charging dock.
The cases'
flipside has been retained and looks like a 'vintage' cassette. For
added cushioning, the cassette-cases include foam padding and come
enclosed in their original, clear plastic cases.
According to Contexture's philosophy of using recycled and
repurposed materials, '45nano' has been designed and constructed
sustainably using reclaimed tapes and foam padding.
Contexture has already begun working on similar cases for the
recently released third-generation iPod nano.
'45' and '45 nano' are available online for the sticker price of
$45. As a further incentive, Contexture still offers a $5 rebate to
online buyers who participate in the street level poster campaign. To
qualify for the rebate, participants hang concert style posters around
their neighbourhood.
Compatible iPod nano Models and Sizes:
- 1st generation 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB
- 2nd generation 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB
- 3rd generation model currently under development
Link: Lowly
Cassettes Return as Designer iPod nano Cases
First Wireless Bicycle Speaker for iPod
Turning up the volume on cycling safety combined with a unique
listening experience, cy·fi makes its debut at the Interbike
2007 Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 26th-28th
cy·fi, the world's first wireless bicycle speaker
and ultimate iPod accessory, offering cycling professionals and
enthusiasts a unique listening experience, will be unveiled next week
at Interbike 2007 in Las
Vegas.
Slightly larger than a deck of cards and weighing less than three
ounces - cy·fi's incredibly compact design is the first
revolutionary product of its kind to be introduced to the cycling
world. Portable, and easily mounted on any bicycle mainframe,
cy·fi enables users to enjoy all of their digital music,
offering unprecedented sound quality and battery life, while
eliminating the safety concerns associated with headphones or earbuds
when riding.
Features:
- iPod Compatible - Use cy·fi with your iPod or iPod nano
- Superior Sound - Enjoy 100% lossless, CD-quality wireless audio via
Kleer technology
- Remote Controlled - Change the track, volume and playlists settings
from your speaker
- Bike Ready - Easily mount cy·fi on your bike frame with the
provided attachment
- Battery Life - under 6 hours
- Wireless Range - 30 feet
- Light and Portable - Pack cy·fi as a travel speaker - it
weighs less than 3 ounces
- Group Synching - Broadcast your favorite tunes to up to four
cy·fi speakers
- Patent-Pending Interface - Keep your hands on the bike
. . . and cy·fi at your fingertips
The innovative speaker will be available in specialty retail and
better bike stores starting in early 2008 and will retail at
$149.95.
cy·fi is the brainchild of Jeff Lotman, CEO of Global Icons,
a premier brand licensing agency, and an avid cyclist who recognized
the need to provide a solution to the dangers of biking with
headphones. "I wasn't aware of any other bikers or cars, or my
environment," says Lotman. At the same time he knew he couldn't stomach
giving up his music. "It's what motivates you and makes you want to
exercise."
"As a product-first, it made sense", says Arnold Kamler, Chairman of
the Board for Kent International, and Lotman's partner on the project.
"The safety aspect was what really caught my attention at first, then
adding the original and progressive nature of the product design
process made it a very attractive proposition."
Impact Design Associates was tasked with developing the initial
design. Product designer Max Beach contacted Rocky Gonzalez of 3D Mass
to translate the cy·fi idea from concept to a fully functional
prototype. Beach and Lotman agreed that the goal was to make it as
lightweight as possible, and capable of delivering high performance
sound quality.
That challenge was solved by using a pioneering wireless audio
technology offered by Kleer that combines full CD quality sound with
ultra low power consumption, to deliver 100% lossless performance. By
using this low frequency technology, 3D Mass was able to create a
customized amplification system encased in a compact speaker design
with extended battery life. Delivering cutting edge technology with
visual impact, cy·fi became "HI-FI".
"We're thrilled that Global Icons has recognized Kleer as the ideal
technology for this exciting new application." says Ron Glibbery, VP of
Marketing for Kleer. "In fact, this application is not viable with
other technologies such as Bluetooth, as the speaker battery life would
be shorter than most bicycle rides.
Link: cy·fi
Fabrix Custom Cushioned iPod Sleeves
Featuring unique and fashionable fabrics
- Cushioned with high-grade internal quilted paddings that provides
your iPods with the optimum level of protection against scratches,
light bumps and knocks, yet not compromising on the size and form
factor.
- Handsewn to precise dimensions to fit each iPod perfectly unlike
mass produced cases which comes in generic sizings.
For "Custom Size", specify your exact device model
followed by dimensions (w/o allowances) in cm :
Example : 11.3 x 5.9 x 2.3 cm
Shipping charges are priced at $1.00 per case
Link: Fabrix
Custom Cushioned iPod Sleeves
Daylite Has Sync Capability for iPhone,
iPod, BlackBerry, Palm, and More
Apple road warriors rejoice! Marketcircle takes advantage of Apple's
Sync Services to extend Daylite productivity to the palm of your
hand
Daylite 3.5, the newest version of Marketcircle Inc.'s Mac
productivity management software, takes advantage of Apple's Sync
Services to bring Daylite contacts, appointments, tasks, and reminders
to iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Palm, Windows Mobile devices and many
popular cellphones.
Designed for the unique needs of Mac-based businesses of 1-50
people, Daylite 3.5 is the latest version of Marketcircle's
award-winning productivity management software and the only Mac-based
productivity management application that helps an organization at every
stage of the business cycle. From identifying and qualifying
opportunities to the delivery of projects, Daylite 3.5 is a powerful
resource for tracking and managing business activities and
outcomes.
"What we've been able to do with Apple's Sync Services is open up a
new era of mobile productivity to the multi-user Mac business
community," says Alykhan Jetha, CEO of Marketcircle Inc. "With Daylite
3.5 anyone can share business contacts and calendar items - even
meetings - between Macs and iPhones or other handheld devices. It truly
brings Daylite conveniences to the palm of your hand."
To protect personal privacy, Daylite 3.5's new syncing abilities
allow users to select and sync distinct contact categories (prospects
and customers, but not personal contacts, for example).
Daylite 3.5 also introduces more than 300 contextual help articles
via Apple Help designed to expose little-known, but powerful Daylite
features to more users, and to simplify the "getting started" process
for new users.
In addition, Daylite 3.5 provides more than 100 enhancements
including support for international time zones, and the ability to
multi-select Daylite-enabled colleagues to set or revise appointments,
tasks, projects and opportunities. A new multi-user trash system allows
everyone in a Daylite workgroup to review or reinstate trashed items no
matter who deleted them or how. Exporting now includes tab delimited as
well as .csv formats.
To connect Daylite to regular phones, Daylite 3.5 users require
iSync 2.4 or higher (in Mac OS X 10.4.9 or higher). For BlackBerry
devices, they require Missing Sync for BlackBerry 1.0.1 or higher. For
Palm devices, they require Missing Sync for Palm 6.0 or higher. For
Windows Mobile devices, they require Missing Sync for Windows Mobile
4.0 or higher. See Apple's iSync compatibility page for a complete list
of supported devices.
Daylite 3.5 is a free upgrade for Daylite 3.x users. Daylite 3.5 is
included in the Daylite Productivity Suite that bundles Daylite 3 with
Marketcircle's Daylite Mail Integration Module (DMI 2.0.5) for US $189.
Sold separately, Daylite 3.5 retails for US $149 and DMI 2.0.5 retails
for US $49. International pricing applies. New customers can try
Daylite 3.5 free for 30 days.
Link: Daylite
