Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone/iPod Add-ons
iPhone Add-ons
iPod Add-ons
iPod and iPhone Deals
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
Free Unlock GUI for the iPhone
Hacintosh reports:
"Today is the day! We just fixed up our issues with the toolchain
and are proud to announce the GUI version as the latest greatest
opensource tool."
Download: http://www.deadbeef.cn/files/anySIM.zip
PXL Package: http://iphone.exploit.org/pxl/anySIM-1.01.pxl
Mirrors:
Just install this application on your phone and run it from
Springboard. Enjoy!
Link: Free Unlock
GUI - Now Finally Released!
Simple Music Streaming from Mac or PC to
iPhone
iPhone Atlas
says:
"Aptly named Simplify Media recently launched a native third-party
iPhone application that can stream music from any enabled Mac or PC
(also running the Simplify Media software) directly to the iPhone over
a WiFi or EDGE connection. Once you've made your iPhone ready accept
third-party applications, the process for setting up Simplify Media is,
well, simple...."
Link:
Simple Music Streaming from Mac or PC to iPhone
Google Application for iPhone Points Toward Potent
Alliance
The
Baltimore Sun's David Zeiler says:
"Almost lost in yesterday's tech news was Google's announcement that
it has released an application for the iPhone that consolidates several
of its Web services such as e-mail, search and calendar functions into
a single interface.
"Owners of an iPhone (or an iPod touch) need only visit Google.com
to access the new goodies; no download is required. A single Google
software engineer, Steve Kanefsky, envisioned the feature after being
impressed with the iPhone's large touch screen as well as the inclusion
of the full Safari Web browser."
Link:
Google Application for iPhone Points Toward Potent Alliance
Google Unveils Application for iPhone
Reuters reports on eWeek:
"The app makes it easier to use and switch between Google's e-mail,
search and calendar services on the iPhone."
Link:
Google Unveils Application for iPhone
Google Enables More Apps for iPhone
eWeek's Clint Boulton
says:
"The optimization of Search, Gmail, Calendar and Reader for the
iPhone is the latest step in Google's mobile march."
Link:
Google Enables More Apps for iPhone
Young, Poor Prefer Cell Phones to Landlines in
US
CTV
reports:
"More than one in eight households have cell phones but lack
traditional landline telephones, according to a federal study released
Monday that tracks the country's growing dependence on wireless
phones....
"The report released Monday showed that for the first half of 2007,
14 percent of households had cell phone service but no landline
telephones. That was less than 1 percentage point over the second half
of 2006 - not a statistically significant difference....
"The federal data showed once again that young, poor, male and
Hispanic people are likelier to have only wireless telephone
service....
"About one in five poor people have only cell phones, about double
the percentage for those who are not poor."
Editor's note: I'm among the group that has only a landline,
although I would expect that here in Canada, where cellphone service
rates are punishingly high, the proportional size of that cohort is a
lot higher than the 24 percent in the US. I resist any service
commodity that keeps the meter running, although I do have a long
distance plan that's so cheap that it's hardly an issue. cm
Other editor's note: Except for six months when I had no option but
a land line for Internet access, I've been using a mobile phone
exclusively for four years. It's not only convenient, it also avoids
the setup fees the phone company charges for activating service at a
new address. (I am neither young nor poor.) dk
Link:
Young, Poor Prefer Cell Phones to Landlines in US
Has the iPhone Jumped the Shark?
InformationWeek's Stephen Wellman says:
"While Apple's iPhone this year captured the imagination of the US
market and spurred a global diagoue about the future of smartphones,
it's not taking Europe by fire in the sales department. In fact, if my
colleague Eric Zeman is right, the iPhone could be a flop in Germany.
What gives?
"At this point there are several good explanations for the iPhone's
lack of luster on the other side of the pond....
"But, I wonder if the real reason the iPhone is flopping in Europe
is that the iPhone has simply jumped the shark."
Link:
Has the iPhone Jumped the Shark?
Using Safari on iPod touch and iPhone with Sites
Containing Frames
A new Apple Knowledge Base
article says:
"Some webpages are organized into frames, where each frame displays
a different web document. You can use Safari to browse and scroll
through web pages containing frames by using two fingers
simultaneously. When you use one finger to flick or drag up or down,
you are scrolling through the web page. When you use two fingers to
flick or drag up or down, you are scrolling through the frame.
"Note: On a computer you will be able to scroll through such frames
using a scroll bar."
Link: Using Safari on
iPod touch and iPhone with Websites Containing Frames
New Functions for the iPhone This Week?
CNET France's
Fabrice Auclert reports (AltaVista Babel Fish
translation):
"According to various rumours, it is next Saturday which the new
firmware should arrive for the iPhone. This version 1.1.3 would bring
two great innovations: a dictaphone function and the possibility of
using the APPLE telephone like a hard disk.
"The advertisement of the near release of a iPhone 3G made early
adopters of the first version of the Apple telephone grimace. But they
can be comforted by thinking that in a few days, their telephone will
be enhanced by two new functions."
Link:
De nouvelles fonctions pour l'iPhone dès cette semaine ?
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
'Eok' Developing VOIP for iPod touch
MacNN says:
"By using the SvSIP software for the Nintendo DS provided by Samuel
Vinson, a developer identified as 'Eok' has created a semi-working VOIP
client for the iPod touch...."
Link: 'Eok'
Developing VOIP for iPod touch
VOIP Running on the iPod touch
touchmods blog says:
"Amazing news, guys! I have no words! We all knew it will come.
"So here it is: eok did manage to make the Nintendo DS-based SIP app
from Samuel running on the iPod touch!!"
"Samuel's page here: svsip.free.fr"
Link: VOIP
Confirmed!!!
Add a Microphone to Your iPod touch for
Audio-in Lovin'
Ars Technica's
Jacqui Cheng says:
"Since the debut of the iPod touch, we've all pretty much known that
it's strikingly similar to the iPhone in more ways than Apple would
like us to believe. For one, they can run the same apps (including
iPhone-specific ones, like Mail, Weather, and Stocks). That list also
includes recording audio-in. Yes, you read that right--the audio-in
line, which is used for phone calls in the iPhone, is not disabled in
the iPod touch, as several observant tinkerers have discovered."
Link:
Add a Microphone to Your iPod touch for Audio-in Lovin'
iPod touch 'Best Portable Media Player Ever
Made'
PC Magazine's
Tim Gideon says:
"With an excellent interface and elegant design, the iPod touch is
simply the best portable media player ever made."
Link: Apple iPod
touch
80 GB Zune 'Trumps Apple's iPod
classic'
PC Magazine's
Tim Gideon says:
"The new Zune is trimmer, has a larger screen and increased
capacity. Add its wireless abilities to the equation and you've got a
player that (gasp!) trumps Apple's iPod classic."
Link: Microsoft Zune 80
GB Review
iPod classic and 3G iPod nano Continuously
Rebooting after Updating to 1.0.2
A new Apple Knowledge Base
article says:
After updating an iPod classic or an iPod nano (3rd generation) to
iPod software 1.0.2, the device may continuously reboot after resyncing
iTunes music library. If this occurs, the iPod will not be recognized
or seen in iTunes.
Products affected
- iPod classic
- iPod nano (3rd generation)
Solution
To resolve this issue, place the device in Disk Mode and restore it.
See this document for steps to put the iPod into Disk Mode. If you need
assistance restoring the iPod, see this document.
To prevent this issue from recurring, recreate the iTunes music
library prior to resyncing the iPod. See "How to re-create your iTunes
Library" for information.
Link: iPod classic
and iPod nano (3rd Generation) Continuously Rebooting after Updating to
iPod Software 1.0.2
iPhone/iPod Add-ons
Portable EVDO HotSpot for iPhone or iPod
touch
PR: Tired of how slow your iPhone connects to the internet?
Wish you could blaze along at true 3G Speeds? Jump off the EDGE and
easily connect to high speed EVDO networks by using the new CradlePoint
PHS300 Portable HotSpot!
The PHS300 allows you to share the connection from an EVDO USB modem
via WiFi, allowing your iPhone or iPod touch to connect to the internet
at faster EVDO broadband speeds where coverage is available!
The PHS300 is also the first 3G router to have a built-in
rechargeable battery, allowing freedom you've never experienced
before.
Link: CradlePoint Personal
Hot Spot - PHS300 Battery Powered EVDO Router Review
File Download Plugin for MobileSafari
"So, I got
curious after work one day and decided to figure out how to write a
simple MobileSafari plugin. This took me 3 days.
"This one lets you download most zip and tar files. I tried to make
it download png, gif, and jpgs, but because Safari handles it already,
I don't think I can ever make that work.
"This was developed targeting 1.0.2. I haven't tried it on 1.1.1 or
1.1.2.
"(Updated) XianLi says in this thread that it works fine for him on
1.1.2.
"No warranty or liability of any kind, of course. Don't blame me if
it somehow messes up your data, though it isn't supposed to affect
anything outside the Downloads folder it created.
"How to use:
"Copy the plugin bundle into '/System/Library/Internet Plug-Ins',
and then reboot the phone.
"It will create a folder called Downloads next to Library and Media
in your root home folder. It will only download there.
"When you click on a link that is downloadable, a large button will
appear. Click on it to download. Click the normal page back button to
not download, or to go back when it's complete."
http://www.badongo.com/file/5387192
Link: File Download
Plugin for MobileSafari
ZappTek Updates iSpeak It
PR: iSpeak It is a file-to-audio converter that serves as a
perfect companion to the iPod or iPhone. iSpeak It loads Word, PDF,
Pages, RTF, AppleWorks, text and HTML documents. It downloads news,
weather forecasts, driving directions, and arbitrary web pages as well
as RSS feeds. iSpeak It then uses the Mac's text-to-speech engine and
iTunes to convert the text into an MP3/AAC track. Version 3.3.3 fixes
News and RSS downloading under Tiger and provides other minor bug
fixes.
ZappTek announces its very popular file-to-audio tool, iSpeak It
3.3.3. Load Word, PDF, Pages 2, RTF, AppleWorks, Text, HTML documents
or RSS feeds, and using the Mac's built-in text-to-speech capabilities,
convert them into MP3/AAC tracks in iTunes. From there it's a quick
sync to iPod or iPhone.
- Download RSS feeds and keep track of local weather with up-to-date
forecasts.
- Download news articles from news.google.com and hear them on the
way to/from work.
- Download driving directions and listen to them on iPod or
iPhone.
Users may open any text document or select any text and load it via
the Services menu. A toolbar provides easy access to all of the load
menu options and the transferring of a document to iTunes.
iSpeak It 3.3.3 sports a number of important fixes:
- News downloading under Tiger.
- RSS downloading under Tiger.
- Improves replacement rule reliability.
Minimum Requirements:
- Mac OS X version 10.4 or higher.
- Web Services require an Internet connection
- PDF processing requires pdftotext (free download)
Getting Started:
To install iSpeak It, drag it to your Applications folder or
wherever you'd like to keep it. Before transferring any text, use the
Speech panel in the System Preferences to select the voice to use
during conversion. iSpeak It uses the voice and defined settings for
all of its processing. Experiment with the voices to see which sounds
best.
iSpeak It also provides advanced text replacement capabilities.
There are a number of phrases that Mac Voices will not convert
properly. iSpeak It can define rules that identify problem words and an
appropriate (phonetically correct) replacement for them. It will even
automatically apply the rules before transferring a document to
iTunes.
Purchasing iSpeak It:
iSpeak 3.3.3 remains priced at $19.95 with free update for existing
users of version 3.x. The iSpeak It trial allows for converting the
first 1000 characters of any text. Users may purchase the bundle, which
includes iPresent It and iPDA, for $44.95 ; a $13 savings.
Users can purchase from within iSpeak It by selecting "Purchase
iSpeak It..." in the application menu or visit the ZappTek website.
Link: iSpeak It
iPhone Add-ons
Voodoo Ergonomics Releases Mojotones 2.0
with iPhone Ringtone Support
PR: Voodoo Ergonomics Inc. announces the release of Mojotones
2.0 for Mac OS X. Mojotones is an easy-to-use utility for the creation
of ringtones from audio files. Users may send the whole track - or a
favorite part of it - to their phone. Mojotones is Universal Binary
requiring Mac OS X 10.4.9 and a phone capable of playing MP3, AAC or
WAV files.
Voodoo Ergonomics Inc. announces the release of version 2.0 of
Mojotones, an easy-to-use solution to create ringtones from their
tracks. Users may send the whole track - or their favorite part of it -
to their phone.
With Mojotones, users may use the tracks in their iTunes library or
anywhere else as ringtones on their phone as easily as choosing the
song and clicking a button. Mojotones is a Universal Binary, so it
works great on both Intel and PowerPC Macs, and can use Bluetooth to
send the tracks directly to your phone. For those without a phone
capable of Bluetooth transfers, Mojotones can save the ringtone to a
file directly on the phone (via a USB cable or media reader). If you
choose to create an iPhone ringtone, it's added to iTunes, ready for
your next sync.
Just find the song you want and click the Send button. That kicks
off a file transfer or save operation - no costly SMS messages or
downloads from the phone company. Navigate through your phone's menus
to set the ringtone.
Want only part of the song? Just click the Play button then drag the
sliders around. Want finer control? Use the Control menu shortcut keys
to nudge the ends of the range. When you have just the right part
selected, send it to your phone. It's that simple.
Mojotones can generate ringtones in MP3, AAC or WAV formats. (MP3
support, is provided via a free, third-party open-source QuickTime
component.)
New features in Version 2.0:
- Easy creation of iPhone ringtones.
- Range duration display in the player.
- Easier keyboard navigation.
- Streamlined menus and shortcuts.
- Various bug fixes.
Other features:
- Support for MP3, AAC and WAV ringtones.
- Ringtone transfer via Bluetooth or save to a file.
- The ability to open tracks in a folder on the file system.
- No costly SMS messages, or downloads from the phone service. *
Pinpoint editing of music track selections.
- One-Button transfer.
- Universal Binary: Works great on both Intel and PowerPC computers
running Mac OS X.
System Requirements:
- Mac running Mac OS X 10.4.9
- Phone capable of playing MP3, AAC or WAV ringtones
- iPhone ringtones require firmware 1.1.2 and iTunes 7.5.
Pricing and Availability:
Mojotones 2.0 can be purchased from the Voodoo Ergonomics' secure
store for $19.95 per user. Demo is also available for download.
Link: Voodoo
Ergonomics
iPod Add-ons
DLO TuneStik Wireless FM Transmitter with
Remote
PR: Meet TuneStik - the most versatile iPod accessory in DLO
history. TuneStik combines a wireless FM transmitter with a powerful RF
remote control for iPod playback and control in the car, at home -
anywhere there's an FM radio. What sets TuneStik apart from the pack of
existing FM transmitters is the included remote control plus an
integrated pass-through dock connector, which gives you the freedom to
combine TuneStik with virtually any iPod accessory - adding an RF
remote and an FM transmitter to nearly all your iPod gear.
Keep your hands on the wheel
TuneStik includes a compact RF remote control and steering-wheel
cradle, so you can put safety first as you control your iPod. The
remote control pops out of its cradle in a snap, allowing you to pass
music control to your back seat drivers. And with four programmable
presets and digital display, setting and using your favorite
frequencies is simple and safe.
Control at your
fingertips
TuneStik isn't just an FM transmitter for the car - it also adds a
strong RF remote control to your iPod - anywhere! With your TuneStik
attached, simply connect your iPod to your home stereo system. Now you
can use the compact TuneStik remote to control your iPod audio playback
from across the room.
Plays well with others
With TuneStik's pass-through bottom dock connector, you can continue
to use your existing Auto Charger, iPod dock, or any other 30-pin based
accessory while still having the benefits of a powerful FM transmitter
and remote control at your fingertips.
Quick Facts
- Wireless FM transmitter plus RF remote control in one package
- Transmit iPod audio to any nearby FM radio - in the car or at
home
- Compact RF remote for easy iPod playback control from up to 25
ft.
- Remote features digital FM-frequency display and four programmable
presets
- Steering-wheel cradle included for safe iPod control while you
drive
- Pass-through iPod dock connector for use with other iPod
accessories
- Fast, simple, versatile FM transmission
TuneStik is a complete kit that includes a powerful FM transmitter
module, compact RF remote control with digital display, fully
adjustable steering-wheel cradle, and a manual to get you going in five
easy steps. Whenever there's a radio nearby, grab your iPod and be the
DJ with the TuneStik with remote.
$59.99
Link: DLO
TuneStik Wireless FM Transmitter with Remote
ZappTek Releases iPDA 4.0.2
PR: iPDA is the perfect companion to the iPod by serving as a
replacement PDA. Word, PDF, Apple Pages, RTF or text documents may be
easily transferred to iPod so data is available for quick access, any
time. iPDA now supports Leopard specific synching for Mail, iCal and
Address Book, including Mail Notes and To Do's, as well as a large
number of changes to its feature set. Version 4.0.2 fixes News and RSS
downloading under Tiger, Gmail password saving under Tiger, and
Direction transfer problems.
iPDA is the perfect companion to the iPod by serving as a
replacement PDA. Word, PDF, Apple Pages, RTF or text documents may be
easily transferred to iPod so data is available for quick access, any
time. Download RSS feeds, weather forecasts, driving directions and
news headlines directly to the iPod. iPDA supports transferring
information from Entourage, Stickies, Mail, Address Book and iCal,
making it simple to put the information users need on their iPods.
Version 4.0.2 fixes News and RSS downloading under Tiger, Gmail
password saving under Tiger, and fixes Direction transfer problems.
- Sync Mail Notes and To Do's directly to iPod.
- Download RSS feeds and keep track of local weather with up-to-date
forecasts.
- Download news articles from news.google.com and read them on the
way to/from work.
- Subscribe to published iCals and download them directly.
- Download driving directions directly to iPod.
- Perform a backup to iPod.
iPDA 4.0.2 sports a number of important fixes:
- News downloading under Tiger.
- RSS downloading under Tiger.
- Gmail password saving under Tiger.
- Direction transfer problems.
Minimum Requirements:
- Mac OS X version 10.3 or higher.
- An iPod.
- Microsoft Entourage for Entourage data synchronization.
- Web Services require an Internet connection.
Getting Started:
To install iPDA 4.0.2, drag it to your Applications folder or
wherever you'd like to keep it. Clicking on a button will bring up a
window to select the specific subset of information to export to your
iPod; each window contains basic guides on its use. Determine the
settings needed for synching and click OK.
Purchasing iPDA:
iPDA 4.0.2 remains priced at $19.95 with a $10 upgrade fee for
current 3.x users (and a free update for version 4 users). The iPDA
trial allows for 6 full synchs before requiring a purchase. Users may
purchase the bundle, which includes iPresent It and iSpeak It, for
$44.95 ; a $13 savings.
Users may purchase from within iPDA by selecting "Purchase iPDA..."
in the application menu or visit the ZappTek website.
Link: iPDA
