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News, Reviews, & Opinion
For iPods and iPhones
iPod and iPhone Deals
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
Rogers to Bring iPhone to Canada
PR:
Rogers has now issued a statement on its bringing the iPhone to
Canada:
Ted Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers
Communications Inc. issued the following statement: "We're thrilled to
announce that we have a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada
later this year. We can't tell you any more about it right now, but
stay tuned."
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.
Through Cable and Telecom we are one of Canada's largest providers
of cable television, cable telephony and high-speed Internet access,
and are also a full-service, facilities-based telecommunications
alternative to the traditional telephone companies. Through Media, we
are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping,
magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are
publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B),
and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
Link: Rogers
Rogers Announces Deal to Bring iPhone to
Canada
CTV News is
reporting that Canadian communications heavyweight Rogers
Communications has announced that it has brokered a deal with Apple to
sell the iPhone in Canada later this year.
"'We're thrilled to announce that we have a deal with Apple to bring
the iPhone to Canada,' company president Ted Rogers is quoted saying in
a statement. 'We can't tell you any more about it right now, but stay
tuned.'
"It can't come too soon for a sizable cohort of Canucks who have
been looking enviously across the border and pining for the iPhone
experience, although a few have jumped the gun and are using unlicensed
'unlocked' iPhones that can work with Canadian mobile providers.
"The question now is, 'when?'"
Link:
Rogers Announces Deal to Bring iPhone to Canada
iPhone a 'Bandwidth Hog'
Apple 2.0's
Philip Elmer-DeWitt says:
"By midday Thursday the market seemed to have shaken off lingering
concerns from Apple's second-quarter earnings report and conference
call....
"But morning-after analysis by American Technology Research's Shaw
Wu found several points of concern going forward, one of which was new
to us.
"iPhone users, it seems, are 'bandwidth hogs' to an extent that
could affect Apple's dealings with cellular carriers and sales to new
users....
"Our sources indicate that the success of iPhone with its Safari web
browser is putting strain on AT&T's (T) EDGE network in areas with
higher user density."
Link:
Analyst: Apple's iPhone a 'Bandwidth Hog'
AT&T Introduces iPhone Text Accessibility Plan
for Customers with Disabilities
PR: New Rate Plan Includes Unlimited Internet and
Messaging
The iPhone is now even more accessible for Americans who are deaf or
have a hearing or speech disability. Today, AT&T Inc. announced a
new Text Accessibility Plan (TAP) for iPhone, designed to give iPhone
customers with disabilities the choice of unlimited text messaging, Web
browsing and easy access to e-mail for $40 a month.
"Our Text Accessibility Plan allows customers who are deaf or have
hearing or speech disabilities to literally tap out their
communications on the go," said Carlton Hill, vice president of Product
Management, Voice Products and Affiliate Marketing for AT&T's
wireless unit. "Now with TAP for iPhone, users can tap, flick and pinch
the innovative Multi-Touch touch screen for a completely new world of
functionality."
This new plan is available to new and current iPhone users with
qualifying disabilities through AT&T's National Center for
Customers with Disabilities (NCCD). To qualify for the iPhone TAP,
customers must complete an application for eligibility. The form is
available for download at
http://www.wireless.att.com/about/disability-resources/text-accessibility-plan-for-iphone.jsp.
During the iPhone activation process, customers sign up for a
standard iPhone voice and data plan. After the iPhone is activated,
customers can e-mail, fax or mail the eligibility form back to the NCCD
to change their rate plan to the TAP for iPhone.
Current iPhone customers who qualify may also submit the NCCD
application to request the TAP for iPhone. Customers can contact the
AT&T NCCD with questions at 866-241-6568 for voice calls or
866-241-6567 for TTY calls.
AT&T offers TAP plans to qualifying customers for use with most
handsets across AT&T's portfolio. The NCCD also helps AT&T
customers with disabilities with a variety of applications that aid in
wireless communications. These include Mobile Magnifier, which enables
individuals who have low vision or are blind to zoom in on the screen
and Mobile Speak, which reads aloud menu options.
Link:
AT&T Disability Resources
Apple to Announce 3G iPhone on 9 June
VNUnet's Guy
Dixon says:
"Apple chief executive Steve Jobs will take the wraps off the
much-hyped 3G iPhone during his keynote speech at the Worldwide
Developers Conference on 9 June, according to Citi analysts.
"The Apple conference, scheduled to take place in San Francisco June
from 9 to 13 June, will witness the 'first of an impressive wave of new
products', said Citi analysts Richard Gardner and Yeechang Lee."
Link: Apple
to Announce 3G iPhone on 9 June
3G iPhone to Be Smaller, Lighter
Electronista
reports:
"The next generation of Apple's phone should include a significantly
smaller phone that may replace the existing model, according to claims
by Taiwan Economic News. The paper echoes recent rumors in claiming
that the device will use a plastic backing in place of aluminum but
also contends that the device will be significantly smaller than the
original, with a 2.8-inch screen replacing the 3.5-inch model used
today. The combination of a lighter material and smaller frame is said
to reduce the weight to between 3.9 and 4.2 ounces from the initial
model's 4.8."
Link:
Paper: 3G iPhone to Be Smaller, Lighter
AT&T to Cut Price of New iPhone
Fortune's
Scott Moritz reports:
"AT&T is planning to put some extra shine on the even sleeker
new Apple iPhone.
"When the 3G iPhone is introduced this summer, AT&T, the
exclusive US iPhone sales partner with Apple, will cut the price by as
much as $200, according to a person familiar with the strategy."
Link:
AT&T to Cut the Price of Apple's New iPhone
Foxconn to Assemble 24-25 Million 3G iPhones
DigiTimes'
Steve Shen reports:
"Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) has reportedly
landed orders for the assembly of second-generation iPhones from Apple
supporting 3G, with shipments to begin in June this year, the
Chinese-language Commercial Times has quoted sources at foreign
institutional investors in Taipei as indicating.
"The Commercial Times also cited sources at component suppliers as
saying they have been instructed by Apple to begin preparing material
supplies by the end of May."
Link: Foxconn to Assemble
3G iPhones with Shipments to Total 24-25 Million Units, Says Paper
(subscription required)
3G iPhone: Same but Different?
ITWire's Alex
Zaharov-Reutt says:
"Are the inclusion of GPS, a 3G chipset, a black plastic back that
still won't let you replace the battery and a normal (not recessed)
headset socket the only differences in the upcoming 3G iPhone? Or does
Steve Jobs still have some iSurprises up his iSleeve?
"A report from Engadget's Ryan Block has the details of what a
'super secret trusted source' has leaked about the next gen 3G
iPhone."
Link: 2nd-gen, 3G iPhone:
Same Same, but Different?
PA Semi Deal Won't Change Plans for iPhone -
Yet
Gartner
Group's Martin Reynolds says:
"Apple will gain a 64-bit PowerPC core and system-on-chip
architecture in its deal for PA Semi. But its plans for the technology
remain unclear, as Apple is likely to stick with Intel's x86
architecture for several years....
"Apple will become a merchant semiconductor supplier because of this
deal. How long that will last is an open question. However, the
question of Apple's long-term strategy is more important. PA Semi's
products are unsuited to Apple's current market needs, because they are
not optimized for Internet applications. Apple will need to rearchitect
these products by rebalancing the I/O and adding a graphics controller,
creating low-cost, low-power chips that enable new features and price
points for wireless devices....
"Gartner expects Apple to stick with the x86 architecture for its
mainstream notebook and desktop products in the near future. It is
possible that Apple will move its iPhone to Intel's Atom processor
first, and then move it to an Apple processor with a PowerPC core."
Link:
Apple's PA Semi Deal Won't Change Plans for iPhone Yet -
Gartner
For the iPhone and iPod
Apple iPhone SDK 2.0b4 Released
PR: Developer kit for
iPhone.
A fourth beta version of the iPhone SDK is now available
The iPhone Developer Program provides a complete and integrated
process for developing, debugging, and distributing your free,
commercial, or in-house applications for iPhone and iPod touch.
Complete with development resources, real-world testing on iPhone, and
distribution on the App Store, you have everything you need to go from
code to customer. The iPhone SDK includes the Xcode IDE, Instruments,
iPhone simulator, frameworks and samples, compilers, Shark analysis
tool, and more.
New in version 2.0b4:
- Adds OpenGL ES support to the iPhone Simulator. You can now quickly
build and test your mobile.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: Apple iPhone SDK
New Belkin Cases for iPod nano Continue
Support for Breast Cancer Research
PR: Maintaining the fight against breast cancer, Belkin
International, Inc., introduces new designs of its pink-ribbon cases
for the iPod nano. For each Sport Armband, Leather Sleeve, Slim Fit,
and Remix Metal for iPod nano case sold, Belkin will donate $2.50 to
support Susan G. Komen for the Cure (with a minimum guaranteed donation
of $225,000).
Belkin has donated nearly $200,000 toward breast cancer research to
Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Available now in the US.
Sport Armband for iPod nano (F8Z254-PNK-SGK) - $24.99
- Slim, lightweight, and stretchable neoprene material
- Included pocket for key or earbud storage
- Water-resistant and hand-washable
- Clear screen and navigation protector
- Adjustable VELCRO® closure for universal fit
Leather Sleeve for iPod nano (F8Z263-SGK) - $24.99
- Unique one-seam design hugs your iPod, protecting it from everyday
scratches and scuffs
- Soft, durable leather with soft-suede lining
- Secure VELCRO strap attachment
- Access to hold switch and dock connector
- Click-wheel and screen protector
Slim Fit for iPod nano (F8Z236-SGK) - $24.99
- Lightweight, easy-to-carry case
- Provides complete protection and full functionality
- Constructed of durable, washable neoprene material
Remix Metal for iPod nano (F8Z231-BRN-SGK) - $24.99
- Constructed of clear acrylic and brushed metal
- Unique, soft-touch click-wheel protector
Susan G. Komen for the Cure's promise is to save lives and end
breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for
all, and energizing science to find the cures.
Contour HardSkin iPhone v3
PR: Take an award winning Contour
case then apply a luxurious rubberized finish to the outside. Snap
securely together and what do you get - the protection and structure of
a hardshell case seamlessly blended with the style and feel of a supple
skin. Introducing the Contour HardSkin, a light weight, polycarbonate
shell with the soft touch of silicone.
Based off of the iSee iPhone v3, the Contour
HardSkin retains all of the protective qualities of its underlying
chassis. From the durable hardshell to the click through buttons
covering the volume and power switches, the HardSkin iPhone v3 offers
total protection while still allowing full access to all of the
controls. Add to all that the rich texture of its rubber finish and you
will know, without a doubt, when you are holding a Contour
HardSkin.
"And if you ever get tired of carrying it," say Mike Jackle,
Director, Product Development, "just pop the HardSkin in the included
belt clip hip holster and rest easy."
Key Features
Rubberized finish over a light weight,
polycarbonate shell Secure snap on and off design- Full access to all controls (camera, headphone jack, dock port,
volume, power) Click through buttons offer added protection Perfectly
contoured to accent the iPhone's shape Slimline holster fits iPhone
face in or face out Removable, multi-position belt clip doubles as a
video stand
The Contour HardSkin iPhone v3 is available now. MSRP is $34.95
US.
The HardSkin iPhone v3 is part of the Contour Cases collection
created by Contour Design Inc., based in Windham, New Hampshire.
Link: HardSkin iPhone
v3
USB Fever iPod/iPhone 2-in-1 Remote + FM
Radio
PR: The USB Fever iPod/iPhone 2-in-1 Remote
+ FM Radio adds FM radio reception to your iPod's capabilities.
Features:
- Furnish your iPod with Radio
- High sound Quality
- Just a click between Radio Mode and iPod Music playback mode
- Spring loaded clip allows you to attach the remote to your lapel,
shirt, or collar for easy access
- Control fast forward, rewind, play, pause and volume
- Support full FM frequency (87.90 MHz ~ 107.90 MHz (100
KHz/step)
- Support Manual tuning and Auto fine-tuning.
- 9 preset favorite frequencies.
- Displaying reception frequency on your devices (see note below), no
guesswork
Options: Color
- iPod Black (default Color to be shipped)
- iPod White
Compatibility list:
- iPhone (see note below)
- iPod Touch (see note below)
- iPod Classic (6th Gen)
- iPod 5th Gen (Video)
- iPod nano 3rd
- iPod nano 2nd
Notes:
- In iPod touch/iPhone, the running frequency is not able to be
displayed on screen (just a screen on iPod touch/iPhone shows to you
that an accessory is plugged in) and therefore, you may not able to use
the preset (memorized) frequency in this device and see the running
frequency, however, it absolutely still a remote and tuner/radio for
iPod touch/iPhone.
- In iPod nano 3rd, the frequency may be a little bit delay to be
displayed in the Screen, but the remote and radio/tuner functions are
absolutely no problems.
$25.99
Link: USB
Fever iPod/iPhone 2-in-1 Remote + FM Radio
RingtoneFeeder Reinvents Ringtones for the
iPhone
PR: RingtoneFeeder is a new and innovative approach to
ringtones offering a subscription model which automatically installs a
new original ringtone on the iPhone via iTunes every week. The earlier
a subscription to the service is made the bigger collection the
subscriber will have. When a ringtone has been released it will not
appear in the weekly updates ever again.
Once the ringtone has been synched via iTunes it is instantly
available on the iPhone. The subscriber can keep all ringtones received
permanently during the active subscription period even if the service
is canceled later on.
Using Smart Playlists in iTunes the user can manage the number of
simultaneous ringtones to be synched to the iPhone automatically,
however, the basic concept is simply to get a fresh new ringtone every
week - just like getting an episode of a favorite podcast or TV
show.
"We are really exited about this new concept and we are confident
that the ringtones we are producing will make a positive difference for
the millions of iPhone users out there. Unlike traditional ringtones
which are often made from extracts of songs or existing sounds, we are
producing short songs that are made to be ringtones, they are unique,
sometimes even topical and optimized specifically for the iPhones."
said Geoff Smith, Partner and Producer at RingtoneFeeder.com
"We hope to be able to make the sound of your ringtones more
pleasant, maybe even put a smile on someone's face when the iPhone
starts ringing."
Beside writing the lyrics and producing the original tones,
RingtoneFeeder has spent considerable time identifying not only
specific instruments but also testing each and every ringtone
production to make sure that the tones are within a well defined sound
spectrum ensuring the ringtones sounds great when the iPhone is
ringing.
RingtoneFeeder is currently offering two different subscription
options. The monthly subscription cost is $1.98 or you can opt for a
full year at $19.98 which both includes instant access to the 5 most
recently produced ringtones along with at least one new ringtone
usually released every Tuesday and a video tutorial about using
RingtoneFeeder services, managing ringtones via Start Playlists in
iTunes and synching with the iPhone.
There is also a free demo feed available so the service can be tried
out with no obligations. The free feed contains a few sample ringtones
as well as an introduction video and a PDF guide to managing ringtones
via iTunes.
Geoff Smith has been producing and playing music most of his life
and is mostly known online from his jingles heard on Adam Curry's Daily
Source Code Podcast, GeekBrief.tv, Tips from The Top Floor, ScreenCasts
Online and recently the successful iYule project. Geoff began composing
jingles and theme songs for podcasters back in 2005 and has literally
written hundreds.
Link: RingtoneFeeder
