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.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
For iPods and iPhones
iPod and iPhone Deals
These price trackers are updated regularly.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Google's iPhone App Is Really Good
ZD Net's Garett Rogers
reports:
"Google has created a brand new mobile app for the iPhone/iPod touch
that is currently available in the
US App Store - apparently it will be available in other countries
very soon. The app is more than a way to search the internet though, it
lets a user search for everything a mobile user might be looking
for.
"I would have expected this application to search only the web, but
in true Google style, they took it to the next level...."
Link: Google's
iPhone App Is Really Good
iPhone Owners May Not Need Apple's New 3G
Model
Sci-Tech
Today's Jennifer LeClaire says:
"Unlike many smartphones, owners of older versions of Apple Inc.'s
iPhone can get many features of the new iPhone 3G with a 2.0 software
upgrade, including enterprise support and document viewing. Whichever
version of the iPhone you get, Apple is on track to capture 35 percent
of the market for smartphones this year with 6.3 million sales.
"The Apple iPhone will account for 6.3 million of the 18.1 million
touchscreen phones sold in the US this year, for an impressive 35
percent market share, according to Strategy Analytics....
"The only question is, which version of the iconic phone will you
own? Doubtless, many first-generation iPhone users are likely to
upgrade to the latest 3G model. But some analysts are suggesting that,
unless you want the speed boost and the GPS capabilities, you may not
need to spend money on the new device."
Link: iPhone
Owners May Not Need Apple's New 3G Model
Original iPhone Comes Back to Life as iPod
touch
MacUser's Dan
Moren reports:
"A lot of people have come to us with questions, and one of the most
common is this: what do I do with my old iPhone when I buy a brand
spanking new iPhone 3G?
"Well, how about a free iPod touch - how would you feel about that?
Because as far as I can tell, that's what you get when you set up a new
iPhone 3G to replace your existing original iPhone...."
Link: Original
iPhones Come Back to Life as iPod touches
iPhone 3G Complaints: Weak Batteries, Safari
Crashes, Dead Pixels
InformationWeek's Paul McDougall reports:
"Apple formally introduced its iPhone 3G five days ago - more than
enough time for fanatical tech fans to discover that the widely hyped
mobile device is far from perfect.
"Complaints on Apple's iPhone 3G support forum are running a wide
gamut, from reports of dead areas on the phone's display, to gripes
about short-lived batteries and frequent crashes of Apple's Safari Web
browser."
Editor's note: Other websites have noted that the iPhone has better
battery life than competing smartphones. dk
Link: iPhone 3G
Complaints Include Weak Batteries, Safari Crashes, Dead Pixels
Free Software Fans May Be Better Off Avoiding the
iPhone
LifeHacker
says:
"If you're a free software lover who's concerned about your privacy
and the limitations of DRM, you don't want an iPhone. Amidst Apple's
iPhone advertising blitz helped along by positively bubbly media
coverage, the Free Software Foundation calls out the dark sides of the
new iPhone.
- "iPhone completely blocks free software. Developers must pay a tax
to Apple, who becomes the sole authority over what can and can't be on
everyone's phones."
Link:
Why You're Better Off Avoiding the iPhone
It's Tough to Kill an iPhone 3G
PC World's Tim
Moynihan reports:
"Apple's new 3G iPhone doesn't just look good. It's one resilient
little bulldog.
"We put this faster version of the iPhone . . . through
dropping, scratching, and dunking tests, and the device performed like
a champ. In fact, it wouldn't knuckle under until we ran it over with a
motorcycle."
Link:
It's Tough to Kill an Apple iPhone 3G
iPhone 3G Unlocked
vnunet.com's
Shaun Nichols reports:
"A group from Brazil has managed to unlock Apple's iPhone 3G
handset.
"In an online video a Portuguese-language news blog, the unlocked
iPhone is displayed and demonstrated. An unlocked iPhone can be used
with any SIM card and service provider."
Link: iPhone
3G Unlocked
iPhone 3G Incompatible with Many iPod
Accessories
InformationWeek's Paul McDougall reports:
"Buyers of Apple's new iPhone 3G are complaining that, unlike the
original version, the device can't be used with many of the pricey
charging stations, sound docks, and other accessories they had bought
previously for their iPods."
Link:
iPhone 3G Incompatible with Many iPod Accessories
'Apple Tax' Boosts Prices on iPod and iPhone
Accessories
Popular Mechanics' Joel Johnson reports on how
blockbuster sales of iPods and iPhones give Apple the muscle to impose
restrictions - and extra fees - on technology partners. Inside the
company's secretive "Made for iPod" and authentication chip
programs.
The added cost of the Apple chip and license fees also increases
retail prices for accessories. Basic products such as cabling can now
cost up to 10 times their original amount.
Link:
How the 'Apple Tax' Boosts Prices on iPod & iPhone
Accessories
Does the iPod Matter Anymore?
AppleMatters'
Hadley Stern says:
"Poor iPod. It once had all the glory. Remember when it first had
video? That was so exciting. Or, remember those iPod games? Now it is
the forgotten child, it's identity swallowed up by that thing Apple
won't stop talking about. The iPod has been relegated to a menu item on
the . . . iPhone.
"Which begs the question, does the iPod matter anymore?"
Link: Does
the iPod Matter Anymore?
iTunes 7.7: Causing Major iPod/iPhone Connectivity
Problems, Other Issues
MacFixIt
reports:
"Apple this morning released iTunes 7.7, which enables connectivity
with the iPhone 3G and installation of iPhone OS 2.0 for
first-generation iPhones and iPod touches.
"The new release is available via software update or as a 48.3 MB
standalone download.
"Freezes when iPod touch/iPhone is connected Users are experiencing
some significant iPod touch/iPhone connectivity issues after the
update, including system freezes when the devices are connected."
Editor's note: as of late last evening, version 7.7 seemed to have
been pulled form the Apple download site and version 7.6 was the
default version. cm
Link: iTunes
7.7: Causing Major iPod/iPhone Connectivity Problems, Other
Issues
Cracking Open the iPhone 3G
ZD Net reports:
"Apple's iPhone 3G arrived on Friday with a bevy of new
enterprise-ready features, including Exchange support, business-grade
security, and third-party applications powered by an SDK. As with the
first iPhone, we waited in line, bought our phone, signed an AT&T
contract, and promptly began to crack open the case. Come along as we
disassemble the Apple iPhone 3G."
Link: Cracking Open the
Apple iPhone 3G
iPhone 3G Exposed
TechOnline's
Patrick Mannion reports:
"Aside from some very surprising component choices in key parts of
the up-graded communications section, as well as some software
improvements and some basic design tweaks, the old adage 'if it ain't
broke, don't fix it' has clearly shaped the design of the iPhone 3G,
the follow-up to Apple's phenomenally successful launch of the iPhone
line of handsets.
"'It's incrementalism at play,' said David Carey, president of
teardown specialist Portelligent. 'They learned a bit from their
'Touch' solution and replaced two boards with one.'
"Instead of trying to reinvent the device, Apple focused on
enhancing the user experience and expanding its fan base. It has done
this by not only expanding its geographical footprint and speeding up
its wireless connection, but also through the iPhone applications
development network...."
Link: Under
the Hood - Update: Apple iPhone 3G Exposed
Teardown Reveals Cost Reduction for iPhone 3G
DigiTimes'
Michael McManus reports:
"The new iPhone 3G sports an evolutionary design that favors cost
reduction instead of cutting-edge features, supporting Apple's goal of
expanding its market share and achieving a worldwide presence for the
product, according to a physical teardown analysis conducted this
weekend by iSuppli.
"iSuppli's Teardown Analysis Service on July 11 obtained an iPhone
3G and commenced a dissection in order to identify component suppliers,
as well as to determine preliminary part and system costs."
Link: Apple Stresses
Cost Reduction for iPhone 3G, Teardown Reveals
Tearing Down the iPhone 3G
BusinessWeek's
Arik Hesseldahl reports:
"Not only did Apple sell 1 million iPhone 3Gs in three days, but the
company is making a healthy margin on each one sold. That's the
conclusion of researchers at market research firm iSuppli, who took
apart the new device to learn who made what inside, and how much Apple
spent on the parts."
Link:
Tearing Down the iPhone 3G
For iPods and iPhones
10 Alternatives to the iPhone
PR: Wirefly, the online leader in one-stop comparison
shopping for cell phones and wireless phone plans, has announced its
Top Ten cell phone alternatives to the Apple iPhone. The Blackberry
Curve, LG Dare, and HTC Touch are among the most popular choices.
Phones that made the list include those that have the type of
touchscreen and multimedia features that make the iPhone popular, plus
many features that the iPhone lacks, such as a full keyboard, live TV,
video recording, photo/video messaging, removable battery, stereo
handsfree Bluetooth, and a memory card slot to expand memory
capacity.
"One of the issues with the iPhone is that many consumers just don't
want to get locked into the iPhone contract," said Brian Westrick,
Wirefly's President. "The iPhone requires a two-year contract with
AT&T and many of our customers are not interested in changing their
current carriers. Also, even at lower prices, the iPhone is still more
expensive than other smartphones. There is an abundance of cell phone
alternatives to the iPhone that have the same 'gadget' appeal without
the associated headaches."
According to Wirefly, the Top 10 cell phone alternatives to the
Apple iPhone are:
- LG Vu CU920 (AT&T) - This sleek touchscreen phone has a large
display and a matte black finish, with 3G data speeds, widescreen
virtual keyboard for texting, and streaming live TV.
- LG Vu CU915 (AT&T) - If you can live without live TV on your
phone, the new LG Vu CU915 may be the best deal in touchscreen phones
today. It's the same phone as the LG Vu CU920 without live TV.
- LG Voyager (Verizon Wireless) - The Voyager has a unique design
with flip-up touchscreen and hidden full QWERTY keyboard, plus
Verizon's EV-DO can be up to 40% faster than the iPhone 3G's maximum
data speeds.
- HTC Touch (Sprint/Alltel) - The most compact touchscreen phone on
the market features the incredibly easy TouchFLO touchscreen technology
and the faster EV-DO high-speed internet.
- LG Dare (Verizon Wireless) - This brand new model for Verizon is
super thin, with a brilliant huge touchscreen and EV-DO data speeds;
3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder includes face detection.
- Samsung Glyde (Verizon Wireless) - Samsung's high-end phone is the
best of both worlds, with a full touchscreen interface and a slide-out
QWERTY keyboard, plus EV-DO high-speed internet.
- HTC Tilt (AT&T) - This powerful and popular smartphone with a
full tilt-up keyboard does it all, from WiFi to GPS to a 3 megapixel
camera/camcorder, plus Microsoft Windows Mobile.
- BlackBerry Curve (AT&T/Alltel/Sprint/T-Mobile/Verizon Wireless)
- The best-selling BlackBerry is available for all carriers, with
internet browsing, texting, instant messaging, plus camera, music, and
video.
- LG Glimmer (Alltel) - The cool slider phone for Alltel has a touch
QVGA display plus a traditional keypad; music player, camera, and
expandable memory round out the feature set.
- Palm Centro (AT&T/Sprint/Verizon Wireless) - The slimmest and
best Palm ever is power-packed with Microsoft Windows applications plus
high-speed internet, camera, video and music player. [Editor's note:
The Centro runs the Palm OS, not Windows Mobile. dk]
Westrick continued, "The iPhone is certainly a revolutionary device
within the wireless marketplace and has been met with great enthusiasm.
But with Apple locked into an exclusive contract with AT&T until
2012, it didn't take the other carriers and manufacturers long to come
up with really worthy iPhone alternatives."
Wirefly.com has increasingly become a bellwether for consumer trends
in wireless, as tens of thousands of people purchase cell phones and
rate plans on Wirefly every month after comparing hundreds of phone
models from all the major carriers. With that many shoppers, Wirefly
has great insight into the hottest trends and more importantly,
consumer buying behavior in the wireless market today.
Link: Wirefly
iPhone 3G Repair Guide Posted
PR: Welcome to the RapidRepair iPhone 3G take-apart and
iPhone repair guide. Here we show (in nearly sickening detail) the
internals of the new iPhone 3G and how to safely reach them in 20 easy
steps. Be sure to check our iPhone parts pages for replacement iPhone
screens, batteries and more.
Attention 1st Gen iPhone owners! Rapid Repair is subsidizing the
newest toy in your chest with our iPhone buy-back program! We are
paying up to $150 for your old, fully functional, iPhone! Apply the
money towards the upgraded iPhone 3G: or maybe just the gas fund :(
iPhone Buy-Back Program).
Link: iPhone
3G Repair Guide Posted
HyperOffice Beta Gives iPhone Users Shared Docs,
Collaboration
PR: HyperOffice has launched a new public beta of business
collaboration tools that do more than connect the first and
second-generation Apple iPhones to secure corporate email, contacts,
calendars, tasks and notes.
This second beta of HyperOffice for the iPhone includes usability
enhancements and, more significantly, access to shared documents, using
built-in tools that connect to corporate messaging systems and operate
as an alternative to Microsoft Exchange and Sharepoint.
The beta also includes a 30-day free trial of HyperOffice, the
award-winning webware that makes it easier for owners, employees,
clients, partners and suppliers of growing businesses to collaborate,
communicate, plan projects, share documents, schedule meetings and
tasks, and manage information, anytime, from work, from home, while
traveling, using any Internet connection.
"This is what the new iPhone 3G does not have," said Farzin
Arsanjani, president of HyperOffice.
"MobileMe and support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync begin to
finally give business users of the iPhone the ability to sync and share
calendars, contacts, email and tasks. That's what we delivered back in
January 2008 with the initial beta of HyperOffice collaboration tools
for the iPhone.
"But they're still basically emailing files back and forth as
attachments. You're not managing documents with online storage, version
control, user rights and workflow," said Arsanjani.
"In contrast, with HyperOffice, five people in three cities in two
time zones can all work with the same spreadsheet at the same time,
trying to knock out a proposal by deadline."
HyperOffice operates as software-as-a-service. It works on the
iPhone. It works on any smartphone - including the Blackberry. It works
on any PC, Mac or handheld device. All users need is a browser and an
Internet connection. There's nothing to download from iTunes. There's
nothing to install, fix, upgrade and patch.
Just switch on your iPhone. Fire up Safari. Log into your
HyperOffice account. That gives users a suite of web-based applications
that deliver the power and productivity of collaboration software that
only the largest company with a mammoth IT budget could otherwise
afford.
Where iPhone 3G users can now sync email, calendars and contacts to
personal desktop computers, HyperOffice transforms the iPhone into a
business collaboration tool. At the office, at home or while traveling,
users of the iPhone with HyperOffice may also share group and project
calendars with team members and clients who also use Outlook and
HyperOffice. Users may also retrieve, share and update address books,
projects and tasks, and manage documents with online storage,
versioning, user rights and commenting. HyperOffice also provides
discussion groups, security and backup; and business-class email
without spam and viruses.
Plus, if you're working on a Mac or PC, HyperOffice also offers web
conferencing, Exchange and Sharepoint functionality, Outlook sync,
Intranet/Extranet page and portal builders, time and expense tracking,
and an online database application.
All for about $7 per user per month. In English - and in Spanish. At
the same time. On a business trip to clients in Los Angeles, Maria can
update sales orders with John in New York. Maria picks her language.
John picks his. HyperOffice keeps track of who needs applications to
display in which language.
"Bottom line, HyperOffice turns the iPhone into a business tool, not
just a great phone," said Arsanjani.
HyperOffice Inc. is a leading provider of Enterprise Collaboration
Software and tools for growing organizations. The company offers a
simple and affordable suite of Intranet and Extranet software that
provide new and growing businesses essential tools to collaborate,
communicate, and manage information from any browser running on any
platform. First launched in 1998, Online Business Collaboration
Solutions provider HyperOffice is used around the world by a growing
number of innovative businesses.
Box.net Announces iPhone Data Sharing
Application
PR: Box.net's Kendra Ott writes:
Just wanted to let Low End Mac readers know about Box.net and our
iPhone application, which allows any time, anywhere access to all of
your online files - right from your iPhone. All you have to do is have
a Box.net account, go to i.box.net from your mobile device and
voilà! - Your online life on-the-go.
Here is a bit more about Box.net - Founded in March 2005, Box.net is
a "leading provider of tools for managing and sharing data online". The
service enables users to share, access, and collaborate on files of any
type from anywhere. Box.net is the first web-native system for access
and collaboration which allows a broad array of functionality.
With nearly 2 million users, over 1 million files served every day,
and more than 1000 developers in the Box Enabled Network, the service
is used by individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 1000 companies.
In December 2007, the company launched its OpenBox platform which
connects data from Box.net to other web-based applications and services
(like Zoho - http://www.zoho.com/ , Picnik - http://www.picnik.com/ ,
and eFax - http://www.efax.com/ ), giving users the power to do more
with their data. Box.net is a privately held company headquartered in
Palo Alto, CA, and is backed by venture capital firms Draper Fisher
Jurvetson and US Venture Partners.
I would love to know what you and your readers think of the
application - so please let me know if you have any questions or
comments. I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Take good care,
- Kendra Ott
- Community Manager
- www.Box.net
Link: Box.net
3G iPhone Inspires 'Bulky Case' Marketing
Campaign
PR: On July 11, as the consumers lined up across the nation
for the new iPhone 3G, thousands of soon-to-be owners were joined by
giant, bulky, yellow cell phone cases. Zagg, makers of a full-body
protective skin called the InvisibleShield, was responsible for this
unique campaign introducing their military-grade ultra-thin,
ultra-tough transparent skin that protects the new 3G (and over 2500
other gadgets) without adding bulk.
Early reviews of
the iPhone 3G show that it scratches more easily than its predecessor.
In order to tout their product's unique qualities, Zagg has launched a
creative video campaign in which "Bulky Case," a man in an oversized
yellow costume, struggles to perform daily tasks. From fitting into a
bathroom stall to boarding an airplane, everything becomes more
difficult when you add bulk. The videos have been featured as quick,
punchy ten-second commercial spots on CNN, and even have their own
website, bulkycase.com .
On the day the iPhone 3G became available in stores, Bulky Case
greeted the lines of waiting customers at the Apple stores in New York,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco and Denver. The
costumed mascots handed out T-shirts, fliers, coupons and free
invisibleShields to lines of customers that stretched for blocks. The
event was met with enthusiasm, and within a few short hours supplies
were exhausted.
"We were excited to implement this unique marketing campaign to
educate the customers about our great alternative to bulky cases. And
we are not at all surprised by the event's popularity. Who, after all,
would want to hide their sleek new iPhone under a case when
InvisibleShield can provide scratchproof protection showcasing the
beauty of the product?" says Robert Pedersen, CEO of Zagg.
In the weeks preceding the iPhone 3G release, Zagg also e-mailed
customers living in the major market cities, offering a free T-shirt
with the Bulky Case logo on the front. Customers were invited to take a
photo of themselves posing in front of an Apple store while wearing the
T-shirt on the day of the iPhone 3G launch, and post it to zagg.com to
earn a reward.
Car Care: Track Gas Mileage and Maintenance on
Your iPhone
PR: By performing regular maintenance on your car, as
suggested by Car Care, you can save money and have a healthier car.
Track your car's gas mileage and be reminded of regular car
maintenance. Car Care helps you deal with high gas prices by
automatically calculating your car's Miles Per Gallon. Car Care also
reminds you when to perform scheduled maintenance on your car, such as
oil changes and tire rotations, to help you get the best performance.
Eliminate paper clutter in your life and let your iPhone take care of
your car's health.
- Gas mileage records - (metric units - liters, kilometers - coming
soon)
- Car maintenance reminders - Customizable oil change reminders and
more
- Care for your entire garage - Multiple car support
- Graphics analysis - Set your car's photograph, and view your fuel
trends in nice graphs
System requirements: iPhone or iPod touch
System Support: Intel
Price: $4.99
Link: Car Care can only
be purchased through the
iTunes App Store
Low-priced International Calling with
Truphone
PR: Designed to provide low-priced international calls for
Apple iPhone users, Truphone for the iPhone hit Apple's new App Store
today.
James Tagg, Truphone's CEO, said: "What Truphone for the iPhone does
is really simple but absolutely sensational: it gives people low-priced
international calls, whether they want to phone someone abroad or avoid
roaming charges when making calls from abroad.
"With just a few clicks to download and install Truphone, anyone can
afford to take their iPhone on holiday this summer - or call their
friends and family abroad." he added.
Truphone enables an iPhone to make calls to any number over the
internet instead of over GSM, at Truphone's fabulous internet rates.
The rates are especially competitive for international calls, including
land lines in 40 countries at £0.03 [$0.06] per minute and
mobiles at just £0.15 [$0.30] per minute. To Canada, the USA and
China, even calls to mobiles are just £0.03 [$0.06] per
minute.
Making a call using Truphone is exactly like making any other call
on the iPhone: a single touch to bring the dialer up on the touch
screen, touch-dial the number or choose from the iPhone's own addressbook, and a touch to start the call. [Visit www.truphone.com/iphone for
a preview video.]
Truphone for the iPhone is available to download from Apple's new
App Store for free. There are no monthly subscriptions or other
charges.
WiFi calls to countries in the Tru Zone cost one flat rate, from
anywhere in the world. A Truphone call on your iPhone to Sydney,
London, Moscow or Rio always costs 3p/6c per minute to land lines and
15p/30¢ per minute to mobiles. The majority of the world's mobile
users are in the Tru Zone - including the UK, Brazil, Australia,
Thailand, Japan, Russia, Hong Kong, almost all of Europe, and more
countries besides. Calls to USA, Canada and China are a flat 3p/min to
call land lines and mobiles. Customers receive free credit worth
£2.00 [4.00] when they sign up for Truphone.
Apple, iPhone, and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the US and other countries. Truphone is a trademark of
Software Cellular Network Limited.
Truphone is not a replacement for an ordinary telephone service and
emergency calls cannot be made using Truphone. However Truphone does
not prevent emergency calls being made via a handset's normal cellular
service provider.
Truphone cannot advise on the legality of VoIP services in specific
territories or jurisdictions. It is the user's responsibility to
confirm that use of the Truphone VoIP software and service is permitted
in the location in which they use it.
Link: Truphone for the
iPhone can only be purchased through the
iTunes App Store
PostPath: Full Email Infrastructure Support for
iPhone 3G Users
PR: PostPath, creator of the only email and collaboration
server that is a drop-in alternative to Microsoft Exchange, announced
today that it fully supports Apple's new iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0
software. PostPath is the only non-Microsoft server that provides
native ActiveSync support with no plugin or middleware enabling users
to take full advantage of the iPhone's intuitive UI and the
productivity benefits of mobile access to email, collaboration and
shared calendaring. The iPhone's Mail and Calendar applications are
also supported with no plugin, nothing to download and no modification
to the device configuration.
In addition to iPhone 2.0, the PostPath Server's native support
includes mixed environments and the spectrum of enterprises' most
popular devices, including iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and
other ActiveSync-enabled devices. With the PostPath Server, enterprise
customers - including iPhone users - have access to full-feature,
enterprise-grade messaging and collaboration at a significantly lower
cost than Microsoft Exchange. Organizations can take advantage of the
operational efficiency and cost savings of the PostPath server to roll
out large mailboxes and mobile messaging to their users much easier and
cheaper than with Exchange 2007.
The increasing reliance on email and mobile devices to support
day-to-day business needs creates new messaging and collaboration
requirements. Enterprises need the flexibility and performance of the
PostPath Server and its native interoperability capabilities with
Outlook, Active Directory Exchange and the rest of its ecosystem.
"We are seeing strong demand from our customers for iPhone support,
and we applaud Apple's new offering," said Duncan Greatwood, president
and CEO of PostPath. "We've already been successfully using the iPhone
2.0 Beta alongside our own production systems. As the only company to
provide seamless support for ActiveSync on the iPhone 2.0, PostPath
gives businesses the flexibility to support their mobile users with any
device they choose. We're seeing strong growth in the enterprise
market, and iPhone 2.0 is another indication of the importance of
flexibility and native interoperability. Customers now have an open
enterprise mobile platform capable of shared calendaring and email with
large mailboxes, mobile CRM and custom applications built for their
enterprise's specific needs."
PostPath offers native support for iPhone users and native
interoperability with the Exchange ecosystem making it easy for
customers to evaluate and deploy PostPath. PostPath's simplicity,
flexibility and scalability make it possible and cost effective for
those enterprises who have not adopted broad mobile support to now
evaluate it and deploy it with confidence regardless of the device
type. In addition to native email and calendaring support for their
iPhone users, companies will be able to take advantage of other
benefits of the PostPath email and collaboration server including:
- Large mailboxes - Enterprises can provide every iPhone user - and
every employee - with multi-gigabyte mailboxes even with commodity
hardware and without administration nightmares.
- High availability - With its standards-based, open-systems solution
PostPath offers real-time business continuity and high availability for
the critical application of email and collaboration at significantly
lower cost than any alternative solution.
- Improved performance - Handheld devices typically place a large
load on Exchange resulting in diminished capacity and performance.
PostPath Server is up to five times more efficient, enabling broad
rollout of mobile devices without additional cost and headaches.
- Support for leading browsers - PostPath provides WebMail support in
the form of a browser-independent, easy-to-use AJAX web client and
delivers full interoperability with Firefox, Safari and Internet
Explorer. The Web 2.0 client offers email, shared calendaring and
access to public folders similar to Outlook and can be used as a
replacement for some or all users.
- Lower infrastructure costs - PostPath lowers infrastructure costs
by as much as 80% due to its efficient use of server resources and
storage.
PostPath has developed the industry's first drop-in compatible
alternative to Microsoft Exchange. Fully interoperable with the
Exchange ecosystem, PostPath's email and collaboration server provides
enterprises a lean, high-performance messaging infrastructure, a
radically improved cost model, and an innovation-rich upgrade path for
traditional and Linux-friendly messaging environments. PostPath was
founded in December 2003 and is headquartered in Mountain View,
California.
Link: PostPath
Free iPhone App Allows Users to Instantly Share,
Store, and Manage Pictures Online
PR: Big Canvas, a creative developer of applications for the
iPhone and Web, today announced its first application, Big Canvas
PhotoShare. With PhotoShare, iPhone users can seamlessly share, store
and manage images taken on their device. Photos can be uploaded live,
moments after being taken, comments can be added to the images, and
they can be easily categorized to share with designated groups. With a
few simple touches, directly on the iPhone, users can easily take
images captured from daily life and distribute these photos to friends,
family, affinity groups, or even just mark them for public or private
viewing. The core application and service are free.
"The iPhone has fundamentally transformed how people use mobile
devices to interact with the Internet and communicate. Just as Instant
Messenger and Twitter changed text-based communication, PhotoShare -
with its ability to share pictures and provide commentary in real time
- offers a totally new level of photo-based communication," said
Satoshi Nakajima, founder and president of Big Canvas. "With
PhotoShare, users can easily take pictures, decide who to share them
with, and then the application does the rest - uploading the images for
friends, family or the world to view online."
PhotoShare is an innovative new application built from scratch just
for the iPhone, using the iPhone SDK. It combines a native iPhone
application and a Web 2.0 service, which work in harmony to ensure
customers get the best possible user experience on the iPhone. As part
of the development initiative, the Big Canvas team has optimized the
overall architecture - not only the application, but also the
underlying network protocols - to take advantage of the iPhone's unique
capabilities, features and requirements.
PhotoShare includes a variety of features designed to make the
experience of taking, sharing and storing images fun and exciting.
Some of the key features include:
- Family and Friends - share photos with family and friends directly
from the iPhone (just as secure as sending private e-mail messages, but
a lot more convenient)
- Most Popular - when you save a public photo to your personal
favorites, you essentially cast your vote for the best public pictures
on PhotoShare; help distinguish the best-of-the-best from thousands of
pictures posted by users, win great prizes
- Following - subscribe to other user photo-casts and enjoy the
ongoing photo postings instantly
Big Canvas PhotoShare is built around two key concepts - simplicity
in its user interface and robustness in the underlying network
replication protocols. It has been designed to seamlessly work, each
and every time.
As part of these guiding principles, Big Canvas PhotoShare is free
and does not require any registration or password for personal use and
server storage. In addition, all changes the user makes (adding new
photos, changing titles, changing permissions, etc.) are asynchronously
replicated on the server in the background, achieving a seamless user
experience. The application quits when necessary, and immediately
resumes and completes any pending actions when selected, thereby hiding
any network latency from the user. Finally, all changes persist locally
across the application session until the server receives and confirms
the replication - so even in the middle of uploading (asynchronous
replication), the user is free to receive a phone call, and the
application silently recovers from lost network connections.
Big Canvas PhotoShare is free and available immediately at the
iPhone store on iTunes. Stay tuned for an enhanced "PRO" version,
coming soon.
Link: Big Canvas
PhotoShare can only be downloaded through the
iTunes App Store
Free ShoZu iPhone App Simplifies Photo
Uploads
PR: ShoZu Inc. has announced a new application that makes it
possible to transfer iPhone and iPod touch photos to any combination of
50 social media sites with a tap of your finger. Available exclusively
from the new Apple App Store today, the new iPhone edition of ShoZu's
award-winning application also provides a variety of additional
services that make it easy to stay connected with your favorite online
communities, blogs and social networks on the go.
"A photo-friendly device like the iPhone needs an easy way to
transfer photos to the Web, whether to Flickr, Facebook or beyond.
ShoZu does that and more," said ShoZu CEO Mark Bole. "We have optimized
our mobile social media service for the iPhone. There is no faster or
easier way to share your favorite iPhone images with your various
communities."
With ShoZu installed, iPhone users can upload any photo captured
with the device's built-in camera or saved to the iPhone photo library
to Facebook, Flickr, Photobucket, Kodak EasyShare Gallery, Google
Blogger, WordPress and more than 40 other sites without opening a
browser or creating multiple messages. Simply select the destinations
of your choice from the ShoZu interface, add tags and titles, and tap
"send."
It's fast, it's easy, and it eliminates the need to set up and send
photos to your various social networks, photo communities and blogs
individually. In addition, users can have friends' photostreams and
status changes sent to the iPhone with a tap, and read and reply to
comments posted on their destinations of choice - all from the ShoZu
screen.
ShoZu for iPhone is a free download from the Apple App Store.
It is available internationally in English, with French, Italian,
German and Spanish versions to be released shortly. It is compatible
with the original iPhone, iPod touch and the new iPhone 3G.
Link: ShoZu for iPhone
can only be downloaded through the
iTunes App Store
BodyGuardz Transparent, Scratchproof Protection
for iPhone 3G
PR: NLU Products, the developer of scratchproof, transparent
skins for mobile devices, have announced that it is now shipping
BodyGuardz for the new Apple iPhone 3G. The skins adhere to the iPhone
3G without causing damage to the item itself, providing seamless,
residue-free protection of the phone's body, as well as a scratch-guard
barrier for the phone's screen.
"People will ultimately buy
the iPhone 3G for its incredible functionality, but a phone as
beautiful as that deserves to say in mint condition," remarked Kirk
Feller, President of NLU Products. "BodyGuardz skins help protect the
exterior of the 3G from dings and scratches, allowing for a unique and
protected user experience."
Made from the same material used to shield the fronts of automobiles
from abrasive elements, BodyGuardz' protective skin adheres to the
phone surface without leaving sticky residue. The transparent,
easy-to-apply skins are custom-fit to protect the surface and screen of
the iPhone 3G from scratches, maintaining the phone's sleek, elegant
appearance without distorting its design.
In addition, NLU Products has also added the iPhone 3G to its
ScreenGuardz and TatSkinz lines. ScreenGuardz are easy-to-apply phone
screen protective skins, and TatSkinz, a new product line, provides
quality protection while allowing iPhone 3G owners to customize the
look of the phone's surface with the design of the owner's choice.
The BodyGuardz for the Apple iPhone 3G package (now shipping)
consists of 2 custom-fit protective skins (including screen
protection), the BodyGuardz application solution, squeegee card and
application instructions. iPhone 3G BodyGuardz protectors are priced at
$24.95, are protected by BodyGuardz' Advantage program, which includes
lifetime replacements, and usually ship in 24 hours. iPhone 3G
BodyGuardz, as well as all other BodyGuardz personal electronics
custom-fits, can be purchased at bodyguardz.com or at many online
resellers.
Link: BodyGuardz
World's First XyloT3 Touch-Thru Case for iPhone
3G
PR: ivyskin Technology, maker of the original XyloT2
Touch-Thru cases for iPhone, today announced XyloT3, a protective case
for iPhone 3G with a built-in Touch-Thru screen. Simply snap iPhone 3G
into XyloT3 polycarbonate case for protected screen as well as the
protection from bumps and scratches that you expect from a
premium-quality hard shell case.
The Xylo case by ivyskin (XyloT3) is a real breakthrough in the
industry, as it is a unique, sophisticated and elegant case with the
first complete advanced touch interface that you can control both
iphone and iPod touch's screen from the case
ivyskin has worked hard on every aspect of the product, from super
slim design of the case to its second to none hard screen touch thru
design. At ivyskin, obsession with perfection is a way of life.
Xylo Touch-Thru (T2) case by ivyskin is the first of its kind to
provide a hard screen shell over the iPhone. This German-designed
material is second to none on the market today! Enables you to navigate
the iPhone's screen with the hard scratch resistant shield. ivyskin has
designed and manufactured the all new T2 case from scratch by using the
latest technology available in crystal case manufacturing. Another
breakthrough from a company that always think outside the box.
Surface Xylo Wave (SXW) technology passes ultrasonic waves that
pass over the touch screen panel and transfer them to the iPhone's
screen without interferences. When the panel is touched, a portion of
the wave is absorbed. This change in the ultrasonic waves registers the
position of the touch event and sends this information to the iPhone's
screen for processing.
The
touch screen panel is coated with a special patent pending material
that conducts a continuous electrical current across the the shield.
The human body is also an electrical device which has stored electrons
and therefore also exhibits capacitance. It is an extremely durable
screen that is suited for use in industrial control systems and other
harsh environments. This rugged screen type is not affected by most
surface contaminants, scratches or vibration. Responds to finger or
gloved hand. However, not all touch screens are the same, and only
ivyskin Xylo T2 is built with German materials.
Sleek and crystal clear qualities of a traditional polycarbonate
case with the addition of an ultra-thin hard screen cover that stays on
the case to protect the iPhone's screen from every angle. The Xylo T3
delivers on its promise to protect your iPhone. Made with polycarbonate
crystal material, it is second to none on the market today. We are
proud to be an all American company with intensive requirements to make
every product that we manufacturer superior, to the standard of what a
US-designed product should be.
Link: XyloT2
Touch-Thru Cases for iPhone 3G
Must-Have Accessories for iPhone 3G
PR: The release of Apple's newest product, the iPhone 3G, has
created an explosion in the accessory market. With countless options
available, it's time to separate the accessories you want from the ones
you need.
- According to a review in the Wall Street Journal, the more powerful
3G iPhone has a major drawback: shorter battery life. The new
rechargeable 2-in-1 Charger & Back Up Battery ($49.99) by i.Sound solves that problem by providing
hours of additional life for the iPhone, iPhone 3G and all iPod®
models with a 30 pin connector. The smallest product of its kind, the
2-in-1 charger and back-up battery doubles as an iPod/iPhone charger,
allowing it to recharge while simultaneously powering your device. This
rechargeable battery includes both a USB and AC adapter. The compact
device provides an additional 30 hours of music, 6 hours of video and 3
hours of talk time.
- Other early reviews of the iPhone 3G have pointed out that the back
is more susceptible to scratches than the original iPhone. The
InvisibleShield by http://www.zagg.com/">Zagg is the first
full body protective film available for the iPhone 3G. A patented
adhesive film designed to protect high-performance electronic devices
without adding bulk, the InvisibleShield was originally utilized by the
US military to protect helicopter blades from wind, sand and the wear
and tear of high-speed travel. Combining this military-grade scratch
protection with precision-cut designs, the InvisibleShield, backed by a
lifetime guarantee, allows customers to use their iPhone without fear
of scratches or nicks. Prices start at $9.95.
- Ultimate Ears, market-leading producer of in-ear-monitors for
professional musicians including Van Halen, David Bowie and Daughtry,
recently announced the release of its first voice-integrated product,
the iPhone-compatible Super.fi 4vi ($149.99). Allowing you to talk on
the iPhone as well as listen to your favorite music, the Super.fi 4vi
features an answer button that pauses media applications, skips through
songs and answers or ends calls. The inline microphone is positioned
for maximum voice clarity.
Link: Ultimate Ears
Macally Debuts iPhone 3G Cases & Covers
PR: Like a Personal Body Guard New Macally Products Protect
the iPhone 3G
Macally has announced that its upcoming line of sleek, functional
and protective iPhone 3G accessories will be available at retailers
next week.
"Anyone buying the new iPhone 3G will want to protect it with a
durable, stylish and formfitting case designed to enhance its
appearance and capabilities," said Andrew Saldana, VP Sales &
Marketing of Macally. "Our cases let customers make the most of their
new iPhone 3G, while also showing off the device's streamlined design.
We even have two white protective cases to complement the new white
color option available on the iPhone 3G."
Macally's new line of iPhone 3G cases and covers match the new
design elements including the new slightly curved back of the iPhone 3G
ensuring a tight protective fit.
The new innovative accessories include:
- Bella- Protective leather case for iPhone 3G- Available in either
black leather (Part #: BellaP) and white (Part # :BellaPW) to match the
new dual color options of the iPhone 3G, the Bella protective leather
cases features a stitch-seamed Nappa leather front with a high-density,
soft and durable back panel to blend with a range of urban and casual
fashion and accessories. It provides additional protection for the
iPhone 3G from the inside with a microsuede interior. This case is
finished off with a dark brushed metal carabiner for clipping on belts,
purses and back packs. It comes with a neck lanyard and a
scratch-resistant protective screen overlay. The Manufacturer's
Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Bella cases for iPhone 3G are
$19.99.
- Metro- Protective snap-on cover for iPhone 3G- This protective
cover is made of highly durable rubberized plastic and snaps on to the
iPhone 3G, locking it securely in place. The heat resistance ABS
material offers a superlative surface quality, colorfastness and luster
and gives the Metro a feel of rigidity, making it highly slip-resistant
and comfortable to carry. The Metro's ultra-slim design is only 1mm
thick, so it complements the sleek design of the new iPhone 3G. It
comes with a scratch-resistant protective screen overlay. The
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the Metro case in black
(part#: MetroP) or white (part #: MetroPW) is $19.99.
- MClip and IceCase for iPhone 3G - These highly functional and sleek
protective belt clip holsters swivel for vertical or horizontal
position on the belt. Once unclipped they also act as a stand with
adjustable angles for viewing video or for use with speaker phone. Both
the MCLIP2P and ICECASEP were specifically designed to ensure the new
curved back of the iPhone 3G would fit snuggly into the clip and hold
it firmly in place. The MClip offers a stylish black rubberized
finished design and the IceCase offers a hip clear design to show off
the new iPhone 3G. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the
MClip (part #: MCLIP2P) and IceCase (part #: ICECASEP) cases are
$19.99.
- MCase- Protective slip-on leather case for iPhone 3G - Offers an
easy "slip-up" opening designed for users to easily dock the iPhone 3G
without having to remove the case. This durable hard leather case
protects the iPhone from bumps and scrapes. Cutouts provide easy access
to all controls and ports, while the microsuede inner lining delivers
enhanced cushioning. This case also comes with an optional
scratch-resistant overlay protective film covering, ensuring the iPhone
3G stays in mint condition. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
for the MCase (part #: MCASE2P) is $19.99.
- MSuit - Offering a flexible thicker shock absorbing silicon, ribbed
surface design and included scratch-resistant overlay, this hard
working silicon case provides ultimate protection for the iPhone 3G
against bumps and drops. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for
the MSuitP case is $12.99.
- Privacy Screen Protective Overlay for iPhone 3G - Designed to
ensure privacy from any angle, It offers a unique privacy screen
overlay so others can't see what is on the iPhone 3G screen of the
user. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the Privacy Screen
Overlay (part #: IP-PH806) is $9.99.
- Mirror Finish Screen Protector for iPhone 3G - Offers a mirror
finish screen protector, when the iPhone 3G is turned off, all users
see is a sleek mirror finish. When the device is turned on it looks
like an ordinary screen, yet this mirror screen protector offers full
time protection against dust, oil and scratches to iPhone 3G's screen.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for this mirror screen
protector (part #:IP-PH807) is $9.99.
Link: Macally
USB Fever FM Transmitter and Handsfree for
iPhone
PR: This FM Transmitter is a combination of FM
Transmitter and Handsfree for iPhone. When there is an incoming call
while you are listen to music/songs, the song will stop and you can
answer your call with the Radio speaker and the built-in microphone on
this FM Transmitter. When the call end, the music will continue.
Features:
- High Fidelity stereo
- Digital PLL, transmission is stable in different environment
- Fully frequency range
- Mutes the music and switches to talk mode during calls
- Handsfree talk via high quality built-in stereo microphone and the
car stereo.
- Powered by the car's Power source
- Range: up to 10 meters
Compatibility:
- iPhone 3G (or iPhone 2.0)
- iPhone 2G (or iPhone 1.0)
Package Contents:
- FM Transmitter x 1
- Car Cigarette Charger x 1
Note:
- For optimal voice clarity, distance of 30 to 60cm between the
speaker's mouth and the microphone is advised. If distortion or
significant noise happens, please turn down the volume of mobile phone
and tune up the radio.
- The standard connection is plug the FM Transmitter to the 3.5mm
audio out on the iPhone and plug the USB Mini 5 pin to the FM
Transmitter and the USB Mini 5 pin to the cigar socket for power.
- The FM Transmitter cannot work independently, it needs the power
supply from the cigar Mini 5 pin Plug.
Link: USB
Fever FM Transmitter and Handsfree for iPhone
USB Fever iPod Wired Remote Control
PR: Free your mind and your hands with this remote
control for iPods/iPhone. This wired remote lets you fast forward,
rewind, play/pause, and control the volume with four simple buttons.
The hold switch allows you to lock your iPod remote so buttons can't be
pressed.
Features:
- Fully compatible with all iPod/iPhone with Dock Connectors
- Lapel clip to attach the remote control on the collar/lapel or
somewhere on your cloth while on the go
- Streamline design
- Fashionable
- Light weight
Buttons on the remote Control:
- Volume up/down
- Previous/Rewind
- Forward/Backward
- Play/Pause
- Turn your iPod/iPhone On/OFF (* for some models only)
Compatibility:
- iPod touch 3G (or iPhone 2.0)
- iPod touch 2G (or iPhone 1.0)
- iPod Classic
- iPod nano 2nd
- iPod Video
- iPod touch
Specifications:
$11.99
Note: Your unlock button may be deactivated if this wired remote is
plugged on.
Link: USB
Fever iPod Wired Remote Control
USB Fever iPhone 3G Aluminum Case
PR: If the protection from Silicone case and Crystal case are
not enough, then you have a better way to do it.
This case is made with aluminum, lightweight and hard. Inside
the aluminum, it is filled with neoprene lining, comfortable and
prevent from shocks.
Features:
- Light weight, made of high grade aluminum.
- Neoprene lining to prevent from shocks.
- Removable 360 degree swivel belt clip.
Options:
- Metallic Black (Default color to be shipped)
- Metallic Silver
$19.99
Link: USB
Fever iPhone 3G Aluminum Case
iPod touch/iPhone/iPhone 3G Car Mount
PR: Features:
- Durable
- Windshield Mount
- Specially designed for iPhone, iPhone 3G
- 6 dimensional adjustable: left & right, back & fro and up
& down, allow you to have unlimited possibilities to adjust.
- Easy to lock and unlock
Designed for:
- iPhone 2G (or iPhone 1.0)
- iPhone 3G (or iPhone 2.0)
- iPod touch (not perfectly fit for, but definitely tight
enough)
$14.99
Link: iPod
touch/iPhone/iPhone 3G Car Mount
Marware's Complete iPhone 3G Case Lineup
Shipping
PR: Marware Inc., designer and manufacturer of
innovative products for the Apple market, is pleased to announce six
new iPhone cases that are shipping prior to the July 11 launch date for
the iphone 3G. The CEO Glide strikes an uncompromising balance between
slim profile, great protection and quick access.
The CEO Premiere is a stylish, premium leather hip case. The CEO
Sleeve is a slim, attractive leather sleeve that combines elegant
protection and quick access. The CEO Flip Vue is a sleek, Nappa leather
flip-top holster case that provides the perfect balance between
all-around protection and ease-of access.
The Sportsuit Convertible is the most versatile sport armband
transforming into three cases: an armband case, a clip-on case for a
belt or shoulder strap, or a slim profile sleeve for an extra layer of
protection in a pocket, gym bag, backpack or purse. All of these
carrying solutions come with a clear protective film, microfiber
cleaning cloth and the Marware Lifetime guarantee.
Marware iPhone 3G cases are now available for immediate shipping.
Please visit marware.com for individual pricing information. Marware is
a leading provider of software and accessory solutions for Apple
iPhones, iPods, and Notebooks.
Link: Marware
