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
Apple TV News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone Accessories
iPod Accessories
iPod and iPhone Deals
iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPhone Sales Up 56% After Price Cut
Apple 2.0 says:
Having jumped 200% immediately after the Sept. 5 price cut, sales of
iPhones at Apple's flagship stores stabilized at about 142 per day, up
roughly 56% from 91 per day before their price dropped $200, according
to a report issued today by Piper Jaffray.
Link:
Report: iPhone Sales Up 56% After Price Cut
iPhone Coming to Canada via Rogers
BetaNews Staff reports:
"Apple is planning to begin selling its Apple iPhone through Rogers
Wireless in Canada by mid-October, technology news site Digital Journal
reported this week. The site said a source from within Canadian luxury
retailer Holt Renfew said it would be receiving the phone within two
weeks, and it would retail in the country for $799."
Link:
Report: iPhone Coming to Canada via Rogers
Erica Sadun Takes iPhone to the Max
The Rocky Mountain News's Jeff Smith reports:
"Just before he went off to college, 17-year-old George Hotz, of New
Jersey, successfully unlocked Apple's iPhone so it could be used on
wireless networks other than exclusive provider AT&T.
"But it's Denverite Erica Sadun - mother of three, software writer
and gadget blogger - who could be the iPhone hacker extraordinaire.
"Sadun, 43, who has a doctorate in computer science, has created
more than a dozen free iPhone applications - including a voice
recorder, programs to attach songs and photos to e-mails, and a game to
catch butterflies with a net.
"She has written or co-written 30 books on subjects ranging from
digital photography to the soon-to-be-released Taking your iPhone to
the Max.
"She writes for the unofficial Apple Weblog sponsored by AOL at
tuaw.com. She calls it a 'part-time
thing,' but in a recent 30-day period she posted 75 blogs.
"In the geek world, Sadun is famous. And prolific....
"Erica Sadun's newest book, Taking Your iPhone to the Max,
published by Apress and due out Dec. 17, features a guide to iPhone
basics as well as undocumented tricks, e-mail, voice mail, surfing the
Web, using iTunes, games and iBooks, connecting to the TV, ripping DVDs
and hacking OS X to run apps."
Link:
Infiltrating the iPhone
Unlocking iPhone Legal, Ethical, and Just Plain
Fun
Slate's Tim Wu says:
"Apple is not happy with its customers. Disobedient iPhone owners
are unlocking their iPhones (modifying them to work with carriers other
than AT&T) and installing 'unauthorized' third-party apps. Last
week the company struck back with a software update that acts much like
a virus. It wrecks the operation of third-party applications and can
turn unlocked iPhones into 'bricks.' Is Apple on the right side of this
fight? Is it really wrong or illegal to unlock your iPhone? Well, I
figured, there's only one way to find out...."
Link: The iPhone Freedom Fighters
Don't Be Afraid: Unlocking Apple's Superphone Is Legal, Ethical, and
Just Plain Fun
iPhone Could Mark the End of the Geek Affair with
Apple
The Guardian's Jack Schofield says:
"The teaser ads posted in New York showed an open lock and a
headline: either 'The best devices have no limits' or 'Phones should be
open to anything'. They must have mystified a few people, but Apple
fans had no doubt what they were about: Nokia was exploiting the furore
over last week's iPhone firmware update. This not only plugged a bunch
of security holes, it wiped out users' unapproved applications, and
'bricked' some phones hacked to unlock them from AT&T....
"But there was no deceit on Apple's part. Right from the beginning,
its chief executive Steve Jobs had told Newsweek: 'You don't want your
phone to be an open platform'....
"It seems remarkable that so many people could either fail to get
the message, or could somehow convince themselves that Apple didn't
really mean it. The answer, I think, is that Apple has been a personal
computer company for 30 years, and everybody knows you can run whatever
applications you want on your own computer. The iPhone was launched at
a computer event (Macworld), it runs a computer operating system (OS X)
and it does computer things like web browsing. How could it not be a
computer?"
Link:
iPhone Could Mark the End of the Geek Affair with Apple
More Legit 3rd Party iPhone Applications on the
Way?
9to5mac's Cleve Nettles reports:
"While Apple's official line is that the only 3rd party iPhone
development will be on the EDGE-crippled Web 2.0 'SDK', behind the
scenes, there is much more going on. Apple has been furiously working
with their partners on games and applications for the iPhone/iPod and
the standardized Human-Interface Controls that will go along with them.
For instance, EA is currently porting their iPod lineup to the
OS X iPod/iPhone platform to be sold along side the classic iPod
OS versions. Other big developers with strict confidentiality
agreements are also on board.
"Apple is specifically looking to replicate the model of TMobile's
successful SideKick application development and distribution platform
(although obviously not in the Sidekick's Java). Apple has even brought
in some of Danger's (SidekickOS creators) application development team
to help with the architecture. A public SDK announcement will likely be
made in the coming months which could possibly be included with Xcode.
More likely, the SDK will be given only to high level developers with
established close ties to Apple."
Link:
More Legit 3rd Party iPhone Applications on the Way?
Apple Component Cable Works with iPhone
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)'s Mike Schramm reports:
"So first, the iPhone appeared on the Apple Component cable page,
and then we heard it didn't run video out, and then it did again, or
maybe it didn't. At any rate, we finally have confirmation for you,
thanks to punkassjim, that the iPhone will do video out.
"In fact, he tells us that it will even show a preview of what
you're watching on the iPhone itself while the video plays, along with
the standard video controls and information...."
Link:
Confirmed: Apple Component Cable Works with iPhone
Amplify the iPhone's Speaker for Nothing
iphonematters' Tanner Godarzi says:
"When one envisions the iPhone the first things that comes to
mind is elegance, simplicity and maybe accessories that cost too much.
Even then the iPhone lacks in the audio department, the speaker is very
weak which probably contradicts the speakerphone function but you can
fix that for free.
"TUAW tried this out and I can safely say this takes a ghetto Amp,
demeans it some more then strips any value from it and turns it into
something worthy of MacGyver. Behold, the iPhone cardboard Amp, may
music blast throughout your room and break every window in your living
room, your results will vary."
Link:
Make an iPhone Amp for Literally Nothing
Why I Won't Buy an iPhone
BusinessWeek columnist Arik Hesseldahl says:
"I don't own an iPhone, and I don't think I ever will. That may come
as a surprise to anyone acquainted with my long history of owning and
liking Apple products.
"It's not that I don't think it's an extraordinary device
"Having tried it, I think it represents a fundamental step forward
in what a mobile phone can be. And it sure looks like it's going to be
imitated six ways to Sunday.
"But what I can't take is how Apple is keeping the iPhone from
evolving in a manner consistent with its corporate heritage. Over the
years I've owned many wireless devices, including a Treo (PALM, three
or four BlackBerrys , and tested my share of phones running Microsoft
Windows Mobile and the Symbian OS, majority owned by Nokia.
"In almost every case, I've had an important option I wouldn't get
on the iPhone: installing third-party software....
"...Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs will tell you opening the
device could leave the network vulnerable. Carriers such as AT&T
(T), Apple's U.S. iPhone provider, 'don't want to see their West Coast
network go down because some application messed up.'
"Hogwash, I say...."
Link: Why I
Won't Buy an iPhone
'iPhone Makes Me an Apple Believer'
RealMoney Silver blogger Doug Kass says:
"I have owned various versions of the Treo for about three years
(the latest the Treo 750). I have enjoyed most functionalities of it,
with the exception of the Web browsing, which was slow and
cumbersome.
"I am not a typical first adopter, but I was unabashedly influenced
by the buzz surrounding iPhone and purchased it on the opening weekend
of its introduction.
"To sum it up: iPhone is a game changer, and I finally get what
Apple bulls have been on to for awhile. That said, with the shares up
dramatically both absolutely and relatively, I am late to the party for
Apple as a short-term consideration."
Link:
iPhone Makes Me an Apple Believer
iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion
Devices That Can Squeeze Some Life from a
Nearly Dead iPod
Dr. Macenstein reports:
"Sadly, as with all electronic gadgets, there will come a day when
your iPod will eventually die. I know, I know, we don't like to think
of such things, but death is an unavoidable side effect of life.
However, much like cutting off your deceased grandfather's head and
freezing it, there are ways to extend the life of your 'dead'
iPod, and most cost far less and are far less disturbing to think about
than the grandpa thing."
Link: 3 Accessories That Can
Squeeze Some Extra Life from a 'Dead' iPod
iPod nano Spews Chest-high Flames from
Trousers
Engadget's Thomas Ricker reports:
"Prepare to be amazed at what passes for investigative journalism on
television these days. Atlanta's WSB-TV Action News team ran a
sensational iPod 'nana' piece last night under the title 'Man's Pants
Catch Fire At Airport.' To set the stage, WSB-TV says that the nano
'uses the same technology as those troubled laptop batteries under
recall due to the risk of fire.' In steps Danny Williams - mild
mannered consumer, airport employee - who claims that his iPod nano
'burst into' chest-high flames while he was at work. So why isn't he
covered in burns after exposure to such a serious chemical fire?"
Link:
iPod 'nana' Spews Chest-high Flames from Trousers - Lawsuit at
11
iPod Touch 'Brilliant'
t3.co.uk reports:
"What is an iPhone without the phone?
"In a word . . . brilliant. Not so much an upgrade as a
total revamp of the iPod, the Touch 16 GB is basically Apple's iPhone
without the disappointing aspects of that device - such as the recessed
earphone socket, the paltry storage, the crappy camera and, err, phone
bit. It's also thinner - about a third as thick as the iPhone.
"Everything we love about the iPhone is still here....
"The iPhone without the crap bits, this is the most
technologically-advanced iPod yet, and a true breakthrough
product."
Link: iPod
Touch 16 GB
Fixing Dark Spots When Viewing Video on iPod
touch
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"When viewing videos on iPod touch, the picture may appear with one
or more of the following:
- Dark or black spots
- Video is very dark and looks like a negative image
- Dark colors look like film negative
- Black areas appear oversaturated to the point of being
reflective
- Black areas appear to shimmer
"Products affected
"Solution
"Use iTunes to update iPod touch software to version 1.1.1 or
later."
Link: iPod touch:
Black or Dark Spots When Viewing Video
Apple TV News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple TV Quick and Easy to Use but
Limited
The Register's Leo Waldock reports:
"Over the past couple of years we've tried at least four different
media extenders from Buffalo, D-Link and Pinnacle in an attempt to send
AVI movie files from a PC to a TV. The PC is in a home office box, and
the TV is in the living room, and all we want to do is watch recorded
American TV shows on the big screen....
"We have to admit that we haven't used an Xbox 360 as a Media
Extender, so it's possible that Microsoft cracked this particular
problem a while back, but the Apple TV aroused our interest, despite
its daft name - it's not, when all said and done, a TV: it's a set-top
box. Yes, it's a networked unit, but unlike other devices stores
content locally so there's no need to stream anything.
"The first thing that strikes you is the tiny size of the unit. It
measures 19.6 x 19.6cm and is only 2.8cm tall, which is miniscule
compared to the hefty boxes supplied by the networking boys, all of
which are the size of a domestic DVD player. This is especially
impressive as the Apple TV contains plenty of hardware, including the
power transformer."
Link: Apple TV 160
GB Media Player
iPhone Accessories
Proporta Releases a Gaggle of iPhone
Products
PR: British-based Proporta have stayed one step ahead of the
game as usual with their cases and accessories already available and
ready for purchase. With only a couple of cases on standby for another
few weeks, Proporta have stopped anyone missing out by opening up their
doors and allowing interested customers to pre-order them. And of
course, for Americans who already have the iPhone, Proporta ships
worldwide.
Ever since
news of the much-awaited November 9 UK iPhone release was announced,
British-based Proporta have stayed one step ahead of the game as usual
with their cases and accessories already available and ready for
purchase. With only a couple of cases on standby for another few weeks,
Proporta have stopped anyone missing out by opening up their doors and
allowing interested customers to pre-order them. And of course, for
Americans who already have the iPhone, Proporta ships worldwide for a
reasonable flat rate of $4.95.
Proporta's trademark iPhone Alu-Leather
case comes in two forms, flip
and book
type - both beautifully hand crafted and, like many other Proporta
cases, meet the exact specifications of your precious device. These
cases incorporate a screen saver' system which uses a sheet of
lightweight, rigid, aircraft grade aluminium to line the case,
protecting it from scratches and impact shocks.
For those
among us who fancy a bit of colour in their lives, Proporta offer the
iPhone
Alu-Sheepskin Case. Featuring the same screen saver' system and
lightweight aluminium protection as the alu-leather case, this also
comes in a choice of pink or brown so you can really go wild.
Whether
you're vegetarian or just fancy an alternative to real leather, try
Proporta's iPhone
Classic Case. Not only does it provide the same stylish protection
as a leather case, it's also a little easier on the wallet (not to
mention the cows).
A couple of cases due to arrive at the Proporta headquarters a bit
later than the aforementioned are the Alu-Crystal
and the Crystal
Holster.
The Proporta iPhone
Alu-Crystal Case allows you to proudly show your device to the
world, as well as adding a little extra protective bulk. Using a
material that combines the durable and scratch resistant polycarbonate
plastic with an aircraft grade aluminium, you'll struggle to find a
more lightweight yet protective case.
Proporta's iPhone
Crystal Holster, made from a durable and scratch resistant frosted
plastic, differs slightly from their usual cases by not only offering
protection for your iPhone, but by also incorporating a detachable belt
clip that can act as a stand to enable video viewing. When your device
in the holster is clipped to your belt, it operates on a ratchet system
enabling it to be rotated whilst still attached.
Not content with the above, Proporta also have a brand new case
design on the cards due for availability in November. Stay perched on
the edge of your seats - more details to follow.
The guys at Proporta know that the touch screen display plays an
important role in the life of your iPhone, which is why they also
recommend their Advanced
Screen Protector. It incorporates an improved thickness, made from
a new ultra high-clarity plastic, which improves screen feel' during
stylus use, without impairing screen brightness and quality. This
screen protector reduces glare from sunlight or bright lighting and is
fully washable and replaceable.
Visit proporta.com and see for yourself everything that they have to
offer, iPhone related and otherwise.
And if you really want to look after the lovely screen on the
iPhone, check out the Proporta Mobile
Device Cleaner. Now there's no excuse not to have your screen
looking as shiny as a new penny.
iPod Accessories
Iluv Portable Video, MP3, and DVD
Player
PR: High-end retailer and purveyor of innovative and
unusual gifts to the carriage trade crowd Neiman Marcus is offering the
very classy Iluv Portable Video MP3 & DVD Player, which is capable
of outputting videos from MP3 player to television, has an integrated
dock for MP3 players with video (30 GB, 60 GB, or 80 GB), and charges
MP3 player while docked.
About the Player:
- Black.
- 8.4" widescreen TFT LCD.
- Transparent, protective screen (see open below).
- Light-emitting, touch-sensitive function keypad controls.
- Includes carrying pouch, car adapter, AC adapter, AV cable, and
remote control.
- Imported.
Features for MP3:
- Capable of outputting videos from MP3 player to television.
- Integrated dock for MP3 players with video (30 GB, 60 GB, or 80
GB).
- Charges MP3 player while docked.
Features for DVD:
- Playable media: DVD, VCD, Audio CD, MPC CD, and JPEG CD.
- Connect to television through S-Video or AV output.
- Convenient OSD (Onscreen Display).
- Multiple subtitle, angle, and audio functions.
- Slow and fast motion playback and zoom operation.
- Built-in high capacity Li-Polymer rechargeable battery.
Please note: Does not work with iPod touch, iPod classic, or new
iPod video nano.
Iluv Portable Video MP3 & DVD Player - $275
Link:
Iluv Portable Video Player
Whiten Your Teeth with Your iPod?
PR: Who would have ever thought you could whiten your teeth
with music from your iPod? I have to say it's something that would
never have occurred to me.
However, that's what Professor
Bocelli's Rock My Teeth Musical Whitening kit promises to do.
The unit's custom cable with earphones and tray jack works with all
digital music players.
As the good doctor puts it:
You can even turn up the music to your teeth and turn down the music
to your ears during treatments. The louder the music to your teeth, the
more whitening energy you provide to the hydrogen peroxide in your
whitening strip to go deep into the stained teeth.
No
mess, easy to use and you can do it anywhere. It whitens your teeth,
freshens your breath and dissolves in your mouth.
The Bocelli Musical Whitening kit comes with speaker mouth tray,
custom earphone cable, and 50 dissolvable whitening strips in a black
sheer nylon draw string bag. All you need is your musical device &
you are ready to Rock Your Teeth. Strips have 5% whitening
peroxide.
$49.95
Refill Bocelli Dissolvable whitening strips whiten your teeth,
freshen your breath with mint flavor.
Dissolves in your mouth. 50 strips per package.
Free shipping if ordered with any other product.
Includes special TV discount of $10
$19.95
Link: Rock My
Teeth
Keyspan Ships iPod Cable for Ford's Sync
Media System
PR: Keyspan announced its "Sync Cable for iPod", a cable that
connects an iPod to the new Sync media system available in 12 models of
2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. The cable works with recent
generations of the iPod, including the: iPod video, iPod nano, iPod
touch, etc. It also has the unique ability to connect older iPods to
the Ford Sync media system. Older models of iPod that are supported
include the iPod mini, the 4th generation iPod, and the iPod with color
display.
Keyspan announced its "Sync Cable for iPod", a cable that
connects an iPod to the new Sync media system available in 12 models of
2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. The Sync Cable for iPod is
available today in the Keyspan online store at a price of $49.
The cable works with recent generations of the iPod, including the:
iPod video, iPod nano, iPod touch, etc. It also has the unique ability
to connect older iPods to the Ford Sync media system. Older models of
iPod that are supported include the iPod mini, the 4th generation iPod,
and the iPod with color display.
Once the iPod is connected to the Sync media system, the iPod's
content is automatically displayed on the screen of the Sync media
system. The iPod can be externally controlled by the Sync media system
and will charge while connected when the vehicle is running.
"The Keyspan Sync Cable for iPod provides the most universal
solution for connecting iPods to the Sync media system," noted Mike
Ridenhour, president at Keyspan. "It not only works with current iPods,
but it also has the unique ability to support the millions of iPod
minis and 4G iPods still being used by consumers in North America."
Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, the Sync media system is
offered exclusively through Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products in North
America. The Sync media system is available on twelve models of 2008
vehicles including: Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer
and Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Taurus and Taurus X, Mercury Mountaineer,
Mercury Sable, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKS and MKZ.
Link: Sync Cable for
iPod
Duracell Powers Portable Lifestyle with
First-of-its-Kind Mobile Charger
PR: Duracell has announced the introduction of Mobile
Charger, which offers gadget-loving consumers a more convenient way to
power personal devices anytime, anywhere.
The innovative Duracell Mobile Charger serves as a portable power
hub, delivering power to a variety of high-drain devices, ranging from
digital cameras and portable gaming systems to iPods, MP3 players and
BlackBerrys, through several methods. With more than $20 billion
expected to be spent on portable devices in 2007, new products such as
the Duracell Mobile Charger help answer consumer demand for power
on-the-go.
The Duracell Mobile Charger offers strong power performance and
convenience in a compact, sleek design. Providing extreme convenience,
the Mobile Charger enables users to charge AA or AAA rechargeable
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries by plugging the unit directly
into the wall or into a car outlet. The Mobile Charger also features a
USB port, which allows users to charge a wide range of USB-enabled
devices with built-in rechargeable batteries such as iPods, MP3 players
and BlackBerrys. For ultimate flexibility, the Duracell Mobile Charger
can provide power to USB enabled devices in three ways - 1.) via
Pre-Charged NiMH batteries, 2.) by plugging the Mobile Charger into a
wall outlet or 3.) by plugging the Mobile Charger into a car adaptor.
This unique tri-charging feature makes powering a wider range of
devices even easier, equipping consumers to better manage the many
portable devices in their lives.
For added convenience, the Mobile Charger is packaged with Duracell
Pre-Charged Rechargeable batteries which come charged and ready to use
straight out of the pack. Pre-Charged batteries can be recharged
hundreds of times, delivering hours of music and up to 5,000 digital
photos over the life of two batteries.
Duracell Pre-Charged Rechargeable batteries feature a new
rechargeable technology, eliminating the need to charge the batteries
before using them for the first time. These batteries also retain power
for up to one year while not in use, helping raise the bar on
convenience and satisfaction as more and more consumers look for
advanced battery solutions for power hungry devices. In addition, these
new batteries stay charged longer and have to be recharged less often,
packing more power for consumers' favorite gadgets.
"Today's on-the-go consumers are looking for new ways to power their
portable lifestyle," said Rachel Calomeni, brand manager, North
America, Duracell. "Our innovative and easy-to-use Mobile Charger is
the ultimate power pack, delivering extraordinary performance and
giving users the flexibility to power devices anytime, anywhere."
Available at mass, drug, grocery and specialty stores nationwide
beginning in Fall 2007, the Duracell Mobile Charger will have a
suggested retail price of $24.99.
The Mobile Charger joins Duracell's complete portfolio of
rechargeable power solutions, incorporating the latest features and
functionality to satisfy consumers' device needs. The Duracell Power
Gauge Charger features a LED indicator that displays the charge status
for each battery, enabling consumers to easily tell when each charge
will be complete. The Duracell Mini-Charger provides strong power
performance in a compact design that plugs directly into the wall. The
Duracell 15-minute Charger provides Duracell's fastest charge time for
immediate power needs.
