Posts tagged IPhone at Switched

Posts with tag iPhone

Subway Spotting: 'I'm a PC' John Hodgman With iPhone

by Thomas Ricker, posted Sep 19th 2008 at 10:23AM

Seriously, you're not surprised to see John Hodgman -- aka, PC from those Get a Mac ads -- using an iPhone in the New York subway are you? After all, Apple does pay his bills.

P.S. Picture edited to protect child's identity.

[Thanks, tbeam]

Pre-Owned First Gen iPhones Still Fetching Crazy Prices on eBay

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 15th 2008 at 10:09AM

This little phenomenon has been going on ever since lines were wrapped around buildings as consumers waited impatiently for the iPhone 3G, but even now, original iPhones are fetching wild prices on the secondhand market. In a weird twist of economics, Apple's iPhone actually maintained the majority of its value even after its successor hit the market.

Why, you ask? Put simply, a first-gen iPhone purchased from eBay or other pre-owned resellers arrives sans an AT&T contract, and of course, it can be (relatively) easily unlocked to work with some other carrier. PSA: if you're still sitting on your old iPhone for no apparent reason, now would probably be an excellent time to test the market.

[Image courtesy of IFOAppleStore]

iPhone 2.1 Update Brings Bug Fixes, Longer Battery Life

by Thomas Ricker, posted Sep 12th 2008 at 2:10PM

You made it. Three full battery charges and three full days of buggy 2.0.2 firmware later and the 2.1 software is update is now available for download. Remember, this "big update" comes with Steve's personal promise of "fewer call drops... significantly improved battery life for most customers... fixed a lot of bugs where if you have a lot of apps on the phone you're not going to get some of the crashes we've seen... backing up to iTunes is dramatically faster." We'll see.

P.S. Not that we're expecting any, but if you spot copy and paste or any other unannounced features be sure to let us know. [From: Apple]

Apple Acknowledges iPhone Security Hole, Promises Fix Next Month

by Chris Ziegler, posted Aug 29th 2008 at 11:29AM

Apple's taking a pretty lackadaisical attitude toward one of the most easily avoided security flaws in recent memory, calling the iPhone's passcode lock bypass a "minor iPhone security issue" and saying that a fix will be rolled out in September. Thanks, Apple; we suppose it'd be a little too much trouble to ask for a fix sooner, even though you already fixed it once in 1.1.4.

For what it's worth, a company spokeswoman is quick to point out that the flaw can easily be hidden by changing the home button double-click functionality to take you to the home screen, but most users don't know that, now do they? Way to show some hustle, guys -- cookies and gold stars all around. [From: Computerworld]

Screenshots for iPhone Nike+ Running App Found to be Fake

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 20th 2008 at 1:50PM

It has taken its sweet, sweet time in arriving, but it seems the iPhone Nike+ running application is just... about... here. A slew of new screenshots of the application have emerged, and while there are no juicy tidbits to accompany 'em (release date, cost, etc.), we all know how many lines of text a single snapshot is worth. Hang tight runners, the app you've been waiting (and waiting) for can't be far from the finish line now. [Via MacRumors]

Update: And to think, we actually believed that Nike and Apple were this close to delivering the long-awaited running application for the iPhone. While it was widely bruited that these shots were indeed the real deal, AppleInsider is pointing out a chink in the armor: Cupertino doesn't offer iPhone developers a programming interface for accessing one's music, yet this mysterious program clearly showed someone listening to Chris Martin and friends while attempting to make it to 0.02km. The take away? It's still pretty likely that the two outfits are working to create a fitness program for the App Store, but those screenshots ain't it. [Thanks, Michael]

Best Buy To Sell iPhone 3G Starting Next Month

by Chris Ziegler, posted Aug 16th 2008 at 9:12AM

And now for the irony: it'll be no better a buy than what you can find at ye olde Apple or AT&T store. Best Buy officially becomes the first third-party retailer in the US to sell the iPhone in an official capacity -- 3G or otherwise -- when it launches the iPhone 3G in some 970 stores plus an additional 18 dedicated Mobile locations on September 7 for the same $199 and $299 price points found elsewhere.

Quoth Best Buy Mobile's CEO, "We had a lot of work to do, obviously, to get in a position where Apple and AT&T would feel good about Best Buy Mobile carrying it, and that's what we've done in the last 18 months." In other words, this has been a pretty persistent effort to score the third-party exclusive essentially since the original model was announced, and it's just now paying off. There's no indication on how the addition of Best Buy to the US sales mix will affect production or distribution, but at least there'll be one more place to try to find some frickin' stock. [From: Yahoo News]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Pigeon Taught to Play iPhone Video Game (Video)

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 4th 2008 at 8:57AM

It's hard to say if the pigeon you see above actually understood what he / she was doing, but apparently these birds can be taught to at least play App Store games in a very poor manner. The creature's owner does note that Mr. Pigeon was pretty awful at racking up high scores on Tap Tap Revenge, but the important thing to realize here is that pigeon pecks do register as presses on the screen. Now that this is all out in the open, we fully expect a follow-up video next week of someone teaching their bird to dial a number on command. Vid's after the break.

Continue reading Pigeon Taught to Play iPhone Video Game (Video)

iPhone 3G Accidentally Snaps Photo of iPhone Factory

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 29th 2008 at 12:06PM

Unless you hit the jackpot at an Apple Store, you aren't apt to see this many iPhone 3Gs in one place without planning a meetup. As the story goes, one particular lady picked up one of Apple's latest handsets, took it home and began checking things out. Curiously, a trio of images were already on the Camera Roll. Upon viewing them, she noticed two snaps overcome with blur and the one you see above -- likely a rare look into an iPhone 3G factory. Not that we haven't see Apple products give away their place of origin before, but still interesting nonetheless. Now, scurry along and check out your own roll to see if any hidden treasures are waiting. [Source: Remove the Labels via TUAW]

New iPhone 3G Fetching $1,000 on eBay

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jul 23rd 2008 at 8:07AM

Those unlocked 1st gen iPhones are going for a surprisingly high chunk of change on eBay, but that's nothing compared to the prices people are willing to pay for the new iPhone 3G. Unboxed and supposedly unlocked varieties (though we haven't heard of any functioning unlocking tools) are fetching prices well in excess of $1,000 for the 16 GB variety. Even the 8 GB iPhone is going for $800-$900.

Prices are being driven to astronomic levels by high demand fueled by insatiable gadget lust and limited supplies produced by Apple. Some of that demand is even coming from overseas in countries that simply can't wait for the new gadget du jour to start shipping to them later this year. [Source: PC World via: Textually]

Japanese iPhone Has Upskirt-Preventing Shutter Sounds

by Tim Stevens, posted Jul 21st 2008 at 2:17PM

One of the things that many camera phone users do is disable that annoying faux-shutter sound that is emitted whenever a picture is taken. In Japan, though, disabling that sound is often not possible -- not because Japanese mobile companies like to annoy their customers, says Japanese tech reporter Nobuyuki Hayashi, but because silent camera phones are all too often used to take pictures up the skirts of women. For this reason, the Japanese release of the iPhone 3G has also lost the option to disable the shutter sound.

Whereas owners in other countries can turn off sounds when taking pictures, customers in Japan are stuck with that fake shutter sound, though they can choose to have it say "cheese" instead. This is a change of policy from that of Apple, which let Japanese owners of the original iPhone turn off the noise. It's always a drag when a few bad apples ruin things for everyone else, but at least girls are now safe from pevs toting Japanese iPhones. [Source: Nobiblog, via Cult Of Mac]

What's Next in Video Games, Part 2

by Tim Stevens, posted Jul 17th 2008 at 5:40PM

We've done the roundup treatment for the big three (Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft) at this year's E3 video game show. Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have each had their turn to toot their own horns, and now it's time for the publishers to have their say. Yes, these are the third-party developers that are responsible for much of the flood of actual games that will be hitting the various consoles over the next few months. Here's what we liked best:

Guitar Hero World Tour - For many, the battle-of-the-band-games is the highlight of the show. While a certain other game (see the next entry) has been getting a lot of attention lately, many gamers still feel that the 'Guitar Hero' franchise reigns supreme, and Activision's upcoming 'Guitar Hero World Tour' ups the ante considerably. It takes a cue from that other rock title by adding a drum kit and microphone to the gameplay, but goes way beyond the competition by letting you plug a real electronic drum kit into it and by including a detailed-looking song maker. Add in exclusive tracks from Metallica and 85 other songs, all from the original bands, and you have a heck of a package.

Rock Band 2 - Not to be left behind, 'Rock Band' is back, also with a slew of updates, including new, self-syncing guitars, a newer, fancier drum kit, and 84 new tunes -- one less than the competition. But, 'Rock Band 2' will let you import nearly all the tracks from the first game, and it remains to be seen whether that'll be the case for the new 'Guitar Hero.'

iPhone Games - The 3G iPhone is out, and so is the App Store. While there are already boatloads of games on the store to download, none were really on display at E3. Still, we saw fairly tame ones like 'Tetris' and 'Spore,' which we already knew about. What gives?

Raving Rabbids - One of the most popular third-party games on the Nintendo Wii is 'Rayman: Raving Rabbids.' It's simple, stupid, and tons of fun, and that's exactly how its latest follow-up is looking, 'Rayman: Raving Rabbids TV Party,' which is another collection of simple and fun mini-games, including what is apparently the first game to let you play with your posterior.

Star Wars: Force Unleashed - There have been absolutely no shortage of 'Star Wars' games cluttering up arcades and gaming systems since the very beginning. So, it's hard to get too excited about a new one, but 'Star Wars: Force Unleashed' is looking genuinely fun. In it, you play the secret apprentice of a certain Mr. Darth Vader, who is overwhelmed with ridiculously powerful force powers, which you can use to pick up and throw everything from Storm Troopers to whole TIE Fighters. Add in some remote-waving action on the Wii that almost makes you feel like an evil Sith, and you have a hot looking game due this September.

Shaun White Snowboarding - It's hard to get too excited about another snowboarding game, even when it's being fronted by the incredibly talented Shaun White. But mix in compatibility with the Wii Fit Balance Board, and suddenly you get our attention. The ability to lean into the turns and shift your weight to land tricks sounds awesome, but having to keep your feet planted could be a drag.

Games for Girls - Female gamers are the largest growing demographic in games right now, making up a large portion of Nintendo's sales, and buying half of all DS handhelds sold. For this reason Ubisoft is singling out girls with a slew of new tween-specific titles, while Natsume is showing off a new 'Harvest Moon' on Wii title, a franchise that has proven to be hugely popular among girls.

With great games like these coming soon (most near the holidays) it's going to be a busy winter of gaming. Better start saving your pennies! For gaming news from E3, be sure to check out thorough, up-to-the-minute coverage from both GameDaily and Joystiq.

Pope Benedict XVI Texting Out Messages of Encouragement

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 16th 2008 at 10:10AM

Don't act like you didn't know that Pope Benedict XVI was down with modern technology. As part of World Youth Day, the man himself will begin sending out texts of encouragement to pilgrims who have signed up through Telstra to receive them.

A total of four gigantic "prayer walls" have been erected at the Sydney Opera House, the Domain, Darling Harbour and Randwick Racecourse in Australia, where folks will actually be able to send their own messages for all to presumably see. The first message sent out? "Young friend, God and his people expect much from u because u have within you the Fathers supreme gift: the Spirit of Jesus - BXVI." Hllujh, amn brtha. [Source: News.com.au]

[Thanks, zedster]

Apple Confirms Turn-By-Turn GPS Coming to iPhone

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 15th 2008 at 9:33AM

There's been a lot of random misinformation about the iPhone 3G floating around out there, like David Pogue's baffling comment that the device's GPS antenna is "too small" to support turn-by-turn directions, and Apple's iPod and iPhone marketing head Greg Joswiak recently sat down with AppScout to clear up some of the confusion.

Greg says that Apple has an internal priority list of features for the iPhone, and that the company went as far down the list with the 3G as it could -- and that copy / paste support simply didn't make the cut. Similarly, there are no technical issues preventing turn-by-turn directions, just other "complicated issues" (read: legal agreements) that need to be sorted out, and Josiwak expects developers to "amaze us." as things "evolve." Hopefully that means that nav app TomTom's got in the labs will evolve its way into the wild sometime soon.

Finally, Joswiak said that he's not aware of any technical reasons an office suite isn't already in the App Store, but that the lack of a cross-application file structure could impede development. Yeah, and maybe the lack of copy / paste, you think? [Source: AppScout]

iPhone 3G -- Latest News and Reviews

by Tim Stevens, posted Jul 11th 2008 at 1:02PM

Yes folks, the dearly anticipated iPhone 3G is here, released this morning at Apple and AT&T stores around the country (and around the world yesterday). It's faster, it's cheaper, it does more cool things, and while the fanfare leading up to this launch hasn't quite resulted in the same level of obsession that we had this time last year for the iPhone 1.0 launch, it's safe to say that Apple fans are excited, lining up in droves around the globe for their local Apple Stores to unlock the door and spread the love, and then overloading Apple's iPhone mobile syncing service when they got home (and, more recently, Apple's activation servers, though this may have been resolved by the time you read this).

And why not? Engadget's comprehensive hands-on review reads like a wish-list for iPhone 1.0 users, including much improved call quality over the original, location tracking via GPS (but no turn-by-turn directions, check the vid after the break), and a standard headphone jack that doesn't require an adapter.

Not all is positive, though, as you still can't replace the battery, which is frustrating as connecting via 3G halves battery life to 5 hours of talk time. The much-anticipated full interaction with Exchange -- for syncing with your work e-mail -- will purge your device of any personal e-mail and calendar appointments, meaning this thing is strictly business or pleasure, but not both.

So it's not all positive, echoing the earlier pre-release reviews, and it's still not exactly an ideal corporate smartphone, not least because of the touch-sensitive keypad. Maybe that's why many more casual users are going to wait until the holidays.

All that said, whether you dive in now or wait for later, the reasonable $200 price tag makes it hard to feel all that slighted -- unless you paid $599 last year for half of the same thing.

Continue reading iPhone 3G -- Latest News and Reviews

iTunes Activation Servers Down, iPhone Customers Being Sent Home Unactivated

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 11th 2008 at 11:21AM

In a repeat of last year's problems, it looks like the insane demand for the iPhone 3G has taken its toll on Apple's iTunes activation servers -- that's a picture of iTunes locking up in the Chicago AT&T flagship earlier this morning. We're hearing that the servers are now definitely down after being intermittently active for the past few hours, and that customers are either being turned away or sent home from both Apple and AT&T stores to activate at home using iTunes. That's especially interesting since it suggests that AT&T was insisting on in-store activation to thwart unlockers, but for right now the real news is that lots of eager iPhone 3G buyers are stuck with two useless phones, since upgrading from a first-gen unit disables the SIM. Ouch. We'll keep you updated.

Update: Apple has confirmed to us that activation is down, and that customers are being asked to take the phone home and activate via iTunes later. We're not sure what good that'll do, since the servers are down no matter where you are, but Apple says it's "working on a solution." In the meantime, it looks like the new SIM works in first-gen units, so at least upgraders aren't totally phone-deprived.

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