StarPlayr Sirius-XM for iPhone app screenshots leak

Screenshots have leaked from a new Sirius-XM application that would allow iPhone users to listen to streaming radio from the two channels.  Called StarPlayr, it not only plays the audio but provides album art, artist and track information and even lyrics.

According to the unnamed programmer, who is believed to be working as part of an alpha team assigned to the software, audio is provided in a format native to the iPhone.  This reduces battery drain, as unlike other music applications there is no real-time conversion required.  Sound quality is also reportedly good.

Currently testers have to install the app manually, dragging two provided files to iTunes and syncing their handset.  This is presumably just a stop-gap until the software is ready for release in the AppStore.  Unfortunately there's no indication of release date, and given it's still the ongoing project of an alpha team we may be waiting some time.

HSBC considering 200k iPhone 3G order

Banking giant HSBC is considering retiring its current BlackBerry fleet and replacing it with 200,000 iPhone 3G handsets, meaning an Apple cellphone for roughly two-thirds of its global employees.  However those with Apple shares shouldn't get too excited; according to Brenton Hush, HSBC's Australia and New Zealand chief information officer, this evaluation of new technology is pretty standard for the company:

"A decision on a piece of hardware like that would potentially be deployed, conservatively, to 200,000 people.  You know, it's a big decision, especially when you have an existing fleet out there.  But it's definitely something we are considering from a HSBC Group perspective.  We always explore the potential application of new technologies and this is no different" Brenton Hush, CIO, HSBC Australia and New Zealand

Nonetheless, it is relatively unusual for a company to so publicly confirm that it is looking at a specific product.  RIM, manufacturer of the BlackBerry that is the current handset of choice for HSBC, will no doubt be looking to make their case for its continued custom; in fact, it's not too much of a stretch that making an announcement like this could be a strong bargaining tool for the bank.

Analysts suggested that the iPhone 3G - or, more importantly, the most recent major firmware upgrade, that adds Enterprise functionality such as Microsoft Exchange support - would be more tempting to corporate clients than the original handset.  HSBC is the first such company to suggest it could shift its mobile focus to Apple.

Best Buy to sell iPhone 3G from September 7th

Best Buy has announced that it will be the third official US retailer to sell the iPhone 3G.  As of September 7th, customers will be able to buy 8GB and 16GB handsets and activate them in-store, courtesy of the company's "Best Buy Mobile" service.

However don't expect any bargains or discounts.  Best Buy will be selling the iPhone 3G at the same price as Apple and AT&T stores; $199 for the 8GB, $299 for the 16GB.  The array of contracts will also be the same, and customers will still need to sign up to a two-year contract.

It's hard to imagine that there's someone not a stone's throw from an AT&T store, but if you've decided to take the iPhone plunge and are closer to Best Buy then that's even less walking for you to do.  The retailer now has until September 7th to train up all the staff, so as to avoid entirely damning the iPhone 3G's reputation with unnecessary surliness and confusion.

iPhone 3G chipset to blame for reception problems, claims analyst

The ongoing reception issues faced by many iPhone 3G users may be due to its Infineon 3G chipset and the protocol stack that it uses, according to Nomura Securities analyst Richard Windsor.  In a research note released today, Windsor pointed the blame at Infineon as presumed 3G chipset supplier and suggested that their "immature" protocol software was key to the Apple cellphone's woes:

"We believe that these issues are typical of an immature chipset and radio protocol stack where we are almost certain Infineon is the 3G supplier" Richard Windsor, analyst, Nomura Securities

It's the second comment on the iPhone 3G's reception today, after US carrier AT&T spoke to our network site SlashGear today about the criticism their network has faced.  Stopping short of taking blame for the handset's 3G shortcomings, the suggestion seemed to be that a firmware update would be the most likely fix for any signal problems:

"Customer experience on iPhone 3G or any device can vary based on a number of factors including proximity to the cell site, buildings, trees, terrain, and the number of people on the network at a given time.  We and Apple are working continuously to ensure people have a great experience on the iPhone, and we urge our customers to synch iPhone 3G to iTunes frequently to ensure they have the latest software updates” AT&T representative

However Windsor paints a much more serious picture, claiming that the issue is unlikely to be rectified with changes in firmware.  Instead, according to the analyst, Apple would have to actually replace the 3G chipset in question in order to avoid consumers claiming they are not getting the performance they paid for.

Apple has generally remained silent on the issue, and is yet to comment (or more likely say "no comment") on these latest Infineon rumors.  There is also no word from the chipset company themselves, who were first rumored to be supplying Apple with their S-GOLD3 back in April.

Image via iFixit

iPhone GPS Issues after 2.0.1 update

Well, it looks like the iPhone isn't out of the woods yet. Since the recent 2.0.1 update, my phone has been running faster, typing has gotten smoother and my apps crash much less often. However, some users are reporting many issues with the phone's GPS system.

It seems both the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G are affected, though no one knows for sure if the update is truly to blame for the problems, which consist of everything from errors to failure. For some, the GPS continues to search but never finds a location.

Plus, some GPS outages and problems were reported prior to the update, as well. Even so, it seems awfully suspect for one to install the latest update and immediately experience a GPS outage, don't you think?

[via EngadgetMobile]

iPhone Dock Projector is portable

If you're in the mood to blow up whatever is on your iPhone's screen to 37" you soon will be able to with the iPhone Dock Projector. It's called the QingBar MP101 and you'll soon be able to take a projector and dock along with you for iPhone (plus iPod touch and standard iPod) recharging and enlarged viewing.

No word on price yet, but until then we'll just have to speculate on quality. The MP101 has a 5 watt LED bulb, a 640 x 480 display and a 2 watt speaker. None of this sounds too impressive so far, but if the item turns out to be super cheap, it may be a fun thing to try out.

But hey, in a small, contained area, the MP101 might do the trick. Like on a plane, perhaps? In the bathroom? I don't know.

[via Gadget Lab at Wired.com]

Juicy Couture iPhone Gel Cases

Accessory creator of the stars, Juicy Couture is picking up on the iPhone market, it seems. That would explain the release of their iChoose Juicy iPhone cases, at least. These sure to be popular gel cases will keep your phone protected and stylish, apparently. 

You get three in a box set in various pastel, dessert-looking colors such as white, strawberry and lime green. And while you could pick up a pack of three of similar cases at your local electronics store for about $10, this designer set goes for $55. 

That's asking a little too much, if you ask me. Especially since the only thing that sets these cases apart from the rest is the "iChoose Juicy" logo on the back. I hate to be such a downer but I like to call a rip off when I see one, and this definitely qualifies. 

[via geeksugar]