Apple Testing iPhone 2.0.1

An iPhone 2.0 update appears to be on the way, as AppleInsider has caught a screenshot of an iPhone running software version 2.0.1. What will this update entail? No one can say for sure since at this point the updated phones can be traced only to the San Francisco Bay Area aka Apple headquarters and Atlanta, where AT&T is located. With testing only internal at this point, all we can do is speculate. 

What we do know, however, is that the update comes in two distinct builds, 5B101 for the first gen iPhone and 5B103 for the 3G iPhones. 

No doubt, the update will target several of the bugs that people seem to be experiencing with the update, including camera shutter lag and acceleromater jerkiness and freezing. Let's hope the cause of frequent application crashes are addressed as well. 

[via World of Apple]

Ads Coming to an iPhone Game Near You

Well, it looks like ads will soon be integrated into iPhone games. In particular, a company called Greystripe, which targets makers of mobile games, has offered its services directly to iPhone developers.

iPhone Game Advertising

Plus, Jirbo, an iPhone game developer, is now reaching out to advertisers on their website, asking, "Interested in targeting the world's largest online iPhone and iPod Touch gaming community?" then prompts advertisers to e-mail them should they be interested in having their ads run "on the millions of handsets that view Jirbo content each month." 

No ads are appearing yet, but considering how quickly developers can and are updating their games, we will probably see an ad or two very soon, no doubt from a Jirbo game. Greystripe offers ads that roll before, after or during games, so let's just hope nothing too intrusive or out of place--like an ad for an energy drink during a fantasy game--hits iPhone screens. 

[via MacRumors]

Apple Announces Q3 Results, Anticipation for Q4

Normally when rumors about a company are being leaked or speculated about, they go to great lengths to cover them up or squelch them fast. But not Apple. In fact, during the Q3 financial results conference call yesterday--besides noting they had sold more Macs than they ever had before--Apple confirmed that big new things are coming in Q4.

CEO, Steve Jobs, noted Apple was "busy finishing several more wonderful new products to launch in the coming months," and the CFO, Peter Oppenheimer commented that revenue would only be going up, saying "we expect revenue of about $7.8 billion [in Q4] and earnings per diluted share of about $1.00."

But of course, the tech-hungry are hanging on that mention of new devices coming at the end of the year. And while a change up to the MacBook line up is probably eminent, other products could also be on the horizon, like a larger iPhone-esque PDA or even a Mac Tablet. Oh please, oh please let it be a Mac Tablet! 

[via Slashgear]

Taking Screenshots with the iPhone

With the new iPhone 2.0 update, new features are tucked away all over the place. But one that I really enjoy is the screenshot capability. Now you can take a picture of what's on your iPhone's screen at any given moment, just as you would on your computer. Pretty neat, huh?

iPhone Screenshot

And it's super easy. Whenever you're on a screen you want to capture, just press the square button at the bottom of your phone and the power button at the same time. Now, I know this sounds like a soft reboot, but in this case, you don't press and hold the buttons. Just a quick click will suffice. You'll know you've succeeded if the screen flashes white. 

Then just go into your Photos and view your Camera Roll. The new photo should have popped right in there. And you can do whatever you want with this newly taken picture, whether it be add it to one of your contacts, send it to your MobileMe, add it as a wallpaper or e-mail it to yourself. Handy little feature, if you ask me. 

Watch a step-by-step tutorial on how to take iPhone screenshots below: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhSLED-M67Q

iPhone Games - Chess Classics

Chess is one of those games that I really enjoy playing. No, I never joined the Chess Club in high school (I may be a geek, but I have my dignity), but I do enjoy a good game every now and then. Of course, I enjoy playing with real people, rather than a computer. I think the last chess game that I purchased was Chessmaster for the NES. That game kicked my ass every single time, and I've stuck to a real chess board ever since. However, I decided to pick up Chess Classics for my iPhone, as I never seem to have time to sit down with anyone for a game.

As expected, the computer thoroughly dominated each and every game I played. But not to worry, Chess Classics provides several different modes of play, which includes a two-player mode, if you happen to be sitting next to someone on a plane or bus that wants to play. You can also watch some classic chess matches in which the game walks you through each move, and why it was made. It's actually quite interesting to watch some of those game, though if you're not big into chess, they can seem a bit dull.

My favorite function in the game is Quiz Mode. You are given a set of 10 challenges that you must solve. You are given points based on how quickly you solve each puzzle. For instance, you are given a chess board with pre-arranged pieces and you must move a white piece so that it is safe from harm. They're actually pretty tough, and really make you think about your moves.

One thing that I will point out about this game is that since the screen isn't huge, your pieces are rather tiny. This makes pointing at the correct piece a bit difficult. It's not horrible, but can be frustrating at times.

Something that isn't mentioned in the iTunes App Store is that you also get a Backgammon game with your purchase. I found it extremely difficult to move the pieces in this game, but then again I really didn't expect it to be there in the first place.

Chess Classics is going to take up 76.4MB of space on your iPhone, and will set you back $9.99.

iPhone Games - Diamond Twister

I've not really ever been one of those people that gets addicted to online Flash games. Generally when I'm in front of my PC I tend to play bigger games. Thus I never really played games like Bejeweled. However, if you've ever gotten addicted to those sorts of games, you'll love Diamond Twister.

I've officially lost almost an hour or so playing this game. It has a fun little plot about stealing precious gems which takes you to 8 different cities around the world. Each city features 8 levels in which you swap gems to create rows of three or more of the same type. You get a variety of bonuses for getting four in a row, or several combos in a row. You have a target goal that you must reach before the time limit is up. The goal is in the form of a cash value, that correlates with the number of rows you have completed.

The game is pretty straightforward, and is highly addictive. When you fail to complete a level in time, you may simply restart it without any penalty. Of course you'll generally get some sort of snide comment from your “boss” about how he shouldn't have trusted you. One cool feature is that you can rotate your iPhone, and the direction that the jewels drop will change.

As you complete the levels you will occasionally unlock a new mode of play. These lend to the replay value of the game, which is fun for just a few minutes, or to lose yourself in for a long time. Diamond Twister takes up 46.1MB, and costs $4.99.

Wordpress App for iPhone Is Up!

Word Press for iPhone

Can you tell I'm excited? The highly-anticipated Wordpress app is up at the iTunes AppStore and so far, it looks pretty good!

Installation went fairly smooth. You'll be asked to enter in your blog url, user name and password, just make sure to enter in your actual blog url--not your blog login url! After getting past that, it's all pretty smooth. You can access your posts by clicking on the blog name--not the arrow, which takes you back to the login screen.

From there, you write and edit posts much like you would on your computer. However, this is a straight HTML version of Wordpress. No WYSIWYG in sight here, all except for the image capabilities.

Writing a post is fairly simple. Just enter a title, your tags and categories if you have them and then write the content. You can select what you want to do with the post under "Status," whether it be save it or publish it. You can also add photos to the post by clicking on the "Photos" button and adding them from your Library or by taking them with your camera on the spot.

You can preview your posts as well and even change the publish date if you'd like.

All in all, it seems to be a good app that will provide bloggers with the flexibility they crave while out and about. Though, that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to see more of the features available within your computer's browser in this app version, like automatic linking and video insertion. But isn't that the name of the game with us technology people? Always wanting more?  Demo video of WordPress for iPhone is currently being uploaded and should be ready shortly.

WordPress for iPhone hands-on demo - click through for high-resolution video on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_d-bvu8X4Y

Quickie review: eWallet by Ilium Software for iPhone 2.0

The long awaited eWallet application finally hit the AppStore over the weekend.  Anyone from the Palm or Windows Mobile world should recognize this brand by Ilium Software --- unless you've been living under a rock somewhere.

eWallet by Ilium Software for iPhone 2.0

eWallet has a clean interface, easy and intuitive to use, while you can rest assured that your private information is kept just that - private.  The application is rich in features and it is highly customizable to your likings.  Creating a new wallet, card or changing information on the fly is only a few taps away.

It is unfortunate that a desktop version for Mac is not available (yet). According to Ellen Craw of Ilium Software, a version of the iPhone desktop sync is in the works, which may be available in August or later in the year.  You can sleep well at night knowing that this is the company's "immediate" priority on their to do list.  Existing eWallet customers that have *.wlt files will not be able to sync them to the iPhone yet, but stay tune; the company is working hard to deliver this much needed functionality.

eWallet costs $9.99 and you can buy it directly from the AppStore on your iPhone or via iTunes.  Another comparable application we're reviewing is SplashID, which does have a Mac Desktop client that you can synch via WiFi.  Our review should be up in the next day or two.  More information on eWallet is available on Ilium's blog.

eWallet by Ilium for iPhone 2.0 demo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dkm4Id6J9A

Make sure to click over to YouTube to watch the high-resolution version of the video.

Wordpress Coming to iPhone Soon

It's almost here! Can you feel the anticipation in the air? I know I can. As a blogger, this is so cool I can hardly sit still. Yes, I know I get overly excited about these things, but can you really blame me? Wordpress is coming to the iPhone!

According to Wordpress, their long-awaited app has just been uploaded to the iTunes AppStore. But before you rush off to download it, the app is still in review. So once Apple runs tests and approves it, we can all be blogging on the go! And while this may not eliminate the need for a computer and desktop, it certainly provides many opportunities for blogging "in the moment."

Of course, now that I know about the Wordpress app I'm going to be refreshing the AppStore like a maniac. Oh the life of an iPhone addict. 

[via IntoMobile]

Useless But Fun iPhone Apps

While browsing the iTunes Apps Store, I couldn't help but notice the sheer number of apps available. And while the number of free ones fluctuate, you're always sure to find plenty of silly, outright crazy applications to waste, err, pass the time with. A few examples come to mind, including PhoneSaber, which lets you swing around a "lightsaber" without having to make the sound effects and the iPint, which lets you pour a frothy glass of brew and--with the aid of the accelerometer--chug-a-lug.

World 9 iPhone App

 

But I think my favorite is a little gem called World 9. Sure, it doesn't look like much (and I'll readily admit that it took me a good 5 minutes to figure out what the heck the app did) but once you press that little "start" button, a whole new world will present itself to you. Especially if you jump or jog. 

I know it sounds silly, but there's nothing like actually getting to be Mario, even if just through your headphones.

iPhone 3G All But Sold Out

It's Monday morning and only four Apple retail stores have the iPhone 3G in stock. According to the availability tool, you can pick up a black 16GB at the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, CA, a white 16 GB at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire, a black 8 GB at The Falls in Miami, FL, and all three models at Briarwood in Ann Arbor, MI,  That's it. There's no more.

iPhone availability tool

And though new stock is arriving daily at stores across the country, if purchasing from an AT&T store, you may have to wait up to three weeks to get your hands on the newest Apple phone. 

When the original iPhone came out, a similar shortage occurred, though it seems to be worse this time around  due to an international release, stretching supplies thin. 

[via MacNN]

iPhone OS 2.0 Frees up AT&T Sim Card Use

One of people's biggest complaints about the iPhone last time around was the lack of flexibility when it came to SIM card use. You simply could not switch out the SIM card--even to a different AT&T one! 

Prepaid GoPhone on the iPhone 3

But now with the iPhone OS 2.0 update, you can use all of those AT&T SIM cards that were previously disallowed. That's right, folks. You can even use a prepaid GoPhone SIM card. This is a great option for those that can afford the one-time phone purchase price but not the recurring monthly bill. At just $20 a month, you get unlimited data and if you need to chat, just add some dollars to your account. Simple stuff, really. 

But take heed first gen iPhone users! the GoPhone SIM card will not work on the fly for you and requires the recently released PwonageTool. All other SIM cards do work, however, as do all SIM card types (including GoPhone) on the iPhone 3G. 

[via PhoneNews]

Printing from your iPhone may be possible soon

Have you ever gotten an email on your iPhone and wanted to print it off to your wireless printer? Honestly, I can't remember the last time I wanted to print an email, let alone from my phone, but I certainly wouldn't mind having the ability to print something off from my iPhone, which may be a possibility in the future.

After decrypting the iPhone 2.0 software, a directory has been discovered with the name “Printers.” I can't really think of many good uses for such a directory, aside from storing printer drivers. Also discovered was a list of supported Bluetooth headsets, of which a few are listed below.

• Parrot CK3100
• SouthWing SH310
• Samsung WEP170
• Motorola T305
• Motorola S705
• Motorola HS850
• Motorola H500
• Samsung WEP200
• Plantronics 320
• Plantronics 640
• Plantronics Voyager 510
• Jabra BT250v
• Jawbone

[via iPhoneAtlas]

Use your iPhone as a keyboard for Apple TV

Here's an interesting tidbit for those that own an AppleTV. I'm sure you've likely downloaded the Remote application for your iPhone (it's pretty useful, and free, so download it if you haven't), so open it up and you'll see the controls for your media browser. Sure, that's nothing exciting, but use your remote to navigate to YouTube Search or the iTunes Store, and you'll see something exciting.

Ok, so a keyboard on your iPhone isn't exactly exciting, but it's better than trying to punch in letters using your remote. It will definitely save you time when you go to search for something though, which is nice.

[via MacRumors]

iPhone Games - Aurora Feint

Okay people. I admit it. I'm obsessed. Not only has downloading iPhone Apps become a favorite pastime, I also can't stop playing Aurora Feint. This game was a free app and I was blown away. I mean, for a free application, this game has great graphics, sound and game play.

Aurora Feint in action

It starts out like your standard Tetris or Bejewelled, requiring that you line up three like-colored blocks before they are eliminated. However, you quickly realize you can do much more with this game than its predecessors. Flip the phone in any direction and the blocks feel the force of gravity, providing you with more options. Then, leveling up grants you new powers and abilities. You level up by earning enough crystals in order to purchase new powers. There's a mini-map and everything. However, it seems a big update is in store, wherein MMO attributes will be added and a story line interwoven according to the Aurora Feint FAQs.

The only downside is the way this intensely graphic game drains the iPhone's battery life. But, that seems to be a problem with most of the applications. Oh, and this game is a big time-waster. I mean it, people. Hours can be lost with all the block breaking!

Fake iPhone Apps–Yes, Already

When a new technology comes out, people like to pounce on it. And that's a good thing. After all, who doesn't like being on the cutting edge? But the aforementioned "pouncing" includes those looking to run a scam. Since the iPhone 3G came out, scammers and fraudsters are jumping at the chance to take advantage of giddy technology buffs by trying to sell fake iPhone apps. 

Keep your eyes open for fake iPhone apps.

One thing to remember is that iTunes is the official and exclusive seller of iPhone apps. Simple as that, folks. 

It's a shame there's always someone out there trying to ruin our fun, isn't it? iPhoneApps.org--a fake iPhone apps seller from which the above image was taken--is no longer up, but that doesn't mean others won't try similar tricks. Stick with the iTunes Apps Store and you should be all right. 

via [the iPhone Blog]

iPhone 3G shortage continues - could be up to a month

iPhone 3G is selling out almost everywhere, and the shortage of Apple’s newest handset could last up to a month. Those who did not get them during the launch day is pretty much out of luck if they plan to purchase one this month. While Apple is trying very hard to boost the iPhone 3G availability, it will still take sometime for the supplier to get it over to the store chain.

While the shortage continues, it does not mean all Apple’s retail stores are out of stock; according to a Macworld’s article, 27 percent of Apple’s store shows the iPhone 3Gs are in stock.

The black 16GB iPhone is the lowest in availability on those stores, however the 8GB iPhone 3G is starting to disappear from the shelf too. International sales seems to be taking away a big chunk of iPhone 3G inventory, unlike last year when only US hogging the stocks.

No free WiFi service for iPhone users from AT&T - At least not yet

Earlier today, AT&T puts up a web page showing WiFi service for iPhone customers. After so many back pedaling stunt, it turns out that this one is no different. Several hours after reports on blogosheren this subject, AT&T pulled the offending page down from its website.

AT&T’s action of mis-published information on their website really does not sit well with many consumers. While these accidental announcement does show a sign of it to come, it is still irritating to some extend. So what is it going to be AT&T? To roll out or not to roll out WiFi for iPhone user?

[via slashgear]

Will the iPhone kill Sony’s PSP?

By the end of the year, I think that the iPhone will be considered a credible gaming platform, much the same as the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. Granted, it's lack of actual buttons may never make it quite as well suited for gaming as the others mentioned, it will still very much be a competitor. Will it be enough to kill off say, the PSP? The folks over at Popular Mechanics seem to think so.

They referenced their experiences at the E3 gaming expo in a recent article discussing the impending death of the PSP. They had a chance to play the upcoming game Spore on an iPod Touch (obviously it will be on the iPhone as well), and were amazed at not only the graphics, but how enjoyable the game was to play. They noted that while the game has been announced for mobile phones, the iPhone and iPod Touch and Nintendo DS, the PSP was strangely absent from the list. They go on to mention the high price of PSP games in comparison to that of the average iPhone game as more reasons why Sony's handheld is on the way out.

Don't get me wrong, I don't actually think the iPhone is going to kill off the PSP. I'm currently playing Crysis Core on my PSP, and there is simply no way that it could ever be smoothly played on an iPhone due to the lack of buttons. The article is still a good read, and gives you a little food for thought.

[via PopularMechanics]

iPhone Games - Tap Tap Revenge

Everyone that knows me is aware that I'm addicted to games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. It's only natural that I would be drawn to the game Tap Tap Revenge for the iPhone. It's a relatively simple concept, much the same as either of the two rhythm games I mentioned. You've got orbs that come down your screen that correspond to music being played.

There are only four songs included with the game which are separated into four difficulties. Two of the tracks are used twice (in higher difficulties) effectively giving you six tracks to master. Sure, that's not a lot of music, but the game is free, which more than makes up for it. You can also currently download four additional tracks to the game. It's very possible that more will be added over time. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for something to pass the time with.