Posts tagged iphone
iPhone 4 Free Case Arrives!
Sep 17th
Antenna woes led all of us iPhone 4 buyers to enjoy a free case on Apple’s budget. In my case, I chose the Speck PixelSkin HD (value $29.95 USD, see: http://www.speckproducts.com/iphone/iphone-4/pixelskin-hd.html).
Compared to my Belkin Grip Vue, the feel of the Speck case is slightly less bulky/heavy, but at the same time seems a tad flimsier. The gaps around the speakers are tight and permit for great quality sound, while the opening for the 30-pin connector will allow for most chargers and docks to still connect. The backing of the case is great for gripping, with volume and power buttons completely covered on the sides. Openings are left for the silence/vibrate switch and the earphone plug which also does not conflict with most sets of audio cables.
The case arrived precisely within the window that Apple had stated and overall I am satisfied. Hope the rest of you are enjoying your cases, let us know what you got and how you like them!
Multifl0w for iPhone 4 (or 3GS…)
Aug 26th
Oh how iPhone users are just loving multi-tasking. Even though it was possible in iOS 3.1.3 with Cydia hack “Backgrounder”, the new native environment for multi-tasking is so clean. But now there is an even fancier method for multi tasking, and it is called Multifl0w.
Multifl0w is an Expose-like backgrounding interface for iOS 4 and iPhone 4 (also works with iPhone 3GS and iPad). Multifl0w allows for a graphical display of open applications down to the last screenshot of that app loaded onscreen. This brings the true Expose feel one might be accustomed to on a Mac straight to their iDevice on the go.
You can find Multifl0w in the Cydia store for $4.99. Let us know what you think!
[video via adampollack]
NHL 2K11 A Must Have For iPhone Users
Aug 25th
Hockey lovers who have been waiting for a solid, affordable NHL game for the iPhone can finally rejoice. NHL 2K11 is an incredibly entertaining game of hockey with enough bells and whistles to keep you playing all throughout the season. Perhaps the best part about it is the price - only $1.99 right now in the App Store. There is also a free “Lite” version, however it only allows you to play for 1 period, as either the Chicago Blackhawks or the Philadelphia Flyers.
The full version provides you with a surprisingly vast experience. You are able to play a Quick Game - jumping straight into an exhibition match as any of the 30 NHL teams with fairly updated rosters. You can also choose Shootout Mode, which is fairly straight forward. Free Skate mode, which is essentially a practice allowing your 5 players to skate around and try to score without any defensive opposition aside from the goalie. Lastly, there is Season mode, which is almost shockingly extensive. As you guide a team through the journey towards the Stanley Cup, you can adjust lines, change strategies and even trade players. There is a trade deadline and salary cap as well to give this the feel of a full console title.
Of course you can toggle almost any setting as you would in a normal game from penalties and offsides, to period length and difficulty. The menus flow naturally and the loading time is surprisingly quick. It definitely has the feel of a console hockey game from roughly 2-3 years ago which is certainly impressive for a mobile device.
To go along with the positives, there are some negatives. The graphics aren’t the smoothest to be seen on the iPhone, and the game has not yet been optimized for the retina display of the iPhone 4. The ice surface looks fantastic, but the players feel a little blocky and the crowd is very flat.
The controls are simple to pick up, with players being controlled by an on-screen joystick on the left side, with passing, shooting and speed boost in the right. After a couple of games it starts to feel “normal” like a console controller, however passing can be a bit tricky at times.
NHL 2K11 does work with multitasking, however there is no auto-pause when switching out of the app, so make sure to pause the game manually otherwise you may return to see the game completed. The game description boldly states that this is not compatible with 1st Gen iPhones, iPhone 3G’s, or original iPod Touch. So unfortunately if you don’t have an iPhone 3GS, 4, or a newer model iPod Touch you will not be able to play this game.
For the $1.99 price tag, NHL2K11 is literally worth every penny. All the teams, all the players, and a bevy of options will surely keep players on the ice as the NHL season rolls around.
Do You Tumbl?
Aug 17th
In the year 2010, if you don’t have a blog and a Twitter account, you are rapidly falling behind the times. One of the more recent, popular, blogging websites has been “Tumblr” which is what some have dubbed “The ADD of blog sites.”
In all honesty this is a fair description. Users tend to post much shorter blogs with a variety of different media. I have recently made the switch from standard blogging to “Tumbling” and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. One of the bigger positives for me was the ease in which you can post from your iPhone. The official Tumblr app is available in the App Store free of charge, and has all the options you would typically find on the website.
The Dashboard is also viewable, which means all of the other Tumblr blogs you follow are available in mobile view without having to launch Safari. The posts all load quickly and easily, and have the option to send a message to your Twitter account as well.
Most blogging apps on the iPhone are very minimalistic in design and leave much to be desired. Perhaps it is the initial simplicity of Tumblr that allows the app to be so well-rounded, but either way it is a great way to blog while you’re on the go.
Android OS Takes the Lead from BlackBerry in Q2
Aug 5th
Watch out RIM and Apple, the little green guy is knocking on your front door to claim the title of most sold smartphone operating system in US 2nd quarter of 2010. NPD is reporting that Android had 33% of US device sales followed by RIM with 28% and Apple with 22%. NPD is crediting HTC and Motorola with the huge surge in Android device sales and we certainly don’t disagree. It looks like Android definitely has the momentum to hold the top spot in the US smartphone market, and with RIM’s slightly disappointing BlackBerry Torch 9800 launch yesterday it doesn’t look lik RIM will be taking back their title anytime soon.
[Via Business Wire]
Half of BlackBerry Users are Ready to Jump Ship to Android and iPhone
Aug 2nd
Today Nielsen let loose a few smartphone-related numbers from a recent study they conducted and things don’t look good for BlackBerry’s creator, Research in Motion. The results really aren’t shocking with just 42% of current BlackBerry owners looking to replace their current device with another BlackBerry, meanwhile 21% plan to pick up an Android device and 29% are hoping to switch to an iPhone when they get rid of their BlackBerry.
As a fan of BlackBerry I admit, I’m bummed to hear this, however, I’m not surprised one bit with the news. Research in Motion has done a piss-poor job making their platform enticing over the last several years. The truth is the last few OS upgrades have been drawn out, and relatively insignificant iterations of an already dated platform. While BlackBerry users are seeing trivial feature additions like threaded messaging, a bad attempt at a two-way Gmail sync solution, and a still unbearable browser; platforms like Android, iOS, webOS, and now even Windows Phone 7 are leapfrogging the once dominant BlackBerry.
I want to believe that BlackBerry 6 will fix all the problems and make the BlackBerry a competitive device again, but I’m just not sure it’s going to deliver all that. Sure, the browser looks decent (finally) and there are some built-in services like RSS, podcasts, and social feeds. But will it really hold a candle to current offerings? I’m afraid that it won’t. Application development is still absurdly difficult and unrewarding when compared to Android and especially iOS, and the iPhone definitely taught us how important a solid app ecosystem is to the success of a smartphone platform.
There are a lot of things that I like about BlackBerry-mostly the convenience and speed of messaging-but that’s not enough to keep most people from looking at alternatives that offer much more. Email used to be the BlackBerry’s one big dealmaker, but currently I think it falls behind both Android and the iPhone. I mean seriously, we still don’t have good HTML email viewing and two-way sync is a joke. Not only has RIM fallen behind with email but even integration with calendar, tasks, and contacts is non-existant unless you’re on a BES.
To sum this up I think RIM needs to either start really appealing to consumers or drop it entirely and just hammer on the best enterprise device available, because right now they’re just doing both poorly. If I can go ahead and contribute my vote to the survey, I’m with the 21% jumping to Android. I appreciate my BlackBerry, and I can’t wait for BlackBerry 6 to hit my 9650, but if given the choice right now I would buy an Android handset without a thought of buying another BlackBerry. I’m sorry RIM, but you did this to yourself.
[Via Nielsen]
Rogers Official iPhone 4 Pricing Confirmed
Jul 29th
It has been the talk of the day and most of you know it already, but in case you were waiting for validation, you now have it.
The document above was sent internally to Rogers employees stating official pricing for both newly activated lines and upgrades (Check Rogers Redboard for eligibility details).
Also announced today was the decision to bring back the $30/6GB data plan along with allowance of sharing for iPad users (an additional $20), finally giving Rogers customers a reason to smile.
Good luck to everyone tomorrow who plans on picking one up!
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Jailbreak App Review: MyWi Tethering App for iPhone
Jul 29th
Dashboard Image for MyWi
Need a Wifi Hotspot? Look no further, MyWi is here! Don’t you hate when you’re out for coffee and you want to get some work done, but the coffee shop you’re at doesn’t have a WiFi hotspot? You could try tethering, but it drains your notebook battery too quickly and who wants to deal with constant freezing and crashing.
If you’ve got a jailbroken iPhone and 3G signal, you can create your own Wifi Hotspot with MyWi.
For $9.99 multiple devices can connect to your MyWi signal including notebooks, iPads and other mobile devices at the same time. Want to make it a secure connection? Not to worry MyWi offers 40 & 104 bit WEP Security so you don’t have some dillhole using up all your data. An additional awesome feature is the blue up/down bandwidth usage bar that is located at the top of your screen.
PROS:
-MyWi is simple to use and doesn’t crash & freeze.
- Support is available for iPhone 2G/3G/3Gs running 3.1 and newer.
-10 day free trial is available if you just want to give it a test drive before you purchase.
-Blue status bar shows you the amount of bandwidth you’ve used.
-Create a WiFi Hotspot virtually anywhere
-Worth the $9.99 for this product.
CONS:
-The purchase process can be confusing if you’re not paying attention.
-Keep a wall or car charger handy for your iPhone. Battery life does suffer when using this app for long periods.
-If you don’t have a 5 or 6gig data plan then I wouldn’t suggest this app.
If I were to give MyWi a mark … I think it would be 4 out of 5. The pros way out weigh the cons on this app.
EFF Success: Jailbreaking and Unlocking Now Legal in the US - What it means for Canada
Jul 28th
The other day (July 26 2010) in San Fransisco the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) claimed victory over Apple and it’s proprietary lock on what it’s consumers could and couldn’t do with their iPhone / iPod / iPad. The victory came in the form of exemptions to the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act).
After reading the Official Press Release I was pleased to see that the powers that be do not consider jailbreaking a copyright infringement and are “liberating” iDevice users in the US and allowing them to modify, jailbreak and unlock their units if they so please.
“The first of EFF’s three successful requests clarifies the legality of cell phone “jailbreaking” — software modifications that liberate iPhones and other handsets to run applications from sources other than those approved by the phone maker. More than a million iPhone owners are said to have “jailbroken” their handsets in order to change wireless providers or use applications obtained from sources other than Apple’s own iTunes “App Store,” and many more have expressed a desire to do so. But the threat of DMCA liability had previously endangered these customers and alternate applications stores.”
Why is unlocking and jailbreaking so important? Unlocking and jailbreaking make devices interoperable and that’s how capitalism should work. It will allow for consumers to recycle devices, and choose Apps that are not chosen for us by Apple. This is a small step for technology but a huge leap for consumers.
Will this ruling facilitate a iOS4 jailbreak similar to SpiritJB? Will more developers be willing to work on jailbreaking and creating apps for jailbroken devices? Will this increase the demand for Apps from Cydia and other repositories? How will this affect the cost of these applications? I’m also curious to see if Apple will be more accepting of the applications that are available for jailbroken devices and if they will try to absorb them into the AppStore?
(Yes that was a crap load of questions, and I am sure that we’ll not only get answers to these questions but, we’ll see some interesting developments with this news.)
It’s exciting to see our neighbours to the south moving forward with regards to Digital Locks and copyrights. What are the implications for Canada? Will we follow suit and free ourselves from the clutches of the Apple App store (not that it’s stopped us yet)?
Bill C-32 is the Canadian Equivalent to the DMCA, and will be reviewed by Tony Clement and his department according to CBC.ca
“Tony Clement, Canada’s minister of industry, said on Twitter that his department is reviewing the ruling to see what the implications may be for Bill C-32, the copyright reform legislation he and Heritage Minister James Moore unveiled in June.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/07/26/copyright-ruling-regulators.html#ixzz0uvDGKU3C“
“Good Luck” Canada, let’s bring the EFF down here to fight for us along side the EFC (Electronic Frontier Canada) then we might just stand a chance.
Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 4 in Canada?
Jul 28th
Today we introduce another contributing editor to the site, GuruTyler. Tyler is an iPhone fan-boy and cellphone guru-in-training. Please welcome him!
To upgrade, or not to upgrade
As we approach the Canadian release date of the iPhone 4, the anticipation of hopeful buyers is beginning to reach critical mass. Without the ability to pre-order with the providers, long lineups are surely expected on July 30th when it finally drops. Unfortunately, along with the newest technology, also comes a hefty price tag and a new 3 year contract. Of course, for the first time, the iPhone will be available for purchase without a contract, however expect the cost to be similar to an iPad. All this begs the question - is it really worth the upgrade?
Firstly, this article is geared towards current iPhone owners, whether it be the 3G or 3GS. With the recent iOS4 software update, is the iPhone 4 merely a sleeker version of the previous models, or is it worth the money?
Beginning with what most casual owners care about, space. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the iPhone 4 is that Apple is not offering larger capacity flash drives, remaining with 16GB and 32GB models. Although most may find 32GB to be plenty, the massive number of available Apps is quickly making the 16GB feel outdated.
Everybody loves taking pictures, making the next most important feature the camera. This is the biggest hardware related improvement in the iPhone 4 compared to all previous models. There is now a camera on both the back and front, as well as an LCD flash. Current owners are well aware that not having a flash is very frustrating and provides for very low quality pictures in dim light. Also, trying to take a self-portrait with a touch screen is unnecessarily difficult. As if those improvements weren’t enough, the camera records in 720p High Definition, which could hypothetically put HD flip cameras completely out of business. Lastly, Apple has introduced a new featured entitled “Facetime” which allows for video calling between iPhone 4 owners over a WiFi connection. Needless to say, the beefed up cameras alone might be enough to entice customers to upgrade.
As far as hardware, those are really the most important aspects. Of course the iPhone 4 has improved their display, battery life, and esthetics, but none fully justify an upgrade on their own. That leads to the meat and potatoes of the device: software stability. iOS4 performs much better on the newest model than the 3GS across the board. With an updated “A4″ chip similar to that used in the iPad, it runs noticeably faster and smoother. The 3G really suffers in this department with iOS4. Hardly any of the new features are available, and not having multitasking is an utter disappointment. The 3GS has all the key features of iOS4 but there is noticeable lagging when switching between apps in multitasking. It is certainly not a severe enough issue to say the 3GS is outdated, but to say that it runs as smooth as 4 would be false.
The final verdict: The iPhone 4 is without a doubt one of the best cell phones ever released. There is no question that it is the biggest advancement since the original iPhone was introduced. For those still using said original or a 3G, an upgrade will be a great improvement. However those with 3GS can easily get another year out of it if the fancy bells and whistles aren’t as appealing. All this keeping in mind that Apple will undoubtedly be releasing a 5th incarnation of the iPhone in the summer of 2011.
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