The iFone Blog

iPhone Home Screen Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:56:00 +0000

The iPhone had only 1 home screen initially, which later turned to 9 screens and now with firmware 3.0, Apple also added a Search screen (The first screen). However, Geoff Teehan has come up with a great concept of a Home screen that can be added after the Search screen. This can display a list of Unread SMS messages, Unread mail, Facebook messages, Weather, Stocks and what ever you wish.

This is a really great concept and I truly love it! I really hope it becomes true soon.

Here is a look at the iPhone home screen:

More in his blog post.

iPhone finally gets a Hotmail web app

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:56:00 +0000

iPhone has most E-mail service providers built-in with Mail.app and web apps also make E-mailing on the iPhone convenient. However, Hotmail was the only service that was not available on the iPhone (either by Mail.app or as a web app). However, finally Microsoft realized that they needed to make Hotmail available to the iPhone masses and have come up with the Hotmail web app for the iPhone.

To get the web app, just visit Hotmail.com from MobileSafari and there you have it! You can add the iPhone to home screen for faster access.

iTunes 9 and Firmware 3.1 Released

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000

At the September 9th event, Apple released a new iPod Nano with a video cam, colorful shuffle iPods with upto 2GB of memory and reduced iPod prices. Besides the iPod announcements, Apple also introduced Ringtones for the iPhone which was anticipated by the blog in a previous post.

However, the major news is the release of iTunes 9 with an interface lift, Home Sharing, Improved Syncing and other features. And the Firmware 3.1 !

So, here are the details on what firmware 3.1 brings to your iPhone:

Improved syncing for music, photos and video
iTunes U content organization
Redeem iTunes Gift Cards in the App Store
Display available account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
Save video from Mail and MMS into the Camera Roll
Option to Save as new clip when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on
Remotely lock iPhone with passcode via MobileMe
Use Voice COntrol on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets
Paste phone numbers into the keypad in MobilePhone.app
Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS
Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari for anti-phishing
Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling
Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly

If you are using iTunes 9 with firmware 3.1, then you are also arrange your app icons of all the screens via iTunes!

NOTE: Exchange support might break for pre-iPhone 3GS (i.e. iPhone and iPhone 3G) as Policy Requirements for encryption reported.

To upgrade your iPhone to firmware 3.1, connect it to iTunes and click on "Check for Updates".

iPhone Firmware 3.0.1 Released

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Just before the September 9 event, Apple released Firmware 3.0.1 on iTunes. This update fixes the SMS Vulnerability found some time back.

To upgrade, just connect your iPhone to iTunes and hit Upgrade.

September 9th event

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:35:00 +0000

September 9th is the next Apple event and there's a lot of speculation going on about what to expect. For the iPhone users, here are things to expect:

Background apps for iPhone
Apple will finally be allowing AppStore apps to run in the background. However, this will come with a monthly price. Loopt (Social networking app) will be the first to offer it's app running in the background at $3.99/mo. along with your AT&T bill.

Official MMS Support for iPhone
Though firmware 3.0 has MMS capability, Apple and AT&T will be officially announcing MMS support for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. For iPhone 2G users, you can get MMS functionality via Cydia.

Ringtones for your iPhone
There have been hundreds of blog posts about how to convert an MP3 file to an iPhone ringtone, but now Apple might announce the avablity of iPhone ringtones from iTunes store. This will include all popular songs in form of ringtones for the iPhone.

So far, this is it. But I will update the post if something else comes up for the iPhone section.

Apple released iPhone 3.0 feature comparision

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Apple has released a table showing features of firmware 3.0 that all three iPhones support: iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S.

Here is the comparison:

These are more of software restrictions. Like the 1st gen iPhone can support MMS and Tethering, but Apple has disabled it to bring out more differences in the iPhones.

More information in article HT3630: Read more

PwnageTool 3.0 Released !

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:02:00 +0000

The DevTeam has finally released the PwnageTool for Firmware 3.0. You can now Activate, Unlock and Jailbreak your iPhones and iPod touches to firmware 3.0

Read the instructions and Download Now

Firmware 3.0 Released !

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Apple has just released the most-awaited firmware 3.0 !

Compatibility:

iPhone (1st gen) - No MMS
iPhone 3G - No Video recording
iPhone 3GS - Complete compatibility!

Features:

• Cut, Copy & Paste with shake to undo
• Landscape keyboard in key applications
• Enhanced Messages application
- Send and receive photos, contacts, audio files, and location via MMS*
- Forward and delete single or multiple messages
• Added search feature in Mail, Calendar, Notes and iPod
• Spotlight search across iPhone
• Support for CalDAV and subscriptions in Calendar
• Improvements to Safari
- Performance
- HTML 5 support
- HTTP Streaming audio and video
- Auto-fill usernames and passwords
• New Voice Memos application
• Sync Notes with a Mac or PC via iTunes
• Internet Tethering over USB and Bluetooth*
• Browse and download movies, TV shows, and audiobooks from the iTunes Store**
• Stereo Bluetooth***
• Wi-Fi auto login
• Enhanced Stocks application
• More Parental Control options for Apps, Music, Movies and TV Shows
• iTunes account creation and login**
• YouTube account login and access to subscriptions, ratings and favorites**
• Shake to shuffle
• New languages, dictionaries, and keyboards
• Find my iPhone and Remote Wipe via MobileMe (subscription required)**
• Support for more Exchange policies
• Create and send Exchange meeting invitations
• Search mail on server (Exchange Server 2007 and supported IMAP servers)
• Search LDAP company directory
• VPN on demand and VPN proxy support
• Encrypted configuration profiles
• Encrypted iTunes backups
• 1,000 new developer APIs, including:
- In App Purchases
- Apple Push Notification Service
- Accessories support
- Peer to Peer Connectivity
- Embedded Maps
- iPod Library Access
• Bug fixes

Download
Just connect your iPhone to iTunes !

WWDC 09 Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:12:00 +0000

The long awaited WWDC 09 was yesterday. And it brought the anticipated news with it. To cout it short, I'll list the main WWDC highlights first and then to the iPhone updates!

WWDC 09 - What it was about

Safari 4 - Worlds Fastest Browser
SnowLeopard OS with SnowLeopard Server
MobileMe Updates
Firmware 3.0
The iPhone 3G S

And now for the iPhone News

Here are the MobileMe updates:

Locate your iPhone on a map.
Display a message or play a sound on your lost iPhone.
Remote Wipe iPhone using MobileMe
View iDisk files on your iPhone

Firmware 3.0 (Due June 17th):

iTunes U and Movies
Improved Parental Controls
Tethering
Optimized Safari
HTTP Streaming Audio and Video
AutoFill Support
Addition Language Support
Find My iPhone
HTML 5 Support
Copy & Paste
Push Notification
Landscape View
Picture Messaging
In-App Purchase
Peer-to-Peer Connectivity
Embedding of Google Maps
Spotlight Search
Voice Memos
New Options for Accessories
Turn-by-Turn Directions
Scaling Video Streaming
Emailing Multiple Photos
CalDav Support
Notes Sync
Stereo Bluetooth

The new iPhone 3G S:

3.0 Megapixel Camera
Video Recording and Editing
Voice Controlled
Compass Navigation
Better Battery Life

Here is the new iPhone 3G S:

iPhone 3.0 with Video recording ?

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:33:00 +0000

A lot of rumors about stock video recording app in iPhone firmware 3.0 was being talked about. And now we have screenshots! From the screenshots obtained by MacRumors and BoyGeniusReport, its certain that firmware 3.0 will have video recording.

Here are the leaked screenshots:

Yahoo Messenger hits AppStore

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Yahoo! Inc. has just released their Instant messaging application (Yahoo! Messenger) in the AppStore. The application allows users to see online and offline friends and chat with them. Offline friends will get the messages when they go online. It also has the ability to chat with friends who are using Yahoo! messenger on their mobile phone using SMS.

Yahoo! Messenger is available as a FREE download in the AppStore.

Download Now (iTunes Link)

Here are some screenshots:

Skype for iPhone hits AppStore !

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:17:00 +0000

As expected, Skype has hit AppStore! It can be download for FREE. Users can use Skype over WiFi/3G/EDGE for IM messaging and need WiFi for making calls. Users have reported that the voice clarity is good as the computer version.

Here are some screenshots:

Get it now (iTunes Link)

Skype for iPhone coming on March 31

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:07:00 +0000

Waiting for an official Skype app for your iPhone? Well, the wait is over. After several rumors about the upcoming Skype app, CNET has confirmed that Skype will be announcing the app on March 31. The Skype app will allow users to send/recieve calls, access Skype contacts and view their account information. SMS support is unknown.
However, the app might work only on WiFi as 3G support might be an issue with network carriers.

More details will posted as news unfolds...

AT&T offers Contract-Free iPhones

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:05:00 +0000

AT&T has just confirmed that they will now be selling Contract-Free iPhones! You you can get an iPhone 3G without signing the 2 year contract, just like the older iPhone 2G. However, the iPhone will be locked to AT&T and you will be able to use it only with their SIM. But if you are looking forward to unlocking it, then this is it.

The Contract-Free iPhones are steeply priced at US$ 400 additional to the cost of the iPhone with contract. That makes it US$ 600 for the 8 Gig version and US$ 700 for the 16 Gig version.

Visit AT&T Store

Apple Unveils Firmware 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:33:00 +0000

As expected, Apple just unveiled firmware 3.0. The new firmware has tons of great features. Some are basic and had to be present right from the start, but they are finally there now. Most importnat features are.... You guessed right. Firmware 3.0 has MMS support and Cut/Copy/Paste! Thanks Apple, you finally realized that people do need Copy and Paste!!

Here is a complete list of features:

MMS
Copy ans Paste
SMS Forwarding
CalDAV support
Landscape SMS and Mail
Notes Sync
YouTube Accounts
Create iTunes account from iPhone

However, this firmware will not support iPhone 2G, its only for the iPhone 3G and iPod touch.

This firmware will unlock the Bluetooth in the 3nd gen iPod touch.

Here are a few highlights of the event:

iPhone 3.0 Firmware
iPhone Accessories
Paid AppStore
iPhone Accessories
Push Notification System
New SDK with tons of API features

A few snapshots of the event:

iBluetooth released !

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:56:00 +0000

iBluetooth by MeDevil, the most awaited Bluetooth application is released in Cydia via iSpazio source! The app allows users to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices, pair with them, explore their file system, upload files and recieve files from another Bluetooth device! However, the application costs 4 euros and cannot be used without getting the license.

Here are a few screenshots of iBluetooth:

Here's a guide by iClarified on using iBluetooth application.

iPhone Prototype for sale !

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The iPhone prototype is on sale on eBay! The prototype contains an initial version of the iPhone made in China (Week 49 of 2006) with the Pre-1.0 version of the iPhone OS. Another newer prototype of the iPhone is also available (Week 50 of 2006) but it does not power on.

The prototype is on sale on eBay and the bid has crossed US$2000 !

Here are some pictures and a video:

Here's the video:

Bid for it on eBay.

Cydia Store launched !

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:16:00 +0000

The iPhone AppStore has been a great success and has made the iPhone more useful. However, Jay Freeman (Saurik) has released an alternative to AppStore, its the Cydia Store. You would obviously need to jailbreak your iPhone in order to get the Cydia store. The Cydia store will have paid apps that run on jailbroken phones (not allowed by AppStore rules), such as apps running in the background.

To get Cydia Store, just jailbreak your iPhone and installed the latest version on Cydia.
You can use this video tutorial to jailbreak your iPhone using PwnageTool.

Here's a look at Cydia Store:

Thanks to Doug from AppleiPhoneSchool.com for the screenshots.

Kindle comes to the iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:31:00 +0000

Amazon has released a great app for the iPhone and the iPod touch. Its Kindle! Yes, this app turns your iPhone into an Amazon Kindle. It allows you to do everything you can do on a Kindle right from the small powerful app. You can also Sync your bookmarks and notes from your Kindle.
And its FREE!

Download Now (iTunes link)

Screenshots:

iPhone hacked to use Apple wireless keyboard

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:58:00 +0000

The iPhone Bluetooth progress is going great. Everyday, there are great progress reports. But today there is a great hack done. The iPhone 3G has been hacked to use the Apple Wireless keyboard over bluetooth !

Here's the video:

Hope to see it available to all soon...

iPhone Bluetooth Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:54:00 +0000

There has been a great progress in bluetooth development by MeDevil. Now, it is possible to transfer files between an iPhone and a Mac !

In a screenshot by Ralf Ackermann, a duplex connection is made between an iPhone using its internal BT adapter and a mac mini with a BT module serially attached to it. The iPhone sends out a message to the Mac saying "hello_can_you_hear_me?" and the Mac is able to respond to the iPhone with, "I_hear_you_loud_and_clear".

Here's what MeDevil has to say:

The version you see on video is not yet complete because the profiles implement only the "server" (the one that deals with the receipt). To complete the app you need to finish the part on the client profile obex push and complete the profile pbap that the exchange of contacts between the devices.

Screenshot:

iPhone gets offline Gmail

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Vic Gundotra, Vice President of engineering at Google has demonstrated an offline version of Gmail for the iPhone. The app relies on HTML5 standards which allow for a local database and app cache. These standards allow your device to save a copy of your Gmail locally for access while your phone is in Airport mode or out of service. When you go back online the database could sync back with Gmail.

Here's the presentation video:

iPhone Concept update

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:01:00 +0000

If you have not seen the Dream iPhone post, you can see it here.

There are further great iPhone concept developments, take a look:

Browse your SpringBoard with TapSB

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:58:00 +0000

TapSB is an upcoming SpingBoard mod that will make switching between SpringBoard pages quicker and easier.

On double tap of your SpringBoard, TapSB will display thumbnail versions of 6 different pages. Press to select the one you'd like to quickly switch to.

The TapSB application will be available soon from the iSpazio Cydia Repository.

Sync your iPhone with Google Sync

noreply@blogger.com (Jash Sayani) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Google has released a new service called Google Sync that syncs all your Mails and Contacts between your computer and mobile phone via Exchange. Its compatible with iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Sony Ericsson and Nokia. The service also provides push mail and contacts. Currently the service is in beta and does not support multiple calenders.

Go configure Google Sync, visit Google Mobile Sync

Here are instructions for the iPhone: Google Sync - iPhone

Video: