iPhone News Blog

Recently Reviewed: Vanquish, CataGugl, AstroRanch, ARGirl and Above & Below

2010-10-15T01:38:22Z

This set of reviews has been a long time coming...I'm hoping that I'll be able to publish my reviews in a more timely fashion in the future, but for now let's focus on these 5 games.

First up is Gamevil's Vanquish. If you're a fan of RPGs, I'm sure you know that Gamevil also makes Hybrid, Hybrid 2, Zenonia and Zenonia 2...they also make a few baseball titles. In any case, this game is a bit different for Zenonia because there are less RPG elements to it and more button mashing elements to it (at least for me...)

In any case, a game like this one is better explained via video review, so if you're interested, feel free to watch my video review of VANQUISH: The Oath of Brothers . Also available in a free version if you'd like to try before you buy: VANQUISH: The Oath of Brothers Free

Continue reading "Recently Reviewed: Vanquish, CataGugl, AstroRanch, ARGirl and Above & Below" »

iPhone / iPad App Picks of the Week

2010-09-30T17:46:32Z

Some of my picks of the week!

Arcade Action with Geometry Wars - $.99 for a limited time! Has the look of classic Tempest on steroids. Very challenging! [iTunes link]

Just in time for Halloween! Monster Mayhem - FREE for a limited time! Graphics and game play are awesome! [iTunes link]http://bit.ly/duGopf

Super Brainy Puzzles and great cartoons by Graham Annable - Puzzle Agent - $.99 for a limited time! [iTunes link]

Apple Releases iOS 4.0.2 - Fixes Jailbrakeme.com Exploits

2010-08-11T20:00:07Z

Apple today released an iOS update to fix a PDF vulnerability that could allow an exploit to take over any iOS device. Hackers were able to exploit this vulnerability and jailbreak your phone via the website jailbreakme.com. Also available for the iPad: iOS 3.2.2 Update.

Use iTunes to update your iOS devices. For more info on what is getting patched, see Apple's Tech Bulletin.

Pioneer Duo Series XW-NAC3-K iPod/iPhone Docking Station

2010-08-09T09:08:00Z

I'm sitting in my room, writing this review while listening to an internet radio jazz station on Pioneer's new Electronics Duo Series XW-NAC3-K Docking Station for iPod. The NAC3, for short, doesn't just look great, it sounds great too. This sleek speaker system is capped with a sharp looking white plastic deck that allows not one, but two iPods or iPhones to be attached. Blue LCD display along with blue LED accents for the buttons add to the slick details of this sound box. This unit would look right at home on the set of Star Wars with it's cool contemporary looks!

The Pioneer NAC3 is capable of docking, charging and playing two iPod or iPhone devices at once. This means that the NAC3 can shuffle music between the two connected iPod devices. When put into this mode, called Shuffle2, the two iPod/iPhone units play alternately and crossfade between each song. A moment before the end of a track playing on the first iPod/iPhone, the volume is raised on the track that begins to play on the second iPhone/iPod. Now anyone can play DJ with two iPods and be the life of the party!

Continue reading "Pioneer Duo Series XW-NAC3-K iPod/iPhone Docking Station" »

iOS 4.1 beta 3 drops Game Center support for iPhone 3G

2010-08-04T15:43:57Z

Looks like game center won't be compatible with the iPhone 3G and Apple's second generation iPod touch, or at least it seems this will be the outcome if folks who have the latest beta of iOS 4.1 are correct.

iOS 4.1 beta 3, a pre-release that was seeded to developers on Tuesday has dropped support for Game Center for older iPhone and iPod Touch models. Previously the iPhone 3G and 2nd generation iPod touch were able to run Game Center in earlier betas.

This isn't a surprise as the older hardware has so little RAM that it can't support a lot of new features in iOS 4. Some users have complained of major problems with iOS 4 on the iPhone 3G, which Apple is looking into.

Via AppleInsider.

iPhone App Development: The Missing Manual

2010-08-02T05:55:22Z

I've been hoping to learn a little iPhone 4 development for a while now, and this summer I planned to try my hand at learning how to use the iPhone SDK and Objective C. The trouble is, I knew nothing about programing and really didn't know where to start aside from Apple's own documentation.

Luckily the Missing Manual series has just the thing I've been looking for: iPhone App Development: The Missing Manual by Craig Hockenberry, who just so happened to be the developer of Twitteriffic, a very popular Twitter client for the iPhone and iPad. The book promises to help you get to know the tools for developing an iPhone app and takes you through the steps of building one right off the bat. It also dives into the basics of Objective-C and Cocoa Touch as well.

Continue reading "iPhone App Development: The Missing Manual" »

OpenAppMkt - iPhone-Optimized Web Apps Gallery

2010-07-30T16:06:22Z

Found this via DaringFireball: An iPhone-optimized web apps gallery called OpenAppMkt. Works just like Apple's App Store once you add it as a bookmark on your home screen. Lots of cool webapps to try out too!

Link: OpenAppMkt

iPhone Antenna Humor

2010-07-30T15:37:23Z

iPhoneNewsBlog reader Shad Martin sent us links to some funny YouTube videos he created detailing how to overcome the iPhone Antenna. Thanks Shad!

See more here:
Foam Float
How to Hold Your iPhone 4

Having Problems with Your iPhone 3G and iOS4?

2010-07-29T15:53:04Z

iPhone 3G users who are experiencing sluggish performance and even overheating when using their device with iOS4 will be happy to know that Apple is investigating the cause of the issue.

According to Wall Street Journal Blog Digits, a company spokeswoman told them that they are aware of the issue and are looking into the matter. Complaints on Apple's support forums have grown to include slowness after the upgrade, quick battery drain as well as the unit getting excessively hot.

I only had my iPhone 3G with iOS4 for about a week or so before I got the iPhone 4, but I didn't experience the slowness that others have, nor did the phone get any hotter than normal. My battery power level seemed to be about the same but for a 2 year old phone that got heavy use, it wouldn't be a surprise if it was time to change the battery.

For those that want to dump iOS4, Lifehacker has a tutorial on how to do just that.

We'll wait and see what apple does to fix this.

Apple's Free Bumpers Start Arriving

2010-07-28T15:34:42Z

Users have been reporting that their free Apple Bumpers have been arriving over at MacRumors. I opted for the Incase iPhone 4 case instead of the black Apple bumper, and those don't look like they'll be shipping for another month according to ship status.

In case you didn't know, Apple has instituted a free case program for all iPhone 4 owners. Simply go to and download the iPhone 4 Case Program App to get your choice of free iPhone 4 case.

Apple Posts Video from Press Conference and A Ton of Information on Antennas

2010-07-16T23:02:58Z

See the Apple press conference video on the iPhone 4 antenna issues, minus the Q & A section here.

Apple also posted a ton of informational reading for anyone who just has to know everything about antennas and smart phones. Covered here are videos of other phones that lose bars in low signal areas when the phone is gripped, showing this is not an iPhone only issue.

The best part is seeing Apple's Antenna Design and Test labs. It looks like cerebro from the X-Men movies!

Apple Will Give Free Bumpers / Cases to iPhone 4 Owners

2010-07-16T17:46:27Z

Steve Jobs took the stage and gave a short keynote style press conference for a handful of folks that were able to make it to the Cupertino campus. Jobs explained the hard facts of what they found during the last 22 days of investigating their antenna issue.

Some keypoints:

There is no "Antennagate". All phones have an issue with attenuation when the phone is gripped in a certain way

Only 0.55% of iPhone 4 owners have reported problems with the antenna to Apple Care

The iPhone 4 actually drops more calls per 100 than iPhone 3GS

Jobs also gave a glimpse into the extensive testing the iPhone 4 goes through before it hit the streets. Apple has 17 anechoic chambers to do the tests which was a $100 million investment. They also have 18 PhD scientists and engineers on our staff.

In the end, Jobs stated that Apple deeply cares about their customers and want to do everything they can to make things right. To do this, they will be offering free bumpers or any case that is available on the Apple website starting at the end of the month.

So is this the end of "antennagate"? We'll have to see if this is enough to get folks to stop complaining.

Live Blogging the Apple iPhone Press Conference

2010-07-16T15:53:16Z

We're not so fortunate to be able to live blog the Apple Press Conference today, but here's a few sites that will be. We'll be watching along with you. 10am PST.

Apple iPhone 4.0.1 Update Available Now

2010-07-15T20:11:06Z

Sync your iPhone then check for the update. Apple seems to have added this one fix:

- Improves the formula to determine how many bars of signal strength to display

Let us know how it works for you in your area! We're updating our iPhone's right now!

App of the Day: Talking Carl

2010-07-15T15:57:28Z

Talking Carl is a silly, fun $.99 iPhone app that features Carl, a lovable, red... ummm... monster? Carl responds in his hilarious voice when you touch him, poke him or tickle him. He also repeats everything you say in his hilarious voice!

While it sounds like a silly app (it is!) it's equally fun to play with and has brought my wife and I a lot of smiles and laughter. It's a great app for kids as well since Carl will answer back every single time.

I had fun trying to get carl to do different things. If you sing to him, he sings everything in his voice. Also, I noticed when switching apps, Carl goes into a spastic mode / time warp. Carls seems to stutter in place while the clouds go flying by! I'm not sure if this was done on purpose or if it's a bug, but I love seeing Carl do that.

Check out a video of Talking Carl after the cut! Talking Carl is just $.99 and available on iTunes.

Continue reading "App of the Day: Talking Carl" »

Antenna Engineer Told Jobs of Faulty iPhone Design

2010-07-15T15:17:46Z

According to a report filed by Bloomberg, a senior engineer at Apple informed management that their antenna design may lead to problems:

Last year, Ruben Caballero, a senior engineer and antenna expert, informed Apple's management the device's design may cause reception problems, said the person, who is not authorized to speak on Apple's behalf and asked not to be identified. A carrier partner also raised concerns about the antenna before the device's June 24 release, according to another person familiar with the situation.

Apple has declined to comment for this story and also refused to make Caballero available for an interview. Apple plans a press conference tomorrow, but would only say that it's in regard to the iPhone 4.

Apple To Hold Press Conference on iPhone 4 This Friday

2010-07-15T02:23:11Z

According to Engadget and Loop Insight apple will be holding a special press conference:

Apple on Wednesday invited select press to a special press conference to be held this Friday in California. Apple would only say that the press conference would be regarding the iPhone 4. No other information was available when I spoke with them tonight.

It will be interesting to see what Apple has to say this Friday. We can assume this has to do with the iPhone 4 antenna issues that have been the main focus of many iPhone related blogs.

Apple At Risk Due To Antenna Issue?

2010-07-13T15:54:06Z

Various reports talk about the risk that Apple has with increasing coverage of the iPhone 4's antenna issue. One PR firm called the situation "Toyota-style PR crisis for Apple" and even went as far as demanding a recall.

On the other side of this, analysis Shaw Wu with Kaufman Bros. said in a note to investors Tuesday that iPhone 4 demand was still strong, but antenna issue could become a concern. According to Wu, supply chain sources indicate that Apple is having difficulty keeping up with the strong demand for the the iPhone 4.

Wu was also one of the first analyst to say that Apple could easily and inexpensively resolve this issue by giving out free bumpers with every iPhone 4.

Consumer Reports Cannot Recommend iPhone 4

2010-07-12T15:54:54Z

Consumer Reports finished their testing and concluded that they could not recommend the iPhone 4 due to it's reception issues in a report posted today.

We reached this conclusion after testing all three of our iPhone 4s (purchased at three separate retailers in the New York area) in the controlled environment of CU's radio frequency (RF) isolation chamber. In this room, which is impervious to outside radio signals, our test engineers connected the phones to our base-station emulator, a device that simulates carrier cell towers. We also tested several other AT&T phones the same way, including the iPhone 3G S and the Palm Pre. None of those phones had the signal-loss problems of the iPhone 4.

They also suggested using some sort of tape to place over the gap where the antenna is getting interference as a way to stop the signal loss or get a case. They will be testing out cases to see if it helps any in a follow up report.

Consumer Reports does recommend the iPhone 3GS if you want an iPhone that works without tape, however they state that the iPhone 4 had the best screen and best camera in their latest ratings.

Fring Lets you Two-Way Video Call Over 3G

2010-07-09T15:47:57Z

So it finally had to happen. Want to video chat via 3G? Well now there's an app for that! Fring announced the addition of two-way video calling in their fring app if you've got an iPhone 4. This will work via wi-fi as well as 3G!

With the new fring for iPhone you get lots of fring goodies including 2 way video-calling where you want and with whom you want!
• Face-to-face video calls with friends on their Droids, Nokia (Symbian S60) and other iPhones
• Video calls over 3G or Wi-Fi (Performance over 3G is subject to mobile operators' 3G coverage & quality)

While the fring app had video calling support previously, it lacked the use of a front facing camera, which made the app kinda... not as useful. Now the question is, will this be better than Apple's FaceTime? We haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but we'll be playing with it over the weekend.

Download fring app and let us know what you think.