iPodObserver

News: Happy Fourth of July!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:17 -0400

In honor of Independence Day -- a U.S. holiday -- iPodObserver.com will not publish on July 3rd so we can get a head start on celebrating over the holiday weekend. We will return on Monday, July 6th, with our regularly-scheduled coverage of Apple, iPod, Apple TV and iPhone news.

Sponsored Topics: Apple - IPhone - IPod - Television - Handhelds

In-Depth Review: Trivial Pursuit: A Solid Adaptation of a Classic Board Game

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:52:20 -0400

Freed from the limitations of the click wheel interface, this touch-based version of Trivial Pursuit is easy to jump into, with plenty of options that add variety to long-term play. Like most of EA's adaptations of classic board games, it's a solid effort that Trivial Pursuit fans should enjoy, complete with two game modes, the ability to play against live or computer opponents, plenty of statistics tracking, and pleasing graphics and audio.

Sponsored Topics: Board game - Trivial Pursuit - Electronic Arts - Games - Video game

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Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:52:20 -0400

Product News: Motion Comic Released for the iPhone

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:49:25 -0400

RG Entertainment today announced the availability of the "Super Capers Comic #1 - Back to the Feature" for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed exclusively for the iPhone/iPod Touch, this Interactive Motion Comic is the official prequel/sequel to the independent film Super Capers.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - iPod Touch - Apple - Handhelds - Smartphones

iPhone: New iPhone Bootcamp Dates from Big Nerd Ranch Europe

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:41:58 -0400

Big Nerd Ranch Europe announced a new date for its leading iPhone Bootcamp at Kloster Eberbach, near Frankfurt, Germany. September 21-25, 2009 is the next opportunity to learn iPhone development from Scott Ritchie, one of the most experienced instructors in Objective-C and Cocoa (touch) programming.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Cocoa - Objective-C - Handhelds - Smartphones

Quick Look Review: Wings Earth for iPhone: A Pleasant Flying Experience

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:22:13 -0400

There are flight simulators designed to develop proficiency, but this isn't one of them. It's basically a simul-game for iPhone and iPod touch that allows one to fly over various terrains with accompanying music. It's an ethereal experience, good for calming the nerves or an occasional diversion.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - IPod Touch - Handhelds - Smartphones - Flight simulator

News: Apple Working to Patch iPhone SMS Security Flaw

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:16:20 -0400

Apple's iPhone apparently has an SMS security vulnerability that the company is currently working to patch. The flaw could potentially allow an attacker to craft a text message that gives them root access and the ability to run their own code on Apple's combination iPod and smartphone.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - Smartphone - IPod - Short message service

News: iPhone 3GS, 3G Top Consumer Reports Survey

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:48:24 -0400

Apple's iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G landed in the top two spots in the most recent Consumer Reports smartphone study. The iPhone 3GS took the top spot, and the iPhone 3G took second place thanks to their superior screens, multimedia support, navigation, Web browsing and battery life.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Apple - Smartphone - iPhone 3G - Consumer Reports

Editorial: What I Don’t Like About iPhone Apps

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:38:27 -0400

There is a disturbing trend in the development of iPhone apps, and I don't like it. Here's why.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - List of iPhone applications - App Store - Handhelds - Smartphones

Games: GDC Austin Adds iPhone Games Summit to Sept. Schedule

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:19:49 -0400

Game Developers Conference (GDC) Austin on Wednesday announced the addition of a new iPhone Games Summit to the slate of events to be held Sept. 15-18 at the Austin Convention Center.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Game Developer Conference - Austin Convention Center - Apple - Austin Texas

iPO Quick Tip: iPhone OS 3.0: Copy and Paste

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:15:04 -0400

One feature people have been waiting for since the release of the first iPhone was cut-and-paste. Thanks to iPhone OS 3.0, that feature is finally here, and it works. Mostly.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - IphoneOs - Apple - Cut copy and paste - Smartphone

News: Apple Releases Copy/Paste, Voice Control iPhone 3GS Ads

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:46:22 -0400

Apple rolled out two new iPhone commercials on Wednesday. Both show off features from the new iPhone 3GS -- copy and paste, and Voice Control.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - Cut copy and paste - iPhone 3G - Smartphone

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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:46:22 -0400

News: Apple Seeds iPhone OS 3.1, SDK 3.1 Betas to Developers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:59:51 -0400

Apple rolled out beta versions of iPhone OS 3.1 and iPhone SDK 3.1 to developers on Tuesday. The beta looks to include improvements for video and 3D rendering, and possibly support for MMS on the AT&T data network.

Sponsored Topics: Apple - IphoneOs - IPhone - Software development kit - iPhone OS 3.1

Product News: Professional Etiquette Advice On Your iPhone

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:21:09 -0400

The Protocol Centre announced the debut of Etiquette Avenue 1.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch on Tuesday. Etiquette Avenue puts screens of professional protocol advice in the hands of users.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - iPod Touch - Etiquette - Apple - Smartphone

iPhone: Programming Workshop for iPhone SDK 3.0 Announced for July

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:14:18 -0400

About Objects released its new public schedule for iPhone Programming Workshop, a hands-on developer training course on the iPhone SDK. The course has been updated to reflect Apple's recent release of the latest 3.0 version of the SDK.

Sponsored Topics: Apple - iPhone SDK - IPhone - Software development kit - IPhone OS

Games: Last Day of Work’s Virtual Families Sim Comes to iPhone

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:49:01 -0400

Last Day of Work, which bills itself as "an independent game studio specializing in sophisticated casual games for the mainstream player," on Tuesday announced the release of its simulation Virtual Families for iPhone.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Casual game - Handhelds - Smartphones - Last Day of Work

iPhone: The 88 Use iPhone to Record New Single

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:30:30 -0400

The band The 88 has just released a single called "Love is the Thing," a song the group recorded entirely on their iPhone. Using an iPhone app called FourTrack from Sonoma Wire Works, the band was able to lay down some 13 tracks (plus one track for a cymbal crash added later), which were then imported to a Mac for final mixdown.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - FourTrack - Sonoma Wire Works - Smartphone - Handhelds

In-Depth Review: Buyer Beware of iPhone Buying Service: NextWorth

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:05:38 -0400

Based on a recommendation from another writer, but still with trepidation, I sent my iPhone 3G into a service, NextWorth, that buys used electronics, including iPhones. What followed was a mildly depressing saga and a warning.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Smartphones - Handhelds - Writer - Caveat emptor

Games: DOOM Comes to the iPhone With a New Adventure

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:16 -0400

id Software has released DOOM Resurrection for iPhone that features a new adventure in the saga of a lone Marine trying to survive a Martian research facility where all Hell has broken loose, literally. Players have all the well-known DOOM weapons at their disposal, including the shotgun, chainsaw, and more, as they make their way through six levels on Mars and two in Hell.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Doom - Id - Mars - Hell

Opinion: The ‘Every Other Year iPhone Club’

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:29 -0400

To upgrade or not to upgrade: that is the question—when it comes to the iPhone 3GS, at least. For some, including Contributing Editor Chuck La Tournous, the answer may lie on when you got your last iPhone.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - iPhone 3G - Apple - Handhelds - Smartphones

News: Sony Considers PSP Cellphone Hybrid

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:23:46 -0400

Sony is considering using its PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform to launch a cell phone competitor for the iPhone according to a report by Japanese daily Nikkei (via Reuters). The project is in the beginning stages, with a team reportedly being organized in July to begin looking at options the company could pursue.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Sony - PlayStation Portable - Mobile phone - Reuters

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Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:23:46 -0400

Product News: 321Run Lite: A Running Coach for Your iPhone

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:56:13 -0400

eCOMPOSITE today released 321Run Lite 1.0, a free version of their health based running app for iPhone and iPod touch. 321Run Lite is the free version made for users of 321Run, a GPS-enabled version that also records the distance and calories of a run.

Sponsored Topics: IPod Touch - IPhone - IPhone OS - Handhelds - Smartphones

Games: New iPhone Game “Warpack: Grunts” Accesses iPhone 3.0 Media Player

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:19:17 -0400

Freeverse on Monday released the tactical squad game Warpack: Grunts, which uses iPhone OS 3.0's media player feature to allow gamers to choose any playlist on their device while in the thick of the action. Developed with long-time partner Strange Flavour, Warpack Grunts features 40 levels of missions starring a squad of four soldiers.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone OS - IPhone - Smartphone - Strange Flavour - Handhelds

Games: Jungle Bloxx, Boat Mania Arrive at App Store

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:54:18 -0400

On Monday, Digital Chocolate followed up the three iPhone games it released on Friday with a new puzzle title, Jungle Bloxx, while Atom Software issued the management sim Boat Mania.

News: Apple to Support EU Micro-USB Standard for iPhone

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:32:44 -0400

Apple, along with several other cell phone makers, has agreed to support the micro-USB standard the European Union is pushing for smartphone chargers. The standardized connector will let smartphone owners charge their handheld without worrying about compatibility issues if they need to use chargers that didn't ship with their phone.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - Smartphone - Mobile phone - European Union

iPhone: Apple Brings Back iPhone Availability Tracker

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:57:37 -0400

Apple's iPhone availability Web page, popular after the launch of the iPhone 3G last year, made a come back over the weekend. Like before, the Web page lets users check for iPhone 3GS availability at Apple retail locations on a daily basis.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - Web page - iPhone 3G - Smartphone

Free on iTunes: Wild West Pinball, Terra, The Minimalist and More

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:56:19 -0400

In this week's installment of Free on iTunes, Vern Seward takes a gander at Wild West Pinball, an iPhone/iPod Touch app, as well as Terra and The Minimalist, two podcasts available at the iTunes Store.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - ITunes - Pinball - Vern Seward - Smartphones

News: iPhone Guided Tour Guy Leaves Apple for Venture Capital Firm

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:41:40 -0400

Apple's iPhone Guided Tour narrator, Bob Borchers, has left his position as a marketing executive and joined venture capital firm Opus Capital. According to the company, Mr. Borchers will be focused on making investments in mobile applications and service, as well as, "as adjacent opportunities in both hardware and software."

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - Opus Capital - Venture capital - Tour guide

Product News: New “3D” Cases for iPhone 3G S, iPhone 3G & iPhone

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:45:09 -0400

Tekkeon released myCase for iPhone on Friday, a new family of silicone cases that protect iPhone 3G S, iPhone 3G, and iPhone with the comapany is billing as a three dimensional style.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone 3G - iPhone - Handhelds - Smartphones - Apple

iPhone: AdMob Metrics Detail iPhone App Usage Pyramid

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:40:16 -0400

Mobile phone advertising network AdMob revealed metrics for the month of May Friday that offer a detailed look at the pyramid-like distribution of actual app usage. In AdMob's network of 2,309 free, app-supported iPhone apps, only the top 5% (119) had 100,000 or more active users during May, while the majority, some 54% had fewer than 1,000 active users.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - AdMob - List of iPhone applications - Advertising network - Handhelds

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Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:40:16 -0400

Games: Digital Chocolate Brings Three More Games to the App Store

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:49:30 -0400

Prolific iPhone publisher Digital Chocolate on Friday launched three more iPhone games at the App Store: Crazy Penguin Catapult 2, California Gold Rush, and 3D Rollercoaster Rush. Free versions of all three, which offer limited gameplay, are also available.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - App Store - Digital Chocolate - California Gold Rush - List of iPhone applications

News: Apple Keeps the App Store Out of the Red Light District

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:14:33 -0400

Apple plans to keep App Store content on the straight and narrow, which means applications like Hottest Girls aren't welcome. The iPhone and iPod touch app displays photos of scantily clad models, but disappeared from the App Store shortly after its models dropped their tops.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - App Store - Apple - IPod Touch - Red-light district

iPO Quick Tip: iPhone OS 3.0: Enabling Push Notifications

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:25 -0400

One of the cool features built into iPhone OS 3.0 is the ability to display alerts and messages from applications that aren't active, also known as "push" notifications. Push notifications aren't active by default, and if you don't have the right apps installed, you won't even be able to find the feature on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Sponsored Topics: IPod Touch - IPhone - IPhone OS - iPhone OS 3.0 - Handhelds

How-To: Exploring the Compass app in the iPhone 3GS

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:59:17 -0400

The new Compass app in the iPhone 3GS is very handy. But have you wondered why it's necessary, given that the iPhone already has a GPS system? And what about that setting that shows Magnetic North or True North? Here's a quick explanation.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Global Positioning System - Compass - Handhelds - Smartphones

News: Apple Accused of iTunes Gift Card Fraud

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:13:23 -0400

Apple has been hit with a lawsuit alleging the company's iTunes gift cards are fraudulent because they advertise 99¢ songs when some actually cost $1.29. The suit was filed by an Illinois couple claiming the gift cards falsely represent the number of songs that can be purchased thanks to wording that says "songs are 99¢."

Sponsored Topics: Gift card - Apple - ITunes Store - Fraud - Illinois

iPhone: Bill Nye Explains Apple’s Oleophobic iPhone 3GS Screen

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:31:37 -0400

Bill Nye the Science Guy has explained the oleophobic properties of the display on Apple's new iPhone 3GS in an editorial published by Gizmodo. "Grab a hold of one," he wrote, "and for a change, watch almost nothing happen. It's chemistry."

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - iPhone 3G - Bill Nye the Science Guy - Bill Nye

Product News: Play the Piano and Write Songs on Your iPhone

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:21:14 -0400

Frontier Design Group released Thursday PianoStudio 1.0, a new music composition and performance app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Sponsored Topics: iPhone - IPod Touch - IPhone OS - Smartphones - Handhelds

News: YouTube: Mobile Uploads Increase 400% Per Day Since iPhone 3GS Release

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:10:58 -0400

YouTube announced Thursday that mobile uploads to the video sharing service have increased by some 400% per day since the release of the iPhone 3GS on Friday, June 19th. The company made the announcement in a blog entry touting the overall growth trend in mobile video uploads during the last six months, growth that has apparently been dramatically punctuated by Apple's newest iPhone.

Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - YouTube - Video hosting service - Handhelds

Product News: HP 12c, 15c Calculators Come to iPhone

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:43:43 -0400

Hewlett-Packard's calculators have been a main stay in the scientific and financial communities for years, and everyone can get their inner nerd on now that iPhone versions of the HP 12c and 15c are available at Apple's App Store.

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Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:43:43 -0400

In-Depth Review: Twittelator Pro: The Best so Far in iPhone Twitterdom

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:41 -0400

Twittelator Pro 3.0 is a full-featured Twitter client for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's an amazing iPhone app, and if you haven't started using Twitter yet, this app is so cool, you'll want to start. Version 3 requires iPhone OS 3.0 and has some special features, like tweet links to videos which are supported on the iPhone 3GS.

News: The Pragmatic Studio Offers iPhone SDK Courses in Colorado, D.C. Area

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:30:28 -0400

Colorado-based Pragmatic Studio announced two upcoming training courses for developers interested in learning how to create iPhone applications using the latest iPhone SDK 3.0 this week. The four-day, hands-on courses taught by two experienced iPhone developers, Bill Dudney and Daniel Sternberg, and will be held August 4 through August 7, 2009 in Reston, VA and August 25 through August 28, 2009 in Denver, CO.

Product News: Apple TV 2.4, Remote 1.3 Add Gesture-based Controls

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:03:02 -0400

Apple released Apple TV 2.4 and Remote 1.3 on Wednesday. The updates let users control their Apple TV with swipe and tap finger gestures instead of on-screen buttons over a local Wi-Fi network from their iPhone or iPod touch.

Product News: Things Updated for iPhone OS 3.0

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:33:17 -0400

Cultured Code announced today that it has updated its Things application on the App Store. The update includes full support for the various improvements ushered in by the iPhone 3.0 release.

iPhone: iPhone 3GS Manufacturing Cost at $179 Per Unit

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:20:59 -0400

Apple's 16GB iPhone 3GS costs the company US$178.96 per unit, according to a new teardown analysis conducted by iSuppli, Inc. This compares to a cost of $174.33 for the previous generation's entry-level 8GB iPhone 3G when that device was introduced in June of 2008. Apple retails the device for $599, with carrier subsidies bringing the cost down to qualifying customers down to $199.

Just a Peek: Freeverse Flick Fishing

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:15:05 -0400

Both nirvana seekers and sportsmen alike can angle to their hearts content with Freeverse's Flick Fishing.

Product News: AT&T Releases Navigator GPS App for iPhone

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:38:29 -0400

AT&T is getting in on the iPhone GPS navigation game with its new AT&T Navigator. The application lets iPhone users map routes, get traffic alerts, view business listings, and follow turn-by-turn directions on screen and via audio feedback.

iPhone: Dude Finds His Stolen iPhone with “Find My iPhone”

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:35:50 -0400

One of the first incidents of someone finding their lost or stolen iPhone has come to light as technical writer Kevin Miller used the service to track down an iPhone he left in a Chicago bar. Mr. Miller was visiting Chicago for Brickworld, and with the help of friends, a MacBook Pro, and a Sprint wireless 3G access card, he was able to track down his phone and get it back.

Product News: 22Moo Intros iPhone 3.0 Game Controller

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:06:25 -0400

22Moo announced the release of the GameBone Pro on Tuesday. The GameBone Pro is an iPhone OS 3.0 compatible game controller that features an 8-way D-pad with 6 buttons.

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Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:06:25 -0400

Product News: iPhone SDK 3.0 Training from The Pragmatic Studio

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:14:05 -0400

The Pragmatic Studio announced two upcoming training courses for developers interested in learning how to create iPhone applications using the latest iPhone SDK 3.0.

Games: PC Strategy Game Tradewinds 2 Arrives on iPhone

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:52:53 -0400

Publisher Handmark and developer Sandlot Games on Tuesday announced the release of the PC strategy game Tradewinds 2 for the iPhone and iPod touch. Players choose one of five characters and ply the Caribbean with ships full of goods, trading with islanders and defeating pirates as they amass wealth and power.

Games: Freeverse’s Flick Fishing is First Paid App to One Million Downloads

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:47:57 -0400

Freeverse has announced that its Flick Fishing game is the first paid iPhone app to reach one million downloads, with ten percent of those playing the game in iPhone OS 3.0 buying additional content, including a new location and new fish, through the in-app purchasing feature.