Sunday, August 31, 2008
Microsoft plans 'Skymarket' apps store for Windows Mobile 7 in 2009
Following in the footsteps of US mobile provider T-Mobile and Google's own Android smartphone platform, Microsoft is now plotting its own effort to create an online store for mobile software in the model of Apple's iPhone App Store. The project, t... [ Full story from AppleInsider ]
Microsoft job listing hints at App Store-like 'Skymarket' for Windows Mobile
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
[Via The Raw Feed]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [ Full story from Engadget ]A functional Meizu M8 UI, CEO Jack Wong finally caught on video
Filed under: Cellphones
[Thanks, Patrick P.]Continue reading A functional Meizu M8 UI, CEO Jack Wong finally caught on video
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [ Full story from Engadget ]Belkin JoyPod Game Controller for iPhone with App Support?
Over at TouchArcade.com, we have posted an image of what appears to be a Belkin gaming controller accessory for the iPhone. The ad copy of the accompanying image claims that the new "JoyPod" will provide App Store support. If true, this me... [ Full story from MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors ]
GoNintendo Podcast Webisode 159
I don’t know what the hell is going on, but it seems that every weekend, my internet is going down on Saturday night. It’s like clockwork now, and it’s really pissing me off. I am still without net, but I finally managed to get the show posted via iPhone. As soon as [...]
[ Full story from Go Nintendo ]
Online game demons are far from virtual
T he Baltimore-based computer security company that hacked into the sizzling, hot iPhone and broke the encryption on wireless gas payment cards and car keys used by millions of drivers is at it again. But this time, analysts there uncovered serious vulnerabilities in two highly popular fantasy worlds frequented by hundreds of thousands of online players around the globe. 
[ Full story from baltimoresun.com - business ]
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Microsoft and FrontLine Release Solver for Excel 2008
Filed under: Enterprise, Software, Freeware
If you've been miffed with Microsoft since Excel 2008 hit the stores due to the removal of Solver from the popular spreadsheet application, it may be time to lighten up. You can now download Solver for Excel 2008 for free from the FrontLine Systems Web site. FrontLine developed the original Solver for Excel 2004, and developed the Excel 2008 version at the request of the Microsoft Mac Business Unit (Mac BU). Solver is a linear programming / analysis tool for Excel that was included with Excel 2004 as an add-in, but dropped from Excel 2008 since it required Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The Mac BU has noted that VBA is going to return in the next version of Office. In the meantime, Mac Excel users who rely on Solver's powerful analysis capabilities are now able to use the free download to perform their linear programming tasks.
[via MacRumors]Read | Perma link | Email this | Comments
HTC wars: Touch Pro, Touch Diamond and S740 go head to head
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
Friday, August 29, 2008
Analyst: Most Canuck iPhone users ‘not yet into the guts’ of what Apple’s device can really deliver
Most of Canada's iPhone users seem to prefer the multimedia device for talking,... [ Full story from MacDailyNews ]
Forums: Mobile Me web hosting, unstable iPhones
Forum roundup: Mobile Me web hosting questions are a recent topic of interest in the MacNN forums. A discussion about Lightroom 2 stability and performance compared to Aperture can be found in this thread. Mac Enthusiast lenox recently got their 20-inch iMac, noticed some graphical glitches and looks for advice from other forum goers. In this thread members discuss the differences between Dual... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Solver Now Available for Microsoft Excel 2008 for Mac
Microsoft's Mac BU and FrontLine Systems have announced that Solver for Excel 2008 is now available for the Mac as a free download.
Frontline Systems developed the original Solver for Excel on both Macintosh and Windows. For many ye... [ Full story from MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors ]
S&P 500 August Winners & Losers
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to stumble, while MBIA shares more than double. [ Full story from Forbes.com News ]
Mac MagSaver protects MagSafe connectors
The Mac MagSaver helps keep your MagSafe connector and its cable happy together. [ Full story from Macworld ]
iPhone's arrival in Russia confirmed
Filed under: Apple Corporate, Rumors, iPhone
Earlier this week, Russian communications company VimpelCom announced their intention to bring the iPhone to Russia, the first company to do so. The particulars aren't available yet, but VimpelCom representatives said they hope to be selling the iPhone "...later this year."Earlier rumors were pointing to this announcement. Last week, Reute rs reported on a rumor about a deal that would bring the iPhone to Russia, identifying Mobile TeleSystems as the carrier. That rumor suggested an October launch. Also, when Steve Jobs spoke with CNBC shortly after the launch of the 3G iPhone, he said that a deal with Russia would likely happen "...later this year."Read | Permalink | Email t his | Comments
Rogers announcing new data plans, peace of mind in October
My Favorite iPhone Apps: Mat's Picks
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPod Family, iPhone, App Store
For my shot at iPhone favorites I'm going with three apps I find myself returning to over and over.
Zenbe Lists (iTunes link) - this is the third-party app I find myself using most often. It's basically a TO DO list manager, but with a big difference: online syncing. The Zenbe iPhone application interfaces with the online lists that you can manage from your desktop at lists.zenbe.com (free account required). But unl ike some other iPhone apps that are front-ends for online services, Zenbe on the iPhone caches all your data locally. That means that you can access and edit your lists even when you can't get online (e.g. on a plane) and then sync when you get back online. With the absence of notes syncing on the iPhone I end up putting all kinds of things into Zenbe: shopping lists, travel info (flight schedules, etc.), various ideas that come to me on the go, and much more (free).
Moonlight Mahjong (iTunes link) - games are naturally a matter of personal taste, but this 3D implementation of mahjong on the iPhone is first class. It utilizes the standard iPhone gestures for zooming and panning, as well as automatically recognizes device orient ation. The full version includes 19 different tile layouts for a very reasonable $4.99; there's also a free lite version (iTunes link), which will give you a good taste the gameplay but is limited to 3 tile layouts. Moonlight Mahjong does not include sound, but that makes it perfect for listening to your own tunes, which I much prefer.
Pandora (iTunes link) - Pandora has long been my favorite streaming music site, so much so that I run the dedicated Pandora client PandoraJam on my Mac. So I was thrilled when the iPhone version was released with full access to your custom stations. Unfort unately, Pandora is facing problems these days so there's no telling how long the service will remain up. But for the time being Pandora is my go to app for streaming music (free).Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsiPhone imitators prepping for their close-ups
Major phone makers are angling to create their own iconic device to match the iPhone, Computerworld reports. [ Full story from Macworld ]
iPhone photo scavenger hunt is afoot
Software developer Platial is running a scavenger hunt for iPhone owners over the Labor Day weekend. [ Full story from Macworld ]
User Friendly Blog by Ted Landau - My iPhone Goes on Vacation
While I use my iPhone every day, I don't usually get to test what it is like to depend on it for an extended time, without access to the technological "comforts" of home. I got that chance earlier this month when I went on a two-week trip that took me to North Carolina and Michigan. I brought my MacBook Pro along as well. But, as a test of the power of the iPhone, I kept my use of the laptop to an absolute minimum, depending exclusively on the iPhone as much as possible
[ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
[ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
Following up on letting iPhone apps run my life
After experiencing problems with several apps when Daniel Terdiman let the iPhone take over for a day, he decided to give them another try at home. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Solver for Excel 2008 arrives ahead of schedule
Solver for Excel 2008 has arrived ahead of its mid-September prediction, via Frontline systems, according to the Mac Business Unit blog, Mac Mojo. Solver for Excel 2008 brings linear programming to Excel 2008, allowing Solver users to finally move from the Excel 2004 versions they had to run to utilize the add-in's abilities. Solver allows businesses and schools to execute programs in Excel, deter... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
PCalc 1.0.2 update for iPhone released, soon for Mac
TLA Systems has released the latest version of its iPhone calculator app, PCalc 1.0.2. The major improvement for the iPhone edition is multiple undos and redos, initiated by flicking the LCD to the right for the former, and the left for the latter. An "HP style RPN" option has also been added to simulate old calculators, and the general appearance has been enhanced, with more visible keys and cu... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Kenbushi 7.4 update adds playlists, data limits, more
Lava Software has released Kenbushi 7.4, an update to its digital media jukebox. Kenbushi plays and manages media on both Macs and PCs, and syncs media to non-Apple media players. Version 7.4 adds the ability to load numerous media devices with data, including mobile phones, USB memory sticks, flash cards and portable hard drives. Multiple playlists can be created for each device, and space limits... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Ease the Safari-to-iTunes lyric pasting task
Use a simple AppleScript to make it simpler to copy lyrics from Safari (or any other browser) to iTunes. [ Full story from Macworld ]
Working with Windows and Linux, playing with the Mac
Featured links from the CNET Blog Network
Working with Windows and Linux, playing with the Mac-- Google Insights data suggests that we enjoy our Macs for more than we enjoy Windows and Linux.
You don't really need an iPhone 3G--The iPhone 3G is popular because people want it. And after a few weeks of using it, they realize quickly that they really didn't need it.
IBM tests 4-terabyte solid-state drive tech--Big Blue announces solid-state drive technology that achieves high speed and power savings, even if only in the labs so far.
Google's weird ways with open-source licenses--Company takes an odd, circuitous route to reapproving two popular open-source licenses, Mozilla Public License and Eclipse Public License, for its Google Code open-source repository.
[ Full story from CNET News.com ]Tethering coming soon to iPhone 3G?
If the latest e-mail claiming to be the work of Apple's CEO is accurate, iPhone 3G owners might soon be able to get their laptops online using their phone. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
IceWarp 10 to add Exchange support
IceWarp has announced that it will be debuting Exchange ActiveSync support for its self-titled server software this October, using its Advanced Messaging and Information Technology Conference as a venue. The most recent release of IceWarp Server introduced a new secure iPhone webmail skin, but with version 10, IceWarp says it is planning to add more functionality for the iPhone and other mobile de... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Leather case protects iPhone without blocking speaker
A new leather case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G has been released by Grantwood Technology. The QuickFlipCase is a horizontally designed case with a smooth leather exterior that has been designed to secure the iPhone on a belt. It uses a magnetic enclosure for the lid and features a center push-up hole to allow the device to be removed easily. When the iPhone is inside the case a user still has ac... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Shades offer colorful protection for iPhone 3G
ShadeCases Inc. has announced the release of Shade Cases for the iPhone 3G. The new cases feature the same thin look as the original iPhone cases, only 0.4mm thick; and come with a built-in screen protector. The cases are now also being coated with a new spray that prevents the case from sticking to the screen providing users with an enhanced viewing experience over previous models. In addition, e... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
DRO taking iPhone 3G Carbon Fiber Case pre-orders
DRO Concepts has started taking pre-orders on a new carbon fiber iPhone 3G case. The Carbon Fiber iPhone 3G Case is made with four layers of carbon fiber to provide a tough outer shell; the case also receives a scratch resistant high gloss finish to protect it from any drops. The inside of the case has been lined with neoprene which provides the iPhone with a snug fit that will help soften any imp... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Apple looking to allow iPhone tethering?
Apple may be looking to permit tethering iPhones to computers, at least in the United States, rumors suggest. Tethering enables people to treat cellphones as external modems, connecting where Ethernet or Wi-Fi is not an option. While the technology is increasingly popular in Europe and North America, AT&T has expressly forbidden the practice with the iPhone, even though other devices have permis... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
New software syncs Sony & Nokia phones with iTunes
Salling Software has announced the availability of a new application for synchronizing iTunes data with mobile devices from Sony, Nokia and Sony Ericcson. Salling Media Sync lets users with iTunes easily sync music, playlists and podcasts in iTunes onto a non-Apple device. When the phone is connected to a USB port a user can select specific playlists and music for. However, the application does mo... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Apple may be working with AT&T on iPhone tethering plan
Apple is discussing with U.S. wireless carrier AT&T the possibility of offering iPhone 3G users the option to purchase an additional data plan that would allow the handset's 3G connection to be shared with notebook computers. A $10 application ca... [ Full story from AppleInsider ]
iPhone data plan promotion extended in Canada
Rogers Communications, the exclusive iPhone carrier in Canada, is extending a promotional data plan to attract more smartphone sales. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Final Cut Express 4.0.1 Improves AVCHD Support
Apple released Final Cut Express 4.0.1 on Friday. The update for the video editing application addressed issues with AVCHD camcorders, improved stability when using third-party FxPlug plug-ins, and fixed several bugs. The update is free for version 4 users, and...
[ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
Apple and AT&T Discussing Official Tethering Option for iPhone?
Gizmodo reports on an alleged email Steve Jobs sent to one of their readers. The email was in response to a complaint that AT&T is not offering a tethering option for the iPhone, even though it is offered on other smartphones as a $30/month add-on. ... [ Full story from MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors ]
Details of iPhone 2.0.2 Firmware 3G Connectivity Improvements?
RoughlyDrafted reports on details of the iPhone 2.0.2 firmware 3G connectivity improvements. According to a "source close to AT&T," the connectivity issues have been caused by iPhones demanding that cell towers devote more power than necessary to th... [ Full story from MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors ]
Apple ships ProRes QT decoder, Final Cut Express 4.01
Apple has released ProRes QuickTime Decoder 1.0 for Mac and Windows, in addition to an update for Final Cut Express 4.0.1. The new decoder allows ProRes files to be played through QuickTime. Apple's ProRes "visually lossless" format was developed last year to be used in high definition footage post production. Either 1080p or 720p resolutions can be edited without the equipment required for unco... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Google reveals open Android Market to rival iPhone's App Store
Google on Thursday afternoon provided first details of a marketplace for phones based on its Android mobile platform -- including word that its store won't be as tightly monitored as the Apple-run shop for iPhones. While Google will host the new s... [ Full story from AppleInsider ]
Salling Media Sync transfers music to your phone
Non-iPhone users can now sync music with their Sony, Sony Ericsson and Nokia phones with Salling Media Sync. [ Full story from Macworld ]
Apple promises to plug iPhone security hole
The company has said it will release a fix next month to address the flaw that exposes iPhone users' email, text and voice messages despite password protection
There can be only one: "source" claims for iPhone 2.0.2 to not suck, 2.0 must die
Filed under: Software, UMTS, Apple
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [ Full story from Engadget Mobile ]Thursday, August 28, 2008
SugarSync: wireless cross-platform sync for iPhone
Sharpcast says it has released the "first ever" commercial app allowing over-the-air push synchronization with between iPhones, Macs and PC's. SugarSync stores data in the company's "secure online digital vault," (or cloud) where it can then be shared across platforms. A unique feature turns the iPhone into a remote control, allowing users to transfer files between other computers without downloa... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Apple: ProRes QT decoder, Final Cut Express updates
Apple has released ProRes QuickTime Decoder 1.0 for Mac and Windows, in addition to an update for Final Cut Express 4.0.1. The decoder allows ProRes files to be played through QuickTime. Apple's ProRes "visually lossless" format was developed last year to be used in high definition footage post production. Either 1080p or 720p resolutions can be edited without the equipment required for uncompre... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
My favorite iPhone apps: Jason's picks
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPhone, App Store
Picking my favorite iPhone apps was pretty straightforward. I went with three apps that save me time. The first one wows me because using it sort of feels like magic, and the other two are great mobile companion applications to wonderful Mac-based programs. Shazam [iTunes link] Free
When I say using Shazam feels like magic, I'm not kidding. Shazam can listen to any music that is playing using the iPhone's microphone, a nd based on an acoustic fingerprint of the music can tell you the name of the song, artist, and album. It takes only seconds to listen, then a few more to look up the song and return results. Conveniently, Shazam maintains a list of songs that you've looked up (tagged, in Shazam's parlance) so that you can easily go back and follow up on the songs later. It also includes links to purchase the songs you've tagged from iTunes, as well as links to music videos for tagged songs if they exist on YouTube.
OmniFocus [iTunes link] $19.00
I have a particular preference for software that is available in desktop versions as well as mobile versions, particularly if they contain a solid synchronization function. While it can be somewhat of an acquired taste, OmniFocus on the Mac is arguably one of the most capable to-do list applications, particularly if you subscribe to the GTD methodology. Imagine my delight, then, when OmniGroup announced there would be an iPhone version of OmniFocus that synchronizes to the desktop version. What's even better is that the iPhone version isn't simply a clone of the desktop version, but includes iPhone-specific functionality such as being able to determine what context to display based on your physical location using GPS. As with all software that relies on remote synchronization, it can be a bit slow when starting up, but that's a hit you take to have the convenience of synchronization, it seems.
Evernote [iTunes link] Free
Evernote has been around for a long time as a capable Windows-based note taking product, but if ever there was an interesting story of a company re-inventing their product, this is it. Evernote in its modern capacity is a note-taking pow erhouse, available on Mac, Windows, on the web, and on the mobile web. But even better, it also has an iPhone version. The beauty of Evernote is in its ability to capture various types of information easily, then make it searchable and easy to reference. Everything you store in Evernote is stored in an account for you on Evernote's servers, allowing them to apply advanced optical character recognition to your images and documents to make even non-text documents searchable. Like OmniFocus, Evernote can be a bit slow to start, and it's disappointing that Evernote's content is not stored locally on the iPhone, but is pulled down from their servers every time you access it. But for its ability to allow you to off-load important information to a secondary brain, Evernote is invaluable.
Honorable Mention
Given my attachment to synchronization apps, how can I not give a nod towards the iPhone version of NetNewsWire, which complements the entire stable of free NewsGator RSS clients, including NetNewsWire on the Mac. NNW would have made this write-up, had Steve not grabbed it first. But who can blame him?Permalink | Email this | Comments
Apple: ProRes QuickTime Decoder 1.0
Apple's ProRes QuickTime Decoder makes it possible to play ProRes files through QuickTime. [ Full story from MacInTouch ]
Rogers iPhone users don't use a lot of data
After a great deal of public focus, Canada's Rogers Wireless has revealed that, despite the scrutiny the company's data plans see, 95-percent of iPhone customers have used less than 10-percent of their data plan. The news comes after Rogers was blasted for not including unlimited data like with AT&T in the US, according to The Globe and Mail. The figures surprise Rogers executives, who have said t... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Why the iPhone 3G sometimes dropped calls and what Apple’s iPhone 2.0.2 fixed
Our source close to AT&T helped illuminate why the update was necessary, what the problem was... [ Full story from MacDailyNews ]
Apple patent application describes ‘MacBook touch’
Apple has been developing interface technology that would allow for a multi-touch handheld with full Mac OS X... [ Full story from MacDailyNews ]
One-day deal on WD 250GB portable drive
Filed under: Deals
Got some data cleanup plans for the Labor Day weekend? I know I do -- there are scads of vacation pictures, silly videos and MP3s that have got to get gone from my laptop hard drive and onto some standby storage. That's why I was excited to see Amazon's one-day deal (8/28 only, probably cutting off at midnight PT but I can't be sure) on the Western Digital 250 GB Passport drive: $90US, and eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime. Giga-licious, although 250 GB isn't as big as it used to be...I've gotten plenty of reliable use out of my own identical WD 250 Passport, which has a bus-p owered USB port and a sleek black finish (makes it kind of hard to see on my desk, but that's another matter). No other connection to WD or Amazon, except as a satisfied customer. I believe the drive ships formatted with cross-platform FAT32, but as all savvy Mac users know, you're best off reformatting as HFS when you get the drive -- otherwise you'll be cringing when you try to copy those larger-than-4-GB video files that FAT32 doesn't support.
If you're looking for more Labor Day deals, buzz by dealmac.com for the latest updates and discounts.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rogers extends limited-time iPhone prices, revamps data plans
Rogers Communications Inc. is revamping its data rate plans and extending a limited-time offer on the iPhone... [ Full story from MacDailyNews ]
Apple to fix hole in password-protected iPhones
Company promises to plug hole next month that exposes iPhone users' e-mail, text, and voice messages despite password protection. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Guy Kawasaki shares his secrets of long iPhone life
Filed under: Tips and tricks, iPhone
I'll skip the obligatory mini-biography of Guy and cut to the chase: the dude gets a whopping 36 hours of standby time with his iPhone 3G. True, many other phones get better battery life and can go for days without a charge. But anyone banging their iPhone on the wall, wishing the darn thing didn't suck down the juice like a preschooler in the Sahara will appreciate his detailed account of the settings used to eke out legnthy iPhone standby time. Oh, and those other phones? As Guy says, "...it's better to have a cool phone that you have to charge everyday than a sucky phone that you can charge once a week." How do you keep your iPhone alive?Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsCNET News Daily Podcast: IE 8 beta gets good early review
Newest Internet Explorer 8 beta gets high marks for its security features; Google announces its Android app "market"; and a possible culprit in iPhone 3G flakiness. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Apple acknowledges iPhone passcode flaw, promises fix next month
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
Apple's taking a pretty lackadaisical attitude toward one of the most easily avoided security flaws in recent memory, calling the iPhone's passcode lock bypass a "minor iPhone security issue" and saying that a fix will be rolled out in September. Thanks, Apple; we suppose it'd be a little too much trouble to ask for a fix sooner, even though you already f ixed it once in 1.1.4. For what it's worth, a company spokeswoman is quick to point out that the flaw can easily be hidden by changing the home button double-click functionality to take you to the home screen, but most users don't know that, now do they? Way to show some hustle, guys -- cookies and gold stars all around.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [ Full story from Engadget ]
Macs helping behind the scenes at the DNC
Filed under: Odds and ends, Macbook Pro
Doesn't matter if you're Obamapublican or a McCainocrat. One thing all Americans can agree on is that Macs rule when it comes to live media presentation. The Democratic national convention here in Denver is no exception. TUAW reader-on-the-spot YodaMac sent in these pictures live from the Pepsi Center.
[ Full story from The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) ]
My Favorite iPhone Apps: Erica's Take
Filed under: iPod Family, iPhone, App Store
When it comes to the iPhone, it's really really difficult to narrow my app love down to just three picks. So with apologies in advance for all those amazing applications that didn't make this cut, let me jump in with three choices that I simply do not live without on my (jailbroken) iPhone:
Cydia. When Jay Freeman's Cydia first debuted, I was hesitant to use it. It sucked up the root partition space like a sponge and its interface was, at best, preliminary. And now, in 2.0, Cydia owns me. It's simply fabulous. From its command-line Unix support to its fully overhauled interface to its extremely workable update system, Cydia provides a powerful software distribution system, perfect for modern smartphones and a great competitor to AppStore.
Boss Prefs. Boss Prefs offers a wonderful services application. It lets me enable and disable services such as EDGE, Bluetooth and SSH from a central application. Because I only intermittently subscribe to data plans, Boss Prefs ensures that I won't accidentally start downloading a la carte data that starts at about $500 million (or so) per kilobyte. It also lets me enable and disable my mail accounts, so the iPhone works perfectly for whichever mode I'm in: intrepid TUAW blogger at large or private Soccer Mom on the go.
Othello. Othello is my current fidget-game-on-the-go. When I'm stuck waiting somewhere for a few minutes, I pull out Hongtao Guo's perfect take on Othello. With three playing levels, optional sound and a really nicely designed interface, Othello provides the perfect time waster. There are other free versions of Othello under various names on AppStore but I particularly like this implementation. Although I wish it would put me directly into the game board rather than the welcome screen, that's my only criticism of a lovely, free application that's a great deal of fun.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOrange denies planting iPhone customers
Filed under: iPhone
Last week, there was a story stating that Orange had hired actors to pad iPhone lineups for the Polish debut. This week, they're denying it.According to Orange, some of their employees were joining customers in line to share in the excitement and talk about the product, not pose as potential customers. "Their aim is to welcome people to the Orange shop, share in their excitement and give information about Orange tariffs," a spokeswoman told Ad Age.
Of course, if these people were on the clock, then technically they were paid to stand in line. But now we're just splitti ng hairs. The original story identified fear of slow sales as Orange's motivation, but they're reporting that sales have been good in Poland.
In the end, Orange employees were in line, but not to pose as customers. Ah, good. I can sleep tonight.
[Via MacDailyNews]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Apple updates Final Cut Express, releases ProRes QuickTime Decoder
Apple released an update for Final Cut Express, fixing issues with AVCHD camcorders and a new decoder for QuickTime that allows users to play ProRes video. [ Full story from Macworld ]
Apple: iPhone security holes, contacts lag, GPS quirks to be fixed soon
A third software update for the iPhone 3G due next month will fix a broad assortment of problems and security issues that users have reported with the handset, say company spokespeople and a pair of alleged emails from chief executive Steve Jobs. ... [ Full story from AppleInsider ]
SugarCRM Announces Sugar 5.1 with New Features
CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug 27, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SugarCRM Inc., the world's leading provider of commercial open source customer relationship management (CRM) software, today announced the general availability of Sugar 5.1, which includes new reporting and wireless capabilities for SugarCRM. The new reporting and analytics engine provides SugarCRM users with improved insight into sales effectiveness and customer behavior. Revamped wireless capabilities deliver the feature-rich SugarCRM user experience on mobile phones, including support for the popular BlackBerry(R) and iPhone(TM) smartphones.
Sugar Community Edition 5.1 is available at http://www.sugarforge.org/content/downloads/. To sign-up for a free trial of Sugar Professional 5.1, please visit: http://www.sugarcrm.com/crm/ondemand_eval.html.
SugarCRM's commercial open source model invites the download and inspection of source code by users, developers, customers and partners, producing a higher quality product than possible in proprietary development models. During the beta process, Sugar 5.1 was installed over 10,000 times and tested by over 25,000 users.
Sugar 5.1 builds on a product legacy that has made SugarCRM one of the most popular open source projects and CRM products in the world. Since its founding four years ago, Sugar Community Edition and its related components have been downloaded over 5 million times. Over 80,000 registered community members, including 14,000 developers, have created over 500 extensions and 75 language translations of SugarCRM at www.sugarforge.org, SugarCRM's community web site. SugarCRM's user base consists of over 400,000 users on 50,000 installations in 195 countries.
"Software is transitioning from lock-in based proprietary systems to an open, standards-based world," said John Roberts, CEO of SugarCRM. "As the mass adoption of SugarCRM proves, users want freedom and choice in their software, not artificial constraints and dictates from software providers."
Sugar 5.1 offers new features and improvements across end-user and administrative functions, including:
-- Advanced Reporting and Analytics provide support for complex reporting sets, matrix reports, run-time filters and integration... [ Full story from CRM Daily ]
The Complete Text of Steve Jobs' Obit, Accidentally Posted by Bloomberg
On Wednesday, Bloomberg updated its canned obituary for Steve Jobs, but accidentally published it in the process, according to Gawker.com. Even though Bloomberg later removed it and published a retraction, the complete text of the obituary was captured and preserved... [ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
First Look: See2 Xtreme, USB video card
Monitors keep getting bigger and bigger, but it seems that the more display space you have, the more you may want. While Leopard provides Spaces so you can flip through multiple virtual desktops, you may prefer connecting multiple monitors to your Mac instead. For a simple solution to plugging in additional monitors to any Mac, take a look at Trittonís See2 Xtreme external video card.... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Review: Yelp for iPhone
Some Yelp fans may be disappointed by the limitations of this mobile version for the popular business directory site. But the Yelp iPhone applications offers a useful and easy way to find nearby businesses. [ Full story from Macworld ]
Google unveils App Store-like Android Market
Google today revealed fuller details of Android Market, its previously hinted at store for software for phones based on the Android mobile operating system. Similar to the iPhone's App Store, the portal is hosted by Google itself and is created to give third-party developers a common, easily accessible location to give away or sell their apps. Unlike Apple's screened content, however, the compan... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Apple Stores Generally Mirror U.S. Population Density
The locations of Apple's U.S. retail stores closely track the U.S. Census Bureau for the highest density population centers, according to ifoAppleStoreon Thursday. However, there are a few notable exceptions [ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
Fashion Week has designs on iPhone
Can’t get to Fashion Week in New York this year? Not to worry, it’s coming to you. On iPhone. As Eric Wilson (nytimes.com) explains “STYLE.COM, the online home of Vogue, is introducing an iPhone application this week designed to enable dedicated followers of fashion to watch runway shows during New York Fashion Week next month on their phones, within hours of the last model’s exit from the catwalk.†[ Full story from Apple Hot News ]
Logitech preps Squeezebox Boom, wireless speakers
Logitech on Thursday turned its attention to wireless audio courtesy of both a wholly independent Internet radio and speakers built just for notebooks. One of the first fruits of Logitech's buyout of Squeezebox, the Squeezebox Boom can pull and play unprotected music from any recent Mac or Windows PC on a local 802.11g Wi-Fi network but also picks up Internet streaming radio services entirely on ... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
Power-control software blamed for iPhone 3G reception issues
A flaky power-control algorithm within the iPhone 3G seems to be a likely cause of the persistent reception problems that have plagued early adopters. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
iPO Review - FlowerVest case for iPhone 3G
The FlowerVest by Agent 18 is a "flexible, lightweight, durable silicone" case for the iPhone 3G. And while its vibrant flower designs and color options -- pink with pink flowers or brown with blue flowers -- don't do much for me, they do a lot for my 20 year old daughter, who says this case is the coolest one in my collection of more than a dozen cases that are waiting to be reviewed
[ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
Hot Forum Topic - How Much Use Does Your iPhone Get?
Today TMO readers are talking about how much they use their iPhones
[ Full story from The Mac Observer ]
iPhone Security Flaw Exposes Private Data
Apple's iPhone faces security flaw that allows unwanted users to access contacts and emails despite safeguards.
- A security flaw in Apple's iPhone allows unauthorized users to gain easy access to private contacts and e-mails even when the device is locked, but the company said a fix is on the way. Popular technology blog Gizmodo and an online forum run by the Mac Rumors site showed that it took only three tap... [ Full story from Ziff Davis CIO Insight Update ]
- A security flaw in Apple's iPhone allows unauthorized users to gain easy access to private contacts and e-mails even when the device is locked, but the company said a fix is on the way. Popular technology blog Gizmodo and an online forum run by the Mac Rumors site showed that it took only three tap... [ Full story from Ziff Davis CIO Insight Update ]
Source: 3G problems a mix of software, networking
Ongoing 3G connection problems with the iPhone are actually a mix of software and networking issues, a new account indicates. The report cites "an inside source from AT&T," who explains that the trouble originates with how UMTS-based cellular networks function. All devices tapping into a UMTS node demand a certain amount of power, and once a certain threshold is reached, the node can run out of ... [ Full story from MacNN | The Macintosh News Network ]
EIC Squared: Psystar vs. Apple, Cisco vs. Microsoft, Dell's cloud
On this episode of the EIC Squared podcast, CNET News' Dan Farber and ZDNet's Larry Dignan discuss the week's news. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Video: Democratic convention, day 3 recap
Vice presidential nominee Joe Biden gives the climactic address of Wednesday evening, following a speech by former President Bill Clinton. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Behind the iPhone Software 2.0.2 fix to reduce dropped calls
The recent iPhone 2.0.2 software update addressed a problem with the iPhone 3G's power control that was causing dropped calls, according to a new report. Last week, Apple's Jennifer Bowcock told USAToday that "the software update improves communic... [ Full story from AppleInsider ]
EIC Squared: Psystar vs. Apple, Cisco vs. Microsoft and Dell's cloud
On this episode of the EIC Squared podcast CNET News' Dan Farber and ZDNet's Larry Dignan discuss the week's news. [ Full story from CNET News.com ]
Update: PGP Desktop 9.9
This major update of the encryption software brings full support for pre-boot authentication, full support for external drives (including the sharing of Whole Disk Encrypted thumb drives between Mac and Windows clients), and more. [ Full story from MacInTouch ]
Beta: Mousepose 3.1
This beta release of Boinx Software's cursor highlighter adds a new filter option to the Keystroke display, the ability to define custom keystrokes that will not be displayed, improved Leopard stability, and other changes. [ Full story from MacInTouch ]
Fixtures and more from iFooty
With 237 (and counting) almost universally glowing reviews, iFooty is one app that's scoring well on the UK iPhone App Store, riding high on the Top 25 Free apps list.
What it does it pretty simple -- aggregating football league data and news articles from a variety of BBC sources -- but it does it very well and with great style. As many of the user reviews [App Store link] point out, it's one of those apps that's really, genuinely, use-it-six-times-a-day useful.
I should point out, for the vast American majority of readers on this site, that when I say "football," I mean it in the UK sense of the word. I suspect you know it better as soccer. But over here it's football, or just footy, and iFooty's comprehensive coverage of the uppermost football leagues in England (Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two) and Scotland (Premier League) offers something for many millions of fans. And, better yet, it does so for free.
The official iFooty web site doesn't tell you much; you're better off going to the App Store for more info.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsUpdate: how the 2.0.2 software update addressed iPhone 3G dropped calls
According to a report by Roughly Drafted, the iPhone 2.0.2 software update addressed a problem with the iPhone 3G's power control that was causing dropped calls. Last week, Apple's Jennifer Bowcock told USAToday that "the software update improves... [ Full story from AppleInsider ]
Fannie Mae shakes up 3 top executive posts
Chief financial officer, 2 others to be replaced; 2 mortgage giants' stocks rise for 3rd day as fear of U.S. bailout recedes
Mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae shook up its executive ranks yesterday, after shares in it and sibling company Freddie Mac rose for a third straight day as investors appeared less certain a government bailout of the two troubled companies was imminent.
[ Full story from baltimoresun.com - business ]
Mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae shook up its executive ranks yesterday, after shares in it and sibling company Freddie Mac rose for a third straight day as investors appeared less certain a government bailout of the two troubled companies was imminent.
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