iLuv's i1255 desktop iPod / DVD player combo now shipping

Hey there partner, we just know that troubled look on your face is due to the inability to find yourself a DVD player / iPod dock combo that looks ever-so-slightly like an Atari console, right? If so, you'll be completely relieved to find that iLuv's CES-announced i1255 is now on sale and shipping to whomever pays the stated asking price with a non-stolen, non-maxed out credit card. If you couldn't tell, this unit acts as a vanilla DVD player and enables iPod owners to play back audio / video clips on their television or sound system without messing with additional cables. Shoot, there's even an iPod-tailored on-screen display to sort through your playlists and such. Lasso yours now for just $149.99.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/iluvs-i1255-desktop-ipod-dvd-player-combo-now-shipping/

Amazon's MP3 store nearing global launch?

While Amazon's quest to take its DRM-free, MP3 store global is public knowledge, the where and the when of that maneuver are closely guarded secrets. The UK's Telegraph is reporting that execs from Amazon's MP3 store were in London last week to "thrash out details of the launch with British record company bosses." Of course this says nothing about timing. On one side of the impending launch is DRM, that hot button of nastiness favored by the music industry and not offered by Amazon MP3. On the other, iTunes, and the music industry's desire to usurp Apple's digital dominance while inversely strenghthening the bargaining power of music execs' over Cupertino. In other words, we may be looking at an imminent launch of a global Amazon MP3 store... and we may not, though we're leaning towards the former.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/amazons-mp3-store-nearing-global-launch/

iPhone 3G Could Cost Just $100 to Make, Say Analysts

Soon after the iPhone Mark 1 launch last year, we brought you an estimate of its manufacturing cost, and now the same analysts have looked at the iPhone 3G. Portelligent thinks that this time Apple may pay as little as $100 for the components, down from $220 for the original. The saving's made in engineering advances and Apple's buying power: the extra 8GB in the 16GB version may cost as little as $20, but you'll pay $100 for it. "But we're only paying $199 for the phone, so Apple make less!" you may point out. True, but Apple may be charging AT&T as much as $400 for each unit. And with 70 countries eager to buy iPhones, the analysis suggests it might be Apple's most profitable device yet.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5017486/iphone-3g-could-cost-just-100-to-make-say-analysts

iPhone Officially Coming to Spain

Spanish site Apple Weblog has discovered a hidden iPhone page from Movistar—Telefónica's mobile arm. The page officially confirms what we already said two weeks ago: Telefónica will sell the new JesusPhone. The launch day was not mentioned in the site itself—which was supposed to be secret, and has been taken down already—but the date that we announced remains the same according to my friends in the company.3

The 3G iPhone will be available for sale in Spain at the June 18 grand opening of Telefonica's megastore—an Apple Store-like shop located in the company's landmark building in Madrid's Gran Vía—with nationwide availability the next day or after a few hours. The shop is now getting its final touches.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5012197/iphone-officially-coming-to-spain

Video of iDial Application for iPhone

I don’t know about any of you, but if I’m doing word association, Vista and perfection don’t often go together. But … this new VistaPerfection 2.0 iPhone theme is awfully impressive.

VistaPerfection was created by Spec Works (MMi forum member ebl4287).

It’s a Summerboard compatible theme that gives your iPhone that unmistakable ‘I’m a PC’ feel - and has a very complete set of customization elements, including:

• Over 90 icons
• Dock
• WiFi icon
• Boot and restore images
• Sliders
• Edge icon
• Vista login/logoff (unlock/lock) sound scheme

You’ll need to go through a fair number of steps, using the Categories app from the BigBoss source (and be comfortable with connecting via SSH to you phone for some of the steps) - but there is a very good set of instructions for you to follow - and the results look well worth the effort.

VistaPerfection is not on Installer just yet - so head over HERE for the download link and instructions on how to get it all looking and working just so...


Source: http://justanotheriphoneblog.com/wordpress/2008/05/17/vista-perfection-on-the-iphone/

3G iPhone confirmed in Italy without revenue sharing?

We've been avoiding the 3G iPhone rumor mongering as much as possible recently. After all, we know it's coming as both AT&T and Apple have confirmed. Now this: one of Italy's most respected newspapers, La Repubblica (like the WSJ with red sauce), is claiming in no uncertain terms that the 3G iPhone is coming shortly to Telecom Italia without a revenue sharing deal and without long-term exclusivity. If true, this change in strategy opens the doors for a true, global, 3G iPhone launch on UMTS networks around the world come summer time.

We contacted Telecom Italia who refuse to comment on the matter.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/3g-iphone-confirmed-in-italy/

Nike+ going WiFi and 3G, headed to iPhone

Stuff.tv is kicking back in Nike's HQ at the moment and claims to have official word about Nike's future plans with Apple. They say that the Nike+ system will be "definitely" extend beyond the iPod nano to support the relatively bulky iPhone and iPod touch. Interestingly, it will leap-frog the proprietary RF link between the shoe module and nano adapter to take advantage of WiFi and eventually 3G. This of course leads to all kinds of speculation with regard to Apple's "lifestyle companion" patent we showed you last month. 3G support would presumably allow for real-time coaching and uploads of your training activity through the Nike Plus website. So let's see... cellphone (check), iPod (check), Internet device (check), handheld gaming (almost), and now a Nike lifestyle companion (could be).

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/nike-going-wifi-and-3g-headed-to-iphone/

3G iPhone rumors building up steam

Apple's next big event is still over two months away, but the iPhone rumor mill is suddenly in full swing, and we'd say the buzz is back after that short-lived Mossberg "60 days" euphoria wore off. Tgdaily is the one making waves today, claiming that we'll see next-gen 8GB and 16GB iPhones debut at WWDC this June for $399 and $499, and that the iPod touch will always offer twice the storage at any given price point. The new units are said to feature revised casings that eliminate the current model's "plasticky" feel, which is interesting, because that supposedly-leaked image from the other day seems pretty ultra-plasticky to us, but we're not exactly expecting any of these rumors to be true, let alone add up. Other than the re-design, tgdaily says there aren't any OS or interface changes in store, and that Apple is really serious about building the Cocoa Touch platform in addition to OS X-- hence the two bridges on those WWDC invites that went out. That's about it -- nothing too shocking, really, but we'd still take all this stuff with a huge grain of salt until Steve sets things straight.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/09/3g-iphone-rumors-building-up-steam/

Meizu Adding Live Messenger to iPhone Vaporware Clone

The apparently incombustible Meizu's CEO Jack Wong has just announced that they are going to add Live Messenger to their M8 cellphone, the rather pathetic and sad motherboard who wants to be an iPhone clone when it grows up (if it ever gets released.) In other words: new vaporware announced for vaporware. The usual cynics are probably asking themselves "why should I care about this crap?" Which is exactly what we are asking ourselves right now.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/373920/meizu-adding-live-messenger-to-iphone-vaporware-clone

College students want Macs more than ever

Even though Apple holds only a small slice of the operating system market, college students want Macs more than ever. And, according to a report from Morgan Stanley, Mac OS X may eventually command a significant portion of the market because of it.

A recent higher-education survey conducted by Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty reveals that almost 40 per cent of college students claim their next computer purchase will be a Mac. And while that news may be enough to make Steve Jobs celebrate, the analyst had even more good news to share: the 40 per cent jump in expected market share far exceeds Apple's current 15 per cent share of the demographic.

'Aging phenomenon' is underway

"Longer term," Huberty said, "we see an 'aging phenomenon' that will put Apple in a more mainstream market share position as students enter the work force, much like Linux adoption in the 1998-2003 time frame."

Morgan Stanley did not say how long it will take for Apple to significantly increase its market share, but it did contend that as college students enter the work force and positions of prominence, the cascading effect could have a positive lasting impact on Apple's bottom line.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/computing/mac/news/college-students-want-macs-more-than-ever?articleid=2091916085

The world's most expensive iPhone

Austrian luxury designer and jeweler Peter Aloisson has something more to add to his kitty – ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you the Aloisson designed iPhone – the world’s most expensive iPhone. While diamond studded phones are nothing new, the only thing the iPhone Princess Plus has to its credit is being the most expensive iPhone. The phone derives its name from the Princess cut used on 138 of the 318 diamonds on its surface. The rest of the 180 diamonds on the phone are brilliant cut and it has 17.75 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold around its rim. All diamonds used are of the best quality.

This iPhone Princess Plus has a price tag of €120,000 ($176,400 USD) its first customer is a Russian businessman who had pre-ordered it way back in October 2007 for January 2008 delivery. And if you can’t afford this, the poorer lot can buy the iPhone set only with brilliant-cut diamonds. This can be purchased for the more “modest sum” of €45,000 ($66,150 USD).

Source: http://www.luxurylaunches.com/gadgets/the_worlds_most_expensive_iphone.php

Adobe says Flash is coming to the iPhone

he word is out, kids. Adobe has apparently gone against old Jobsy's wishes, and it's planning a Flash player made all special for the iPhone (ala Windows Mobile) despite Apple's concerns that the technology -- in its current incarnation, anyway -- isn't cut out for mobile duty. During a conference call today, Chief Executive Shantanu Narayen said, "We believe Flash is synonymous with the Internet experience, and we are committed to bringing Flash to the iPhone," adding, "We have evaluated (the software developer tools) and we think we can develop an iPhone Flash player ourselves." We wouldn't be surprised if Adobe were to be given a pass on all those pesky SDK rules that would likely prevent a proper browser-based Flash component to be coded for the device, though those Apple dudes can be real sticklers for rules.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/adobe-says-flash-is-coming-to-the-iphone/

Apple TV to become TiVo challenger?

A new Apple patent filing has surfaced that points to the possibility of the company offering an upgraded Apple TV that can record and play back live shows.

According to the filing, the prospective device would allow users to scan through upcoming programming and use a modified touchscreen remote to skip through menus and record, play and rewind live programming. The remote looks quite similar to a second-generation iPod and uses the same trackpad and buttons to control the menus.

Remote is central to usability

"For example, program data for upcoming programs, e.g., for the next month, can be downloaded and stored on the remote control device," Apple said. "Thereafter, a user of the remote control device can search programs that are to be broadcast and determine which programs to record.

"The recording settings can be programmed onto the remote control device, and then be provided to the video device when data communication is established between the remote control device and the video device."

Although such an updated Apple TV would offer similar functionality to what is currently being offered in similar DVR products and the patent filing suggests Apple is ready to move forward, the company has yet to comment on the device.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/tv/news/apple-tv-to-become-tivo-challenger?articleid=1423114313

Google: Android will outsell iPhone, we still love ya Steve

Watching Google tiptoe around its relationship with Apple as it rolls out Android is one of the most enjoyable aspects of watching the industry these days. This is perfectly illustrated in the words of Rich Miner, group manager for Google's mobile platforms, who said, "there's a much larger potential market on Android than for the iPhone."

A truthful statement in all likelihood assuming that the OS is robust upon its global release later this year and available on handsets from HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and LG as expected. Miner then took a few shots at the iPhone SDK saying, "There are things I saw people doing with the first version of the Android SDK that it seems like you can't do with the iPhone at least at the moment." He then noted that the SDK had been downloaded 750,000 time (compared to Apple's 100k in 4 days) as of February.

Naturally, he then applied a thick, brown coat of public relations salve saying, "[If I were a developer] I'd certainly be looking at the iPhone, and if you believe there will be lots of Android phones out there, as we do, I'd be developing for both platforms." Kumbaya my BossEricSchmidtSitsOnTheAppleBoard, kumabaya...


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/google-android-will-outsell-iphone-we-still-love-you-steve/

Disney: $123 Million From iTunes Since 2006

Disney CEO Bob Iger tells the audience at the Digital Hollywood Media Summit that he's sold 4 million movies and "40 to 50" million videos through iTunes since he launched the service in 2006. What does that mean in terms of dollars? Not much.

• Pali Research's Rich Greenfield estimates that Disney (DIS) is getting about $14.50 for each movie sold through Apple (AAPL). 4 million x $14.50 = $58 million.
• We estimate that Disney gets about $1.44 for each video it sells. 45 million x $1.44 = $64.8 million
• Grand total: $122.8 million: In other words, a little less than 10% of the $1 billion digital revenue goal Iger has laid out for his company this year -- and a rounding error for a company that generated $35 billion in sales last year.

The upside for Disney is that this is all incremental revenue, with zero marketing costs. So they'd rather have it than not. But another reminder that digital sales aren't going to do much for Disney or any other the other large media congolomerates' top and bottom lines for quite some time.

Source: http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/3/disney_123_million_from_itunes_since_2006

Iphone to go x86

The Iphone is going to go x86 in a year or two, and Moorestown is set to be the lead vehicle. A year of whispers was finally nailed down a few days ago with a comment and a slide.

First let me say that the rumour mill has been running amok since the launch of the Iphone, all based on rabid speculation. The same people who told the Inq about Apple going Intel before it happened are now saying Ix86phone. Still, multiple rumour sources are not enough, we need more evidence.


Look at the bottom corner

At CeBIT, we got the final piece of the puzzle, check out the slide here. Note the part in the red circle. Is that what it looks like?

Iphone closeup

Yup, it is what you think it is. Intel will have their usual hissy-fit when this is published, but we have source after source telling us that it will happen,so we will go with that. If you are going to buy an Iphone, wait. If you get one now, you will do what happens with any first gen Apple device, hate yourself when the real one comes out soon. Then again, if you are dumb enough to buy one in the first place, you probably will feel honoured to spend more on the new one.

If you are wondering what the Moorestown launch device is, this is a good bet, although others may trickle out before or after.

Save your pennies boys and girls, the Iphone3 is going to be pretty nice, if a bit fascistic. µ

Source: http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/03/12/iphone-x86

32GB iPod - Music with excellence

Apple’s new 32GB iPod is amazingly stunning as it is loaded with some of the most admirable features. The iPod has great quality and ultra sleek body which give it a highly sophisticated look. I simply admire its great design and advanced video display. This incredible media player has awesome web capabilities. This iPod has some of the most advanced features that give users a completely joyful experience.


I am simply awed by the impeccable performance of the iPod. This amazing music device has all the astounding features that enthrall the music lovers. The iPod is an incredible gadget that promises the best music experience. This gizmo is a must have for all the people who want to listen to relishing music all the time. The Apple iPod is the perfect conglomeration of innovative technology and stylish looks. The gadget looks extremely stylish and trendy with its ultra sleek body. It has the most awesome design which gives it stunning and elegant look. Now all the admirers of elegance and music can entertain themselves with the good looking iPod. The users will certainly appreciate its wonderful applications and other utilities.


I admire the iPod's efficient interface with which I can manage playlists of my favourite songs with extreme ease. This incredible device gives me convenient and fast access to all my favorite tracks. It has amazing memory space with which a large number of songs and videos can be stored. Now I do not need to worry about the storage space while downloading my favourite tracks and videos.


I have been searching for an efficient music player with which I get unlimited music and amazing sound quality. I had tried several MP3 players; they offered good sound quality, however I was not much satisfied with their performance. I had to delete songs to store new ones due to limited space. My search for perfect music player has ended with the 32 GB iPod. Now I can enjoy music for hours without bothering about the storage space. Now my journeys have become more exciting and less boring with the incredible iPod. The mammoth memory space of 32 GB is sufficient to store up to 7000 songs and 25000 photographs. I can store my favourite videos also as this device supports up to 40 hours of video playback time.


The Apple iPod has an efficient software with which one can have latest updates about the weather and stocks. It offers the maps of various locations and you can also make notes with a specialized application. The iPod also offers the emailing facility. This amazing gadget has built in Wi Fi with which one can easily access the internet with its Safari Browser. One can upload videos on the YouTube directly. The iTunes wireless music store gives the latest music all the time.


The 32 GB iPod has amazing display. It offers crystal clear videos and pictures with sharp colours. The iPod has amazing 3.5 inch large screen that gives awesome display with high resolution of 480 x 320 pixels. The incredible multi touch interface gives easy and fast access to the menu. The incredible user friendly and simple functionality amuses the users. One can watch videos and pictures with perfect brightness and contrast. The major advantage of the latest device is its compatibility with the legacy iPod accessories. The Apple 32 GB iPod has lesser error rate than the previous music players from the company.


This device has incredible battery backup which ensures that one can enjoy exciting music for hours without interruption. The iPod comes with a high performance lithium ion battery which can be charged with a USB cable or power adaptor. It offers audio playback for about 22 hours and video playback for 5 hours. The battery gets fully charged in about 3 hours. One can fast charge the battery for about 1.5 hours which recharges it upto 80 % of its capacity. The Apple 32 GB iPod will certainly astound the music lovers.

iPhone 2.0 Jailbroken, Unlocked with Modified Beta Firmware

The beta firmware that comes with the iPhone SDK has been modified to unlock and jailbreak the iPhone, even before its public release. Part of the Pwned Project, the hacked firmware will allow you to do anything you want, including the installation of both official and unofficial apps, and even patches. We got the exclusive details directly from the DevTeam, including the fact that it is going to be extremely hard for Cupertino to close this new hole:

pwned firmware means it's custom [firmware], you can have it install anything you would ever want :-) Pwned works with some magic, it will be hard to close but nothing is impossible (from Apple) with a mindtwist. But first, we will enjoy :)

They told us that this is all part of their previous Pwned project, which instead of trying to hack into the iPhone, directly patches the firmware itself to both unlock it, so you can use the iPhone with any carrier you want, and allow you to install any applications you want.

According to the Dev Team, the custom 2.0 firmware (technically, 1.2.0,) is now up and running without problems in many of their iPhones, running unsigned applications without a single problem. However, current Installer.app applications need to be changed: "they changed lots of the API, a lot. We will see how much has to be changed to the Toolchain [the previous development tool for iPhone independent developers] to still work after 2.0."

The best news, however, is this: "the hacked 1.2 firmware works with anything. AT&T and others, it's pwned. And Apple will not really be able to patch it this time... somehow :-)"

I'm flabbergasted. As Han Solo would say, "that's one in a million, kid!" Once again.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/366751/iphone-20-jailbroken-unlocked-with-modified-beta-firmware

Japan orders Apple to investigate exploding iPod nanos

Uh oh. Japan's trade and economy ministry is now officially investigating the explosive nature of the iPod nano. The culprit is model MA099J/A -- AKA, the old black and white plastic model already reported to spew "chest high flames," cause bedroom fires, and explode across the floor. The Japan incident occurred in January when an iPod nano reportedly "shot out sparks while recharging." At this point, all odds are with the nano's lithium ion battery. Apple Japan has been ordered to investigate the issue and report back to the ministry with the cause. Kind of like asking the fox what it was doing in the hen house, eh?

Update: Apparently, the Japanese ministry "strongly warned" Apple for failing to report the incident (as required by law) when it occurred. Apple's filing with the ministry came on March 7th.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/japan-orders-apple-to-investigate-exploding-ipod-nanos/

Three games I want to see on the iPhone now

Now that Apple has shown the world its plans for the future of the iPhone, I can't help but wonder what kind of games will be available on the device. And although EA showed off the wildly anticipated Spore, here's a quick list of some other titles that I hope will populate Apple's App store in June.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog

Who can forget that cuddly Sega character from years ago? Not only did the blue hedgehog enjoy moving quickly through levels, he offered a unique style of gameplay that made playing the title both fun and interesting. In a perfect world, the game would offer the kind of graphics we all loved from the Genesis days and use the iPhone's accelerometer to move the spiked one left and right, while the Home button would be used to jump. Reasonable price: £2.50

2. Super Mario Bros.

Call it cliche, but wouldn't it be great if you could jump through tubes and save Princess Peach on an iPhone? Of course, not every Mario title would be best. If you ask me, the only way to make the franchise popular on Apple's device is to bring back the old days of Mario ugliness and let me jump with the Home button while I move the plumber with the accelerometer. Reasonable price: £2.50

3. Pong

I know what you're thinking: "Pong? Are you crazy? Pong?" Yes. Pong. What if I said two-player Pong using the iPhone's accelerometer over a Wi-Fi connection? I'll bet that changes your tune. Here's my vision: you and a friend both own iPhones and decide Pong is the game for you (which it is). Upon downloading it, you establish a connection with each other via Wi-Fi and use the iPhone's accelerometer to move your paddles. Can you say, mega-hit? Reasonable price: £25 (come on, you know it would be great)

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/gaming/news/three-games-i-want-to-see-on-the-iphone?articleid=656725953