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iPhone
MacRumors On iPhone 3.0
13, Mar 2009 16:34
iPhone OS 3 Preview On March 17th
12, Mar 2009 18:51
We here at AYAAW sincerely hope that Apple includes the following with OS 3.0:
- A better way to organize/move apps around.
- Copy & Paste.
- Push notifications (battery friendly of course).
- MMS texting.
- A better way to organize/move apps around.
That’s not a typo. We really, really want a better way to organize/move apps around. After the third or fourth full screen of apps it’s a big pain in the ol’ arse to do anything other than let iTunes just plunk them in the first available spot. From an organizational and productivity standpoint that’s just plain inefficient.
Apple Expanding iPhone Geotagging?
21, Feb 2009 06:37
Perhaps the biggest ramification of this move (if it happens), however, is that it implies that Apple may be expanding what the iPhone can be doing in the background. Read the entire article over at Ars Technica.
At this point Berka is just speculating based on a “TidBITS source”, so it’s probably a bit premature to get our collective undies in a bunch. It’d be a great thing if it happens but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Joseph Henry
Spice Up Your iPhone's Vocabulary
19, Jan 2009 18:18
Oh and we didn’t figure that out here at AWAAW. Nope, the fine folks over at Ars Technica, specifically Erica Sadun, get credit for that.
Griffin Introduces Navigate for iPhone and iPod
12, Jan 2009 04:56
SAN FRANCISCO, MACWORLD 2009
Navigate will retail for $59.00 and Griffin will be releasing an iPhone/iPod companion app, iFM, to the iTunes app store in March.
Read more...
“Griffin Technology Inc., creator of all things iPhone and iPod, today announced the availability of its Navigate inline controller and iFM app for iPhone and iPod touch. Navigate delivers FM stereo radio and offers a remote control for any recent-generation iPod or iPhone model. The iFM app can be used as a companion to any FM radio to display song titles, program information, etc.’’
Navigate will retail for $59.00 and Griffin will be releasing an iPhone/iPod companion app, iFM, to the iTunes app store in March.
Read more...
$99 iPhone: They'd Sell A Bazillion
04, Dec 2008 07:31
It's a rumor so take it with a grain of salt.
Joseph Henry
Storm iPhone/iPod Touch Backup Battery
01, Dec 2008 06:40
iPhone 3G Case Review Part 5: More-thing.com's Noel Collection Metallic Series Case
26, Nov 2008 17:01
iPhone 3G Case Review Part 4: Speck SeeThru
24, Nov 2008 16:15
Apple Offers Up "iPhone Your Life" Website
23, Nov 2008 09:26
Apple debuted a new website Friday designed to help new iPhone owners get the most out of their phones. The "iPhone Your Life" site offers up app recommendations for:
There are also links to an iPhone Tips and Tricks section, App of the Week and Top Apps.
If you've owned your iPhone for awhile you probably won't find anything new and startling here but it seems like a pretty nice place for new owners.
There are also links to an iPhone Tips and Tricks section, App of the Week and Top Apps.
If you've owned your iPhone for awhile you probably won't find anything new and startling here but it seems like a pretty nice place for new owners.
Invoking Google Maps Street View
22, Nov 2008 17:26
How do you invoke Google Maps Street View? Do you know? We do and we're not telling. Just kidding! We'll tell you but you have to take a trip to the 3G Survival Guide to find out.
Apple Releases iPhone And iPod Touch Firmware Version 2.2
21, Nov 2008 06:28
Unless you're living under a rock you know Apple released iPhone/iPod Touch Firmware version 2.2 on Friday. The update brings enhancements to:
Google Maps
Mail
Safari
Improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages.
Pressing the Home button from any Home screen takes you to the first Home screen.
Preferences to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard settings.
Direct downloading of Podcasts from the iTunes Music Store.
For all the details and a list of undocumented 2.2 features and enhancements read the MacRumors article.
Our favorite feature is the enhancement to the Home button. When you have app spread like we do this is a welcomed addition indeed. Below you find a few screen shots of the various enhancements, and if you haven't already done so, get to downloading version 2.2. We've experienced no downside to the update.
Google Maps
- Google Street View.
- Public Transit and Walking Directions.
- Share Location Via Email.
- Resolved isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email.
- Improved formatting of wide HTML email.
Safari
- Improved stability and performance.
- Rearranged menu bar to included both the Google Search box and the URL address.
Improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages.
Pressing the Home button from any Home screen takes you to the first Home screen.
Preferences to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard settings.
Direct downloading of Podcasts from the iTunes Music Store.
For all the details and a list of undocumented 2.2 features and enhancements read the MacRumors article.
Our favorite feature is the enhancement to the Home button. When you have app spread like we do this is a welcomed addition indeed. Below you find a few screen shots of the various enhancements, and if you haven't already done so, get to downloading version 2.2. We've experienced no downside to the update.
New Item In The 3G Survival Guide
18, Nov 2008 04:58
Bulging Laptop Batteries And My iPhone Battery Tale Of Woe
16, Nov 2008 09:32
Bulging Laptop Batteries
While perusing the iTunes app store the other day we stumbled upon a new app from Consumer Reports. The app is free and as we’ve so often mentioned, free is good so we downloaded it straight away.
Consumer Reports reported the issue to Apple and after a fairly lengthly customer service call to Apple they were authorized an immediate overnight shipment of a new battery.
Aside from the long call, this speaks to why Apple tops our annual survey on computer tech support.
states Consumer Reports.
Oh and the free Consumer Reports is kind of cool as well. Check it out on iTunes here. If you want to read the online version of "Apple's Bloating Batteries" check it out over at Consumer Reports.
iPhone Battery Tale Of Woe
Speaking of batteries, my iPhone has been suffering progressively worsening battery life. I’d start the day off fully charged and by supper I’d be at or getting close to 20% left. This was odd as I’d not overly taxed the phone. I’d probably use an hour or so of Talk Time, checked my email every hour or so and brought up iCal 10 or 15 times. I'd also take a trip to Twitterland via Twitterrific (now replaced by Tweetsville by the way) and maybe use a few other apps along the way but did nothing that I felt should be running the battery down that fast.A visit to Apple’s support forums has hopefully nipped this issue in the bud. Seems that although lithium-ion batteries like the ones in iPhones and iPods don’t suffer from “memory” problems like NiCad batteries do (we all knew that) they do benefit from completing complete charging cycles. Apparently this tunes the charging circuitry so that your phone knows when it’s fully charged and when it needs charging.
That day I let my phone discharge completely, to the point that it was at 5% and would only offer me the option to make an emergency call or charge the phone. I plugged the phone into a wall outlet for 5 or 6 hours and now everything seems to be back to normal.
Here’s a link to the myriad battery charging threads in the discussions forums. Apple also posted this interesting and useful lithium-ion battery tips page as well as this iPhone specific battery tips page. I believe much if not all of this info is contained in one of my many owners manuals but who reads those things?
Er, maybe I should. Nah!
For those too lazy to click on links, here are the iPhone specific tips Apple suggests. The ones in bold and underlined were news to me:
- Minimize the use of location services
- Fetch new data less frequently
- Turn off push mail
- Auto-check fewer email accounts
- Minimize the use of third party applications
- Turn off WiFi
- Turn off Bluetooth
- Use Airplane mode in low or no coverage areas
- Adjust brightness
- Turn off EQ
- Turn off 3G
Ok, lets get real. The reason I own an iPhone is solely (almost, I do use the phone for "phoning" people occasionally) for using third party applications so that one is just ridiculous. Also, putting the phone in Airplane mode kind of defeats the purpose of having a cell phone, doesn't it?
Anyway, the tips are good and along with following the monthly charging cycle tip I'm hoping to get more out of my iPhone's battery. One more little tidbit I hadn't even thought of:
a quote straight from the iPhone Battery tip page. I knew it wouldn't charge when the computer is turned off (duh!) but didn't know about the sleep or standby mode thingy. That's some good info!Make sure your computer is on while charging iPhone via USB. If iPhone is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPhone battery may drain. That's
And Yet Another Twitter App For Your iPhone: Tweetsville
13, Nov 2008 18:41
The weird part of this whole thing is that I'm still Tweeting after I swore, not 5 months ago, that I'd never become a Tweeter and that I thought it was probably the biggest waste of time yet conceived by mankind. Seriously, does anyone really care what I'm doing right now? I sure as heck don't care what you're doing so don't Tweet it.
Twitter, however, grows on you. Sort of like ear hair. You don't really know why it's there but you still end up paying way too much attention to it. I vowed back in July to give it a try for a few weeks and I'm happy/sad to say I'm still Twittering. Worse, I'm buying Twitter apps.
Anyway, Tweetsville is a nice Twitter iPhone app and goes for a reasonable $3.99. I'm finding that I much prefer it's UI over Twitterrific: it's a very clean and standard iPhone UI. The search option is handy as well and something that Twitterrific is lacking.
If you're ready to make the leap to a paid Twitter client for your iPhone, I'd highly recommend you take a good look at Tweetsville.
Joseph Henry
iPhone Number One "Handset Purchased By Adults" In The Third Quarter
10, Nov 2008 13:15
This news won't come as a surprise to anyone who actually use an iPhone everyday. After Apple fixed all the problems associated with the 2.0 debacle the iPhone, at least mine, has been nothing short of stellar. I've not experiences a single Silver Apple of Death screen since and I've not had to do even one restore and reset. Woo hoo!
If you look beyond the 8,000 Tip apps, 200 million Sudoku apps and the 225 "I have to take this call and oh by the way I need to leave" emergency bad date call apps the iPhone and the iTunes apps store have been an astonishing success. There is only one company that could've pulled this off and it's Apple. Don't argue Windoz fan boys you know it's true. Just as Microsoft brought affordable computing to billions (okay, the Windows experience can hardly be called computing) Apple has brought an amazing smart phone and application infrastructure to the masses. So go suck eggs Balmer!
The iPhone platform based on Leopard is truly a revolution. All hail the revolution (gratuitous Blue Oyster Cult link)!
Joe Henry
iPhone 3G Case Review Part 2: PDO's Sleek Crystal
09, Nov 2008 15:04
iPhone 3G Case Reviews Part 1
07, Nov 2008 09:50
To get the low-down on the first case we're reviewing head on over to the Reviews page and check out Griffin Technology's Clarifi.
Numerous News Outlets Reporting iPhone Tethering Soon
07, Nov 2008 06:37
Tethering has long been a no brainer for the iPhone, after all it is arguably the most advanced device of it's kind and AT&T offers tethering for it's Blackberry customers for an additional $30 per month. Now that the iPhone is capable of 3G speeds it's only more so of a no brainer.
Earlier this year NetShare by NullRiver was pulled from the iTunes App store because it enabled iPhone tethering. AT&T sited that too many iPhone users trying to tether their laptop with the phone would overextend their network without having to pay any additional fees.
Griffin Announces iTrip Auto for iPhone
31, Oct 2008 07:17
Yesterday, Griffin Technology announced the availability of iTrip Auto for iPhone. 
For more info see the full press release at Griffins website (although we pretty much copied and pasted the full text) or visit the iTrip Auto's web page. We've never used this type of auto audio adapter before so if you have any experience with these kind of set ups let us know. Either post a comment or fire off an email to AYAAW.
The iTrip Auto simply plugs into the dock connector of the iPhone and offers high-quality audio, intuitive controls and Griffin's trademark station-scanning feature, SmartScan. SmartScan makes setup and operation nearly automatic -- it seeks out the best FM frequencies available, then selects the best of the best for use in transmitting the music to the car's FM stereo.
iTrip Auto automatically optimizes output volume, and the user can select stereo or mono modes for best-quality audio. Listeners can control speaker volume from the car stereo controls, eliminating the need to look at the touchscreen to adjust volume level, and features a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen for quick, easy reference on the road.
Simple, one cable design combines easy-to-use FM transmitter and auto charger for iPhone
Plugs into the 12V auto power outlet and charges the iPhone as it plays
Power switch with 3-color charge indicator
Save frequencies to four presets; uses any FM frequency from 88.1 to 107.9
Compatible with: iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod touch (2G), iPod touch, iPod nano (4G), iPod nano (3G), iPod classic, iPod nano (2G), iPod with video (5G), iPod nano (1G)
Griffin Announces iTalk for iPhone & iPod and iTalk Sync for Mac
30, Oct 2008 18:33
On Tuesday, Griffin Technology announced the availability iTalk voice recording app for iPhone and the iPod Touch. Griffin also announced the immediate availability of iTalk Sync, the desktop companion app to iTalk.
For a limited time Griffin is giving both apps away free. They don't say how long the "limited time" is so if you want a pretty decent voice recording app combo for your iPhone or iPod Touch and you don't want to pay for it, download them both while you can. There is a small ad that displays across the bottom of two of iTalks 3 screens so perhaps Griffin is testing this as an ad supported app. The ad is very small and unobtrusive so don't let that stop you from trying it out.
Both apps are very intuitive and using them went without a hitch. Syncing via iTalk Sync was painless other than having to turn on Wi Fi on the iPhone. When the app store first opened I immediately purchased nFinity's QuickVoice and it's desktop companion app for the then special introductory price of $9.99 for both. QuickVoice has been a nice app and now nFinity is giving away the iPhone/iPod touch app. You still have to buy the companion app which is currently priced at $14.95 (nFInity's QuickVoice PC page says the regular price is $25). QuickVoice PC is certainly a more full featured app than iTalk Sync. In fact the only thing you can really do with iTalk Sync is wirelessly sync with your iPhone and then drag and drop your recordings to your Mac. iTalk and iTalk Sync are free, however, so they'll no doubt give the QuickVoice combo and all the rest of the voice recording apps on the iTunes app store a run for their money.
Oh and one more thing. Although the iPhone version of QuickVoice works well and has some pretty cool features (upside down mode for when you want to point the iPhone mic away from you) I can't get the desktop app to import any of my recordings. I go through the motions and it does import something but for the life of me I can't figure out where they go. Add to that the seriously ugly interface and OS X 2002 feel and the desktop app just seems like a bad port from a Windows version. I've filed a support request (there is a serious lack of documentation with the desktop app) so hopefully nFInity will be able to help me figure this thing out. We'll see....
In the mean time check out the iTalk & iTalk Sync screen shots below and the QuickVoice shots below that.
For more info see the full press release at Griffin's website.Griffin iTalk turns iPhone or iPod touch into an ultra-mobile, super-compact recording unit. This two-part app allows users to create high-quality recordings, and then transfer the recordings to a Mac or PC. Users will appreciate the one-touch recording controls, and the ability to pause/resume recordings and even append to previous recordings on the fly. iTalk is a two-part software application.
Download the iTalk app from the iTunes App Store and install it on your iPhone or iPod touch, for mobile recording and playback. Its companion program, iTalk Sync, runs on your computer to transfer recordings from iPod or iPhone for editing and sharing. iTalk Sync connects to your iPod touch or iPhone wirelessly via your local Wi-Fi network, and makes transfers a snap: just drag the recordings from iTalk Sync's list and drop them onto your desktop. Recordings are saved as high-quality AIFF files, playable in iTunes and most other media players.
High-quality handheld recording
Easy, convenient user interface and controls
Drag and drop file transfers wirelessly to your computer
User-selectable Good/Better/Best sample rate
Pause/resume and append to existing recordings on the fly
Recording on 2nd gen iPod touch works with the addition of Apple's iPhone headset, or with Griffin's updated TuneBuds Mobile and SmartTalk mic/control solutions
For a limited time Griffin is giving both apps away free. They don't say how long the "limited time" is so if you want a pretty decent voice recording app combo for your iPhone or iPod Touch and you don't want to pay for it, download them both while you can. There is a small ad that displays across the bottom of two of iTalks 3 screens so perhaps Griffin is testing this as an ad supported app. The ad is very small and unobtrusive so don't let that stop you from trying it out.
Both apps are very intuitive and using them went without a hitch. Syncing via iTalk Sync was painless other than having to turn on Wi Fi on the iPhone. When the app store first opened I immediately purchased nFinity's QuickVoice and it's desktop companion app for the then special introductory price of $9.99 for both. QuickVoice has been a nice app and now nFinity is giving away the iPhone/iPod touch app. You still have to buy the companion app which is currently priced at $14.95 (nFInity's QuickVoice PC page says the regular price is $25). QuickVoice PC is certainly a more full featured app than iTalk Sync. In fact the only thing you can really do with iTalk Sync is wirelessly sync with your iPhone and then drag and drop your recordings to your Mac. iTalk and iTalk Sync are free, however, so they'll no doubt give the QuickVoice combo and all the rest of the voice recording apps on the iTunes app store a run for their money.
Oh and one more thing. Although the iPhone version of QuickVoice works well and has some pretty cool features (upside down mode for when you want to point the iPhone mic away from you) I can't get the desktop app to import any of my recordings. I go through the motions and it does import something but for the life of me I can't figure out where they go. Add to that the seriously ugly interface and OS X 2002 feel and the desktop app just seems like a bad port from a Windows version. I've filed a support request (there is a serious lack of documentation with the desktop app) so hopefully nFInity will be able to help me figure this thing out. We'll see....
In the mean time check out the iTalk & iTalk Sync screen shots below and the QuickVoice shots below that.
iTalk Sync
QuickVoice iPhone App
QuickVoice Desktop App
November iPhone 3G Case Round Up
14, Oct 2008 15:20
Hopefully, sometime in early November your favorite Apple site (AYAAW) will be running the most complete iPhone 3G case review ever. We say hopefully because we're still waiting for a few of the cases to show up. They're on their way but who knows how long it'll take them to get here. The roundup will happen in November but exactly when is still a little unsure, hence the "hopefully".
Here are the cases that we'll for sure be reviewing:
Marware: Flexi Shell with Screen Protecter
PDO: Sleek Crystal Case with Screen Protecter
Griffin: Clarifi and Nu Form
Case-mate: Clear Naked case
Speck: See Thru and Pixelskin
We're still waiting to hear back from these manufacturers:
Belkin: Clear Acrylic Case
Incase: Slider Case
More-thing: Mono Series Silicone case
Seidio: Innocase II Surface
Agent 18: Clear Shield
IvySkin: XyloT3 Clear Case
Scosche: KickBack
Hopefully we'll get review units for most, if not all of them. Have you seen or read about a case that you'd like to see reviewed? Post it in the comments to this article or fire off an email to AYAAW and we'll do our best to get the case and include it in our roundup.
TTFN
Tracy Chapman Crashed My iPhone!
01, Oct 2008 11:44
So, the next time you just absolutely have to know the title of the song you're listening to in the elevator, Shazam it. Just make sure it's not a Tracy Chapman song or your iPhone will go wonky. You've been warned.
MyWeather Mobile Update Provides Enhancements
24, Sep 2008 04:36
The developers of Fizz Weather, Fizz Software, informed us that they are working with their weather provider to bring higher quality radar to Fizz Weather. If you recall, that was my biggest and pretty much only gripe with Fizz Weather. I'm looking forward to this.
The developers of MyWeather Mobile, MyWeather, LLC also informed us that enhancements were in the works that addressed some of its shortcomings. After approval, on Tuesday MyWeather Mobile moved to version 1.1 which includes a more detailed current weather screen. To access the screen you click on a little right-pointing arrow located next to each of the cities you have MyWeather Mobile set to gather weather info. The top portion of the screen flips to reveal the following:
Wind Chill/Heat Index
Dew Point
Humidity
Precip. Today
Wind
Pressure
Another new feature is the ability of the Trend screens to be viewed in landscape mode. This makes for much nicer viewing as you can tap on the timeline located at the bottom of the screen and see what the wind speed and direction, precipitation amount and temperature and sky conditions will be at any given time over the next 36 hours.
The new additions are certainly welcomed and bring MyWeather Mobile closer to Fizz Weather in terms of actual, readable weather data. Fizz Weather still gets our vote in this regard, however and we're eagerly awaiting its upcoming radar.
Apple Issues iPhone 3G Power Adapter Recall
19, Sep 2008 17:21
iPhone 3G users can get replacements by filling out this web-based Exchange Program form or by requesting one at an Apple store starting October 10th.. You'll need your iPhone serial number which can be found on your iPhone under Settings>General or by plugging the phone into your Mac and opening iTunes to your iPhone screen. Apple states:CUPERTINO, California—September 19, 2008—Apple® today announced that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating the risk of electric shock.
Apple has received reports of detached prongs involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported.
Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority so it has voluntarily decided to exchange every ultracompact power adapter for a new redesigned adapter, free of charge. For more details on the exchange program please visit www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.
In the meantime, they should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their iPhone or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs) or with a third party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger.
For more information see this Apple support article.
| |
One Week With iPhone 2.1
19, Sep 2008 03:09
When Apple claimed that the update would "significantly improve battery life" I was skeptically hopeful. After a weeks worth of testing I think Apple should retract that claim. Instead of "significantly" they should say "dramatically". It's amazing that a simple (it was simple for me anyway) firmware update could have that much of an effect on battery life. If I had to guess I'd say it that since the update my useful battery life has almost double. No kidding!
I also haven't suffered anymore GAD's. I still have every appropriate appendage crossed but so far so good. I'm even thinking I might try updating an app or two from my iPhone and then try a sync. Prior to 2.1 that was pretty much guaranteed to produce a GAD.
I can't say one way or the other if GPS performance has been improved nor can I comment on improvements with dropped calls. I never experienced any of the dropped calls and since I hadn't had any GPS for over a week prior to the update any GPS is good GPS.
So, yes I'm a happy man! The only thing that really bugs me is that if they could fix all these problems with a simple firmware update, why did it take so long? Hopefully some of the hair I pulled out of my head will grow back. On second thought, maybe there's a class action suit here?
iPhone Weather App Smack Down
16, Sep 2008 14:20
Vs. 
Don't miss our iPhone weather app smack down over in the reviews section. We take two of the most popular and well regarded general weather apps, MyWeather Mobile and Fizz Weather, and put them through their paces. To see which on comes out on top keep reading after the jump.
Review: DLO Auto Charger for iPhone
11, Sep 2008 22:28
iPhone Firmware 2.1
11, Sep 2008 07:37
On Tuesday Uncle Steve introduced us to the goodness that is the new iPod Nano and Touch (watch the QuickTime stream here). iTunes got a little smarter and Apple announced a new premium set of ear buds. The big news for me, however, was Steve's announcement that on Friday, Apple will release iPhone Firmware 2.1 which he says will squash most of the bug us lucky "few percentage of customers" are experiencing. The dropped calls thing hasn't been an issue for me and I don't get and never will get 3G service where I live so that's no big deal for me. I have been afflicted with most of the other bugs you've been hearing about here and there on the internet so I've compiled a list of what I'm hoping to see get fixed with Firmware 2.1. Once again, I'm keeping any and all appropriate appendages crossed. Without further adieu heres my list:
Well that's just about it. I'm sure I could think of a few more but if firmware 2.1 fixed those 6 favorites, I'd be a happy man.
Oh and here's a fun little interview with Steve Jobs conducted by CNBC's Jim Goldman. It strikes me that Goldman seems to really be sucking up to Uncle Steve and going out of his way to not piss him off. What do you think? It was nice of Jobs not to bust out laughing when Goldman asked him about the new Jerry Seinfeld/Bill Gates commercial. The look on his face, though, was pretty telling.
Joe Henry
- God-awful long backups and syncs. Almost since day one this one has been bad. Instead of syncing and backing up daily like I should be, I've avoided this and will only sync overnight once or twice a week. The reason? 4 and 5 hour long backup/syncs. I kid you not. The iPhone can only hold 16 GBs why in the hell does it take 4+ hours to back up? The other day I kind of forgot that backup/syncs take this long and at about 3 p.m. I plugged my 3G into my iMac to do a "quick" app update. Big mistake! I had to be to work (my real, bill paying job) at 6 p.m. and by 5:15 it was readily apparent that there was no way I was going to make it. In frustration I ripped the cord out of the back of my iMac with the backup/sync having completed about half of what it probably should have. Boy was I surprised to see that my iPhone booted up and worked normally for the rest of the day. I figured I'd bricked it for sure at least until I could do a restore.
- Dodgy GPS. This one hasn't been a big issue for me and the GPS works pretty well most of the time. The last couple of days, however, non of the GPS using apps on my phone can get a signal. Perhaps I shouldn't have jerked the USB cord out of my iMac during a backup/sync? Nah that can't be it. Anyway, I'm afraid to reboot the phone because I'm fairly certain it won't reboot and get stuck at the Gray Apple logo screen requiring a restore. That's never a good thing so I've just avoided powering down and rebooting. Hopefully, after tomorrow I'll have my GPS back.
- Lose of volume. This one hasn't been a huge deal for me either as generally a reboot will fix it. See number 2 for why I can't/won't reboot.
- General app crashiness. This one hasn't been a huge deal either except when it happens (duh, makes sense you nimrod). Sometimes when it does, though, I have to reboot which has led to some hair pulling when it reboots into the GAD (gray Apple of Death) or SAD (silver Apple of Death) as some call it. SAD makes me sad as well as frustrated as you then have to do a restore. In my experiences Restores can go one of three ways: 1. Restored back to new and then iTunes only gives you the option of setting up the phone as a new phone. 2. Restored back to new and when you try to restore from your last backup iTunes tells you it is corrupt and, well, you're screwed. 3. Restored back to new and the restore from your last backup went without a hitch, although it took a week to finish. The last one is a most elusive creature but when it happens revel in the goodness of what Apple, iTunes and the 3G can bring to your life. You'll have plenty of time to "revel" as the whole process will take at least 4 hours.
- Restores that are required for one reason or another (generally App crashiness) and that result in one of the first two scenarios listed in number 4 above.
- Abysmal battery life. Seriously abysmal. Yesterday my fully charged 3G lasted all of 8 hour before I got the 20% battery life warning, and its not as if I had lots of background stuff going on. I turn off Wi Fi as I live in the sticks and we ain't not got no fancy shmancy Wi Fi round these here parts. I really hadn't used my phone all that much either. I made a few calls, played some music and a podcast (Car Talk) and played a game of Wurdle or three.
Well that's just about it. I'm sure I could think of a few more but if firmware 2.1 fixed those 6 favorites, I'd be a happy man.
Oh and here's a fun little interview with Steve Jobs conducted by CNBC's Jim Goldman. It strikes me that Goldman seems to really be sucking up to Uncle Steve and going out of his way to not piss him off. What do you think? It was nice of Jobs not to bust out laughing when Goldman asked him about the new Jerry Seinfeld/Bill Gates commercial. The look on his face, though, was pretty telling.
Joe Henry
Ars Technica Is Recanting "No iTunes" Post
06, Sep 2008 19:23
So there! I stuck to my guns and perhaps I'll be vindicated. To get the full details of what they are now predicting, check out the full article here.
The best news for me, however, is they are now predicting iPhone Firmware 2.1. I just spent another grueling day restoring my iPhone from the dreaded Gray Apple Screen Freeze (see our 3G Survival Guide for more info). Although my phone is now functional iTunes doesn't recognize it other than to offer restore it to factory settings or to restore from a backup. I ALREADY DID THAT! Man oh man I'm hoping version 2.1 brings an end to this very unstable and bug infested iPhone OS.
Those are strong words, I know, but I've never had to deal with anything like this from an Apple product. Sure most OS updates bring a random bug or instability but none that I can remember have ever been as bad as iPhone Firmware 2.0. The Gray Apple Screen Freezes, random reboots, corrupt backups, and the list goes on. Yes I still love my iPhone but I could certainly do without the crapware that is iPhone Firmware 2.0.
I'm keeping all of my appropriate appendages crossed for Tuesday.
Joe Henry
The best news for me, however, is they are now predicting iPhone Firmware 2.1. I just spent another grueling day restoring my iPhone from the dreaded Gray Apple Screen Freeze (see our 3G Survival Guide for more info). Although my phone is now functional iTunes doesn't recognize it other than to offer restore it to factory settings or to restore from a backup. I ALREADY DID THAT! Man oh man I'm hoping version 2.1 brings an end to this very unstable and bug infested iPhone OS.
Those are strong words, I know, but I've never had to deal with anything like this from an Apple product. Sure most OS updates bring a random bug or instability but none that I can remember have ever been as bad as iPhone Firmware 2.0. The Gray Apple Screen Freezes, random reboots, corrupt backups, and the list goes on. Yes I still love my iPhone but I could certainly do without the crapware that is iPhone Firmware 2.0.
I'm keeping all of my appropriate appendages crossed for Tuesday.
Joe Henry
Griffin Announces Double Bonus Slots
02, Sep 2008 13:30
Griffin Technology, creators of iPod and iPhone accessories like the iTrip AutoPilot and EarJams, today announced the availability of it’s newest iPod Touch/iPhone app Double Bonus Slots.
The slot machine simulation game features a large view in landscape mode, fast animation and graphics and will keep track of your winnings.
Check out Double Bonus Slots at the iTunes app store.
Joe Henry
AYAAW
The slot machine simulation game features a large view in landscape mode, fast animation and graphics and will keep track of your winnings.
Check out Double Bonus Slots at the iTunes app store.
Joe Henry
AYAAW
iPhone Security Vulnerability
27, Aug 2008 21:28
Joe
Business Week Talks Apple's iPhone Rollout
22, Aug 2008 17:09
According to Burrows’ article a person familiar with Apple’s production plans has stated that Apple is planning on manufacturing 40-45 million iPhones through August of 2009. This represents a 52% increase over the estimates of Gene Munster, analyst for Piper Jaffray. Given that Munster’s predictions are significantly more optimistic than most analysts, Apple is indeed planning an ambitious rollout.
Burrows’ goes on to say that Apple’s success with its ambitious expansion plans hinges on :
1 Apple’s and AT&T’s ability to speed up in-store activations.
2 Apple’s ability to address usability problems, the most significant of which is the problems some users are experiencing with the 3G network.
3 Apple’s ability to address component supply issues.
There are signs that all of these constraints are being addressed and Burrows concludes that even if Apple can’t meet its own lofty goals, it is likely to meet the average of most estimates.
The article is a good read and you can read it in its entirety here.
Joe Henry
Firmware Update 2.0.2 Targeted To Fix 3G Problems
22, Aug 2008 15:05
According to the AP Apple Spokesperson Jennifer Bowcock confirmed that the update “Improved communication with 3G networks”. Bowcock gave little else in terms of details.
We’ve been watching the wire here a AYAAW and haven’t seen or heard anything that might indicate that the update did in fact fix some of these issues.
In other iPhone related news, and in response to iPhone users experiencing problems with apps freezing their phones, halting the boot process and failing to start altogether, Uncle Steve, in a briefly worded response to a customer email, stated that “This is a known bug that is being fixed in the next software update in September”. Perhaps there will be a little more 3G goodness included in this package as well.
Stay tuned kiddies.
Joe Henry
New iPhone 3G Survival Guide
19, Aug 2008 12:47
Is your iPhone acting a little funky?
Has it locked up on the gray Apple logo screen?
Are apps crashing over and over again?
We may have the answer for you in our new iPhone 3G survival Guide. Right now there are only four entries but we plan to keep adding more as we come across useful iPhone tips, tricks and troubleshooting advice. One thing we all know is that the 3G is a great device. We also all know it can be a fickle creature and until Apple whips the iPhone's firmware into shape, we are sure to encounter rocky roads ahead. So don't despair when your iPhone goes wonky on you oh, intrepid reader; you are in good company.
Oh and if you come across any tips or tricks yourself, let us know and we'll add it to the guide.
Send us your tips and tricks!
Joe Henry
So Far So Good With 2.0.2 (My iPhone Woes Part II)
19, Aug 2008 10:57
Since buying my new iPhone in July and loading it up with lots of apps, I’ve suffered through incredibly long backups. You know, when you plug your iPhone into your Mac for a sync, iTunes will automatically start backing the contents up. My first gen iPhone’s backups were a scant 1 to 2 minutes. With my new phone and firmware 2.0 backups have been multi hour affairs. It’s gotten to the point where I just plug it in and leave it overnight. Its so annoying that I even posted to the Apple Support Forums hoping there was a fix. Not!
So I was eagerly awaiting an update to the iPhones firmware even secretly hoping that last nights 2.0.2 update would help. Well, it sort of has: now iTunes doesn’t back it up at all. Before updating to 2.0.2 I plugged my iPhone in and manually had iTunes do a backup. It only took an hour or two and I confirmed that it had in fact backed my iPhone up by checking for the backup in Preferences>Syncing. Sure enough there was a backup for yesterday at 10:54pm. I then proceeded with the update.
Since last night I’ve manually backed up my phone twice and neither are showing up in the Syncing preference window. What’s up with that? iTunes does say that its backing my phone up and it does go a lot faster. Too bad it isn’t acually doing anything. I don’t know what to think now. I’m probably in danger of losing all my app data because I’m not backed up and it seems I’m always this close (imagine me holding my thumb and index finger about a half an inch apart) away from the dreaded “My iPhone froze at the gray Apple Logo screen and now I have to restore it from a backup” crash and burn.
I don’t know. I just don’t know. ):
Joe Henry
Apple Releases iPhone Firmware 2.0.2
19, Aug 2008 00:25
Keep your fingers, toes and any other applicable appendages crossed!
Joe Henry
AYAAW
My iPhone 3G Woes Part 1
18, Aug 2008 10:56
Joe Henry
AYAAW