Thursday, November 13, 2008

When Will Apple Add Copy/Paste To The iPhone?

Apple is set to release version 2.2 of the iPhone operating system on Nov. 21, according to a Greek language post in enthusiast blog iPhone Hellas.

In addition to a redesigned MobileSafari interface, the iPhone 2.2 update will reportedly add Google Street View, transit route information, walking directions and over-the-air podcast downloads, according to Gizmodo, which described iPhone Hellas as "consistently reliable."

Gizmodo noted that because the 2.2 feature list hasn't changed from previous beta versions, it's possible that Apple could decide to sneak copy/paste into the 2.2 update, a development that could lead to a collective outcry of joy from iPhone users who've long been clamoring for this basic functionality.

Although third-party copy/paste software is available from the AppStore, Apple has yet to provide a road map for adding it natively. This omission is ironic in light of Apple CEO Steve Jobs' recent claim that the iPhone is basically the same thing as a netbook.

Chris Carlton, a systems engineer with Mac Business Solutions, doesn't think the lack of copy/paste is a big deal for some iPhone users, given the broad range of other iPhone features. But for users who treat the iPhone as a laptop replacement, the lack of copy/paste is "glaringly obvious," he said.

"As more iPhone applications come out, and people want to do more editing and e-mail, copy/paste is really becoming more of an issue than when the iPhone first came out," Carlton said. "Even lesser devices have that basic functionality."

But despite some users' anxiety over copy/paste, November has been full of positive industry reactions to the iPhone.

Earlier this week, NPD Group reported that the iPhone has overtaken the Motorola RAZR for the top spot in handset sales to U.S. adult consumers. SquareTrade, which sells extended mobile device warranties, published data that shows the iPhone is twice as reliable as the BlackBerry and three times more reliable than the Palm Treo.

And earlier this month, J.D. Power and Associates said the iPhone ranked highest among business users in terms of customer satisfaction, beating out smartphones from Research In Motion, Samsung, HTC, and Motorola.

source:crn.com 

Web-based Office to work on Macs, iPhone

 A Microsoft blog reiterated this week that the Web-based version of Office won't be tied to either Windows or Internet Explorer.

In a blog posting on its Channel 10 site, a Microsoft blogger noted that, owing to support of Firefox and Safari, the forthcoming Office Web Applications will run on Linux and the iPhone.

The blogger, Microsoft's Sarah Perez, also noted that Microsoft won't be mandating use of Silverlight, its rival to Adobe's Flash.

"Silverlight is not required," Perez said in the Q-and-A posting. "Using Silverlight will enhance the user experience, resulting in sharper images and improved rendering. Also, the Office Live Workspace has integrated Silverlight technology into the multi-file upload function for a better experience."

Microsoft has said a technical preview of the Web-based Office apps will come later this year. Microsoft hasn't explicitly said there will be a free version, though executives have said the apps will be part of Office Live, which comes in both free and subscription flavors. Perez takes that to mean--as do I--that there will be both free and paid options.

On the corporate side, Microsoft has said the Office Web Applications will be tied to SharePoint.

The forthcoming Web-based version of Microsoft Word, like online versions of Excel and PowerPoint, won't be limited to the PC, Microsoft says.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Apple bans iPhone app for changing version number

Apple has banned version 1.3 of return7's CastCatcher internet radio service from the iPhone App Store, complaining that it's "transferring excessive volumes of data over the cellular network."

But you can still buy version 1.2, which transfers exactly the same amount of data over the network.

In fact, when Apple complains about 1.3 hogging its network, it's really talking about 1.2. Version 1.3 hasn't even used the network. It never actually made it into the iPhone App Store.

Plus, you can still buy all sorts of other internet radio apps from the iPhone App store, including Pandora, AOL Radio, Tuner, FStream, WunderRadio, and the list goes on.

We say all this only to show that even logic is powerless in the face of Apple's iPhone app censorship.

CastCatcher version 1.3 differs from version 1.2 in four small ways:

  • Adjustable buffer size (see Preferences on your iPhone)
  • Experimental AAC+ support (works w/ 2.0.2 but not 2.1 - bug report filed w/ Apple for assistance - this feature is NOT supported)
  • Minor fix around Icecast metadata
  • Fixed crash on downloading invalid playlist files

But when it was submitted for review, Apple replied like this: "CastCatcher Internet Radio cannot be posted to the App Store because it is transferring excessive volumes of data over the cellular network, which as outlined in the iPhone SDK Agreement section 3.3.15, is prohibited."

return7 CEO Amro Mousa is not pleased. "Our disappointment stems from the inconsistency of the decision and not the decision itself," he tells The Reg. "Three other versions of CastCatcher plus many other music applications were already approved. We understand the concern of burdening cell networks but believe it should be left to the carriers to control via their mobile plans. If a mobile plan allows up to 5GB of data, we believe the user should be able to use their 5GB of data."

Since the initial rejection, he has resubmitted version 1.3. But he's not holding his breath.

source:theregister.co.uk

BlackBerry Storm Coming Nov. 21 For $199, iPhone Not Toast

(alleyinsider.com) -- It's official: Verizon Wireless will start selling RIM's (RIMM) new touchscreen BlackBerry Storm on Nov. 21. The iPhone-ish smartphone will sell for $199.99 after subsidy and a $50 mail-in rebate, assuming you are eligible and sign a two-year contract.

This is an important launch for both companies, as Apple (AAPL) beat RIM in unit shipments last quarter, and Verizon (VZ) hasn't yet had a credible answer to the iPhone.

However, this is hardly an aggressive play. We think Apple still has the upper hand.

We had read rumors that Verizon Wireless was considering selling the Storm for free after subsidy, as its part-owner Vodafone (VOD) is doing abroad. That would definitely give the iPhone a run for its money.

But at $199, the Storm is the same price as Apple's 8-gigabyte iPhone, while offering fewer features. The iPhone, for example, has a better app platform, more built-in memory, multi-touch controls, better music/video platform, and wi-fi.

Meanwhile, the Storm's only potential advantages that we can think of so far: Better 3G Internet service -- the iPhone's has ranged from average to terrible in our experience; better mobile email; and maybe a better on-screen keyboard, if RIM's "click-screen" is any good.

So it seems that most people who'd buy it are people who are tied to/prefer Verizon Wireless/BlackBerry email -- or people who hate Apple. (We'll reserve judgment until after we've had time to play with it.)

It's also possible one or both companies will cut prices again before Christmas sales ramp up, which could help sell more phones. Especially if this quarter is really as terrible as everyone says it's been.

One thing we don't know yet: How much Verizon will charge for monthly service. Our bet is $70 per month, the cheapest plan AT&T (T) offers for the iPhone.

source: money.cnn.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

IBC Bank Launches iPhone Mobile Banking Application from mFoundry on Apple App Store

LAREDO, Texas & SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 12, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mobile financial services leader, mFoundry, today announced that IBC Bank's mobile banking application for iPhone and iPod touch is available on the Apple App Store.IBC Bank is the Laredo-based flagship bank of International Bancshares Corporation, one of the largest bank holding companies in Texas.IBC's mobile banking application for iPhone gives customers on-demand, secure access to IBC checking, savings and loan accounts and also provides access to account balances, search and retrieval of account transaction histories, money transfers, bill pay, and location search for IBC branches and ATMs.
"The iPhone has quickly taken a large share of the smartphone market and its users have shown a great propensity for downloading applications so we're excited to now offer a mobile banking app for iPhone and iPod touch users," said Dennis E. Nixon, chairman of International Bancshares Corporation. "mFoundry's ability to quickly support new platforms and devices separates them from competitors and we're proud of the application we've created together for these important customers."
"iPhone and iPod touch users are unmatched in terms of mobile content consumption. We're pleased to be able to work with IBC Bank to serve this important audience," said Drew Sievers, CEO and cofounder of mFoundry. "IBC Bank is a very forward-thinking regional leader who has made great strides this year in offering a variety of mobile banking options. We look forward to our continued partnership."
The mFoundry platform supports full mobile banking and mobile payments and serves as an ideal foundation for mobile wallets. Adopted by some of the largest banks and mobile operators in the U.S., the mFoundry platform has become the leading mobility platform for financial services.
About IBC Bank
IBC Bank is a subsidiary of International Bancshares Corporation (IBOC:
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IBOC 24.45, 0.00, 0.0%) , a $11 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with more than 265 facilities and 425 ATMs serving more than 100 communities in Texas and Oklahoma.
About mFoundry
mFoundry provides a comprehensive mobile banking and payments solution for banks, credit unions, processors and operators. With specific programs for financial institutions of all sizes, the out-of-the-box platform supports full service mobile banking and mobile payments and serves as an ideal foundation for mobile wallets. The platform has been adopted by some of the largest banks, mobile operators and bank technology providers in the U.S.
mFoundry is based in the San Francisco Bay Area andhas been recognized as one of "10 Emerging Wireless Players to Watch" by IDC as well as the top "Tech Company to Watch" by Bank Technology News. For more information on mFoundry, please visitwww.mfoundry.com.

Merge Healthcare Announces New Merge Mobile(TM) for the iPhone(TM)

a leading medical imaging solutions provider, announced mobile technology that enables patients and healthcare professionals to view digital medical images such as CT, MRI, X-ray and other images on an Apple iPhone(TM) or iPod(R) touch. A demonstration of Merge Mobile(TM) for the iPhone(TM) is available free of charge from the iPhone App Store.
Merge Mobile is breakthrough technology intended to help health organizations and clinicians improve quality of care, reduce costs and improve responsiveness to patients. Today, radiologists and physicians have access to patient medical images from computers connected to their practice management or PAC (picture archiving and communications) systems. Applications(a) built upon Merge Mobile technology will enable radiologists to view emergency cases directly from their iPhone or iPod touch, consult with colleagues and, when necessary, forward critical findings directly and securely to a patient's referring physician.
"Merge Healthcare will usher in a new era of mobile healthcare by bringing advanced medical imaging information to the fingertips of physicians," said Justin Dearborn, Merge Healthcare Chief Executive Officer. "Merge Mobile leverages the rapid convergence of mobile and medical technology development to empower new approaches in healthcare delivery and coordination."
Merge Mobile technology will enable the development of applications to retrieve CT, MRI, X-ray and other images wirelessly, and to perform standard radiologic manipulations to guide decision-making, much like computer-based solutions such as PACS. Few solutions of this kind exist today, and most experience download delays associated with medical imaging's large data sets. Merge Mobile incorporates advanced remote rendering techniques, including multi-planar reconstruction (MPR), which eliminate downloading of large data quantities to the mobile device and enable near-immediate access to images. Features include remote stack viewing using the iPhone multi-touch interface, scroll, contrast adjustment, zoom and pan. A secure communication protocol addresses privacy.
Merge Healthcare provides sample images and data via a demonstration server with the free Merge Mobile download at www.apple.com/iphone/appstore.
Apple, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Merge Healthcare's solutions solve mission-critical issues for radiology practices, outpatient imaging centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers worldwide. For additional information, visit www.merge.com.
The matters discussed in this news release may include forward-looking statements, which could involve a number of risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release, the words "will," "believes," "intends," "anticipates," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements.
(a)Note that as to Works In Progress, Merge Healthcare is not legally obligated to develop or continue to develop such Works in Progress that may include the features and functionality described herein.
SOURCE: Merge Healthcare

Screenshots: iPhone OS 2.2 Adds App Store Sorting

Fresh off the heels of rumors that iPhone OS 2.2 will be landing within ten days, Boy Genius Report posts a few screen shots of Apple’s unreleased iPhone OS 2.2 Firmware. The new images show new App Store “sorting” functionality not present in any iPhone Firmware build to date.

os22sorting

…you can sort the categories themselves by “Top Paid”, “Top Free” and “Release Date”. In addition to that, each category gets a cute little icon instead of just text-based lists, and you can finally browse through all the application screen shots, BGR explains.

os22sorting

What this means is that instead of looking at just text-based lists, you can now browse through the applications screenshots, just like in iTunes. As previously mentioned, rumors that came in today point to November 21st as a release date for iPhone OS 2.2, though it is still unconfirmed.

source:macblogz.com

`BlackBerry less reliable vs iPhone’

  NEW DELHI: Apple's iPhone has half the failure rate of RIM's BlackBerry in the first year of use, says a study carried out by a mobile-phone war
ranty firm.

The SquareTrade study, which analysed cell phone failure rates for more than 15,000 new phones, found iPhones had a malfunction rate of 5.6 per cent in the first year, compared to 11.9 per cent for BlackBerry smartphones. Palm's Treos fared worse, with 16.2 per cent having some sort of malfunction in the first 12 months of use.

The study noted that the most prominent malfunctions for iPhone users appear to be touchscreen-related, accounting for a third of all reported issues with the handset. However, 12 per cent of iPhone users reported accidental damage to their handsets within the first year of use -- the average for other handsets is nine percent.

"It's likely that any iPhone owner can guess the reason iPhone accidents are so common," the authors wrote. "After two minutes of handling an iPhone, it's impossible to escape noticing that the handsets are incredibly slippery. The form doesn't help, either. The dimensions make for a difficult grip, especially for those with small hands. These two factors conspire to make the iPhone more accident prone than just about any other handset model we've seen."

The report's authors also noted that fewer than half-a-percent of iPhone owners reported battery problems after a year of use, compared with around one percent for BlackBerry and Treo users.

SquareTrade's study did not take into account software issues handled directly by the retailer or fixed by firmware updates. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Billing Revolution Brings One-Click Payments To iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android Apps

When it comes to charging for mobile apps, payments usually have to go through either the carriers or one of the emerging mobile app platforms such as Apple or Google’s Android. The problem with charging for an iPhone app through iTunes is that Apple takes 30 percent. A startup called Billing Revolution wants to charge about one tenth as much for a seamless, mobile one-click shopping experience. Already available on other phones, Billing Revolution is announcing availability today for iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android apps.

Once a consumer signs up to pay for things through Billing Revolution, he is presented with an Amazon-like one-click payment option no matter what app is using it. (Didn’t Amazon patent that?). Billing Revolution charges a 3.5 percent transaction fee plus 50 cents per transaction.

That pretty much kills any app developer using it for micro-transactions. Nobody is going to sell a digital song for $1.00 if they need to pay Billing Revolution 53.5 cents. But it could become an option for larger purchases, and as a way to charge for premium subscriptions for apps that build adoption with a lighter-weight free version.

source:mobilecrunch.com

Debian Deviously Ported to Android, G1

If increased functionality, more usability, and greater geekiness have any place in your mobile heart, this post is for you. Jay Freeman (a.k.a. Saurik)  has successfully ported Debian onto Android and the G1. Saurik is the guy that brought you (not us) Winterboard, Cydia, and Cycorder to the iPhone, so we know this is a fully legit claim.

Instructions are not for the faint of heart, although we’d suspect the faint of heart aren’t salivating over the notion of accessing the G1’s root file system.

Some readers may be questioning the usefulness of such a mod to an already open source operating system; however, at the moment the G1 and Android does not allow developers the right to access the down ‘n’ dirty of Android on the G1.

So, if you’re up for the challenge (which might be the only real benefit of this mod), use your deductive reasoning to find, and subsequently click, the read link.

[via ModMyGPhone]

iPhone steals Razr's throne

That may seem an obvious statement, but consider this: The best-selling mobile phone among U.S. adults the past three years has been Motorola's Razr V3, which at 4 years old is ancient in the gadget world.

Now, the crown has passed from the Razr to the iPhone 3G in the latest quarter, according to new data from market research firm NPD Group.

It has taken the iPhone less than a year to topple the once-trendsetting Razr, as consumers gravitate toward handsets that not only look cool, but can handle advanced Internet tasks. The Razr achieved its stardom with its fashion-forward look. The iPhone and the other handsets in NPD's Top 5 rankings, including Research In Motion's BlackBerry Curve and the Rumor by LG, combine external design with other popular features.

Where to Shop iPhone Application Gives Holiday Shoppers More Choice to Find the Best Price

             MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov 11, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --Find Products at Nearby Stores, and Compare Online and Local Pricing While on the Go
TheFind, Inc. ( www.TheFind.com), the leading shopping search engine for discovering lifestyle goods, is making it easier for consumers to complete their shopping lists this holiday season with TheFind: Where to Shop, a new application that gives consumers the ability to leverage TheFind's powerful shopping search capabilities and comprehensive local store data from anywhere, via the Apple(R) iPhone(TM).
"The economic challenges that the U.S. and global markets have experienced over the last couple of months are expected to impact retail sales this holiday season, with price likely to become the defining factor in product purchases, followed by breadth of product selection," said Siva Kumar, co-founder and CEO of TheFind. "In introducing TheFind: Where to Shop, we hope to ease some of the 'pocketbook' pain consumers are feeling, by helping them find products in their local neighborhoods and compare online prices while on the go. With TheFind's Where to Shop, consumers can find the best deals on their holiday purchases, without running all over town or having to sit at their computer to conduct their online research. Our comprehensive approach to finding products also ensures that those consumers will find even the most unique items in a snap."
Last month, the National Retail Federation (NRF) issued its 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, which projects that U.S. consumers will "spend an average of $832.36 on holiday-related shopping, up a paltry 1.9 percent over last year's $816.6, and representing the lowest increase in planned consumer spending since the survey began in 2002." The report went on to state that "consumers say one factor will play the biggest role in buying decisions this year: price." According to the survey, 40.0 percent of shoppers cite sales or promotions as the largest factor when determining where to shop, while another 12.6 percent claim that everyday low prices sway their decision. Other consumers rated selection (21.5%) as the primary factor.
TheFind: Where to Shop bridges the gap between online research and offline purchases, enabling shoppers to compare products and pricing -- while out and about -- and ensuring that they find exactly what they're searching for, quickly and easily within reach. With a comprehensive index of more than 250 million products covering 200,000 store locations, TheFind's iPhone application aims to be the best resource for savvy shoppers.
With TheFind: Where to Shop consumers are able to:
-- "Carry" online shopping research -- product searches, prices, store locations and sales information -- with them anywhere they go. Consumers no longer have to sit at their desks in front of the computer before leaving home to do their Holiday Shopping -- they can have it all with them wherever they go.
-- Quickly and easily determine which retail outlets selling the desired items are closest in proximity. For every search, TheFind: Where to Shop graphically maps the locations of local brick-and-mortar stores whose websites have the item, and also gives phone numbers and directions to those stores. Consumers can use the map to determine which location is the closest to them, or call ahead to get more information or reserve the product - saving time, money and gas.
-- Check in-store availability. Through integration with inventory look up capabilities offered by NearbyNow and Krillion, TheFind's iPhone application enables shoppers to actually check the inventories of participating, nearby stores to see if a particular item is in stock. Additionally, all listings for local retailers have phone numbers listed so the busy shopper can call to check in-stock status before venturing out.
-- Compare online and local pricing and obtain the very best deal. TheFind: Where to Shop puts a wealth of information at one's fingertips, enabling a shopper at a store to assess prices from other retailers, to make sure they are getting the best deal. TheFind's application alerts shoppers to various considerations such as items on sale and driving distance of retail outlets, so they can make purchasing decisions based on their individual preferences and criteria.
Local search is one of the fastest-growing areas of search engine technology, and integration with brick and mortar stores, and location-specific data to facilitate in-store purchases is viewed as the "last mile" in search. An October 2008 report by Nielsen Research entitled "Research Now...Buy Later? How consumers balance an online and offline multi-channel world" found that "shoppers who browsed for products both on- and off-line at Wal-Mart, for example, spent 38% more than the store's average customers." The study goes further to show that "nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers who purchased electronics in brick-and-mortar stores first researched the products they bought online."
"Mobile represents a real opportunity for retailers in the near term, as well as a bridge between the Internet and local stores," said Greg Sterling, analyst, Sterling Market Intelligence and Local Mobile Search. "As the audiences grow and the technology matures, mobile promises targeting, tracking and consumer loyalty opportunities not even available on online."
Availability
TheFind: Where to Shop is available now from the iTunes App Store. TheFind plans to release TheFind: Where to Shop for other popular mobile platforms with standard browsers, 3G and location services.
About TheFind Inc.
TheFind.com offers the leading search engine for shopping that delivers comprehensive, authentic and visually compelling results, especially in the lifestyle goods categories. From the most popular e-commerce sites to the most unique, hard-to-find brands, TheFind uniquely crawls the entire Web to find more than 250 million products from over 500,000 e-commerce sites. By using patented technology, TheFind.com displays the best-selling products, styles, brands and stores for any shopping search right on the first page of results -- saving consumers time and money. TheFind Inc. family includes leading fashion shopping website Glimpse ( www.Glimpse.com), which specifically caters to fashion-savvy shoppers searching for the latest trends and hottest apparel products, and TheFindGreen ( www.TheFindGreen.com) which finds organic brands, green stores and environmentally friendly products all in one place. TheFind Inc. promotes shopping that gives back to the community through its Color For A Cause campaigns, which have included charitable beneficiaries such as The Susan G. Komen Foundation, Doctors Without Borders and Global Green USA.
TheFind Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is backed by leading investors Bain Capital Ventures, Redpoint Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE: TheFind Inc.

source: marketwatch.com          

Apple's iPhone is the number one phone in the land in the world

Not just smart phone mind you.  Phone.  Apple's iconic gadget phone which can only be had for $200-$300 with two year data plan outsold every mobile (and land line too, whynot?) phone.  From the $25 dollar pay as you go phones to Blackberries and Sidekicks and all of the fallen iPhone killers in between. The Motorola Razr which you can get for less than free with a plan had been the best seller for the better part of the last three years.  Not any more.

NPD has the news today..specifically that iPhone is the number one phone amongst adult consumer shoppers.   The business market is smaller than consumer and the children's market is nuch less significant than the adult market so can't we just say overall?  Or perhaps more Blackberries sold in the enterprise.  Anyway, the point is clear.  iPhone is on top.

That means in a few months, you'll probably be more likely to see an iPhone in someone's hands than a Razr.  It also means that iPhone has reached critical mass.  Non-techies can confidently pick one up as well. They'll of course have heard it is a best seller.  This is of course fantastic news for the iPhone development community who now have millions more potential customers.

If this all sounds familiar for an Apple product, it really looks like Apple's iPhone is hitting the trajectory that the iPod line had hit.  It is really the market leader in the smartphone space. 

And things are only looking up.  JD Power's annual survey of phone satisfaction came out recently with the iPhone on top.

Oh and don't forget it is twice as reliable as a blackberry and three times as reliable as the Treo.  That, and really cool new apps are coming out for the App Store that are pushing the limits of what a gadget has been traditionally able to do.

Finally, there have even been a few rumors of price drops happening should keep iPhone up there with the leaders. 

source:computerworld.com

Use an iPhone or iPod Touch in disk mode with DiskAid

One of the first things that iPhone and iPod Touch users noticed was the lack of a built-in "disk mode," where your device would appear on the desktop as a drive that you could use for file storage. Other iPod models even had a setting to specify how much of their storage space should be used for music, and how much should be used for disk mode, but the latest and greatest ones didn't. But thanks to an app called DiskAid, you can still transfer files between your iPhone and your Mac or PC without jailbreaking or using iTunes.

Sure, you may already know how to access a jailbroken iPhone's hard drive via SFTP, but that's a pain in the butt compared to DiskAid. You can just plug your device in, start it up, and start transferring files in a straightforward interface that anybody who's ever used Windows Explorer or the OS X Finder can figure out. As a brief disclaimer, realize that storing files on your iPhone doesn't mean your iPhone can interact with them. It's like putting music on an old iPod in disk mode: you can store it there, but you can't play it.

iPhone and 360 Chatpad hacked into a wireless mess of need

This hack isn't for the faint of heart. In fact, it's more a demonstration of Dr. Ralf Ackermann's technical badassery than anything practical. But its as good as it gets until Apple achieves a state of sanity and flips the switch on its Bluetooth stack to finally allow us the option of pairing a Bluetooth keyboard to the iPhone. The setup starts with a cobbled together Xbox 360 Chatpad and XBee wireless module. The good doctor then takes a Jailbroken phone (naturally) and attaches another wireless XBee module to the iPhone's jury-rigged serial port housed in an Akku enclosure. A work in progress, it will ultimately rely upon a VNC server running on the iPhone to feed keyboard input to any application of your choosing. See Apple, this is the corner of desperation that you've backed us into.

Surprise, an iPhone Failure? Dev Event Canceled

While introducing himself to a packed hall of iPhone developers and entrepreneurs last week, Raven Zachary briefly mentioned one piece of bad news; an upcoming developer event he was supposed to co-chair later this month, had been canceled.

Zachary moderated a session on "The iPhone Market Opportunity" at O'Reilly's Web 2.0 Summit and was set to co-chair O'Reilly's iPhoneLive Conference, but it was quietly cancelled last month with this note:

"We're sorry to announce that we've made the difficult business decision to postpone the O'Reilly iPhoneLive conference, which was to take place November 18 in San Jose.

We are grateful for the support of those who had agreed to participate in the event, particularly program co-chairs Raven Zachary and Bill Dudney, and sponsor Catapulley.

Read more: internetnews.com