How to connect iPhone to Chromebooks ?

Microsoft’s Skype acquisition means more Windows PC and devices to Voice-over-IP. Google’s ChromeBook the Windows killer?

Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 Bn, and with at least 170 million users worldwide, Skype is now scheduled to invade Microsoft’s Outlook email program, Bing search engine and the Xbox video game console. Apparently, the Skype acquisition is totally related to the growing products and services of Google inc, one of the biggest rivals of the Redmond, Washington-based company.

Aside from expanding Bing by possibly integrating Skype (vice versa) to rival Google’s search popularity, Microsoft’s Skype acquisition is also related to Apple’s growing smartphone market, the iPhone, and Google’s Android operating system success. Microsoft is expected to pre-install all future Windows Phone 7 devices with Skype application to challenge the iPhone’s FaceTime and Google’s new Talk with video.

But here’s the issue, is Skype enough to attract more customers from Apple and Google? Windows Phone 7 will face another serious smartphone competitor from Apple, the iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4GS, an analyst claims), and dozen of new powerful Android-powered smartphones this year, including some Android phones that is compatible with LTE of Verizon Wireless.

Speaking of Google, the company recently unveiled the first buy Samsung ChromeBooks that will hit the United States store. According to ChromeBook’s official page, Samsung’s ChromeBook (WiFi+3G and WiFi only) and the Acer ChromeBook (WiFi+3G and WiFi only) are scheduled to debut in Amazon on June 15. Google also announced the flexible installment plans for business and students. The Chromebooks for businesses will begin at $28, while $20 is the price tag monthly per ChromeBook for educational institutions. You can see the specs of buy ChromeBooks here.

Meanwhile, ZDNET’s Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols thinks that Google’s new internet-based PC operating system is a “Windows killer.” The pricing, ease of use, lots of application, brand name and security are the reasons he mentioned.

Operators offer incentives to early iPhone buyers

Israel's mobile operators are offering incentives for the first iPhone buyers at their points-of-sale that will open one minute after midnight on the night of Wednesday into Thursday.

The first customers arriving at Pelephone Communications Ltd. stand in the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan will receive a gift kit of Philips mobile speakers and anchor for the iPhone. Early customers will also receive a NIS 250 gift certificate for iPhone peripherals at stores of Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) franchisee iDigital Ltd.

 

iPhone will choose T-Mobile to AT&T

For the US, it is generally assumed that the ultimate marriage between device and carrier would be the iPhone on Verizon. The iPhone is unquestionably the most popular single phone out there for consumers and Verizon is the largest network in the US with impressive coverage and a great 3G network. The iPhone though may be headed to T-Mobile first.

The iPhone has been an AT&T exclusive since it launched in 2007. It has long been rumored that 2010 was the year the exclusivity agreement would run out and the general feeling is Verizon is going to get the iPhone. On Tuesday, StreetInsider.com reported that Apple's stock actually dipped because of rumors that T-Mobile would be the next Apple partner. I guess having Verizon as a partner was actually priced into Apple's share price to some extent and when rumors indicated it was going from the largest network to the smallest of the big four, it caused a bit of nervousness from investors.

More reports came on Wednesday reinforcing the idea that Verizon and the iPhone are not meant to be. Verizon seems to be committed to its V Cast music service and the iPhone, of course, relies on iTunes. AT&T also gives Apple over twice as much money for an iPhone than Verizon gives for its most popular smartphone, a RIM device.

The point is, Apple and Verizon both have areas that they aren't likely to budge on and it may ultimately prevent an iPhone deal from ever materializing. That is a shame too. I think the iPhone needs to launch on a CDMA network in the US. By going with T-Mobile, Apple would be picking the nations second largest GSM network. It is already on the largest GSM network. My gut says that almost anyone that is on T-Mobile that wanted an iPhone would have already switched by now. I am not sure how many people on Verizon or Sprint that didn't switch to AT&T for the iPhone would do so with T-Mobile.

These are, of course, just rumors, but if true, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I don't see the upside for Apple with this move. Neither, apparently, did investors.

Best Way to Unlock iPhone 3GS

If you want to insert in your iPhone other SIM card than the one from AT&T first to have to unlock it and you can find many ways to do it. You can find many software unlocking programs on the internet that will guide you to the process step by step and if you pay attention of the instructions you will see that is very easy to unlock the iPhone 3g.

One of the software programs is iPhone Unlocking; this program unlocks your iPhone 3g, you can jailbreak it as well is you want to add knew applications to your iPhone, application you can't find on iTunes Store.

After you used the software in a matter of minutes you can use whatever SIM card you want like T-Mobile, Orange or Vodafone. This software runs in any firmware version and it is able to find solution for iPhones that have been damaged or have been relocked because of the upgrading through iTunes.

Read more

There will over 300,000 Apple iPhone and iPod Touch Apps before 2011

The iPhone App market and the App Store seem to be enjoying the attention it has been showered upon; thanks to the records it has been creating. After the much hullabaloo leading to the 1 billion iPhone app downloads saga, now comes the news from the market research firm IDC who has predicted that there will be 300,000 iPhone apps by 2010 end.

While Apple prominently figures in IDC's top 10 predictions for the coming year, released on Thursday, this is an indication enough to prove that Apple iPhone is nonetheless a revolutionary smartphone changing the mobile world for ever. Going by recent statistics, the iPhone is compatible with more than 100,000 applications that are available for download through the Apple App Store. And if IDC’s predictions are to be believed, the App store would have three times as many applications by the end of 2010.

IDC report: iPhone application momentum to grow

The IDC report has predicted at least 300,000 iPhone applications by the end of 2010, when many of the new apps coming from well-known Global 2000 business and consumer brands. These are slated to attract more consumers and businesspeople as their most frequently and profoundly used clients.

It is a fantastic record considering the fact that just only a year ago, the App Store had approximately 10,000 applications. And one year later in November, 2009 Apple has put up an announcement that it had reached the 100,000 milestone less than a year and a half after its debut; which marks an annual growth rate of 900%. The report further mentions that Google Android devices would get access to around 50,000 to 75,000 applications around the same time.

IDC report: Over 1 billion mobile devices to access the Internet in 2010

Market research firm IDC has predicted for the first time that more than 1 billion mobile devices will access the Internet by the end of the year 2010, which is 25 times faster in comparison to the 1.3 billion PCs accessing the Internet. Apart from Apple iPhone, the IDC report includes the RIM's BlackBerry and Nokia's smartphone lineup.

There are also an increasing number of phones running Microsoft's Windows Mobile, Google's Android, and Symbian^1 (notably Nokia). The report further mentions that more than 200 million of these devices, which are distinguished by their ability to run third-party applications — will be shipped in 2010. This represents 16% of the market IDC predicts by 2013, accounting for over 20%. What are your thoughts on the IDC report? Share your thoughts.

from IDC

Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 Netbook

Empower yourself with the incredibly light yet remarkably productive Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 Netbook. Great for getting things done - whether checking email, managing online accounts or chatting with friends - the Aspire One offers a familiar Windows XP Home operating system that clearly organizes everything needed to surf the Internet, work or simply have fun.

This small but smart netbook comes with built-in 802.11b/g WiFi for easy access to available wireless networks. The Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 Netbook has an 8.9-inch CrystalBrite display with a resolution of 1024×600 pixels and features the unique Acer CrystalEye webcam for live video streaming, video chats and conferences. Other great features include a 1.60GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB (512MB onboard/512MB SODIMM slot) DDR2 533MHz memory, a 160GB hard drive, a SD Card reader, Multi-in-one card reader, three USB 2.0 ports, and a variety of pre-loaded software. Travel light, but smart, with the new Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 Netbook.
Read Full Reviews here: Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 Netbook

iPhone 3G finally unlocked, to debut at New Years

The iPhone dev team announced yesterday that they had finally achieved an iPhone 3G unlock. Until now, you could jailbreak 3G iPhones but not unlock them for use with alternative carriers. This new unlock allows the 3G to join the first-generation iPhone in providing service outside of those carriers that Apple has locked to the units.

In order to take advantage of this unlock, you'll need to make sure that you did not upgrade your iPhone's baseband past 2.11.07. The team warned about this baseband issue as firmware 2.2 was about to debut. At this time, you can upgrade to 2.2 by using QuickPwn or Pwnage to disable the baseband component.

If you're looking to unlock, however, prepare to wait a few weeks. The new unlock will be released around New Year's Eve, said the team. When released, the unlock, which is codenamed yellowsn0w, will let you use third-party GSM SIMs in your iPhone and both send and receive calls. In the US, AT&T and T-Mobile are the only two major carriers who use this technology. Because of technology differences, if you use a T-Mobile data plan with your unlocked 3G iPhone, you'll be able to use EDGE data but not 3G data (AT&T uses different HSPA/WCDMA frequencies).
Source : arstechnica.com

How Apple Could Survive Without Steve Jobs

Apple Inc. set off shock waves Tuesday by announcing Steve Jobs will not speak at what the company said would be its final appearance at the Macworld trade show. The news sent the company's stock downward, and raised questions about whether Mr. Jobs had new health problems or some new products were not ready.

But another question is likely to persist after the debate dies down: How well could Apple keep up the pace of new products without its iconic chief executive?

Speculation about the continued reign of Mr. Jobs -- which has popped up from time to time since his 2004 treatment for cancer -- underscore how closely Apple's fashion-setting products are identified with its co-founder. There is no sign of any change in his status; an Apple spokesman won't address the issue of his health, but said, "If Steve or the board decides that Steve is no longer capable of doing his job as CEO of Apple, I am sure they will let you know."

What if that situation does change? There is reason for optimism, based on the evolution of the team that develops Apple's hardware, software and services, some people familiar with the company's internal workings say. Some of them believe the group is now strong enough that, barring an exodus of top talent, the company could keep churning out innovative products without Mr. Jobs.

Mr. Jobs did not respond to a request for comment.

In one possible sign of confidence in the management team, an unprecedented number of executives presented during the company's press event to unveil its new MacBook lineup in October, though Mr. Jobs still dominated the event.

Mr. Jobs returned to Apple in 1997— he had left in 1985— and has since overseen the introduction of such ground-breaking products as the iMac, iPod and iPhone. He plays an unusually important role for a CEO in the gestation of such gadgets, agonizing over details that could impact users' experience.

Not that Mr. Jobs actually designs products himself. He serves more like an "editor in chief" in refining and improving ideas for Apple gadgets, according to former Apple executives.

"He didn't come up with the ideas, he just filtered them," says Bill Bull, a retired Apple engineer who worked for Mr. Jobs at Apple in the 1980s and again after Mr. Jobs returned.

The hands-on work of Apple's innovations depend more directly on subordinates such as Jonathan Ive, an Apple senior vice president who oversees the company's industrial design team. His group is primarily associated with the physical look and feel of products, such as the unusually slender Macbook Air.

Scott Forstall, another senior vice president, leads the team responsible for the iPhone's operating system and other software. In a sign of his growing importance at the company, Mr. Forstall was twice given the chance to speak at media and technical events earlier this year--and has shown some of the same showmanship that is Mr. Jobs' trademark.

Other crucial figures at Apple now include Ron Johnson, senior vice president of Apple retail, who has masterminded the success of Apple's stores, the hip electronics emporiums that have played a crucial role in the growth of the iPod and Macintosh in recent years.

One change to the team was the announcement in early November that Tony Fadell was stepping down as senior vice president of Apple's iPod division, which makes the innards of those popular gadgets carry out their products' slick features. He first conceived of the iPod, and convinced Mr. Jobs to support the idea despite skepticism from others in the company. Mr. Fadell said he will remain an adviser to Mr. Jobs; Mark Papermaster, a former International Business Machines Corp. executive, has been named to assume the iPod post.

For every design project in the pipeline, Mr. Jobs will hold meetings of two or three hours every week or two with key members of the product team. At those meetings, Mr. Jobs will critique the work in progress and also suggest adding or cutting features.

Read more wsj.com

iPhone apps round-up: Wine reviews, Hanukkah apps, and the inauguration

You could follow my lead and just pick the bottle that has the most eye-catching label. Or you could consult an expert in the form of WineReviews . The recently released application from Steve Saxon lets you look up reviews of wines on your iPhone. The $4 application also features a Favorites screen and lets you write your own reviews.

Speaking of the holidays, festive apps continue to jam the shelves of the App Store; today, we’ll highlight a pair that have a Hanukkah bent. The $2 iMenorah from Jutanabet joins the ranks of virtual menorah apps from RustyBrick and LilBros. iMenorah lights candles with the touch of a finger, features sung blessings, and promises to donate a percentage of its proceeds to charity. Meanwhile, iDreidle for Chanukah is not made out of clay, but rather is a $1 mobile dreidel game from Gp Imp. just in time for the festival of lights.

Finally, we’re a little more than a month out from another significant event—this January’s presidential inauguration. And 2009 Presidential Inauguration Guide figures to help visitors heading to Washington D.C. for the big event. The free app from PointAbout features a countdown screen to Inauguration Day as well as a distance calculator that tells you how far away you are from the steps of the Capitol Building. More important, the app offers info on local restaurants, parking, transit info, and nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.

Other apps of interest that recently debuted at the App Store include:

* LogMeIn Ignition , from LogMeIn: This $30 app lets mobile users connect to a Mac or PC and control it remotely.
* Snowdome , from Yotta Digital: The $1 virtual snow globe takes advantage of the built-in accelerometer for the iPhone and iPod touch to cause snowflakes to fly whenever you shake your mobile device.
* iBreviary , from Dimitri Giani: The $1 app comes in Spanish, French, English, Latin, and Italian offers mobile worshipers the prayer of the Breviary, readings of the Mass of the Day, and other principal Catholic prayers.
* FriendCast , from CallFire.com: The free application lets you record a message and send it to many contacts simultaneously.
source: macworld

Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Frogger get iPhone treatment

Last week, a teaser page on the English-language page of Konami's Japanese Web site led many to believe the Japanese publisher was working on bringing the Metal Gear Solid franchise to the Xbox 360, reviving the Metal Gear Acid brand, or even porting the long-running series to the Wii. However shortly after information leaked via scans of gaming magazine Famitsu, Konami has confirmed a different mission for Solid Snake.

In an official press release today, Konami of Europe revealed that Metal Gear Solid Touch would be heading to the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch early in the New Year. According to the release, "Metal Gear Solid Touch focuses on action elements of Hideo Kojima’s classic stealth series, and will see series veteran Solid Snake embark on an all-new mission." It won't be a completely new experience for MGS fans however, with players "using locations and characters introduced in Konami’s Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots [including] eight action-packed stages, with more to be added at a later date."

In addition to the feted stealth-action series, Konami also confirmed Frogger for the iPhone, reportedly "a pixel-perfect conversion of the classic arcade game," and Silent Hill: The Escape. It looks like these releases may only be the start, with Konami's Head of Mobile Business Department quoted as saying, "We welcome the iPhone and iPod Touch to our product line-up and look forward to these initial games." (Emphasis added).

The teaser page on Konami's Web site now links to what appears to be a placeholder page with the Metal Gear Solid Touch logo.

Source from gamespot.com

Sun company still not give up JAVA on iphone.

Sun is not going to end their tireless pursuit of getting Java to the iPhone. Sun is still in talks with Apple over the goal. Sun has been very vigorous in their attempts at getting Java to run on the iPhone via a JVM, or Java Virtual Machine. Java is a functionality that Apple would have to approve, as it is very unlikely that Sun could get Java to the iPhone without Apple’s blessing.
“We’ve expressed our intent to do this and our desire, really, to work with Apple to build a JVM (Java Virtual Machine) for the iPhone and we’re sort of moving forward with that” -Eric Klein, Vice President of Java marketing
Although Java functionality would be a very big hit for the iPhone, especially if the many current Java applications could run on it, Apple has not said too much about it. They have had not clear approval or disapproval over bringing Java to the iPhone. The benefit of Java for the iPhone is not only the end user, but for the developer as well. The more phones your application can run on, the more successful it will be.
A Java Virtual Machine is not the only approach to Java for the iPhone. Innaworks is looking to provide a solution to bring Java to the iPhone as well. The Innaworks Java solution would create an application to translate Java application to the native iPhone programming environment. In conjunction with an actual JVM, this solution could provide an easy way for developers to bring their applications to the iPhone.
[Via Info World]

South Korea finally making progress with the iPhone 3G

After much delay, the iPhone is finally coming to South Korea. Based on the mobile industry as a whole we expected South Korea to be one of the first to get this handset. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) had been requiring handsets to use the locally built WIPI mobile platform, but that has changed.
“…considering global industry trends toward the use of general-purpose mobile operating systems, we concluded that there was a need to allow carriers the freedom to decide whether to use WIPI or not,” said Shin Yong-sub, the director of KCC’s policy bureau.
Restrictions such as this have kept many foreign manufacturers, like Apple, from bringing their handsets to South Korea. Carriers KTF and SK Telecom will be testing the iPhone out in South Korea for the next few months. People in South Korea who have been patiently (or impatiently) waiting to get their hands on one will still have to wait because as the rule requiring WIPI will be effective until April of 2009.
[Via MacDailyNews]

Google’s Voice Search Finally Hits The iPhone

Google’s search-by-voice application is finally available on the App Store. To grab it, visit this link (the page still shows the old version, but you’ll download the new one). The application was originally announced on Friday, leading to widespread excitement that quickly turned to unrest as the application failed to make its debut on the App Store. The delay led to criticism of Apple’s App Store approval process, which apparently leaves all developers in the dark - even Google.

The app allows users to speak into their iPhones to submit queries to Google’s search engine, which can serve up both standard search results as well as movie showtimes, addresses, and other handy information. Voice detection seems to work pretty well, though it sometimes takes a few tries with long phrases and names (I was able to correctly search for the “answer to life, the universe, and everything” after only two tries). And when it works, it’s really cool - I’ll probably be using it on a daily basis.

My biggest issue with the app is that there is apparently no way to use the voice detection feature to call a contact, despite the fact that you can search through contacts using manual text entry. One of my biggest gripes about the iPhone is that there’s no way to make a hands-free call, and while this would still require at least one buttonpress, it would be an improvement. A free application called Say Who offers voice dialing on the iPhone, but it would have been nice to see the functionality integrated into the Google app.

source: techcrunch.com

National Geographic launches Games division

National Geographic Global Media on Tuesday announced the launch of National Geographic Games (NGG), a new business unit that is creating games for multiple platforms, including the Mac and iPhone.

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NGG will work with game publishers and developers to create games based on National Geographic’s core themes and media properties, the company announced. As part of that effort, NGG announced that it has partnered with Namco Bandai Games America and Sony Computer Entertainment to bring new titles to market. Namco Bandai has brought several of its own game properties to the iPhone and iPod platforms.

The first title to be released is “Herod’s Lost Tomb,” a downloadable game for the Mac, iPhone and Windows that can also be played online through the National Geographic Channel’s Web site. The game, featuring content from the December 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine, features information about the biblical figure King Herod.

Other titles coming in November include “National Geographic: Panda” and “National Geographic: Africa.” December will bring “Sudoku Traveler: China.” And releases planned for 2009 include “Rain Forests,” “Greencity” and “From the Bottom Up.”

source: macworld.com

China Mobile eyes buyouts at attractive valuations

MACAU (MarketWatch) -- China Mobile's chairman and chief executive said Tuesday that the company was looking for acquisitions in emerging countries as the slump in global financial markets over the past year has opened up opportunities at attractive valuations.

"Telecom assets have become very inexpensive and some people say there's a good opportunity for buyers. I agree with them, but it's not so simple. There is no reason for sellers to sell at such a low price," said Wang Jianzhou, speaking at the GSMA Mobile Asia Congress in Macau.

"We have to find some opportunities ... when someone needs the money. [Meanwhile], we will do our best for our Pakistani company," he said. 

 "We have [non-]disclosure agreements with Apple, so I can't disclose many details. All I can say is that China is still interested in [bringing the] iPhone into China Mobile markets," he said.

"China Mobile is open to all operators, all vendors, content providers and service providers," he said.

China, the world's largest mobile-services market with more than 600 million subscribers, is one of the few big markets in Asia where the iPhone is still not formally launched.

Apple and China Mobile started talks more than a year ago, but differences over Apple's demand for sharing revenue delayed an agreement. The companies reportedly resumed talks earlier this year after Apple abandoned its demand for splitting revenue.

source: marketwatch.com

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

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:
international bancshares cor com
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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.