phones

The iPhone's camera is an unexpected plus

One of the joys of the iPhone is its camera.

I didn't think that I'd like it or even use it very much. But in addition to the phone's SMS texting, e-mail and Web-browsing technologies, I've actually used the iPhone's camera feature much more than I thought I would. I've already posted a few photos on this blog, but here are some more random pictures and thoughts.

(1) The iPhone camera works best at moderate light and is great at capturing stealthy candid shots, which are the best ones, I think. In low light, … Read more

D-Day: iPhone commitment issues...return now or forever hold your peace

Today was the last day for us earliest of early adopters of the iPhone to return our $500 or $600 iPhone purchases. This is the point of no return. My friend Patrick wryly noted that it happens to fall on Friday the 13th. Steve Jobs does have a sense of humor I'm sure.

So, would you return yours?

I, for one, really do like my phone, if not for the functionality, for want of the question. People ask me almost daily: "Do you like it?" whether it be Post Office, Bar, lunch, standing in line at Target. … Read more

SonicLiving and ITMS (iPhone App)

Get the latest concert and event information on your iPhone with this social network tracking tool for live shows. As an extra bonus, you can browse the iTunes Store for music and listen to sample clips. We suppose it won't be an extra bonus if Apple migrates the real iTunes Store to iPhone in a later version, but for now, we have to admit it's pretty cool.

iPhone Link: http://iphone.sonicliving.com/

Web site link http://sonicliving.com/

Seeqpod (iPhone App)

Seeqpod offers an easily searchable menu of music for quick listening on the iPhone when your connection is good. Several popular artists are available for browsing and listening, but we can't stress enough the need to have the fast Wi-fi connection for this one. Music plays using Quicktime.

iPhone Link: http://seeqpod.com/iphone

Web site link http://seeqpod.com/FAQ.html

Sudoku (iPhone App)

One of the most addictive newspaper number games available comes to the iPhone with this Sudoku app. The nine by nine playing board is just like you would expect, but what makes it cool is how they utilize the touch-screen interface for entering numbers. We would have liked more skill levels, but for a quick Sudoku fix, this app performs quite nicely.

iPhone Link: http://sudoku.myiphone.pl/

HP iPaq 510 Voice Messenger finally shipping

Six months after its official unveiling at 3GSM World Congress, the HP iPaq 510 Voice Messenger is finally shipping here in the States. The voice-centric Windows Mobile 6 smart phone features some advanced voice-command functions that let you perform a number of tasks, such as making calls, opening applications, and composing and sending e-mails, just by the sound of your voice. The iPaq 510 is available unlocked through HP, with prices starting at $319.99.

Vodafone shareholders want to spin off Verizon Wireless stake

A group of investors in Vodafone Group want the European cell phone operator to spin off its stake in U.S.-based Verizon Wireless.

Vodafone owns a 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless, which has been adding subscribers rapidly and posting huge profits. Meanwhile, Vodafone's own global cell phone services have come under financial pressures.

A group of investors called ECS Assets, or Efficient Capital Structures, wants to see Vodafone's stake in Verizon Wireless spun off into a separate tracking stock. The group is getting help and support from the U.S. proxy firm Glass, Lewis & Co.… Read more

Fall iPod fashions

In contrast to the horned one, Mr. Gruber has come down in favor of the rumors of OS X-ey (pronounced "OS sexy") iPod coming this fall and poo-poos concerns over cannibalizing iPhone sales.

The reason some people are skeptical about Apple introducing OS X-based iPods this year is that the question about cannibalizing sales works both ways: an iPhone-ish OS X-based iPod would surely have some detrimental effect on iPhone sales. AT&T might care about that, but why would Apple?

Because they report the sales figures separately.

As a new product line, the iPhone's sales … Read more

Free the iPhone

Love the new iPhone, but hate the New AT&T? You're not alone. Long before the iPhone hit stores, a backlash was developing against this unholy union. A few clever souls have devised methods to bypass AT&T, but these approaches all involve transforming your iPhone into a device that will no longer dial and that kind of defeats the point, right?

This morning, Freepress announced their own advocacy campaign to Free the iPhone. The site features some basic background information about the issue, several videos, social networking profiles, and a petition demanding both Congress and the FCC take action to ensure that customers can use any device over any network.

What could you make from an iPhone?

Since the iPhone's June 29 launch, we've seen several teardown reports--some from professionals, some demonstrating more enthusiasm than skill, and some that are just awful (but funny).

What's inside? Well, you can read the details in reports from various analyst firms, but it breaks down like this:

A microprocessor A 3D graphics controller DRAM Flash memory An LCD A touch sensor A cell phone module Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controllers An audio chip A microphone and a speaker An accelerometer A camera module A SIM card Assorted other interfaces, connectors and buttons A lithium-ion battery Power-supply circuitry

All … Read more