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iPhone will require iTunes 7.3, Mac OS X 10.4.10, XP SP2 or Vista Home Premium or better

The iPhone will require iTunes 7.3, which has not yet been released, according to a newly revised specifications page.

On the Mac side, the iPhone will require Mac OS X 10.4.10. On the Windows side, the iPhone will require Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate Edition; or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.

iPhone keyboard: Learns what you type, dynamically resizes key "hot zones"

Another iPhone demonstration video has been posted to Apple's Web site, this time detailing usage of device's the virtual, touch-screen keyboard.

Claiming that the keyboard "constantly analyzes keystrokes as you type," Apple says the iPhone keyboard uses two methods of text prediction: storage of frequently used words, including names and other data stored on the device, and a full dictionary that can auto-correct mistyped words.

As previously recommended, Apple says its best to start by using one finger with "deliberate" taps to type.

A magnifying glass pops up when touching and dragging over words … Read more

Apple's iPhone Q&A: Audio interference with iPod accessories; don't use other SIM cards; more

Apple has posted a question and answer page for the iPhone, rehashing previously announced information and revealing some new facts, like:

"iPhone may cause audio interference with some iPod accessories. Products that are engineered and certified to be compatible with the iPhone will carry the 'Works with iPhone' logo on their packaging." Current AT&T customers must add an iPhone Data Plan to their current plan or upgrade to an iPhone plan. This is contrary to information in an Apple press release stating "iPhone customers can choose from any of AT&Tâ??s standard … Read more

iPhone does not require data plan -- or does it?

UPDATE: New information from Apple's question and answer page contradicts the below statement from Apple's PR department, indicating that a data plan is required for iPhone usage.

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Earlier today we reported on Apple and AT&T's announcement of rate plans specifically for the iPhone, all of which include unlimited data transfer. One interesting point in the rate plan press release missed by most, however, is the following:

"iPhone customers can choose from any of AT&T's standard service plans.

So apparently, the iPhone can be used without one of the provided data … Read more

Important facts about iPhone plans and activation revealed: Installed software takes up 750 MB, more minutes available; much more

Apple has posted a video guide to activating and synchronizing the iPhone. Some salient points that were revealed:

Activation works "exactly" the same way on Macs and PCs The latest version of iTunes is required iTunes launches automatically and begins the activation process once the iPhone is connected If you are already an AT&T customer, you can either replace your current cell phone line with the iPhone, or add the iPhone as a new line New customers can choose to activate as a single line, or multiple iPhones as part of a FamilyTalk plan There is … Read more

New iPhone usage revelations from Apple: Swipe deletion, typing tips, Wi-Fi on/off, much more

As reported earlier today, Apple has posted a new 20-minute iPhone "guided tour" video (click here to view). The demonstration offers some interesting revelations about the device's usage, including:

The host talks about "16" applications -- presumably the 12 periphery apps (including Google Maps, Calendar, SMS, etc.) and the 4 core apps: Phone, Mail, Safari and iPod. The Home button always takes you back to the home screen, no matter what function is being performed. Once you've gone to the home screen, a blinking status indicator will generally allow you to quickly switch back … Read more

iPhone Web pages ("apps") should be 480 pixels wide, 10 MB maximum

Tony Chang from the University of Washington's Emerging Technology department has posted notes from the Developing Web Sites for iPhone session at WWDC where Apple told developers they could "learn iPhone best practices for ensuring optimal web development of your existing website, or hosted web application."

A few salient points:

480 pixel page width Apple recommends that developers use a 480 pixel-width stylesheet for iPhone-deliverable Web pages/apps. The reason, apparently: the iPhone's screen is 320x480 in portrait mode, 480x320 in landscape mode. Pages should scale down to 320 pixel-width when in portrait mode, rather than … Read more

Development standards for the iPhone

The iPhoneWebDev group has posted an interesting page that begins to lay out some basic standards for developing iPhone applications. Though these specifications will likely change rapidly after the device actually ships, there are some excellent guidelines applicable to current touchscreen interfaces that should also hold true for the iPhone, as well as some keen observations based on current, publicly available information.

For instance, the page points out that the interface for some already-developed Web-based, iPhone-targeted applications (like this shopping list organizer) use buttons that are too small to be readily touchable: "Touchscreen buttons should be minimum 1/2 … Read more

Photos: The gadget days of summer

If you're thinking about summer, but hate sunshine and exercise, we've got you covered (automated lawn mower). If your kid sunburns easily and can't remember to lather on that extra application of sunscreen, we've got you covered (UV-detecting skin stickers). If what you really need this summer is a way to enjoy the air conditioning, we've got you covered there, too (Nintendo). If you like grilling out, don't like mosquitoes, have a swimming pool, avoid cleaning it... you guessed it: We've got you covered! Our wide-ranging collection of summer-specific gadgets will convince you … Read more