iPhone OS 4.0

Steve Jobs Explaining iPhone OS 4.0 New Features

On April 8th 2010, Steve Jobs unveiled some of the new features available to iPhone App developers as well as the end-users, namely us iPhoners, that will be available with the iPhone OS 4.0 coming this summer.

The new iPhone OS 4.0 host alot of new features that we have been asking for. The number one on my list is the ability to multi-task. This is something that other smart phones have had over the iPhone in the past such as the Droid and the Nexus One.

iPhone OS 4.0 also adds 5x digital zoom to the camera application as well as adding tap to focus for the video on  3G S. That will be nice to have since the 3G S shoots a decent video. More media enhancement tools include GEO tagging for photo taken with your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3G S. iPhone OS 4.0 will also permit non-Jailbroken iPhone users to change your home screen wallpaper to whatever you like.

Another useful utility is the ability to group all your apps in folders. This is good if you have alot of games and business related apps and would prefer to arrange them in groups relative to their use. Also a handy spell check has been add and you can also use a bluetooth keyboard if you don’t like using the small touch screen for writing emails or other daily task that consist of alot of typing.

There are many more features available in this up coming update. We will post more as they reveal more of the features. In the mean time, check out the video…

iPhone OS 4.0

Apple finally approved the 3G-streaming capable version of the popular TV-streaming iPhone application, SlingPlayer. As most of us know, Sling, Apple, and AT&T and previously tussled over the concept of streaming live TV over AT&T’s 3G bands, as they had suspected that it would place to much strain on the network, especially with the popularity of the iPhone. However, just like their recent lift on the VoIP ban, which AT&T anticipated would keep people from using their AT&T minutes by using a service like Skype to make calls instead, AT&T seem to have lifted this “live TV streaming” ban as well. Until now, only jailbreakers who had paid for a premium app such as 3G Unrestrictor or My3G were able to stream Sling over the 3G airwaves, but it looks like today, everyone is free to watch Sling on their iPhone at their leisure.

I can also personally confirm that streaming works on EDGE as well (this is good for you T-Mobile customers =])

Dragon Dictation iPhone App

Here is an iPhone app that has been long over due. With everyone resorting to text messaging, this is one of the handiest apps to come about. There has been some dictation apps before but Dragon Dictation by Nuance, the worlds most popular desktop dictation software, has created one that seems to be the most feasible in the bunch.

The Dragon Dictation app does almost everything you would normal do with your iPhone keyboard, but you use your voice instead. With all the people causing wrecks and other traffic mayhem due to the new texting culture rapidly developing, this is a no brainer. This also includes the ability to say your latest tweets or Facebook updates. Clipboard cutting and pasting is supported as well.

The app is free (for a limited time) and is still pending approval in the App Store. There is some concern about Nuance gathering the names and companies in your address book, which is expressed in there EULA. Other than that this looks like a nice app. Have fun and please leave commits about your experience with this app.

Don’t know what to get the iPhone addict in your life this holiday season?  We have some gift ideas that will impress and delight even the most finicky loved ones (or challenging ones) on your list.  They are listed below in no logical or particular order:

1. Apple World Traveler Kit ($39) – The kit is made for the astute traveler in  your life.  It is designed to work with the iPod,  iPhone, Apple Mag Safe, Power Adapters, Portable Power Adapters and Airport Express.  This clever little kit also includes a USB power adapter,  a USB cable and a set of 6 universal AC plugs that work worldwide.  Available at the Apple Store.

2. Xstand for iPhone (approx. $31-40) – This rates high on the asthetic scale and not so much on the functionality scale.  Something of a display case, the Xstand holds the 3G/3GS iPhone vertically or horizontally and rotates 360 degrees.  It includes  cable management and non slip feet.  To get everyone’s tongue wagging around the office, this is a sure bet.  Available at Xstand.net

3. Dots glove (approx $15-25)- Do you want to use your iPhone without having to take your gloves off?  Not a problem with the Dots glove.  It lets you activate your touch screen with your gloved finger.  Amazing!  The Dots glove is available in 3 varieties.  This gift is ideal for your cold climate friends or your wimpy Houstonian friends Available at dotsglove.com

4. Bose Mobile in-ear Headset ($129.95)- If you have the extra money to spend this year (listen up all 3 of you!) these are well worth the price tag.  Nothing but the best from Bose, the quality from this headset is top notch.  Your music lover will enjoy the rich sound and the ability to switch from music and other media to incoming calls.  Available at bose.com

5. Mophie Juice Pack ($99.95)- Like RedBull for your iPhone, this juice pack delivers.  It is designed to more than double the charge of your 3G/3GS.  Although it is bit thicker to hold, your iPhone addict will love the double charge it dispenses.  It can be used as a case all the time or just when the phone needs a boost.  It also has an integrated LED indicator that tells you exactly how much juice is left in your pack.  Available at mophie.com

6. iTunes Gift Cards (from $15)-  Although not the most glitzy gift on the list,  it is a great, safe bet for your iPhone owner.  The options are endless with this baby…games, apps, music, TV shows and movies are all possibilities with an iTunes gift card.  Available at apple.com/itunes

7. Mogo Talk- Bluetooth head set ($129.95)- Mogo has introduced the first integrated wireless headset for iPhone 3G/3GS.  The headset folds flat and snaps efficiently into a protective case.  It also fits perfectly on the back of the iPhone.  This feature comes in handy for those prone to losing small items easily.   Using the Sound Shape comfort, it also blocks out surronding noises.  Available exclusively through  Apple Stores or online.

8. PowerJolt Car Charger ($19.95 )- Touted as the number one selling car charger for iPhone and iPod, this is THE charger for your iPhone user.  It features a detachable USB to 30 pin cable for iPods as well as iPhones.  For those with 1st generations of both iPod and iPhone, it can be used with those as well.  There is an amber to green charging light to let you know when it’s charged successfully.  For the price, the Powerjolt is really a great buy.  Available at griffintechnology.com/product/powerjoltiphone

9. Appstand Picture Frame ($17- 20)- This picture frame turns your iPhone into a virtual piece of art.  (As if the iPhone needed to do more…) Once you pop it into the alloted place, your phone starts a series of 2 options,  Art or Ambient Channel.  As if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a dock connector cord to charge your iPhone as its calming your nerves.  Genius.  Did I mention it can be used a desk clock? This product, manufactured by 2 companies, Thunk and Kyono is available online.

10. 3GS Supreme (just under $3million)- The world’s most expensive iPhone has been finally completed and ready to be nabbed.  Goldstriker International founder Stuart Hughes spent 10 months designing and creating this gem.  Speaking of gems, it’s chocked full of them.  136 flawless diamonds on the front bezel, amounting to 68 carats and 53 flawless diamonds on the back. The home button is a single rare cut diamond weighing in at 7.1 carats.  It’s outer shell is 22ct solid gold and the insides include solid granite, Kashmir gold and Nubuck top grain leather. Don’t be too disappointed though, an anonymous buyer in Australia has already purchased it.  Shucks, maybe next year.

Much speculation and buzz has been made on which carrier iPhone will be partnering up with next.

Verizon has been the front runner for some time, but with the release of the Droid, those rumors have ceased, at least for now. Verizon is teaming up with Google and marketing its new Android powered phones. The Droid by Motorola, which is on the Android system, is selling itself as a more powerful alternative to Apple’s iPhone. Needless to say, because of this iPhone bashing campaign, Verizon is not on the same page with Apples’ interests. Now it seems T-Mobile is looking like a better match.

Another major strike for Verizon is that its network, CDMA, is not compatible with AT&T’s GSM based network. That, in result, would necessitate Apple to make a customized iPhone exclusively for Verizon customers. T-Mobile has a compatible network with AT&T (less the screwy 1700Mhz, 3G network.)

Analysts are looking to T-Mobile in 2010, who’s been quietly waiting in the wings, when AT&T is expected to release its exclusive rights to Apple. Thomas Weisel analyst Doug Reid believes T-Mobile is ready to step up to the iPhone plate, leaving Verizon in the dust.

On the downside of this T-Mobile/iPhone marriage, T-Mobile’s subscriber base is only half that of Verizon, making this matrimony less lucrative. Reid expects Apple to cash in on a larger Verizon wireless network with a non iPhone device. The device, not specified, would be used on the 4G LTE network, launching in the not so near future. 2011, possibly?

With Apple’s next announcement, predicted for 2010 mid-year, customers may or may not see the iPhone in the Verizon store but may see an Apple device used with Verizon as a definite possiblity. T-mobile customers, keep your fingers crossed!