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How to: Disable Backups in iTunes 7.7

July 31, 2008 6:38 AM • by R. Look • Posted to iPhone Tips and Tricks Comments (0) | Permalink
A lot of people, including yours truly have been wondering if it's possible to disable backups in iTunes 7.7. I found this tip in macosxhints. In any case, iTunes has a hidden preference that will allow you to disable backups only if you don't mind diving into the command line. If you are comfortable with the command line, type the following:

defaults write com.apple.itunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool YES
EDITORS NOTE: This will stop the backups, however users are warned that if you happen to have stopped the latest or most current backup you will NOT have a working backup in the case that the iPhone crashes or needs to be restored.

Reports of iPhone 3G Case Cracking Trickling In

July 30, 2008 6:48 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News | Rumors Comments (0) | Permalink

Seems as if there have been a few reports from the field that some iPhone 3G units cases are developing hairline cracks on their "backs." So far, all the pictures I've seen show white 16GB iPhones, but it's unusual that a black iPhone with cracks hasn't shown up yet. We'll keep you posted on this as we think that this is very unusual and is only happening in a very few cases. Here's what the cracks reportedly look like:

iPhone3Gcrack.jpg

Apple Extends Retail Hours & Changes Line Policies

July 28, 2008 6:47 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
Apple has recently modified the hours of operation for their retail stores to accommodate for the consumer demand on the iPhone 3G. Now all Apple retail stores will open at 8 a.m. from Monday through Saturday until further notice.

Not only are they extending hours of operation, they are also changing some of their "line" policies so that once you get pre-qualified you will get a ticket that will allow you to pick up your iPhone 3G at your leisure that same day.

Yours truly can corroborate this story because on Friday, he was pre-qualified at the Apple store and then later told that he would have to wait in another line for the phone. A few minutes after being pre-qualified, he was told that the purchase had to be made at the AT&T store because there was a plan discount associated with the plan. Still rocky, but better than having to stand in a two hour line just to be re-routed to an AT&T store...So, in less than 2 weeks, I'll have a shiny new iPhone 3G in my hands. More to come....

iPhone 2.1 Beta Released to Developers & Hints of Cut & Paste Functionality

July 25, 2008 8:13 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Rumors Comments (2) | Permalink
Reports from around the web, namely ArsTechnica and Wired are saying that iPhone software 2.1 has been released to registered developers. It seems that the update will bring a much requested feature, turn-by-turn directions. If this is true, it would be bad news for GPS makers such as Garmin and TomTom as the iPhone would be directly competing in their space.

Also, just a rumor...AppleInsider has reports that an iPhone developer has found the hints of cut and paste functionality within the iPhone SDK's Framework. The functionality resides in the "Localizable.strings" file in the "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/WebKit/framework." We'll be on the lookout for more information, so stay tuned and we'll bring you the news as it comes in.

Step by Step Instructions on Tethering your iPhone 3G

July 24, 2008 6:35 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Comments (1) | Permalink
Some VERY creative and intelligent users have been able to "tether" their iPhone 3Gs to their laptops, thus enabling them to use it's internet connection on their laptops.

The process is quite involved and not for the mild-mannered. Not only is "tethering" against AT&Ts terms and conditions, you also have to "jailbreak" your iPhone. In a nutshell, here's the basic procedure:

- Jailbreak your iPhone 3G 

- Install 3Proxy and Terminal 

- Create an ad-hoc Wi-fi network using your laptop 

- Join the network with your iPhone 

- Find the iPhone's IP address 

- Open Terminal and run the proxy program 

- Open Safari on your iPhone and open a web page 

- Configure your browser to use the proxy


A more detailed explanation can be found at the cre.ations.net website. Follow this link for the lowdown.

Voice-Controlled Apps Being Developed for iPhone by AT&T

July 23, 2008 6:50 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Misc | News Comments (0) | Permalink
Word out on the street is that AT&T is busy developing software that will allow "smartphones" such as the iPhone to recognize voice commands without needing any voice-recognition software.

According to AppleInsider, this project, based on AT&T's Watson speech recognition engine works by capturing voice commands, sending them to a remote server and then interpreting that command.

Even more exciting is the fact that AT&T demonstrates this technology in a video and the fact that this technology will breed a whole new slew of applications.

Additional details can be found on AppleInsider's website.

Demand for the iPhone 3G Outpaces Supply

July 21, 2008 6:40 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
Reports from various news organizations around the web are reporting that demand for the iPhone 3G is so strong that in many instances, they are out of stock. As reported by Freep.com, at AT&T for example, the average wait time is 3 weeks.

What's even more unusal is that Sprint is "trying" to capitalize on the iPhone shortage by pointing it out...I guess they're saying don't wait to buy an iPhone, buy an instinct instead. Their spin on is that only three Apple stores in the U.S. have the phones in stock...my take: they'd better do all they can to stop the iPhone pain because sooner or later, consumers will see that the instinct is only a pale imitator to the real deal.

Finally, HardMac is reporting that the shortages will extend through August, while another site, Focus.de claims that the shortage will continue till mid-October. In any event, this is bound to be good news by any type of measure. Apple is sure to be lapping up hardware and software sales!

How to get Longer iPhone 3G Battery Life

July 18, 2008 9:10 AM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to FAQ | News | iPhone Tips and Tricks Comments (0) | Permalink
So you've finally got that spiffy new iPhone 3G. You've waited for a long time for 3G speed, location services, and those really cool iPhone third-party applications and now you're happy. What? You're upset with the battery life?

This is the most common complaint I've heard from the lucky folks who have the 3G iPhone: with some usage, by the end of the day, their battery is almost dead or dead. And, there's no way to swap the battery with a fresh one to fix this problem.

AT&T Announces Free Wi-Fi

July 18, 2008 6:37 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
After flip-flopping and introducing this and then subsequently, pulling it back, it looks like AT&T is finally officially ready to announce their free Wi-Fi access! This is really good news for iPhone users everywhere.

At any rate, here are some quick details about the access, it will include:

More than 17,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot locations nationwide

  • 12 Airports
  • 31 Hotels
  • 23 Universities
  • 18 Convention Centers
  • 5 Sports Centers 
  • 8,000 + Restaurants
  • 700 + Bookstores
  • 50 + Supermarkets

Also mentioned in AT&Ts press release is free wi-fi at US based Starbucks locations, to locate a store, use the Starbucks store locator: http://www.starbucks.com/retail/locator/default.aspx

For more information, read AT&T's press release

Impressed by iPhone Software 2.0 Location Services

July 16, 2008 6:28 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Comments (0) | Permalink
LIke many other iPhone/iTouch users out there, with the release of iPhone version 2.0 software on Friday, I'm still finding these nifty new features throughout the OS. In any case, the feature that I wanted to point out today is the "simulated" GPS.

On my first generation iPhone, the software update has really improved it's "location" services. By this, I mean that when I use the Maps feature, my iPhone is much much more accurate of locating my position. Still I feel that although this can never be as accurate as a true GPS chipset (iPhone 3G), it is nonetheless pretty good...Today, I'll be trying to do some "live" driving and usage of the Maps feature and I'll let you know what I find. I'll basically be trying to see if the "simulated" GPS is good enough to track a moving car...

Anyway, wish me luck and see you all tomorrow...

Cut & Paste Functions, GPS Driving Directions & an Office Suite?

July 15, 2008 7:03 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Misc Comments (0) | Permalink
Yesterday, ExtremeTech got a chance to speak to Apple product head Greg Joswiak and get some answers to the questions we are all wondering about. First of all, where is the cut and paste functionality. Apparently, Joswiak says that it is not out of the question and that Apple prioritized other functions before adding this in, so I guess it is coming down the line...

Also, other reports/reviews of the iPhone 3G state that the assisted GPS of the iPhone 3G is unable to provide turn by turn directions like a dedicated GPS device...contrary to reports Joswiak once again says that these claims are not true and that the iPhone 3G is able to replicate this functionality...

Lastly, as far of the office suite goes, he did have a little more reservations on that answer, stating that the iPhone does not have any cross application file structure...

Read the full story for more details.

iPhone Software 2.0 Update, 10 M AppStore Downloads

July 15, 2008 6:48 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News | Rumors Comments (1) | Permalink
The iPhone 3G has only been generally available for sale for only four days and updates are coming fast and furious. Reports coming from the field say that iPhone software version 2.01 is in testing and will soon be released. This update addresses issues of performance, security and contains a few bug fixes. Look for the update to appear in iTunes in the near future.

One other thing we forgot to report yesterday is that the AppStore has seen over 10 million applications downloaded over the weekend since iPhone 3G launch. It is important to remember that these numbers do NOT indicate iPhone 3G sales as the previous generation iPhone and the iTouch are also able to download applications from the AppStore. The AppStore looks to be a big success and we'll be tracking it's progress as it gets bigger and bigger.

Speaking of the AppStore, here at the iPhoneNewsBlog, we want to try to start something called AppStore Pick of the Month. Each month, we'll try to pick out an application that we like and we will do a mini review on it. At the end of July, we hope to choose and review an application that we feel is heads and shoulders above the rest. Stay tuned for July results. WIth so many applications in the AppStore already, I can only imagine what the end of the month is going to look like...

1M iPhone 3Gs Sold & Initial Impressions

July 14, 2008 6:30 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Comments (0) | Permalink
Well, unfortunately, yours truly cannot say that he is part of those amazing sales numbers over the weekend...however, the iPhoneNewsBlogs other editor and his wife were able to get their hands on two 16 GB white units...congratulations! I will get my hands on a unit, it will just be a matter of time. In any case, we just wanted to report that Apple today announced that it has sold 1 Million iPhone 3G units in the first three days of its launch. Apple CEO had this to say about the overwhelming sales figures, "iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend. "It took 74 days to sell the first one million original iPhones, so the new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world." To read the entire press release, click here. What is even more amazing is the fact that ZDnet is reporting that about 39 percent of those who bought iPhones were PC owners. Halo effect anyone?

Other than that, news is slowly flowing in and we hope to provide you with a quick initial impression. Even though as I stated did NOT get one over the weekend, I did get to play with them while I was in line. I stood in line at the Apple Store in Kahala and even stood in line at the AT&T store at Kam Shopping Center...In any case, here's my initial thoughts:

  • The iPhone 3G seems to be a bit lighter than the first generation units
  • The 3G network is fast fast fast or at least the caching is... *LOL*
  • I've briefly tried the location services (GPS-assisted) and it seems quite neat..I never really moved anywhere so my blue dot just stayed in one place.
  • iPhone Software 2.0 drains battery life like there's no tomorrow. I have experienced this myself even on the EDGE network...I think that there are just so many more services running that they just zap your battery fast. OR the software could just be more fun
I think that's about it for now, we'll be able to give you a more detailed review later as we explore the new devices more and use them on a day to day basis...stay tuned and we'll bring you all the news that matters

Mysterious iPhone Firmware? 5A345 vs. 5A347

July 13, 2008 11:50 PM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to News | Rumors Comments (0) | Permalink
P7139966.JPGNot sure what to make of this but there seems to be two different versions of the iPhone v2.0 software floating around out there.

My wife and I stood in line on Friday and both got white 16GB iPhone 3G's. This evening I decided to restore my iPhone from my backup via iTunes. I thought this might remedy the crashing I had been having when using some third-party apps I downloaded from the App Store. 

[Reviews] JAVOedge iPhone Bottom Covers

July 13, 2008 8:00 PM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to Reviews Comments (0) | Permalink
P7139871.jpg

JAVOEdge Rubberized Bottom Cover

JAVOEdge Leather Wrapped Bottom Cover

JAVOEdge Embossed Leather Bottom Cover


When all iPhones look pretty much alike on the outside, one does what they can to customize theirs to their liking. (Or at least I do.) With a huge variety of styles and types to choose from, I found my preferences ran towards the cases that felt that they either protect my phone from potential drops or easy to attach and are seamless. 

iPhone 3G Unboxing Photos

July 11, 2008 5:27 PM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to News | Reviews Comments (1) | Permalink
P7119763.JPGSo I got up at 5:30 am and got down to the AT&T Store down the street at 6 am. There was a small line of 17 people there. My wife and I were numbers 18 & 19. Before I could blink there was a line going around the parking lot of at least 100 or so people. Luckily we got there early enough to wait in the shade.

We got into the store at 8:20 am and were out by 8:35 am. I dropped my wife off and headed to work. I took these photos of the iPhone being unboxed while at work.



iPhone 3G Debuts & Update 2.0 applied!

July 11, 2008 6:31 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
Ok well, today is the day we've all been waiting for! The iPhone 3G is just about to go on sale here in Hawaii...These past few days we've been getting reports from all over the world about the iPhone 3G and how it has made an already very good phone even better, today is the day some of us here at the iPhoneNewsBlog get our hands on it. We'll be able to give you a first hand account of what the phone is like and how the new 2.0 software update is different.

Anyway, for those who are not immediately upgrading to the iPhone 3G, we will continue to cover all things iPhone 1st Generation. In fact, today I wanted to go over the 2.0 upgrade process. In all, I think that the upgrade took longer than i expected...i am applying the update now and so far, it's taken about 40 minutes from start to restoring my iPhone's music and videos. I think that this is about the norm because the download process took about 7 minutes and the backing up, installing and restoring process can't go any faster.

So today my iPhone is live with the 2.0 software update and I'll either try to make an update later this weekend about how living with the update goes OR i'll definitely post my thoughts on Monday.

Take care and if you're in line for an iPhone 3G, best of luck! Have a GREAT weekend!

How to get iPhone Software v2.0 early

July 10, 2008 8:51 AM • by iPhone News Blog Staff • Posted to News | iPhone Hacks Comments (0) | Permalink

A sneaky someone found a link to the iPhone software v2.0 before it's been released here in the US! You can download iPhone software v2.0 here

Software build 5A347

NOTE: If you are using Safari to download this, it will uncompress and dump the original file into the trash. The original file is named iPhone1,2_2.0_5A347_Restore.ipsw.zip You need to retrieve the file from the trash and rename it. Simply remove the zip portion of the file name.

Before you update, please read Apple's support document: Updating and restoring iPhone and iPod touch software.

To install the update, simply connect your iPhone to iTunes then go to the summary screen. Hold down the option (alt) and click "Check for Update". Then select the file iPhone1,2_2.0_5A347_Restore.ipsw.

Be sure to make a backup of your phone! The update takes about 10 minutes.

iPhone 3G Launch Tomorrow & AppStore Already Showing Up

July 10, 2008 7:01 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
Folks, get ready for the coming of the iPhone 3G tomorrow worldwide at 8 a.m. Some reviews have already been flowing in. We'll try to post ours here as soon as we get our hands on a new unit...

In other news...

Reports from various rumor sites are reporting that the AppStore for the iPhone 3G is already showing up on iTunes 7.7. I have already upgraded to iPhone 7.7 however i do not see the AppStore...More investigation needed...

In any case, our friends over at MacRumors have posted a link to the iPhone 2.0 Firmware: download link

In an interview done by USAtoday Steve Jobs said, "With 500 programs launching internationally today, "This is the biggest launch of my career."

The complete story from USAToday can be found here.

Apple Expects iPhone 3G Activation Process to Take 15 Minutes

July 8, 2008 11:55 PM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
In an interview held yesterday, Apple retail chief Ron Johnson shed some light on how iPhone 3G sales and activations are going to be handled this coming Friday.

Johnson said that the activation process will take only 15 minutes, with the activation taking less than a minute and the credit check and plan selection taking the majority of the time.

Other interesting tidbits from the interview include:

  • Apple retail stores expect to be able to handle approximately 100 customers an hour.
  • Only 30 customers will be allowed in the store at a time.
  • You will need your credit card and social security number at the time of purchase.
  • A Valid ID is also needed.
A side note: Apple has posted a webpage that provides information to customers who are interested in iPhone 3Gs. Information can be found at the following link.

iPhone 3G Jumbo Displays

July 8, 2008 7:00 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Misc | News Comments (0) | Permalink
Seems like Apple is kicking it's marketing muscle into high gear. Gizmodo is reporting that even though you won't be able to actually buy an iPhone 3G till later this week (Friday to be exact), Apple stores have been busy retrofitting their stores with displays of HUGE iPhone 3G window displays. Pictured below is a photo of the window display courtesy of Gizmodo...

iphone1_3G.jpg














































Apple sure does go all out for these things..it'll be interesting to see how things develop in the next few days...exciting times indeed!

Rumors Galore with Upcoming Launch 4 Days Away

July 7, 2008 7:13 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Comments (0) | Permalink
There are TONS of rumors flying across the Internet nowadays about the iPhone 3G and there are absolutely crazy things being reported.

First off, it seems like in the UK, 02 was forced to stop taking pre-orders for the iPhone 3G due to super huge demand. From the reports, it seems that the carrier was taking pre-orders over the web to only to stop the practice a few hours later as pre-orders quickly outnumbered iPhones in stock...amazing...

Then in Canada, it seems that Apple has re-routed the iPhones to Europe instead or our northerly neighbors shores. Seemingly this came about because Apple was upset that Rogers (the chosen carrier for Canada) was advertising some really high wireless plan rates for the iPhone 3G. According to rumors they were left with only 10 - 20 phones...let's take this with a grain of salt people. It may not be as bad as it seems...more to come on this one as we learn more...

Lastly, Apple has finally posted directions on how to upgrade your current iPhone (edge) to the iPhone 3G...it talks about backing up and transferring data...definitely a good read for those who will be upgrading on Friday...have a look http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2109

Enjoy and i've gotta run outta here...have a GREAT day!

Apple Orders 50M more 8GB NAND Flash Chips

July 3, 2008 6:35 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News | Rumors Comments (0) | Permalink
Samsung recently told its downstream customers it will have to reduce the amount of 8GB NAND flash chips available to them due to Apple buying approximately 50 million of the units to cover iPhone and iPod production through the rest of the year.

Earlier in June, Apple ordered 25 Million of these chips...Amazing, its just amazing when you think of all those iPhone and iPods that Apple will be making out of these chips...

This should come as good news to Apple shareholders and supporters alike...

iPhone Top Cellphone in Japan

July 2, 2008 6:31 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
In a recent study in Japan conducted by the research group iShare, the iPhone 3G was found to be wanted by 57.9 percent of those who responded to the survey. Even more surprising was the fact that the survey allowed for multiple answers and the fact that another recent poll showed that the Japanese market was not interested in the iPhone.

Other phones in the top six were from foreign companies and included Emobile's S11HT, known as the AT&T Tilt or HTC TyTN II; the HT1100 or HTC Touch DUAL; and the BlackBerry Bold, the first version of the smartphone capable of running in Japan.

Results of this poll can be seen in the graph below:

iShareSurvey.png

Apple Posts Two iPhone 3G videos

July 1, 2008 7:22 AM • by R. Look • Posted to News Comments (0) | Permalink
In preparation for the upcoming launch of the iPhone 3G, Apple has posted 2 videos on its website. One of the videos features a guided tour while the other is about the iPhone software 2.0 update.

Included are the two links for your viewing pleasure:

AT&T Announces iPhone 3G Details

July 1, 2008 6:49 AM • by R. Look • Posted to Comments (0) | Permalink
AT&T issued a press release today that details the iPhone 3G's pricing and rate plans for the upcoming launch on July 11 at 8 a.m.

Included below are excerpts from the official AT&T press release:

Pricing and Eligibility

AT&T is making it easy for customers to prepare for their iPhone 3G purchase by posting "Get iReady" tips and frequently asked questions at www.att.com/iphone. The site also will include a link for customers to check their upgrade eligibility and other wireless account information.

iPhone 3G will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. These prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers:

  • iPhone customers who purchased before July 11
  • Customers activating a new line with AT&T
  • Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. In the future, AT&T will offer a no-contract-required option for $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).

Current customers may also choose to wait until they become eligible for an upgrade discount. Eligibility is generally determined by amount of time remaining on a current contract and payment history.

Current AT&T customers who are upgrading to iPhone 3G will pay an $18 upgrade fee and new AT&T customers will pay the standard $36 activation fee.

Voice, Data and Text Messaging Plans

AT&T brings iPhone 3G customers the best coverage on the globe and the largest mobile-to-mobile calling community with unlimited calling to AT&T's 71.4 million wireless customers. iPhone 3G customers can choose from four individual AT&T Nation plans, which bundle voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing).

  • AT&T NationSM Unlimited: Includes unlimited Anytime Minutes for $129.99 a month.
  • AT&T Nation 1350: Includes 1350 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $109.99 a month.
  • AT&T Nation 900: Includes 900 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $89.99 a month.
  • AT&T Nation 450: Includes 450 Anytime Minutes and 5,000 Night & Weekend Minutes for $69.99 a month.

All AT&T Nation and AT&T FamilyTalk® plans for iPhone 3G include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling and Caller ID.

AT&T will offer FamilyTalk plans, with bundled voice and unlimited data, starting as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone 3G lines. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.

Unlimited text messaging can be added for an additional $20 ($30 for FamilyTalk plans of up to five lines); $15 (1,500 messages), or $5 (200 messages).

Information regarding business plans and the iPhone software 2.0 were also included in the release:

iPhone for Business

Business customers interested in iPhone 3G should contact an AT&T business sales representative or review their account information online to determine their eligibility for upgrade pricing. Corporate e-mail and other business applications require the Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone, which is $45 a month and bundled with an eligible voice plan. Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk, the industry's only shared plan specifically for small businesses. Additional details on iPhone business offerings are available at www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.

iPhone 2.0 Software

All iPhone customers will benefit from the iPhone 2.0 software, which will be pre-loaded on all iPhone 3Gs and available as a free download for current iPhone customers. The new software will include numerous enhancements, such as business-class e-mail access via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), which allows a business to easily create applications customized to its needs; and the App Store, which offers a wide-range of applications -- from games to business, education to entertainment and productivity to social networking. For example, AT&T has developed YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile for iPhone, which takes local mobile search to a new level by allowing users to discover businesses and local events based on their popularity among other iPhone users, get directions and access business reviews.

To read the actual press release, click here

What will your plans be on July 11?

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