iLounge

iPhone Software 2.2 out, Google Street View, Podcasts

• November 21, 2008
• iPhone
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Early this morning, following the release of iTunes 8.0.2, Apple released iPhone Software 2.2 as a free download for iPhone and iPhone 3G users. Here is a partial list of new features contained in the update, according to Apple.

Fewer call connection failures and mid-call drops.
Improved Visual Voicemail sound quality.
Google Street View has been added to maps.
Public transit information and walking directions.
Dropped pins display addresses.
Current location can be shared via e-mail.
E-mail fetching problems have been resolved.
Wide HTML e-mail formatting has been improved.
Auto-correcting keyboard can be turned on or off.
Safari is more stable and performs better.

Podcasts can be downloaded from iTunes app, both on cellular (!) and Wi-Fi.
Pressing Home button from any Home screen returns you to the first Home screen.

Other features are included, as well. Version 2.2 is available by selecting your iPhone or iPhone 3G from the Devices list in iTunes version 8.0.2, and hitting the Check for Update/Update button.

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Apple releases iTunes 8.0.2

• November 20, 2008
• iTunes
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Apple has released iTunes 8.0.2, the latest version of its digital media management software. According to the release notes, the update addresses a quality issue creating MP3s on some computers, fixes a connectivity issue with the iTunes Store when using some internet proxies with Mac OS X, and improves accessibility with VoiceOver. iTunes 8.0.2 is available now as a free download from itunes.com or via Apple’s Software Update utility.

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DLO ships HomeDock HD Pro for iPod

• November 20, 2008
• iPod Accessories
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Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has announced that it is now shipping its HomeDock HD Professional entertainment dock for iPod. The HomeDock HD Pro features an integrated iPod dock offering video upscaling to 1080i or 720p and an optical digital audio output. Other features include HDMI output and an HDMI input for extending the reach of other HDMI equipment, RS-232 and RS-485 support for integration into a custom home entertainment system, component video and RCA audio outputs, an auxiliary audio input, an included RF remote and an IR input jack to allow for control via universal remote, and an on-TV interface featuring album art in an icon-based visual flow format. The DLO HomeDock HD Pro is available now and sells for $250.

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Apple patent points to iPhone, iPod status indicators

• November 20, 2008
• Apple
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A recently published Apple patent application suggests the company is developing a new system of status indicators for its iPod and iPhone devices. The patent describes a system in which the main backlight of the device sports a semi-transparent area, allowing a low-power, secondary backlight to show through, displaying simple icons to show whether the iPod is playing music, indicate new email or voicemail, missed calls, and so on. As with all Apple patents, this filing does not necessarily represent any future product release from Apple, but offers evidence of the company’s research in this area.

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MMS coming to iPhone via re-branded Mobispine app

• November 20, 2008
• iPhone
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Following a report from MacWorld Sweden (Translated Link) claiming that iPhone carrier Telia would soon offer a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) application for its iPhone customers, mobile services company Mobispine has announced that it is developing a native MMS application for the iPhone. According to a posting on the company’s blog, Mobispine will sell a specially-branded version of its MMS application to operators, who in turn will make it available to users via the App Store. It is currently unclear whether Mobispine will be able to receive approval from Apple for the MMS application.

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Mix: Softbank, Frenzic, Goldstriker, Zune Marketplace

• November 20, 2008
• Mix
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Softbank Chief Strategy Officer Tetsuzo Matsumoto recently said that the company is “happy” with its current situation regarding the iPhone 3G, despite reports of slower-than-expected sales. “We introduced the iPhone without any big market trial, so the initial package had some problems,” Matsumoto told Dow Jones Newswire at the GSMA Mobile Asia Congress. Citing research from MM Research Institute, Newswire reports that Apple sold about 200,000 iPhones in Japan in the first two months, but has seen falling demand, leading analysts to speculate that total sales are unlikely to reach 500,000, or around half of what Apple expected. Despite these figures, Matsumoto said iPhone users have been downloading data at ten times the rate of other phones, adding, “as new applications are being introduced, the attraction of the handset is increasing daily. So we are pretty happy about the present situation.”

The Iconfactory and ARTIS Software have announced the release of their game Frenzic for the iPhone and iPod touch. Frenzic is a puzzle-based game in which players attempt to move colored pie pieces from a central circle to surrounding circles; the outer circles are removed from the board as they are filled. Features include location-awareness to compare the player’s scores with those of nearby players or players across the globe, and integration with the frenzic.com website, which offers friend tracking, stats, and more. Frenzic is available now from the App Store and sells for $5.

Goldstriker has introduced three new precious stone-bezeled iPhone 3Gs (pictured). Available in black and white diamonds, ruby and white diamond, or white diamonds, each is a 16GB model and fully unlocked for compatibility with most GSM providers. The three new models are available now and sell for £3,595 (roughly $5,370), £3,095 (~$4,625), and £4,095 (~$6,120), respectively.

Microsoft has announced changes to its Zune Pass music subscription model, establishing a new value-conscious purchasing alternative to the iTunes Store. The new $15 Pass gives users on-demand access to millions of tracks from all four major labels and independents, then lets them keep 10 DRM-free tracks per month to add to their permanent collection, effectively reducing the monthly rental cost to only $5.

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Westone rolls out Westone 3 triple-driver earphones

• November 20, 2008
• iPod Accessories
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Westone Music Products has introduced its new Westone 3 triple-driver in-ear headphones. The 3 features three balanced armature drivers and a three-way crossover network for improved sound, braided cables, and a frequency response of 20 Hz - 18 kHz. Each pair will include a fit kit with ten different styles of eartips to ensure a proper, comfortable fit, a soft zippered carrying pouch, a 1/8” to 1/4” plug adapter, and an inline volume control module. The Westone 3 will be available on November 28 and will sell for $399.

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Apple releases Apple TV Software 2.3

• November 19, 2008
• Apple TV
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Apple has released Apple TV Software 2.3, the latest update to its set-top box. According to the release notes, the update adds the ability to stream music from the Apple TV to Airport Express speakers or other Apple TV units on the same network, to learn other remote controls’ commands and use them in addition to the Apple Remote, and to see playlists in iTunes that contain movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music videos. It also adds support for volume control in music. Apple TV Software 2.3 is available now via the Update Software selection in the General Settings menu.

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Puzzle MMORPG Aurora Feint II shown for iPhone, iPod touch

• November 19, 2008
• iPhone Applications
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Now operating under the corporate name Aurora Feint Inc., developers Danielle Cassley and Jason Citron have unveiled Aurora Feint II: The Arena for the iPhone and iPod touch. Based on the original RPG-slash-block-matching game Aurora Feint: The Beginning, the new game is described as an asynchronous massively multi-player RPG, which promises to let users play against “ghosts” of other players that persist in the game even when the ghost’s player is not actually using his/her device. According to the company, playing against a ghost is “exactly” like playing in real-time against a real player, with real-time interaction between challenger and ghost. Other new features in the game include a world newsfeed, which is a continuous stream of real-time events happening in the game that appears as a ticker on the bottom of the screen. Tapping on an event in the ticker takes the player to an area called the Tavern, where players can conduct “asynchronous” chat with other players in the world, propose duels, share strategies and compete for leader board rankings. Each player will also get a wall where other players can leave comments and challenges and suggestions, which in turn become events in the Tavern.

In addition, the game offers all the functionality of the company’s first title, Aurora Feint: The Beginning, including characters, role playing, and skill-based progression in a single player environment. The Arena will be the second in a series of three products the company intends to build around the theme of Aurora Feint, a girl whose coma takes her through a dream world and series of casual puzzle based challenges aided by player characters. Aurora Feint II: The Arena will initially be priced at $8, going up to $10 after the holidays, and is expected to be available on the App Store on Friday, pending Apple’s update schedule.

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Apple talks with holdout labels on DRM-free music

• November 19, 2008
• iTunes
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Apple is in discussions with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony BMG in hopes of offering DRM-free music from the labels on the iTunes Store, according to a new report. Citing two anonymous music industry sources, CNet reports that the talks are still preliminary, and although no deals have been finalized, one source suggests at least one of the three holdouts is close to an agreement. Apple first began offering DRM-free music, dubbed “iTunes Plus,” from label EMI last May. Over the following months, EMI, along with the other three major labels, began offering their music in a DRM-free format to rival music stores, such as those run by Amazon and Wal-Mart; offering DRM-free music from all four labels would bring the iTunes Store back into parity with these other services.

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GenevaLab launches GenevaSound Home Theater

• November 19, 2008
• iPod Accessories
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GenevaLab has announced its new GenevaSound Home Theater, a combination theater sound system and TV stand. The Home Theater, available in black or white, features 2.1 surround sound with EmbracingSound DSP technology, an all-digital 700-Watt amplifier, seven speaker drivers including a 12-inch subwoofer, an integrated iPod/iPhone dock, a radio receiver, a CD player, and interior space for components such as a cable box, DVD/Blu-ray player, game console, or Apple TV. The GenevaSound Home Theater is available now and sells for $3999, including white glove in-home delivery and setup.

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ReCover debuts Revive cases for iPod nano 4G, touch 2G

• November 19, 2008
• iPod Accessories
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ReCover, formerly known as Imoeba World, has introduced its new Revive cases for the fourth-generation iPod nano and second-generation iPod touch. Made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a recyclable copolymer that combines plastic and rubber, both cases feature open access to all ports and controls and ReCover logo art. In addition, both cases come in packaging made from 100% renewable plastic and 90% recycled paper. A portion of all proceeds to Earth911, the US’s leading source for environmental information, and the company has also partnered with tree-planting movement SeedTree, committing to plant one tree for every ReCover case purchased. ReCover’s Revive cases for the iPod nano 4G and iPod touch 2G are available now in black or clear and sell for $25.

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