iLounge

Apple launches Reserve and Pick Up retail service

• November 6, 2009
• Apple
• digg this

Apple has launched a new Reserve and Pick Up service ahead of the holiday shopping season that allows customers to reserve products online for pick up in one of Apple’s retail stores. Included in the service are all models of iPod, and most Mac computers; curiously missing from the reservation system is the Apple TV, while the iPhone link simply pops up a message promoting the iPhone Gift Card. All iPods and laptops are also available for gift wrapping. No charge is applied at the time of reservation; instead, customers must pay in the store when picking their items up between December 15 and 24.

Click here to add your comments.

Apple patent points to simplified data sharing

• November 6, 2009
• Apple
• digg this

A new Apple patent application published this week suggests the company is working on a system of simplified data transfer between devices such as the iPhone, iPod touch, Mac computers, and Apple TV. The application covers a variety of transfer methods, including local Wi-Fi, cellular, and near-field networks, and also mentions the use of online data storage services that could serve as an intermediary between devices. In addition, the system would allow for simple transfer not only of individual files, but also of content with applications, allowing the user to pick up exactly where they left off on the other device. Notably, the illustrations accompanying the patent show two new iPhone/iPod touch applications, one called “Grab & Go” that would presumably be used to quick file transfers, and another called “Revisit,” which would give users access to recent browser history, searches, media, files, and more. 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; continue reading for images from the application.

Click here for additional details and comments.

iPodweek coming shortly, still time to register

• November 6, 2009
• Site News
• digg this

iPodweek, iLounge’s weekly newsletter recapping the last seven days in news, articles, reviews, and more, will be sent out to our email subscribers later today. In addition to rounding up the week’s top stories, iPodweek also features giveaways and accessory discount offers from various companies. If you haven’t yet signed up to receive iPodweek, there’s still time to register and receive this week’s edition — just use the simple form below to submit your email address.

IMPORTANT: Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Earthlink and others, make sure we don’t end up in your spam box. Please accept emails from iLounge.com. Thank you.

Click here to add your comments.

Apple rolling out updated iTunes LP/Extras files

• November 6, 2009
• iTunes,Apple TV
• digg this

Apple has begun sending out emails to customers who purchased iTunes LP or iTunes Extras content prior to the release of Apple TV Software 3.0, informing them that updated files are now available. As Apple revealed in a Support document last week, the new Apple TV software requires updated iTunes LP and iTunes Extras files to work properly. The emails states, “We have updated the iTunes LP that was included with [Album title and artist] so that it can now be viewed on Apple TV in addition to your Mac or PC.” The email includes a direct “Check for Available Downloads” link, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to do so manually. It also notes that the updated files will automatically replace currently existing versions, and that the new files must be synced with the Apple TV.

Click here for 3 comments.

Apple seeking new iPhone security manager

• November 6, 2009
• iPhone
• digg this

Apple has posted a new job listing on its website seeking an “iPhone OS Platform Security Manager,” suggesting the company is looking to further secure its mobile operating system. The job description says the company is ” looking for a talented and inspired manager to lead a team focused on the platform security of iPhone OS. The team is responsible for secure booting and installation of the OS, partitioning and hardening of security domains within the OS, cryptographic services, and risk analysis of security threats.” Responsibilities of the position will include “setting the roadmap for the iPhone OS platform security with an emphasis on hardware support and trusted computing methods,” “creating and promoting a development environment that encourages innovation and sets high standards for quality and productivity,” and “driving a methodology for proactively finding security vulnerabilities.”

While the iPhone OS has yet to be the target of a widespread virus or other malicious attack, hackers have been able to consistently jailbreak each new release, allowing for the installation of unsupported applications and modifications, potentially making the devices more vulnerable to attacks, as seen in a harmless extortion scheme earlier this week. In addition, other potential vulnerabilities have been found and demonstrated at hacking conferences, although Apple has normally adressed these with subsequent software updates. It is unclear whether this position, whether it be a new job or an attempt to fill a now-vacated position, would be charged with blocking jailbreakers or simply focusing on other security concerns. [via The Industry Standard]

Click here for 1 comment.

Vers launches open-front Shellcases for iPod, iPhone

• November 6, 2009
• iPod Accessories
• digg this

Vers has introduced its new open-front Shellcase wooden cases for the iPod touch and iPhone. Made from Walnut, Cherry, or Bamboo, each case features a soft, scratch-resistant lining, steel pin reinforced corners for added strength, a durable UV and moisture-resistant clear coat, and offers access to the screen and home button, iPhone sensors, camera, headphone jack, and sleep/wake button. Vers’ new open-front Shellcase wooden cases for the iPhone and iPod touch are available now and sell for $40 each.

Click here for 2 comments.

iPhone developer accused of stealing phone numbers

• November 5, 2009
• iPhone Applications
• digg this

A class action lawsuit (PDF Link) has been filed against iPhone game developer Storm8 accusing the company of secretly transmitting and collecting players’ phone numbers. Storm8 makes a variety of games available for download from the App Store, including iMobsters, Vampires Live, and Zombies Live, which the company says have been downloaded more than 20 million times, making them “the number one role-playing games for the iPhone and iPod touch.” While the suit acknowledges that Storm8 admitted to transferring players’ phone numbers in August, calling the problem a “bug,” it also states that the company “could not have accidentally harvested its users’ phone numbers” and needed to use “very specific and specialized software code to do so.” This is not the first time a company has been accused of secretly stealing users’ phone numbers via an application; European application mogoRoad was said to be transferring users’ numbers and using them to place the unsolicited calls in September.

Click here to add your comments.

Quirky intros Beamer case for iPhone 3G, 3GS

• November 5, 2009
• iPhone Accessories
• digg this

Quirky, a community product development service, has introduced the Beamer, its new case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Made from hard plastic, the Beamer is a two-piece case with an integrated LED light. A recessed button on the side of the case opposite the volume buttons and ring/hold switch allows users to turn the light on for 10 second bursts—good for photos—or indefinitely if needed for longer periods. Other features include access to all ports and controls, a replaceable cell coin battery good for 10 hours of LED operation, and a slide-off bottom for easy docking. Quirky’s Beamer case for iPhone 3G and 3GS is available for pre-order now and sells for $32.

Click here for 3 comments.

Apple’s Jobs named ‘CEO of the decade’

• November 5, 2009
• Apple
• digg this

Fortune magazine has named Apple co-founder and CEO Steve jobs its CEO of the decade. “Superlatives have attached themselves to Jobs since he was a young man. Now that he’s 54, merely listing his achievements is sufficient explanation of why he’s Fortune’s CEO of the Decade (though the superlatives continue),” Adam Lashinsky writes in a two-page overview of Jobs’ business history. “In the past 10 years alone he has radically and lucratively reordered three markets—music, movies, and mobile telephones—and his impact on his original industry, computing, has only grown. Remaking any one business is a career-defining achievement; four is unheard-of.” In the multi-part tribute, Fortune also offers an interactive timeline of key products and releases from the last ten years, a list of the top 10 moments from his career, interviews with eight important figures that have known Jobs throughout his life, and more.

Click here for 1 comment.

Intel responds on iPhone sync issues

• November 5, 2009
• iPhone
• digg this

Intel has issued a comment concerning the iPhone sync issues some users are experiencing with certain PCs containing a specific Intel chipset. “Our leading theory is a BIOS or system configuration issue, but we are still investigating,” Intel said. The basic input/output system (BIOS) is the boot firmware run by a PC on startup, which identifies, tests, and initializes core system devices such as the graphics card, hard disk, and other hardware. As we reported earlier this week, the syncing issue appears to linked to Intel’s P55 Express chipset and its USB controller, which leaves the afflicted machines able to recognize the iPhone but unable to sync. The problem has been most prevalent among PCs running 64-bit Windows 7, but the issue has also been reported on machines running both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of both Windows 7 and Vista.

Click here to add your comments.

iFlipWallet debuts iFlip case for iPhone 3G, 3GS

• November 5, 2009
• iPhone Accessories
• digg this

iFlipWallet has introduced the iFlip, a new case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The iFlip is a combination case and wallet, made from genuine leather and offering a wallet-like, flip-out addition on the rear of the case. Features include access to all ports and controls whether the wallet portion is opened or closed, access to the camera when the wallet is open, and several card slots on the interior of the wallet, including one with a clear cover to keep IDs visible. The iFlip iPhone wallet is available now and sells for $50.

Click here for 10 comments.

iSkin rolls out solo FX SE for iPhone 3G, 3GS

• November 4, 2009
• iPhone Accessories
• digg this

iSkin has introduced its new solo FX Special Edition (SE) case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Like the previously-released solo and solo FX for iPhone 3G, the SE is a form-fitting case, featuring integrated volume and power button protection, an embossed design pattern for added visual interest, and unobstructed access to all ports and controls. Unlike prior models, however, the solo FX SE features a more subdued matte finish with a textured surface, and includes both clear and mirror-finish screen film protectors. The solo FX SE for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS is available now in black, pink, or white, and sells for $35.

Click here to add your comments.