iPhone App Reviews » Rumors & Opinion

Netflix App for iPhone

kevinmorris22 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:58:24 +0000

There were rumors for several weeks preceding the announcement of a Netflix app for Phone.

When Netflix announced their app for the iPhone it was scheduled to be released in the summer of 2010. The last official post from Netflix on their blog reiterated summer of 2010.

This blog post was dated June 7, 2010.

Hi, John Ciancutti, VP of personalization technology, here. Today I had the unique opportunity to present the app we’re working on for iPhone at the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference in San Francisco. Our CEO Reed Hastings reiterated our excitement to bring Netflix to iPhone and more than 5,000 developers cheered when they saw how watching instantly will look on the groundbreaking mobile device that you carry in your pocket. If you use an iPhone, like I do, get ready to watch instantly on it this summer!

The App for the iPad has been out for a few weeks. It has since been updated to allow the video to stream from the iPad to a TV via a dock connection. Similar capabilities would be great for iPhone owners as they could use their iPhone as a great media device while in hotels or away from home. Just connect the iPhone to a dock and watch the movie on the hotel television. No outrageous pay per view fees.

Some early comments from the WWDC where the Netflix app was originally announced have been positive.

Here is what we know about the app for the iPhone:

The App will be free
It will allow you to continue your movie where you left off
It will work on 3g
It will allow you to modify your Netflix queue
Search and easy UI

As for when it will be released there is no word yet from Netflix other than “Summer of 2010″. If you have any insight on the App please leave a comment below.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Apple begins shipping free bumper cases

kevinmorris22 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:19:54 +0000

Apple has begun shipping the first wave of free bumper cases to users who ordered them through the iPhone App. As with the first wave of shipping notices, the arrivals appear to be limited to the UK for the time being, although customers in other countries who have received shipping notices can expect theirs to quickly follow.

Recipients report that the bumpers come in the standard Apple packaging for the product. And while customers who ordered bumpers are beginning to see theirs arrive, those who opted for third-party cases through the free case program have still seen no sign of movement on their orders, with shipping estimates pushing out well beyond a month for many customers. Those customers should keep their eyes peeled, however, as orders for Apple bumpers similarly showed lengthy initial shipping estimates before suddenly beginning to ship earlier this week.

Originally estimates for third party cases were set to arrive in 3 – 5 weeks.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Is it legal to jailbreak your iPhone? Yes.

kevinmorris22 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:11:11 +0000

It would appear that new rules approved by the US government will allow users of iPhones to legally jailbreak their iPhones.

The Associated Press briefly reports that the U.S. government has defined new rules that will permit users to “jailbreak” their iPhone and skirt Apple’s App Store ecosystem to add unapproved third-party applications.

Owners of the iPhone will be able to break electronic locks on their devices in order to download applications that have not been approved by Apple. The government is making that legal under new rules announced Monday.

The decision to allow the practice commonly known as “jailbreaking” is one of a handful of new exemptions from a federal law that prohibits the circumvention of technical measures that control access to copyrighted works.

While it is not uncommon for users to jailbreak their devices, the practice is officially unsanctioned by Apple. The company maintains a support document outlining some of the issues users of jailbroken iOS devices may experience while also disclosing that Apple reserves the right to deny service for any such device due to the “unauthorized modification” being a violation of the license agreement. Under the new federal policies, it would appear that Apple is no longer permitted to deny service for such reasons.

Update: The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has posted a press release announcing the government’s policy changes that came at the request of the EFF and has posted the full document (PDF) issued by the Copyright Office of the U.S. Library of Congress.

On balance, the Register concludes that when one jailbreaks a smartphone in order to make the operating system on that phone interoperable with an independently created application that has not been approved by the maker of the smartphone or the maker of its operating system, the modifications that are made purely for the purpose of such interoperability are fair uses. Case law and Congressional enactments reflect a judgment that interoperability is favored. The Register also finds that designating a class of works that would permit jailbreaking for purposes of interoperability will not adversely affect the market for or value of the copyrighted works to the copyright owner.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Where can I purchase an iPhone

kevinmorris22 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:55:48 +0000

The iPhone 4 has been out for a few weeks now but there are still some people who are looking for a place that has the new iPhone in stock. If you are looking to buy an iPhone you may find some locations in your area that have the iPhone. In this article I will list all the retail locations where the iPhone is available in the US and offer some suggestions to help you find an iPhone in stock.

1. The Apple Store:

The most obvious location to locate an iPhone is to go right to the source. www.Apple.com (this link will take you directly to the Apple store) You can also call the Apple phone number at 1-800-MY-APPLE and speak to a representative. If you have an Apple retail store in your area they will be able to tell you if they have the phone in stock or when they expect their next shipment.

2. AT&T:

Since AT&T is the service provider for the iPhone they are also a good place to check. Link to the AT&T Store. Go to your local store or check their web site for availability.

3. Best Buy:

Best Buy is another good option. I got my iPhone at Best Buy the first week of it’s release. One good thing about using Best Buy is that they can search inventory of neighboring stores in your area and see which stores have the iPhone in stock. Call your local store, if they don’t have it in stock ask them if other stores in the area do.

4. Wal-Mart:

That’s right Wal-Mart is carrying the iPhone 4. Since everyone in the US has a Wal-Mart in their neighborhood, that may be a good location to pick up your iPhone. Wal-Mart even offers the iPhone for a few bucks cheaper than other locations so you may even save a couple of bucks buying from them.

Good luck searching, if you know of other locations that I have missed, leave a comment.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

MantraCards: Right brain development app for iPhone and iPad

overthere — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:56:30 +0000

The ability of the mind to keep lots of non-associated visual information is very important. After regular training with this app, you should be able to vividly recall visual material–23 cards with different pictures. all as a result of training your mind to retain visual images.it works for all people, regardless of age. It can develop your ability to store and recall mental pictures. The app is designed to make the mind more acute and improve the visual recording of any material.you can use it in your iphone/ipad/ipod touch,and more,you can print the cards on paper to use it!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mantra/id382028398?mt=8#

Category: Education
Released: Jul 20, 2010
Version: 1.0
1.0 (iOS 4.0 Tested)
1.5 MB
Languages: English, Chinese

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Apple posts ad showing Droid X having antenna issues too

kevinmorris22 — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:50:17 +0000

Apple has posted a video showing the Droid X in the death grip. Apple continues to drive home the point that the iPhone is not the only smart phone with Antenna issues, it is an industry wide issue.

After its iPhone 4 press conference last week, Apple posted a new smartphone antenna performance page on its site highlighting how several other smartphones experience similar decreases of signal bars to that of the iPhone 4. The page initially featured phones from Research in Motion, HTC, and Samsung, as well as the iPhone 3GS. Earlier this week, Apple added the Nokia N97 mini to the page after that company publicly responded to Apple’s claims of antenna issues with other smartphones.

Not content to stop there, Apple has posted yet another smartphone signal attenuation video to its feature page and YouTube site, this time targeting Motorola’s just-released Droid X. The video shows the Droid X dropping from three signal bars to zero when gripped in the hand in a manner similar to the “death grip” frequently cited as inducing the issue on the iPhone 4.

The featuring of the Droid X is significant, as the device has been seen as the latest strong competitor for the iPhone. The Android-based phone has seen strong initial sales, with Motorola and Verizon struggling to keep up with demand. Apple is no doubt targeting the Droid X as it seeks to bolster its claims that the vast majority of smartphones, including many of the most popular ones, suffer from the same issue as the iPhone 4.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

iPhone 4 free case list and more information: Which case is best?

kevinmorris22 — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:53:20 +0000

Which free iPhone 4 case is best?

As posted earlier, Apple has begun offering the free cases to iPhone 4 users who are affected by the antenna issue.

While we can’t tell you which case is best for you, we can provide a list of cases being offered and links to the manufacturers web site. This will give you more information on the cases available from Apple and links to reviews for the cases where available. Most cases are so new on the market that reviewers have not had a chance to sit down and test the cases yet. So unless you want to wait for the cases to ship you will be left with looking at pictures or listening to the few people who have actually tried the cases on for size.

Some case manufacturers do not have much information available online for their cases so if you have one of these cases or more information, please leave a comment.

Below is the complete list of cases and links to read more about the cases being offered by Apple to iPhone 4 users. If you have reviews for these cases or other thoughts please leave a comment below.

The cases available from Apple for your choosing are:

Incase Snap Case for iPhone 4 – Smoke
- More info on this case
Incase Snap Case for iPhone 4 – Clear
- More info on this case
Belkin Shield Micra for iPhone 4 – Clear
- More info on this case
Griffin Motiff iPhone 4 Diamond / Smoke
- More info on this case
Griffin Reveal Etch iPhone 4 – Black/Black Graphite
- More info on this case
- iLounge
Speck Fitted Case iPhone 4 – Black Tartan
- More info on this case
- iLounge
Speck Pixel Skin HD iPhone 4 – Black
- More info on this case
- iLounge
Apple Bumper Case
- More info

I looked at the cases and read the reviews just like you are doing. So which case did I order?

I ordered the Speck Pixel Skin HD. I like a case that offers a rubberized texture in order to help hold on to the phone, I just hope the rubber is substantial enough so that the case is not too flimsy. I will know by September 8th. I just got my order summary from Apple and that is my deliver by date. Thanks Steve.

iLounge has also posted a review of the cases they have tested and more photos of each.

Macworld throws its hat in the ring with some case info too.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Apple has begun free case program for iPhone 4 owners

kevinmorris22 — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:00:37 +0000

If you have an iPhone 4 and are looking for your free iPhone case, Apple has begun the program of providing the cases to the public. Use the link below to claim your free iPhone 4 case.

As promised, Apple on Friday launched its iPhone 4 Case Program, granting free cases to customers who buy a phone through Sept. 30, and refunding those who already bought a protective “bumper” through an iPhone application.

More information on the iPhone 4 cases being offered by Apple.

The website with instructions is available at apple.com/iphone/case-program/, but users must request their case through the free “iPhone 4 Case Program” application on the App Store. From there, users sign in with their iTunes Store account or Apple ID, and can choose a bumper case.

iPhone 4 customers who made a purchase before July 23 must apply no later than Aug. 22, 2010. Otherwise, customers must apply within 30 days of their iPhone 4 purchase. To qualify for the program, customers must purchase their iPhone 4 by Sept. 30, 2010.

“If you are experiencing reception issues with your iPhone 4, youa re eligible to receive an iPhone 4 Bumper or other select third-party case from Apple at no charge,” the application’s description reads. “Download this ree app onto your iPhone 4 and apply your free bumper or case.”

“Only iPhone 4 owners are eligible for this program. The app will check the IMEI and serial number to verify that you have an iPhone 4. Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be able to choose an iPhone 4 bumper or other case. The bumper or case will be shipped to you at no charge.”

Options include a black first-party bumper, smoke or clear Incase Snap Cases, clear Belkin Shield Micra, diamonds/smoke Griffin Motif, black/black graphite Griffin Reveal Etch, black tartan Speck Fitted Case, and black Speck PixelSkin HD. All of the cases ship within 3 to 5 weeks.

Apple also said that those who purchased a bumper via credit card have already been refunded automatically. Those refunds began Thursday. Apple Retail Store customers can check the status of their refund at iphonebumper.apple.com.

Those who bought with cash, check or gift card at an Apple Store must return to the store with their receipt by Sept. 30, 2010 to get their refund. Customers who used a gift card on the Apple Online Store will be automatically mailed a new gift card for the refund amount.

Finally, for those who bought through an AT&T store, customers will be reimbursed for the purchase price as well. A rebate coupon is available to fill out on Apple’s website. The rebate form must be mailed by Sept. 30, 2010, and refunds will be sent as soon as the claim is processed.

Apple’s case program site also includes information on how customers can return their handset if they are not fully satisfied.

“You can return your undamaged iPhone 4 to any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund,” the site reads. “If you purchased your iPhone 4 from AT&T, you can also return it to an AT&T store.”

The page also includes a link to Apple’s newly launched antenna performance site, which explains the attenuation effect that can be experienced on the iPhone 4 and other smartphones when held improperly. Apple explained the issue and launched the site last week at its iPhone 4 press conference, when the company also revealed its free bumpers and cases program.

————————————

Free iPhone 4 case for owners with iPhone 4 antenna issues.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Apple has started providing refunds for iPhone 4 Bumpers

kevinmorris22 — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:35:51 +0000

If you ordered an iPhone 4 bumper already look for your refund soon. Apple has begun issuing refunds for the iPhone 4 bumpers to users who previously purchased them through the Apple online store.

Apple also stated they would be providing free bumpers or other 3rd party cases to current iPhone 4 owners but no word yet on how that will be handled or when the ordering for the free cases will begin. Apple originally stated that current owners would be able to get a new case for their iPhone 4 beginning this week.

Other Apps you may be interested in:

Apple provides a 13 page PDF explaining changes to their privacy policy

kevinmorris22 — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:51:24 +0000

Apple has responded to recent requests from lawmakers to discuss changes to their privacy policy and what they do with collected data. Apple provided lawmakers with a 13 page explanation of their privacy policy.

Nearly a month ago, federal lawmakers Edward Markey and Joe Barton wrote a letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs expressing concern over and seeking clarification on recent changes to the company’s privacy policy as it relates to collection of real-time location data for users of its mobile devices.

As noted by the Los Angeles Times yesterday, the congressmen have published Apple’s 13-page response (full-text PDF) submitted last week and explaining the company’s policies.

The full text of the PDF can be downloaded using the link above.

In its response, Apple points out that users have the ability to turn off location services entirely and that users are required to provide explicit authorization to each application that wishes to access their location information. Responding to questions about the information Apple is collecting, the response notes that, in addition to user-initiated location sharing, iOS devices automatically collect information on nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi access points along with GPS locations, batching and encrypting the data before sending it on to Apple via Wi-Fi every twelve hours in order to assist with refinements to Apple’s database of fixed access point locations.

Apple also discloses its usage of location information for administering its iAd platform, where GPS coordinates are immediately translated into zip codes for the purposes of serving ads. This information is not, however, passed along to advertisers, and Apple plans to maintain the zip code data on its servers for up to six months to assist with administration of and improvements to the iAd program before aggregating the data for administrative use.

For their part, Markey and Barton seem pleased with Apple’s response and approach to user consent and privacy policies, although they continue to express general concern over possible privacy implications for the expanding cloud-based mobile data-driven lifestyle, as well as ever-expanding privacy policy documents that can make it difficult for consumers to understand how their information is being used.

I leave location services on all the time on my iPhone. What about you? Are you trackable by Apple?

Other Apps you may be interested in: