iPhone Atlas

iPhone dialing security "flaws": Tom Ferris, other experts weigh in

Yesterday SPI Labs, a division of SPI Dynamics, which sells a tool for web application security assessment among others, published a piece outlining security concerns for the iPhone's ability to dial numbers directly from Web pages using the tel: property (used by a number of sites, including some iPhone-optimized Web apps like goMovies). SPI says this leaves the iPhone open to various "attacks" including:

Redirecting phone calls placed by the user to different phone numbers of the attacker's choosing Tracking phone calls placed by the user Manipulating the phone to place a call without the user … Read more

New, iPhone-optimized version of Talkety (Web-based VOIP) on the way

We previously reported on Talkety, a Web-based VOIP service that works to some extent on the iPhone. In a nutshell, the service works as you'd expect: some slight delay, but overall decent voice quality.

We've now received word that a new version of Talkety is on the way, with significantly enhanced iPhone support. A project manager told us:

"We are at the moment developing a special version of Talkety for the iPhone, which will for example store your iPhone telephone number, so you do not have to choose it before dialing, it will allow synching of your … Read more

Wi-Fi hotspot finder for the iPhone debuts

EDGE access on the iPhone is for the birds, at least when it can be avoided. To help you find more Wi-Fi access points, JiWire has introduced an iPhone-optimized version of its hotspot location service. By visiting JiWire.com on an iPhone, you will be presented with a location (city, state or ZIP) search prompt. Wi-Fi location details are linked to the iPhone's built-in maps and phone dialer.

A posting on the JiWire site reads:

"Search results are presented in a compact and fast-loading format optimized for the iPhone's screen. Clicking "Previous" and "Next&… Read more

iPhone accessory compatibility index updated

We've updated our iPhone compatibility index with several new accessories, and have also begun categorizing the listings: speaker sets, bluetooth headsets, car kits, charging docks, etc.

iPhone battery replacement program details announced: $86

Like the iPod, the iPhone's battery is not user-replaceable, and must officially be replaced through Apple's own iPhone battery replacement program (though third-party battery replacement programs, like those for the iPod, are sure to appear soon).

The program will cost a total of $86 (a service fee of $79, plus $6.95 shipping). That's $20 more than the iPod's battery replacement program.

Like the iPod battery replacement program, iPhone data will not be preserved in the process. Apple says:

"No, the repair process will clear all data from your iPhone.  It is important … Read more

AT&T offers free Wi-Fi to some broadband customers

Citing the proliferation of Wi-Fi devices including the iPhone, AT&T has announced that customers with higher speed broadband plans can now receive free access to AT&T's nationwide Wi-Fi network comprised of nearly 10,000 hot spots.

Effective immediately, qualifying new and existing residential and small business AT&T broadband customers will have access to the WI-FI network. Qualifying customers include those subscribing to AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet Pro, AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet Elite, FastAccess Xtreme and FastAccess Xtreme 6.0.

Apple: Many iPod accessories will work with iPhone, uncertified devices will prompt for Airplane mode option

Apple says that most iPod accessories that use the 30-pin connector â?? such as chargers and speakers â?? may also be compatible with iPhone, even though they haven't been certified as "Works with iPhone."

The company also notes that connecting uncertified accessories will result in a prompt to enter Airplane mode, which should obviate potential interference issues:

"When you connect an uncertified accessory, your iPhone will notify you and present you with the option to go into Airplane Mode, which turns off the communication capability of the iPhone while it's connected to that accessory. This … Read more

Apple iPhone accessory pricing revealed

Apple has published pricing information for iPhone accessories, available for purchase today:

iPhone Bluetooth Headset -- $129: "features a single button that lets you make and receive phone calls simply and intuitively. And it delivers up to 5.5 hours of talk time and up to 72 hours of standby time thanks to its built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. An iPhone Dual Dock and iPhone Bluetooth Travel Cable are also included." Apple USB Power Adapter -- $29: "charge your iPhone or iPod at home, on the road, or whenever itâ??s not connected to a computer. An … Read more

Apple posts "finger tip" iPhone instruction videos

Apple has posted ten brief instructional videos for the iPhone, that explain how to:

Silence the ring Delete a message Create your favorites list Assign a ringtone "More song controls" Browse in Cover Flow Magnify to edit Mail preferences Set a passcode Reset your iPhone

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