iPhone Atlas

iPhone simulation app gains zoom-to-fit function, goes open-source

The Mac OS X application iPhoney, which simulates an iPhone interface by using WebKit to render pages in 320x480 or 480x320 (depending on how the simulated iPhone is oriented), has been updated to version 1.1 [1.4MB download]. The primary new feature in this release is zoom-to-fit, which will resize Web pages to completely (width-wise) in the iPhone screen. However, there is still no function to emulate "tap-zooming" (zooming in on specific portions of a page) nor touch-scrolling.

The new release also adds the ability to turn off plug-ins (including Flash, which is not supported by the … Read more

What's the iPhone buying situation in your area?

We're gathering reports from readers regarding any availability and store line-up details for tomorrow's iPhone launch. Here in Portland, Oregon, some malls that house Apple Stores are opening their doors at 7 AM or earlier to allow customer line-up and both Apple Stores and AT&T retail outlets are keeping tight-lipped about availability.

What's the situation in your area? Is anyone lining up yet? Are stores commenting on how many units they've received? Please let us know.

Check iPhone availability online tonight at 9 PM, two iPhones per person

You can whether or not your local retail outlets will have starting tonight at 9 PM (at http://www.apple.com/retail), with availability varying by location. The site is already functional (simply displaying which Apple retail stores will have initial stock of the iPhone; so far, all of them), but it's not clear whether or not more information -- such as unit shipments -- will be added at 9. Also, despite statements from AT&T Stores yesterday that each customer would be allowed only one iPhone for purchase, Apple has now announced that each customer will be … Read more

AT&T Stores: One iPhone per customer

UPDATE: AT&T is saying one, Apple is saying two. It may be that AT&T outlets are limiting purchase to one-per-customer, while Apple retail outlets will sell each customer two.

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Though we still can't call it absolutely confirmed, several AT&T retail locations have now told us that there will indeed be a one iPhone per customer rule. While some locations claim to still not have this information, three stores in the San Francisco Bay Area told us that the one-per rule is definite. However, it is still not clear if this is a … Read more

iPhone keyboard: Learns what you type, dynamically resizes key "hot zones"

Another iPhone demonstration video has been posted to Apple's Web site, this time detailing usage of device's the virtual, touch-screen keyboard.

Claiming that the keyboard "constantly analyzes keystrokes as you type," Apple says the iPhone keyboard uses two methods of text prediction: storage of frequently used words, including names and other data stored on the device, and a full dictionary that can auto-correct mistyped words.

As previously recommended, Apple says its best to start by using one finger with "deliberate" taps to type.

A magnifying glass pops up when touching and dragging over words … Read more

Apple's iPhone Q&A: Audio interference with iPod accessories; don't use other SIM cards; more

Apple has posted a question and answer page for the iPhone, rehashing previously announced information and revealing some new facts, like:

"iPhone may cause audio interference with some iPod accessories. Products that are engineered and certified to be compatible with the iPhone will carry the 'Works with iPhone' logo on their packaging." Current AT&T customers must add an iPhone Data Plan to their current plan or upgrade to an iPhone plan. This is contrary to information in an Apple press release stating "iPhone customers can choose from any of AT&Tâ??s standard … Read more

Walt Mossberg, David Pogue post first iPhone reviews

The Walt Street Journal's Walt Mossberg has posted the first genuine review of the iPhone (that we know of). The overall verdict is that "despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer."

His primary points of praise and contention:

The best Web browser ever offered on a phone Synchronizes easily and well with Macs and Windows systems Highest-resolution screen of any smart phone Virtual keyboard is a "nonissue" -- partly because of the error correction "Major drawback": only works with AT&T Works … Read more

AT&T Stores: Don't come in for anything other than an iPhone after 6 PM on June 29th

AT&T has created a recorded message that plays immediately when calling many of its retail locations indicating that users should avoid coming into stores after 6 PM on June 29th for anything other than the iPhone.

In addition to reiterating that stores will close at 4:30 PM, then re-open promptly at 6 PM to begin selling iPhones, the recorded message states:

"Due to the extraordinary demand for this device, customers may experience extended wait-times when visiting or calling the store on the 29th and through that weekend. If you plan on visiting our store for reasons … Read more

iPhone does not require data plan -- or does it?

UPDATE: New information from Apple's question and answer page contradicts the below statement from Apple's PR department, indicating that a data plan is required for iPhone usage.

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Earlier today we reported on Apple and AT&T's announcement of rate plans specifically for the iPhone, all of which include unlimited data transfer. One interesting point in the rate plan press release missed by most, however, is the following:

"iPhone customers can choose from any of AT&T's standard service plans.

So apparently, the iPhone can be used without one of the provided data … Read more