iPhone Atlas

Perhaps you remember Case-mate's 99-cent cardboard iPhone "recession" case, which we wrote about back in September and deemed one of the better product publicity stunts in recent memory. Well, Case-mate is now hosting a decorate-your-recession-case contest with users submitting photos of their creations. The pic with the most votes wins a Suzuki moped from the '80s.

We gotta say, the entries are pretty amusing, and while cardboard is never going to look upscale, the decorated cases are pretty hot in a sort of avant garde way.

Check out the slideshow below and feel free to let us know your favorite. We'll add more photos as entries come in (thanks to Case-mate for allowing us to post them here).

Case-mate iPhone recession case photos

Note: The contest ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on November 30, 2009. To enter, visit recessioncase.case-mate.com.

(Credit: EA Sports)

EA Sports is one of the few game companies that's managed to successfully charge $9.99 for a game in Apple's App Store. Madden NFL 10, priced at 10 bucks, remains a top seller, and now FIFA Soccer 10 has hit the App Store for $9.99 and seems destined to make a run for the top spot in the games category.

While we thought Madden didn't play quite as well we'd hoped it would on the iPhone (and iPod Touch), we think soccer, with its top-down view and simple control scheme, should make a better transition to the iPhone.

FIFA Soccer 10 does face some stiff competition from Gameloft's Real Soccer 10, which we have to say plays very well--and Real Soccer 10 sells for less ($6.99) and has a loyal following (while this is EA's first soccer game for the iPhone, Gameloft's Real Soccer 10 is in its second season). That said, on the surface at least, FIFA Soccer 10 appears to be the more robust of the two games, offering more licensed teams and players as well as a "Be a Pro" mode that allows you to create a player and track his play over multiple seasons.

If you don't have an iPhone or iPod Touch, EA Sports is also releasing FIFA Soccer 10 on all dedicated game consoles (PS3, PSP, PS2, XBox 360, Wii, and DS) and the PC on October 20. However, those versions cost significantly more than $10.

We'll let you know our impressions of FIFA Soccer 10 for iPhone and iPod Touch after we've played the game. But in the meantime, feel free to make your own comments.

Gameloft's Real Soccer 10 is impressive and costs 3 dollars less ($6.99).

(Credit: Gameloft)

(Credit: Case-mate)

Marketing and PR folks take note. In one of the more brilliant publicity stunts in recent memory, iPhone accessory maker Case-mate is going downscale. Really downscale. And green, too.

It's created a 99-cent cardboard "recession" case along with free "Sharpie Script" personalization (yes, some dude or dudette will inscribe your case by hand). And these babies can be bought in bulk: Case-mate is offering 10 for $7.99.

I'm impressed. This is something you'd expect to see from the Onion News Network, not from a real tech company. And while the recession has hopefully ended, plenty of people are still hurting, even a couple of iPhone owners.

Here's the FAQ on the case, in case you want to buy one:

Q) Is it waterproof? A) No, so don't put it in the dishwasher.

Q) Is this case flammable? A) If you light it on fire it is.

Q) Does it come assembled? A) No, see our animated gif for a step-by-step demo!

Q) What device does this case support? A) iPhone 1G, 3G, and 3GS.

Q) How does this case stay together? A) It has locking tabs at the bottom and top of the case, as well as an adhesive strip to keep the case held together.

Q) Can I use this case to microwave my frozen pizzas? A) I don't see why not, although we can't ensure quality taste.

Q) Will this case make me awesome? A) I think that goes without saying.

Q) Is there a warranty? A) No, it is cardboard, after all.

Q) Can I get a paper cut on my ear while using this case? A) My first guess would be no, but anything is possible, we don't promote unsafe use of the recession case.

Q) How long will the case be sold? A) As long as it needs to be to get us out of this recession! Or while supplies last.

Q) Does it come with a screen protector? A) No, we are in a recession!

Q) How long will the product last? A) Forever as long as you don't destroy it!

Q) Is this case made from recycled cardboard? A) 100 percent of only the best for you!

Q) Will the product scratch my device? A) No! its cardboard not brick!

Q) Is the CM logo impressed on the case? A) This is known as the "people's case."

Q) Will this product be sold at Case-mate retail locations? A) Nope! The recession case is sold exclusively here at case-mate.com!

Comments?

(Via Engadget)

(Credit: Mobile Mechatronics)

If you're an iPhone owner who just hates typing on the device's virtual keyboard, Mobile Mechatronics has something for you: the iTwinge, a $30 BlackBerry-style, slide-on keyboard that mounts right on the iPhone.

Now iPhone purists are probably thinking this should be called the iCringe, but if you're heavy into texting and e-mailing and aren't proficient with the virtual keyboard, I can see some merit to using this device. However, it obviously covers up a good 40 percent of the iPhone's screen, which would seem problematic.

According to Mobile Mechatronics, the iTwinge Keyboard is a typing "Skin" for the iPhone that "enables faster and more accurate typing through the use of our patent pending Twinge Technology." Also, according to the company, studies show that an average user will improve their typing speed by 30 percent to 40 percent and reduce typing errors by 70 percent to 80 percent.

The lightweight keyboard sleeve--it weighs an ounce--attaches to the bottom of the iPhone and mimics the iPhone's virtual keyboard (it appears that touching the keys simply transfers the touch to the virtual keys below). According to the company's FAQ section, it slips on and off in a second and is durable (see a video of iTwinge in action here). It's also worth noting that it apparently draws some power from your iPhone, but only a tiny amount.

Mobile Mechatronics indicates that the iTwinge is also a training tool for those transitioning from a phone with a physical keyboard to the iPhone's virtual keyboard and that it has an iPhone app in development that helps "users build muscle memory & improve typing skills."

The iTwinge is scheduled to ship on November 17 and the company is taking preorders now. We assume Mobile Mechatronics has Apple's blessing to sell this, but it's worth noting that Apple has refused so far to approve or create Bluetooth drivers that would let you use a wireless keyboard to type on the iPhone. I've written about the whole iPhone Bluetooth keyboard fiasco in the past, and I still can't understand why Apple wouldn't give its users the option of using a Bluetooth keyboard with the iPhone.

Anyway, what do you guys think of the iTwinge? Is it intriguing and innovative or a waste of money?

(Source: Engadget via ChipChick)

(Credit: Mobile Mechatronics)

(Credit: The Boy Genius Report)

Ever since Apple launched the new iPhone 3GS, the older iPhone 3G has been going for $99 with a new two-year contract. Well, according to Boy Genius Report, there seem to be some indications that Apple may be about to bring out a new 8GB version of the iPhone 3GS that will take the place of the iPhone 3G and also cost $99.

Interestingly, BGR's source isn't AT&T but Rogers, a Canadian carrier, and a tipster sent the site some screenshots that seem to provide proof of the transition between models. None of this is confirmed, of course, but if AT&T (and other carriers like Rogers) offered an 8GB iPhone 3GS for $99, it would be another aggressive move by Apple in its quest to dominate the smartphone space. I'm not sure it spells doom for the $199 8GB Palm Pre, which is selling well, but it can't help its cause.

Comments? Is the 8GB iPhone 3GS at $99 a big deal?

(Via The Boy Genius Report)

(Credit: Apple)

Update (June 26, 2009): Now that the dust has settled, Jim Dalrymple has a more complete picture of how and why this app was removed.

Update: We initially reported that Apple had blocked the app, but it now appears that the developer's servers were simply overwhelmed (Apple's servers distribute the app, but the images themselves are pulled from the developer's server). We'll have further updates as the story continues to evolve.

Back when Apple first launched its App Store, Steve Jobs showed a slide with six categories of apps that would be verboten: "Porn, privacy, bandwidth hog, illegal, malicious," and "unforeseen." Well, on Wednesday Apple allowed a developer to add nude models to the 17+ rated app "Hottest Girls," ushering in what may--or may not be--a new era for iPhone apps.

When news of the nude images first leaked out, the Mac enthusiast site Macenstein proclaimed, "And then there was porn." The headline was followed by the rather titillating lede: "Today the iTunes app store became a man, having finally seen its first adult app. Meaning nudity. Meaning boobies."

As noted, "Hottest Girls" ($1.99), carries Apple's 17+ rating (for "Frequent/Intense Sexual Content or Nudity.") and until recently only featured women in lingerie and bathing suits. But Hottest Girls' developer Allen Leung told bloggers Wednesday that, "We uploaded nude topless pics today. This is the first app to have nudity."

Macenstein noted that the announcement rivaled "the first transmissions from the moon landing in importance."

That was Wednesday. On Thursday, TechCrunch discovered that it couldn't download the application and immediately assumed Apple had blocked it. But it now appears there were just too many people trying to download the application at once.

A note on the developer's Web site reads:

"The Hottest Girls app is temporarily sold out. The server usage is extremely high because of the popularity of this app. Thus, by not distributing the app, we can prevent our servers from crashing. Customer satisfaction is more important to us than profits. Those who already have the app will still be able to use our app. To answer the question on everyone's mind: Yes, the topless images will still be there when it is sold again."

Of course, this brings into question the whole notion of just what "porn" is--and isn't. In some parts of America, an app that boasts "completely naked pics" would be considered indecent, plain and simple. But in parts of Europe, well, Hottest Girls is just a day at the beach.

What do you think? Is this good news? And how relaxed do you think Apple will be? Or is it just a matter of time before the company shuts down tawdry apps like this because it potentially damages its reputation?

(Source: Macenstein via Gizmodo)

Until recently, the Hottest Girls app just featured scantily clad models.

Now that the iPhone 3G S is officially behind us, let me be the first--or at least one of the first--to announce the countdown to the next new iPhone. If history is any indication, it should show up right around this time next year.

Interestingly, even though the 3G S is technically Apple's third-generation iPhone, some tech pundits were expecting the iPhone 3G S to be called the iPhone 4G. But you could also argue that the iPhone 3G S is more like the iPhone 3.5G, which doesn't have the greatest ring.

There's also a chance that in between the iPhone 3G S and iPhone 4G (or whatever it's called), we might see a totally new branch of iPhone, something akin to an iPhone Mini or Lite.

I'm not sure Apple needs to answer to the smaller form factor of the Palm Pre, but there are some people out there who think the iPhone's just a tad too big. And there are some people who want a physical keyboard, but don't count on Apple slipping in a slide-out keyboard anytime soon.

Gizmodo and other blogs posted this concept art for the iPhone 4G before Apple announced the 3G S.

(Credit: Rodolphe Desmare)

All that said, I do think next year's iPhone will feature a new design that also includes a new screen. Some mock-ups floating around have suggested the aluminum unibody design of the new MacBooks. That's possible, but so are a host of other innovative industrial designs.

The point is, the next go-round, it's probably not enough to just stick with upgraded internal components. Some significant cosmetic changes will be required to differentiate the generations and more easily entice upgrades by existing iPod owners. And I'm not talking matte vs. shiny finish.

Ultimately, however, it's what's inside that counts and consumers are always wanting faster, more powerful smartphones with more memory that somehow manage to be more energy-efficient and offer better battery life. There's already talk of the next iPhone having a dual-core processor and better graphics chips that can deliver higher video resolutions and better still images when taking pictures (read Brooke Crothers' story on new ARM chips here).

The question is whether Apple can continue to increase battery life at the same time. In fact, one big reason a lot of people are interested in upgrading from the 3G to the 3G S is because of the improved battery life.

Beyond the hardware, there are still features concerns to address (everybody has their wishlist) and more importantly, carrier and pricing plan issues. Someday, some other carrier, perhaps Verizon, which is preparing to build out a 4G network, will get the iPhone. And someone, maybe Apple, will declare that iPhone the iPhone 4G. Or maybe it'll just be the 3G V. All I know is that come this time next year, we'll most likely be seeing a new iPhone. And it will be here before you know it.

Comments? Aside from a carrier choice, what are looking for in a true 4G iPhone?

(Credit: Lexcycle)

Maybe Steve Jobs doesn't think there's a market for e-books on the iPhone, but Amazon seems to. On Monday, it acquired Lexcycle, the company that developed the popular Stanza iPhone and iPod Touch e-book reader application, for an undisclosed sum.

At first glance, it's unclear exactly why Amazon would buy Lexcycle when it has its own successful Kindle iPhone e-book reader application. But it appears to be hedging its bets by picking up what it thinks is "an innovative company" that works across multiple mobile platforms.

Clearly, Amazon is looking beyond the Kindle 2 and salivating over the 37 million iPhone and iPod Touch devices already in the market, as well as the upcoming Palm Pre, Google's Android phones, and future Windows Mobile phones. There's also talk of a rumored oversize iPod Touch that's due out later this year that would make for a potentially intriguing e-book reader. Plus, the Stanza reader supports the ePub format, which is quickly becoming the standard for e-books outside the proprietary format that Amazon uses for the Kindle.

As we've come to expect from Amazon, it was a bit coy in its remarks to The New York Times' Bits blog. Cinthia Portugal, a spokeswoman for Amazon, said, "It's very early days for e-books, and we believe there is a lot of innovation ahead of us. Lexcycle is a smart, innovative company, and we look forward to working with them to innovate on behalf of readers."

In announcing the deal on its blog, Lexcycle assured Stanza devotees that it wouldn't be making any changes to the application or user experience as a result of the acquisition. "Customers will still be able to browse, buy, and read ebooks from our many content partners," the post said. "We look forward to offering future products and services that we hope will resonate with our passionate readers."

What do you think? Smart move by Amazon? Was it a good time for Lexcycle to sell?

As always, feel free to comment.

Last month, after the new iPod Shuffle came out, I wrote a column about how Apple might be considering a shift to a voice interface for iPods and iPhones.

Well, now Ars Technica is reporting that there's "evidence of new voice control features coming to iPhone OS 3.0," which will be released sometime this summer.

(Credit: Apple)

Ars Technica's sources are of the anonymous variety, but they claim that these new voice features are code-named "Jibbler" and will not only provide voice synthesis but voice recognition.

Ars says Jibbler appears be an enhancement to the iPhone's Finder-like SpringBoard program, which you see whenever the iPhone's Home button is pressed. It serves as an application launcher and will support the newly announced 3.0 Spotlight search.

The article states:

Jibbler may be controlled via the iPhone headset--button squeezes could be used to record short voice segments from the user, which Jibbler will then interpret. Voice synthesis can then be used to give the user a response, similar to the latest-generation iPod shuffle, which can 'read' playlists and track names--the difference being that the iPhone hardware itself could handle real-time voice synthesis.

None of this seems all that surprising to me, as Apple just doesn't do things in a vacuum--it tends to carry over and enhance features from one product to another. So taking the next step beyond the new Shuffle's voice feedback feature--and moving to real voice control--seems logical. Of course, most iPhone owners would be happy if Apple just finally introduced a voice dial option.

Anybody looking forward to these types of potential new voice features? Would a voice-controlled interface be a game changer--or would it be annoying to hear people giving commands to their iPhones?

(Source: Ars Technica via Apple Insider)