Apple Admits to iPhone 3G Reception Issues

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 20, 2008 06:06PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Some users of Apple iPhone 3G has reported issues with spotty and slow connections to 3G networks and said it latest software release, iPhone 2.0.2, was designed to "improve communications with 3G networks". Some users are reporting an improvement, but many others disagree. While Apple is not saying more about the issue, it is believed that more fixes via software will be forthcoming in the 2.1 release slated for next month. With the root cause of the problem supposedly lying with the Infineon cellular chip used in the new iPhone, insiders say it will take several more months for a solution to be developed. Meanwhile, an Alabama woman has filed a class action lawsuit over the issue claiming Apple is selling a defective product and is seeking damages in excess of $5 million.

Antec Introduces Modular Components for Mobile System Builders

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 19, 2008 08:14PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Antec today announced it is entering the the mobile computing market with a new line of standardized components for the mobile computing market. These common building blocks (CBB) are designed in accordance with specifications set forth by Intel. Now, for the first time, system builders will be able to assemble laptops from a series of individual components to meet the custom needs of buyers just the way desktop PCs are today. Using boards based on Intel's Rich Creek 2 form factor, system builders can gain entry into the mobile computer market by using CBB components to assemble computers. Antec's component lineup includes two different chassis, keyboards, a docking station, modems, power bricks and batteries.

Rising Japanese Technology Challenges Credit Card

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 19, 2008 10:47AM
Author: KKX

Funny thing about Japan, it doesn't really even use credit cards all that much to begin with. Notwithstanding, a new mobile technology dubbed, the "wallet phone" is being pushed by the government to markets outside of Japan. This phone has the capability to act like cash or a credit card in the aspect that it can be used to pay for common goods such as from vending machines and convenience stores. It works through a chip called FeliCa which communicates with a reader-device installed at the payment location to digitally process the transaction. Opposers of this "wallet phone" claim that Japan has succumbed to the "Galapogos Island" effect in which technology and fads that may be successful there may not be in the rest of the world. However, Taiwan, South Korea, and other Asian counties "have for years expressed great interest in Japanese cell phones". There may just be a future market for Japan's quirky technologies.

3G Cellular Chip May be Source of New iPhone Issues

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 15, 2008 08:25AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Problems reported by users of Apple’s new iPhone involving dropped calls and slow/inconsistent Internet connections may be caused b the Infineon communications chip used by the phone. Neither Apple nor Infineon are commenting on the issue, even to confirm that Infineon is indeed the supplier of the chip as many reports have stated. According to complaints registered online and on Apple’s website, the problems, while not widespread, are affecting users in many countries, not just the U.S. The symptoms manifest themselves in dropped calls and having the iPhone revert to slower Edge networks even in areas served by 3G. One of big selling features of the new iPhone was its ability to connect through faster 3G technology. AT&T, iPhone’s exclusive U.S. carrier, said the issue is not with its network. So that leaves the chip and the software used to drive it. Research reports are focusing on the software and clams the technology is untested in high-volume situations. Apple also would not confirm whether it is working on a software fix.

Best Buy Lands the iPhone

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 13, 2008 11:13AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Best Buy is set to become the first major U.S. retailer to sell the iPhone in what some are seeing as a major victory over rival Circuit City. With the iPhone, Best Buy is looking for the device to help drive customers to their stores for the upcoming holiday season. For Apple increased distribution of the iPhone could help it reach its sales goal of 10 million iPhones by the end of the year. The iPhone will still require a two-year service contract with AT&T when purchased at Best Buy. Currently, AT&T is saying there is a 7-10 day wait for iPhones at its retail outlets and hopes to eventually reach the goal of being able to provide same-day sales. When Best Buy begins selling iPhones on September 7 this could put added pressure on product availability although Apple recently promised to increase production levels.

iPhone App Store Sells $30 Million Worth Of Apps In First Month

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 11, 2008 04:12PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Before the App Store for Apple's iPhone went live it had been predicted by some analysts to have the potential to become a $1 billion business by 2009. It is now being reported that Apple shifted an impressive $30 million worth of software in the first month, which would make those predictions seem entirely possible. Steve Jobs has pointed out that Apple only receive 30% of the money made from the app store (though 30% still seems a nice chunk to me), with 70% going to the app developers. An example of a hugely successful application is Sega's Super Monkeyball, which they say sold over 300,000 copies (at $9.99) in its first 20 days. Also of interest is that Jobs has confirmed that Apple has built in a feature that can allow them to remotely kill and remove any app sold through the store on a users iPhone. The justification for this is that it could be needed if a malicious app was accidentally sold through the store, though I can imagine that the feature will be contentious issue for some customers.

Solar Powered Headset for Herding Cows

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 5, 2008 10:27AM
Author: Dale Shuck

If you want to witness your tax dollars at work bringing technology to previously untapped markets, you need look no further than the "Ear-A-Round" being developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The headset is worn by cows (I'm not making this up) and contains stereo earphones to help guide cattle through sounds. Each headset contains a solar cell for powering a GPS tracking device. The goal is to be able to monitor and control cattle movement to better improve land usage and reduce overgrazing. This technology would theoretically allow ranchers to monitor cattle movement remotely and issue audible cues to get the herd moving to new locations. The first field tests will begin later this month on the Jornada Test Range in southern New Mexico.

iPhone 3G Attacks Owner

Category: Mobile
Posted: August 2, 2008 01:12PM
Author: Chris Benjamin

Apple's new iPhone has certainly had its share of growing pains, but this story certainly takes the "pain" aspect to an entirely new level. An unsuspecting iPhone user fell asleep with his new tech toy in his pocket, and awoke to a burning sensation a short time later. When he removed the phone from his pocket, he found that the docking end of the device had actually started to melt - causing damage to both iPhone and owner! Even more alarming, the man said that before he fell asleep, he'd essentially turned the device off. Seems like the kind of thing that Apple would've caught during the Research and Development phase of the 3G's conception.

Don't Text Message While Walking, Riding, Cooking...

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 31, 2008 10:16AM
Author: Dale Shuck

I think we all are aware of the potential dangers of trying to text message while driving. In fact, earlier this year Washington became the first state to make it illegal to text message while driving. So what about other activities such as walking, riding a bike (or horse) or even cooking? All of those are activities that the nation's emergency room physicians have reported where people suffered injuries while texting. Injuries have ranged from minor scrapes and sprains to more serious ones including concussions, neck and back injuries and even two deaths. With over 300 billion text messages being sent in the U.S. alone last year, the situation has become serious enough to prompt an alert from the American College of Emergency Physicians warning of the dangers. So pull over to the sidewalk if you're going to text.

Waterproof Your Cell Phone or Laptop Without an External Case

Category: Mobile, Gadgets, General News
Posted: July 29, 2008 08:24AM
Author: ClayMeow

Have you ever accidentally dropped your cell phone in a puddle, or maybe a toilet? What about spilling a drink on your laptop? If you've done either of these, you'll appreciate this new product from the Northeast Maritime Institute. Golden Shellback coating makes your electronic gadgets resistant to liquids without the need for any external casing. Furthermore, the coating is nearly undetectable and doesn't affect the functionality of the device in any way. If you head over to the official Golden Shellback website and scroll down a little, you'll be treated to a video of the coating in action, and it's pretty damn impressive. This could have come in handy when I accidentally jumped into a pool a couple of years ago with my cell phone in my pocket. That was a sad day, indeed.

Apple's Bumpy iPhone Debut Continues

Category: Mobile, Gadgets
Posted: July 28, 2008 02:33PM
Author: ClayMeow

Apple has finally gotten a taste of what Microsoft has gone through for over a decade. Nobody said it was easy at the top, just ask Microsoft. Microsoft has had its share of problems over the years with its Windows operating system, but most non-jaded computer experts will tell you that a lot of those problems stem from its popularity. It's just common sense; the more users you have, the more likely there will be problems. And, in the case of operating systems, the more users you have the more apt that someone will target your system with viruses and malware. With the iPhone, Apple has now received a taste of what popularity can actually do to a company. Not only has demand exceeded supply, but the in-store activation for the new iPhones is also frustratingly long. In addition, 70 bugs have needed repair so far in Apple's new MobilMe software. I also personally think Apple made a bonehead move, releasing the newest firmware upgrade to the old iPhones on the same day the new 3G iPhone launched. Many people tried to update at the same time, knocking down Apple's servers and leaving several customers without phone service for several hours.

AMD to Take Wait and See Approach on MIDs

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 21, 2008 08:31PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) or 'Netbooks' as Intel has taken to calling them are a popular new segment of the mobile computing market. The new devices have generated a lot of interest starting with the ASUS Eee lineup. It seems as if everyone is scrambling to come up with a device of their own including the likes of MSI with its Wind netbook. Behind all of these device are low-power processors such as Intel's Atom and Via's Nano. According to AMD's new marketing head, Nigel Dessau, AMD has elected to hold off on developing a chip of its own, instead opting to concentrate its efforts on strengthening its existing lineup including it Opteron series of processors. While not dismissing the market as unimportant, Dessau said AMD will continue to watch developments in the market to see how it develops. AMD already has a low-power chip in the Geode, used in the XO notebook developed for the One Laptop Per Child initiative. Rumors have been sprouting up around another AMD chip, code-named Bobcat, that would compete with the Atom and Nano, but it looks as if AMD is electing to stay on the sidelines at the moment.

EeePC To Face Stiff Competition From Dell In August?

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 15, 2008 09:40AM
Author: Ben Grantham

We all know about the surprise success that ASUS landed with the original EeePC, with other manufacturers scrabbling to get their own mini notebooks out there ever since. So might say so much so that it's all become a bit confusing, with some tiny devices nipping at the heels of fully fledged notebooks in pricing terms. It is looking like Dell's forray into this market may well launch in August with a price tag of $299. For that you will (hopefully) get a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1024 x 600 display, a small SSD, integrated web-cam and Wi-Fi plus some other more run of the mill stuff. Seems promising, but will it deliver?

Intel Officially Launches Centrino 2

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 14, 2008 07:34PM
Author: Dale Shuck

As previously reported, Intel delayed the original launch of its next generation platform for mobile computing and today made good on its delayed launch date. Centrino 2, formerly referred to by the code name Montevina, is Intels's latest platform for notebooks based on the Pennryn line of 45nm processors. The delay was caused by issues with the integrated graphics along with delays due to problems in acquiring FCC certification for the built-in 802.11n wireless technology. Today's release includes new mobile Core 2 Duo processors, the new GM45 Express chipset and the 500-series wireless chips which will enable 802.11 draft-n wireless as a standard feature. The new CPUs include the P8400 at 2.26GHz, the P8600 at 2.40GHz, the T9400 at 2.53GHz and the T9600 at 2.80GHz. all of the new processors have a 1066MHz FSB compared to the 800MHz FSB on the previous generation chips. Centrino 2 also supports DDR3 memory which has a lower power requirement versus older DDR2 memory.

Bluetooth Handgun Handset - Build at your own risk

Category: Mobile, Gadgets
Posted: July 14, 2008 05:27PM
Author: ClayMeow

File this under the do-not-bring-to-airport category...though you probably shouldn't bring this out in public, period. No, this relatively simple Bluetooth handset modification is something best left for your closest friends, maybe after a few beers. Yes, it's not exactly a practical mod, but you have to give props to its creators for sheer cleverness.

iPhone 3G Launch Day Roundup

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 11, 2008 05:39PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Apple. Loved by some, and not so much by others. Today saw the official launch of the revised version of last years biggest gadget (at least in terms of media exposure), the iPhone. Obviously the improved network speeds are the main difference for 2.0, but there are some other changes as well. Rather than me attempting to sum them all up, why don't you check out the links below where others have kindly done all the work already. Of course this is just a small cross section of the general iPhone madness that has been going on today.

Reviews
All Things Digital
New York Times
USA Today
Engadget
c|net
Gizmodo

Other Stuff
International Launch Line Blog @ Engadget
Software Glitch Hits iPhone Fans (UK) @ BBC
iPhone 2.0 PwnageTool @ Gizmodo
iPhone Glitches Derail Apple's Launch Event Magic @ c|net
Apple Turns Its Back On Mobile Standards @ PCWorld

Is the iPhone 3G Really Worth It?

Category: Mobile, Gadgets
Posted: July 10, 2008 05:46PM
Author: ClayMeow

As reported here yesterday, the initial reviews for the iPhone 3G have been favorable. Does that really come as a surprise though, considering the only people that got their hands on Apple's new toy were handpicked by Apple CEO Steve Jobs? Well not everyone is jumping on the iPhone bandwagon. Dan Costa of PC Magazine lists six reasons why the iPhone 3G may not be the phone for you.

3G iPhone Gets Dissection Treatment

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 10, 2008 02:10PM
Author: Ben Grantham

While the US (and a large part of the rest of the world) still waits for the release of the iPhone 3G, our antipodean friends over in New Zealand have already got a hold of one and dutifully taken it apart to expose those juicy innards. How useful the pictures of the insides of the new iPhone are to regular consumers is highly debateable, but it is interesting to those of us who like to see how technology is shoehorned into shiny little boxes. Naturally it looks like any chance of an easily self replaceable battery is out of the question, which I reckon is something all iPhone users would be happy to see in future revisions. Props to iFixit for being so quick off the mark!

Apple Gearing Up For iPhone 3G Launch

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 10, 2008 07:00AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Yes, the wait is almost over as the 3G iPhone will launch tomorrow. Apple has been doing a little preparation for release day, and Engadget has gone a little update crazy on the whole thing. Firstly, a new version of iTunes has been released, with 7.7 including support for the 3G, as well as the inclusion of remote support, so you can use your iPhone or iPod Touch to control your music (Apple TV has also been updated to support the remote app). Apple's app store has also gone live, which should provide iPhone users with a slew of applications over the months and years to come. To top things off, we also see the introduction of the MobileMe synchronization solution. If you are planning on picking up a 3G iPhone tomorrow, I think you are allowed to get excited now (just try not to bother those who are less enthusiastic, ok?).

Early iPhone 3G Reviews Generally Positive

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 9, 2008 05:59AM
Author: Ben Grantham

As the iPhone 3G launch looms ever closer, we are bound to be inundated with stories concerning the updated Apple device. The first reviews for the iPhone 3G are already out, with Walt Mossberg, David Pogue and Edward Baig all getting an early look for the major publications. We know that the success of the new iPhone has the potential to make Apple a lot of money, and despite niggles about battery life and higher service costs these early reviews have given it the thumbs up. Notably, those with original iPhones won't be completely left behind, as software updgrades and access to the App Store will be open to them too, though they may find the new features the 3G offers entirely worthy of an upgrade anyway.

iPhone 3G Worth $1 Billion to Apple

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 8, 2008 10:24PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Apple's new iPhone 3G is slated for launch this Friday worldwide. Apple along with partner AT&T are scheduled to open their stores two hours early in an attempt to handle the expected rush. More like a gold rush as far as Apple is concerned. According to industry estimates, Apple will need up to two million phones on hand to meet demand. At an estimated $499 profit per phone sold that adds up to a potential $1 billion for Apple.

Overclocking software for Mac Pros available

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 3, 2008 06:21PM
Author: Andrew Robinson

Everyone knows that Mac Pros get the job one but what happens when you want to upgrade? Well, everyone also knows that you have to sell off your kidney to upgrade anything. Apple computers are some of the most expensive (if not the most) to upgrade, often costing over 100% more to upgrade than a similar non Apple system. Computer enthusiasts often overclock their systems to gain more performance, however most Apple computers are unable to be overclocked straight from the factory. Apple users have to rely on third party software to "unlock" the overclocking ability of their computers. Apple knows they charge an arm and a leg for upgrades which is why they don't allow you to overclock from the factory, that would be like them giving away upgrades and they certainly wont let that happen.
However just such a thing has occurred, some people over at ZDNET Germany have created a tool for overclocking Mac Pros. It is quite a basic program, only allowing for an increase in the FSB (linked to RAM speed).
You could expect to save up to $2,250 USD if your 2.8GHZ Mac Pro was stably overclocked to 3.2GHz.
Take that Apple!

Huge Number of Laptops Go Missing at Airports

Category: Mobile
Posted: July 1, 2008 07:03AM
Author: Dale Shuck

According to a recent study covering 36 of the largest airports in the U.S., over 10,000 laptops are reported missing every week. Of those, 65% are never found. The most likely place for a laptop to disappear is at security checpoints. Over three quarters of travelers surveyed said they had no faith in ever getting a lost notebook back. So jaded are some travelers that 16% said they wouldn't even bother reporting a lost machine. This study just may be the wake up call needed to prompt companies to begin protecting sensitive data on laptops a little better.

Apple Signs Visual Voice Mail License

Category: Mobile, Copyright Infringers
Posted: June 16, 2008 05:14PM
Author: ClayMeow

In December, Klausner Technologies sued Apple and AT&T for patent infringement revolving around the iPhone's visual voice mail system that allows users to selectively listen to voice mails instead of having to sift through each one in order. Apple has decided to settle the suit, paying Klausner an undisclosed amount to license the technology. Apple joins AT&T, eBay, AOL and Vonage as licensees.

To Catch a Thief - MacBook Style

Category: Mobile
Posted: June 16, 2008 07:28AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Last month we reported on a New York woman who helped police nab the thieves who stole her Mac laptop. All it took was a little persistence and a few photos of the thieves taken by the laptop's web cam. Now we have a similar report form the other side of the country. A California woman had her MacBook and iPhone stolen while visiting her boyfriend. She immediately enlisted the help of a friend who is somewhat of a Mac guru. Using the Back to My Mac subscription service, her techie friend located the laptop when the thief went online and was able to build a very convincing case by tracking all the sites the thief visited. As in the New York case, he was also able to activate the web cam remotely and take several pictures, including one detailed enough to be able to read the unauthorized user's tattoos. Based on this information and a general location of user based on information provided by his ISP, police were eventually able to track down the whereabouts of the laptop. Police arrested a man and also found several laptops along with various other electronic items. The alleged perpetrator is pleading not guilty.

3G iPhone Now Official, Coming On July 11th

Category: Mobile
Posted: June 9, 2008 01:21PM
Author: Ben Grantham

As expected, Steve Jobs unveiled the new 3G iPhone today, finally putting an end to the speculation about what it would look like and what exactly would change from the first version. Visually it's not a huge departure from the original, with a full plastic back and flush (rather than inset) headphone jack. Apple is obviously pushing the 3G aspect, claiming pageloads 36% faster than competing phones the Nokia N95 and Treo 750. You also get GPS and no significant hits to battery life. You'll be able to pick up your new iPhone in 22 countries come July 11th (and are hoping for 70 by the end of the year), with prices of $199 for the 8GB and $299 for the 16GB in the US. What do you think of the 3G iPhone? You can discuss it in the forums here.

iPhone 2 Announcement Expected Today

Category: Mobile
Posted: June 9, 2008 09:00AM
Author: Ben Grantham

There has been a whole lot of hype and speculation leading up to the launch of the 2nd generation iPhone, which is expected to bring the 3G capability that many were hoping would be included in the original iPhone. We have generally avoided all of that speculation here at OCC, but now it looks like we'll finally get a look at the new device. Steve Jobs unveiled the original at last years Apple World Wide Developers Conference and is expected to show the new version at this years event. Since the launch of the iPhone last year Apple has shifted over 5 million units and is expecting to reach 10 million by the end of 2008. Expect further updates today if the new iPhone does make an appearance.

Research Shows Foreign Cellphone Users Don't Move Around Much

Category: Mobile
Posted: June 4, 2008 04:53PM
Author: ClayMeow

In the United States, tracking people via their cellphones without consent would be illegal.  This isn't the case overseas.  Over a six month span, researchers at Northeastern University secretly tracked 100,000 people outside the United States.  According to the study, "nearly three-quarters of those studied mainly stayed within a 20-mile-wide circle" during that time, and nearly half of the people stay within a circle slightly greater than six miles wide.  Researchers say that such data could help city planners understand traffic patterns or doctors fight the spread of contagious diseases.  Whether the public would agree with the usefulness of this data is a different matter; privacy is an issue people do not take lightly.

Get Sports Scores On The Go Thru Google

Category: Internet, Mobile
Posted: June 3, 2008 07:22PM
Author: ClayMeow

How many of you have tried simply typing the name of your favorite sports team into Google from your phone? Well if you want to keep up-to-date on scores while you're rushing to get back to watch the game, maybe you should give it a try. Google apparently has had this service for over a year.  Don't be surprised if you haven't heard about it though, because the company (curiously) never announced it, nor can you get these scores via Google's regular web search.

Acer Enters UMPC Market

Category: Mobile
Posted: June 3, 2008 11:28AM
Author: Carl Dunham

Bigger isn’t always better as ASUS proved with the launch of its now famous EePC and other companies are eager to get in on it. Acer is the latest manufacturer to jump into the UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) waters with the news that it is to begin production of its Aspire One. The laptop is just as small as its fellow brethren at 9.8” x 6.7” x 1.2” and weighing just under 2 pounds. Happily the device makes use of Intel’s hot new Atom processor paired with either 512MB or 1GB of RAM. You also get the choice of either Linplus Linux Lite or the more mainstream Windows XP Home. Amazingly Acer is deviating from other companies in that it is offering the option of either an 8GB NAND SSD or an 80GB HDD which is not an option on many other dinky lil-laptops. Base prices for the new Acer Aspire One will start out at around $379.