Iphone Updates

Another solution to the limited Bluetooth functionality of the iPhone is RXS’s Bluetooth adaptor for the iPhone and iPod. Supporting A2DP and AVRCP profiles, music can be streamed from the iPhone to any Bluetooth accessory. The BTM-3303 adaptor features a remote control for playing, pausing and skipping tracks, and has an operating range of up to 10 metres. It operates from the connected device’s power…

Finetune, the personalized radio site, now has a free, fully integrated iPhone application available for download. Finetune has a massive music catalogue and allows users to stream personalized stations as well as custom-made playlists. The app allows new Finetune users…

Another solution to the limited Bluetooth functionality of the iPhone is RXS’s Bluetooth adaptor for the iPhone and iPod. Supporting A2DP and AVRCP profiles, music can be streamed from the iPhone to any Bluetooth accessory. The BTM-3303 adaptor features a remote control for playing, pausing and skipping tracks, and has an operating range of up to 10 metres. It operates from the connected device’s power…

Lucy Hedges at Shiny Shiny writes: In the words of the PR person who sent me the info on these personalised iPhone cases, the Element iPhone cases “are just too awesome”. They’re super-impact resistant and gamer friendly with a grippable…

We interrupt your iPhone news, to bring you this important announcement.Remember The Interceptor? Treasure Hunt? Challenge Anneka?* Well, next week Shiny Media’s tech sites, Tech Digest and Shiny Shiny, will be joining in with a live Treasure Hunt that’s going…

We interrupt your iPhone news, to bring you this important announcement.Remember The Interceptor? Treasure Hunt? Challenge Anneka?* Well, next week Shiny Media’s tech sites, Tech Digest and Shiny Shiny, will be joining in with a live Treasure Hunt that’s going…

The iPod Touch is the future of gaming, huh? I don’t know about that (I’m sure you don’t either) but according to Apple’s marketing top dog Greg Jozwiak it totally is.

Maxell has announced its latest speaker system for the iPhone and iPod range: the MXSP-1100. It features a universal cradle, twin 4.2 watt speakers with 80-20,000Hz frequency range, compact remote control, and audio input jack…

The fact that Motorola’s RAZR is the best-selling mobile in America one of those inexplicable regional events that defies all logic. Americans just like it and its flimsy, feature-light charms. So much so that it’s consistently been the best-selling phone out there for the last three years. But not any more, as recent stats have shown that Apple’s popular-with-everyone iPhone has overtaken it, shifting 6.8 million units in the last business quarter. The RAZR was pushed down to second and RIM’s Blackberry Curve came in third, followed by LG’s Rumour and enV2…

Filed under: Software, Macbook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air

There are several applications available that will help find a lost or stolen Mac. Here at TUAW, we’ve talked about LoJack for Laptops, Orbicule’s Undercover, MacPhoneHome, and iAlertU from Slapping Turtle. Most of these apps “find” the computer by determining the IP address of the machine, and using that data to narrow down the physical location where the laptop is in use. That information can be shared with police and ISPs to find the thieves, recover your laptop, and make an arrest.

There’s a new Mac recovery app available called MacTrak that’s different — it uses the same Skyhook Wireless positioning technology used in the iPhone to accurately determine the location of your Mac within 10-20 meters. If your nice new MacBook Pro is lost or stolen, you simply log into a special web page with your predetermined credentials, and click on one button to start tracking your Mac. Every 30 minutes, MacTrak takes a picture with the iSight camera, then sends detailed information including its latitude and longitude to you via email. At the same time, it uploads that same information in a “Wanted Poster” view to your Flickr account. You can then work with the proper authorities to have your Mac returned to you. Read on for more info about MacTrak.

Continue reading TUAW Review: MacTrak Theft Recovery Software

TUAWTUAW Review: MacTrak Theft Recovery Software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software Update, Apple

If you’re a regular visitor to the Apple support downloads website, then you might have noticed a change last night. In addition to releasing two updates, Apple also redesigned the site.

If you’ve used the update website before, then you know what a challenge it was to find any useful information. Before, Apple just showed a list of updates (with the newest ones at the top); now you are able to browse by specific product. By clicking a product link at the top, you can see updates for iPhone, iPod, Desktop Computers, Portable Computers, Mac OS and Software, Peripherals, Servers and Enterprise Software, and Internet (.Mac, MobileMe, Safari, Photo Services).

Two interesting notes on the new design: First, Apple doesn’t use the word “Mac” after Desktop and Portable, but instead uses “Computer.” Second, Safari is categorized under their “Internet” group alongside MobileMe; they also still have updates for .Mac despite the branding change to MobileMe. You can see the new site, and get your new updates, by clicking here.

TUAWApple redesigns Support Downloads pages originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OtterBox continues to push out its high quality protective gear for the iPhone 3G, with the launch of the Impact series. The 1943 Impact Series features a slim-fit silicone layer and is less bulky than the Defender series. It offers full access to all ports and buttons, while the inner corners of the case dissipate impact…

Did you know that you can create beautiful holiday gifts and cards using the photos in your iPhoto library? Make a 2009 calendar. Design your own holiday cards. Create keepsake photo books complete with customized dust jackets. Learn how by taking the free Holiday Workshop: Creating Memorable Gifts with your Photos. The workshops begin at Apple Retail Stores this weekend.

Install the free iPhone 2.2 Software Update on your iPhone or iPhone 3G, and you can go on a virtual walking tour with Google Street View. Find public transit schedules and check fares. Enjoy access to millions of free podcasts on the iTunes Store via Wi-Fi or your cell network. Or take advantage of a new search-friendly user interface in Safari. What else is new in the iPhone 2.2 Software Update?

The lack of “proper” A2DP Bluetooth on the iPhone has proved a bugbear for many that are used to the functionality being available on a range of other portable devices. Its omission, for whatever reason Apple chose to leave it out, means that it’s not possible to wirelessly stream high-quality stereo music to a headset — iPhone owners are stuck with wires…

To celebrate the placement of the archive of her life’s work at Emory, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker visited the university in March 2008 to explain her decision and grace those gathered with selected readings from her prose and poetry. A consummate storyteller, Alice Walker has written more than 23 books, including The Color Purple, one of the works she reads from in these episodes on iTunes U.

On November 26, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman bring Australia to theaters in the U.S. Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!), Australia tells a sweeping story of war and romance set against the backdrop of the extraordinary Australian landscape.

OneTeam

OneTeam is the “first business-class instant messaging client for iPhone”, offering secure and flexible IM access for business users. It offers access to existing IM accounts on AIM, MobileMe, ICQ, MSN, Windows, Yahoo, and GoogleTalk through server side gateways and XMPP servers. This makes it easier for a corporate IT department to manage IM for security and compliance. Key features of the of the OneTeam service include:

• No per-message charges – OneTeam uses a users’ existing data plan
• Enables users to access their Gmail® account directly
• Clean and streamlined workflow
• Compliance with the open XMPP standard
• OneTeam can be used in a corporate environment with a corporate XMPP server
• Users can chat with their contacts on other IM networks

Available now for £3.49…

JD Power ranks iPhone highest satisfaction

The latest JD Power and Associates Report for business wireless smartphones has put the iPhone at the top of the pile for customer satisfaction. Measuring ease of operation, operating system, physical design, handset features, and battery aspects, the iPhone scored 778 out of 1,000 points, particularly on ease of operation, physical design and handset features. The king of business, BlackBerry, came second with 703 points, closely followed by Samsung (701 points), though of course these companies have multiple handsets…

Filed under: Software Update

Apple just released a software update for QuickTime. The update titled “H.264 Compatibility Update” claims to improve QuickTime compatibility with iChat.

You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update), or by downloading the installer package directly from the Apple website (it should appear there shortly).

Thanks to Tony, and others who sent in this tip!

TUAWQuickTime H.264 Compatibility Update is out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Accessories, Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, Odds and ends, iPhone

I have a feeling people will probably love these or hate these, but personally, I like the fact that they look a little different than most iPhone cases out there. The folks at Element Cases sent us a note about their new “gaming shields” for the iPhone. If you’re trying to make your iPhone look different, they’ll certainly help. Marketed towards gamers, the cases offer impact protection and an easier form factor to hold on to, even during raucous games of MotoChaser.

I also like their “Flip-Lid” idea — the front of the case is retained by magnets, and can be “flipped” to the back of the case for storage while you use the iPhone. It’s a neat way to keep the front covered without that awkward flap that some cases use.

My iPhone is currently sitting in an iSkin Revo (I like how thin and tough it is, even though it grabs lint from my pocket like crazy), and my iPod is in an awesome leather Vaja case. However, if I ever picked up an iPod touch for using around the house, I’d definitely consider this — at $99US it’s a bit pricey, but for a custom-built case that adds rugged style to your iPhone, it’s worth checking out.

Special note: next week TUAW will be giving away 5 of these. Each case is a custom order, so winners will be able to customize the case before they receive them. - Ed.

TUAWA “gaming shield” for the iPhone and 3G originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest iPhone News: Wednesday 5th November 2008

Apple to lower iPhone production by 40%

According to an analysis firm, Apple could reduce its production of the iPhone by up to forty percent this quarter due to a slowing of consumer spending. Friedman, Billings Ramsey & Co analyst Craig Berger wrote, “Apple is a good proxy for broader consumer demand given that it has the hottest, sleekest, most desirable products. That the firm’s iPhone production plans are being revised lower suggests that the global macroeconomic weakness is impacting even high-end consumers. No market segment will be spared in this global downturn.” (Via Mercury News)…

The third-party iPhone battery market is pretty strong, and FastMac has joined the niche with the launch of its extended battery and portable charger which it claims will boost the iPhone’s life by three times. Its main features include the external battery unit that gives up to 24 hours of talk time, 72 hours audio playback, 20 hours video playback, and 31 days of standby time; a LED flashlight for emergency use and also for lighting photos, and an additional USB port which can be used to charge other mobile devices. There’s a version for both iPhone and iPhone 3G, and it costs $79.95. Product page

This slim molded stylish pouch with magnetic lock and belt loop is practical yet classic.

Have you ever thought that the iPhone could become a wind music instrument? Apparently it is possible with the great application designed by Smule called Ocarina. Check this out on the App Store, it’s already a massive success, and it’s not finished, and finally it is cheap.

Tags:iphone music ocarina smule wind instrumentiphone, music, ocarina, smule, wind instrument

We know there are plenty of people looking for iPhone porn, not just because (a) there’s a lot of people with iPhones and (b) it’s human nature, but because we’ve been looking at the most popular posts here at iPhonic.tv. Forget the well-crafted prose about the intricacies of iPhone applications, jailbreaking, and network exclusivity. It’s all about the sex, isn’t it? (Of course, I’m talking about people coming in from search engines, because regular readers looking for porn would have left by now). So, rejoice, because there’s an iPhone-only web site dedicated to “sexy” webcams. At least, that’s the theory…

“Watch out, Nintendo. This game is just getting started,” warns Dean Takahashi (venturebeat.com). “Thanks to the multi-touch display, great sound, good graphics, and the accelerometer-based tilt feature,” iPhone 3G offers serious competition as a prime gaming device. To wit: Apple has “had more than 200 million downloads from its App Store since the store debuted in July.”

Sitting “in a class by itself,” the new iPod touch receives a perfect 5 stars from Cliff Edwards (businessweek.com). “Apple has managed to make the touch look better, work better, and deliver more features,” Edwards points out. “No longer simply a high-end iPod, it has become the foundation of what’s sure to be an increasingly important handheld computing platform for Apple.”

The third-party iPhone battery market is pretty strong, and FastMac has joined the niche with the launch of its extended battery and portable charger which it claims will boost the iPhone’s life by three times. Its main features include the external battery unit that gives up to 24 hours of talk time, 72 hours audio playback, 20 hours video playback, and 31 days of standby time; a LED flashlight for emergency use and also for lighting photos, and an additional USB port which can be used to charge other mobile devices. There’s a version for both iPhone and iPhone 3G, and it costs $79.95. Product page

Marware has announced its silicone Game Grip for the iPhone 3G that’s supposed to provide an ergonomic grip for long gaming sessions on the device. Key features include:

• Unique cord management system provides the ultimate versatility
• Can be used with headphones/ear buds
• Can be charged while playing
• Silicone sleeves can be used as stand alone protection when not gaming
• Provides convenient, radically comfortable access to full face of touch or iPhone
• Enjoy hours of extreme game play

PlasmaLite

PlasmaLite is a free version of the full-blown Plasma game which tests your reactions by getting you to tap on blue plasma balls while avoiding red ones. Sounds very simple, and indeed it is, but it could provide some amusement. Just don’t hit the screen too hard.

Adrenaline Pool Lite

Adrenaline Pool is probably the first pool and snooker game which allows you to play against live opponents, much as you could on Yahoo! Games. The Lite version is a free and cut-down version of the full game. It’s easy to automatically play against other people connected to the servers, on either 8-ball or 9-ball pool or snooker. The game play is fairly easy, though manoeuvring the cue around the edges of the full-screen table can sometimes be tricky. The snooker balls are probably a little on the large side, too, but for sheer enjoyment, it works. The advanced, pay for version allows solo play and proper naming of your character, among other things. However, the lite version doesn’t seem to be restricted in any other way, so you can get a good feel for it before deciding whether to pay for the full version…

Latest iPhone News: Friday 31st October 2008

iPhone appeals to poor

The supposed exclusivity of Apple products decreases with each new generation of gadget, it seems, with the latest research suggesting that — shock, horror — poor people are buying the iPhone. Yes, according to the Wall Street Journal, those on lower incomes are taking advantage of the iPhone’s ability to function as a phone, music player, mobile Internet device, camera, watch, PDA, and portable games console. Of course, it still costs a pretty penny to get a monthly contract with one of the authorised networks, assuming people are playing by the rules. “We see that lower-income consumers are increasingly turning to mobile devices to access the Internet, to listen to music and for email,” said analyst comScore’s Mark Donovan. Poor people, embarrassing celebrities … whoever will be tarnishing the reputation of the iPhone next? (Via Tech Digest)…

Filed under: Software Update, iPod nano

If you have one of those small, multi-colored nano-chromatic iPod nanos, then you might be in for a surprise the next time you sync it with iTunes. That’s because an update is waiting for you; the iPod nano (4th Generation) update 1.0.3 gives your musical friend the following new features/bug fixes:

• Support for Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic (yeah, the ones we’ve been waiting for)
• Support for Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic
• Fixed instability issues when using Nike + iPod Sport Kit
• Added a setting to turn off Cover Flow when rotating iPod nano and a Cover Flow menu item under the Music menu
• When Shuffle setting is set to Songs, pressing play on a song in saved Genius playlist will now follow the Shuffle setting
• After playing a slideshow with TV out, Cover Flow album art is no longer distorted
• Waking iPod nano after hibernating no longer distorts photos
• Other minor bug fixes

If any of these things have been bugging you, you’ll be pleased to know that Apple has fixed them. I know I have wanted the ability to disable Cover Flow for a long time. You can download this update by docking your iPod nano (4th Generation) with iTunes, selecting your iPod under devices and choosing “Check for Update.”

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

TUAWiPod nano update released, adds support for new In-Ear headphones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software, Productivity

XMind — a powerful, Java-based mind mapping and charting application — has been open-sourced (it’s free!) with version 3.0. While it’s not my absolute top pick for mind mapping, it ranks up there. I did have a license for the paid version, and I can tell you that it packs plenty of punch. It has all of the extra features I like: boundaries, relationships, summaries, notes, markers, outline view, floating topics and more, as well as intuitive keyboard navigation for rapid-fire brainstorming.

One of my favorite features was the drilldown; pressing F6 focuses in on the current topic, displaying only it and its descendants. Shift-F6 takes you back up. It’s similar to MindManager’s “Focus” feature, but faster (and more limited in scope). And for those who want (or need) to, just set all of the shapes to underline, turn on multiple branch colors and tapered lines and presto, you’ve got an honest-to-goodness Tony Buzan-style mind map … or as close as you’ll get without buying Buzan’s software (which, despite it being relatively expensive and lacking in system integration, I am regularly tempted to do) or breaking out the colored pencils.

You can also create Org and Fishbone Charts with XMind. It imports FreeMind and MindManager maps as well as Marker Packages, and can export to HTML, image, Marker Package or Text. The HTML export is … okay. FreeMind actually creates more useful HTML pages, but it works. Overall, it’s great stuff, and it’s exciting to see it open sourced.

So, how did software that once cost $299 end up being free? It appears to be a change in the business plan, with a subscription model for “XMind Pro” replacing retail sales. I’m a little sketchy on the details, but the Pro version seems to include online collaboration for XMind users, Gantt charts and a Presentation mode (among other features), with a range of subscription prices: $6USD for 1 user/1 month, $400USD for 10 users/1 year, and everything in the middle. It’s not necessary to have a subscription, however, to use XMind. Just download a copy (or even the source code) and let the brainstorming begin. Oh, and tell your PC friends, too; like many Java apps, XMind also comes in Windows and Linux flavors.

TUAWXMind goes open source originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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noise.io

Noise.io, which we got all excited about in August but has been delayed for over two months, is finally available in the App Store.

It looks like those extra two months haven’t been wasted, either, because there’s a heck of a lot of functionality under the hood. It’s no exaggeration to say that this really is the iPhone’s first, and best, monophonic synthesiser (though that’s not to detract from some of the other wonderful music and synth apps available). Here’s the official press release:

Amidio, Inc has released Noise.io – the first full-featured sound synthesizer for the iPhone and iPod Touch. One of the most anticipated handheld music applications, Noise.io is capable of creating all kinds of melodic sequences, basses, leads, keys, bells, percussive sounds and sound effects. Designed by an experienced electronic musician, Noise.io makes it possible to create 303-like acid basslines or any other melodies using the buit-in sequencer, or jamming live in sync with the rhythm using the TapBPM feature. Extensive sound control possibilities are implemented – fingersliding, multitouch, accelerometer, velocity-sensitive dual keyboard and a modulation matrix. 9 factory preset banks are included: Azure Leads, Warping Basslines, Infinite Keys, Distant Bells, Touch the Bass, Strange Places, Klang Percussive, FX Pack 1, totalling in 81 presets. Noise.io utilizes an original synth technology called ESFM and features 3 generators, 2 filters, 3 LFO, 3 sequencers, 6 effects, unlimited presets, extensive user support and much more. Users are able to instantly share their banks with the community utilizing the on-line preset repository at the website http://noise.io. Noise.io is available on the App Store for $9.99 (£5.99) (introductory price).

Ahh, the happier days of 1973 when you could use a “mobile” phone the size of a bungalow to make phone calls. No text messages, mind, that’d be far too advanced. Yes, Motorola researcher Martin Cooper made the first ever call from a cellular telephone, but he’s not happy about how things have turned out. Among his frustrations, aired at a keynote speech at the Embedded Systems Conference in Boston, are that the iPhone is overly complex. He thinks we should all be using simple, specialised devices — not that he’s promoting his wife’s own creation, of course: a device called the Jitterbug designed for the elderly…

Want to upgrade your look? This slim designed mobile case is a must-have. The Hector case from Krusell is handy with its multidapt clip system attached, yet sleek and discreet in its timeless design.

Documents To Go

There are reports that DataViz is working on bringing its Documents To Go software to the iPhone. This would (arguably) improve access to Microsoft Office documents, though from my experience of the software on a Palm device, it’s not amazing. If you really need more access to MS documents while on the go, though, then it could be a solution. Interested? Sign up here to be notified when it’s ready…

Ahh, the happier days of 1973 when you could use a “mobile” phone the size of a bungalow to make phone calls. No text messages, mind, that’d be far too advanced. Yes, Motorola researcher Martin Cooper made the first ever call from a cellular telephone, but he’s not happy about how things have turned out. Among his frustrations, aired at a keynote speech at the Embedded Systems Conference in Boston, are that the iPhone is overly complex. He thinks we should all be using simple, specialised devices — not that he’s promoting his wife’s own creation, of course: a device called the Jitterbug designed for the elderly…

Available only on iPhone, Google Mobile features Voice Search. Simply speak your query and let Google do what it does best. The free application also offers My Location searches (finding businesses based on your current location), performs contact and history searches, and includes a new Apps tab for rearranging Google Apps. Give it a try. It works, and it’s fun.

Anyone from outside the UK, please excuse this comparison which looks at the handset from a British perspective. The general specifications will be the same whichever country you’re lucky enough to get hold of it in.

Look & Feel

Size and weight are virtually identical between the two handsets, with the HTC Touch HD measuring 115 x 62.8 x 12mm and weighing 146.4g, with the iPhone 3G measuring 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm and weighing 133g. Looks wise, they’re also very similar.

Screen

The HD is all about screen real estate, and wins out with a 3.8-inch 800 x 480 resolution (5:3 aspect ratio) screen, compared to the iPhone 3G’s 480 x 320 (3:2) screen. That will give Touch HD applications much more room to play with…

Sticking an eight megapixel camera onto a mobile phone is starting to get fairly commonplace, as manufacturers continue to blur the lines between phones and compact digital cameras. Creating touchscreen phones to rival the iPhone is also now fairly common, so it wouldn’t be surprising if rumours surrounding a Sony Hikaru phone turn out to be reasonably accurate…

Latest iPhone News: Monday 27th October 2008

iPhone 3G unlock coming?

It seems that the iPhone Dev Team is still trying to work out how to hack the 3G iPhone so that it can be used on another network. They’ve now managed to break in to the baseband processor on the iPhone. How close that means they could be to a complete break is another matter. How much you care depends on how much you want to break free from your current network provider. Simply jailbreaking the iPhone so you can use unapproved applications is already possible…

Filed under: Humor, Odds and ends, Found Footage, Holidays

No, not really.

The guys at Apple retailer and repair shop BeamEcho in Toronto, Ontario, Canada decided to make a horror epic for the ages and came up with the ultimate nightmare: a Mac virus. Just in time for Halloween, TUAW presents their very scary film. The production values are just what you’d expect for a shooting budget of $6. Watch this one with lights on, kids…

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Filed under: Internet Tools

Netflix has been talking about bringing its “Watch Instantly” movie streaming service to the Mac for a long time, and now Engadget is reporting that they’re finally beginning to roll it out. The “Watch Instantly” service allows unlimited Netflix subscribers to stream about 12,000 TV shows and movies to their computers (or set-top devices), but has been limited to Windows PCs since the service first appeared.

Ironically, this is being made possible thanks to Microsoft’s Flash-wannabe Silverlight browser plugin. As we noted way back in 2007, the holdup was the need for Microsoft DRM on the streaming videos and the new Silverlight-based player incorporates Microsoft’s Play Ready DRM.

Unfortunately, the initial roll-out is limited, but Netflix expects to bring “the new platform to all Netflix subscribers by the end of the year.” Sadly for PPC owners, it will be limited to Intel Macs. Nonetheless, it’s great to see Netflix finally coming through on the promise of Watch Instantly for Mac users.

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Google Earth

At long last, Google has made its popular Google Earth application available for the iPhone. Those who care about politics and mind games between companies and their products might be amused that Google has launched an iPhone version of Earth before an Android version. However, that’s not particularly surprising given that the iPhone platform has been available for a lot longer. Anyway, the application is free (naturally), and makes good use of the multi-touch interface. It’s one of those apps that will work a lot faster over Wi-Fi than a cellular connection, but that’s OK. It’s good that such a great desktop app has made it to the iPhone. Google Earth…

Now available in the UK, the iPow External Battery Case is designed to extend the life of the iPhone’s battery while protecting the phone in a stylish leather flip case. The hard-backed case fits snugly around the iPhone, still leaving the camera lens exposed, and has a magnetic flip catch. It comes with integrated mini-speakers which double the sound output from the iPhone, plus additional lithium ion battery that claims to double the original battery’s capacity…

Every so often someone decides to file a lawsuit against Apple because — well, because it’s Apple, it seems. While normal people buying products from other manufacturers — heck, even normal people buying Apple gear — would simply check out a piece of kit before buying it, or at least return it for a replacement if damaged, it seems this isn’t good enough for one New York resident. We’ll leave aside the “defective 3G” and “not twice as fast” parts of this lawsuit (yes, it comes in multiple parts, folks) because we’ve already been there and got the T-shirt. Instead, let’s look at the accusation that Apple knowingly and wantonly shipped defective iPhones with hairline cracks in the casing…

MOTOPURE H15 has the best background noise cancellation, based on independent testing of the top-selling dual-microphone Bluetooth headsets. Take calls from the stadium, crowded restaurant or windy streets. Enjoy pure sound quality on both ends of the conversation with CrystalTalk. The flip design is easy to use – open to talk and close to save battery.

My Little Tank

Astraware continues to find high-quality games for the iPhone with the launch of Binoteq’s “My Little Tank” arcade game. The concept is simple — destroy enemy tanks and bases, and protect your own. There are 80 levels to try and get through over a range of detailed terrain. Power-ups enable your tank to get stronger and there are various missions to complete. The game sits on the border between casual and arcade game. The tank can be controlled either by tapping the screen, using the accelerometer by tilting the iPhone, or selecting the virtual on-screen D-Pad. Here’s a video demo of the game. Available for $4.99 from the iTunes Store…