iPhone Racing Ggame Raging Thunder - Available In AppStore

The iPhone game, Raging Thunder developed by Polarbit, is now available in AppStore for iPhone and iPod touch.

Raging Thunder is an arcade game that offers multiple game modes, including multiplayer with up to 3 other players.

Anders Nilsson, CTO at Polarbit says:

“The iPhone is the benchmark for high-end mobile devices at the moment, so supporting it in our middleware Fuse and in our games goes without saying. One of our key ambitions with Raging Thunder was to include a solid multiplayer feature, something so far under-utilized in iPhone and iPod Touch titles. Being able to race against human opposition makes all the difference between a good racing game and a truly great one!”

Raging Thunder is available globally from the AppStore.

Raging Thunder is an arcade style racing game and includes features custom-made for the iPhone, such as real-time multiplayer races, accelerometer and touchscreen control, state-of-the-art 3D graphics and much more.

Raging Thunder allows players to choose from a variety of cars, on a variety of tracks set in different beautifully realized environments. The in-game graphics are quite impressive.

Polarbit is a leading developer of high-end 3D games and middleware for the mobile and handheld markets worldwide.

References:

http://www.polarbit.com/146.html

Keep Your Hands Warm

Winter is coming …Cold hands and frozen fingers actually is not the perfect tool for your touchscreen iPhone so here we’ve got news for you how to take care about both – try to keep your hands warm.

Perfect for winter usage, and keeping your touchscreen devices smudge-free, Dots Gloves offers simple, affordable gloves adorned with metal dots that enable use of the iPhone, iPod and all other touchscreen phones and devices without direct finger contact. The dots' smooth, curved surface provides completely safe, scratchless use.

Is not it interesting? Besides you may try them - Gloves can be purchased at dotsgloves.com and the price starts from $15.

Reference:
http://dotsgloves.com/

Marware Announces The Flexi-Shell For iPhone 3G

Accessories manufacturer Marware is now shipping the Flexi-Shell, a new case for the iPhone 3G. The protective shell provides a sleek, low-profile carrying case ideal for use in a pocket, purse, or bag.

The Flexi-Shell case with a glossy finish is scratch-resistant and flexible, and also offers easy access to all of iPhone’s buttons and controls.

The Flexi-Shell can also be used with Marware’s Sidewinder Deluxe holster, which is sold separately and costs $34.99 USD. It offers access to all iPhone features. A clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth are included.

The Flexi-Shell for the iPhone 3G is available in high gloss Black, White or Clear. The Flexi-Shell retails for $24.99 and is now shipping.

References:

http://www.marware.com/PRODUCTS/iPhone-3g-cases/Flexi-Shell-for-iPhone-3G

Freeverse Released 3D Flick Bowling Game For iPhone

Games developer Freeverse announced the release of 3D iPhone game Flick Bowling, a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch. The game is available through the Apple AppStore for $4.99.

The game features six characters and a variety of different balls to choose from. You can select different difficulty levels, and bowl alone or against a computer-controlled character

Flick Bowling uses the iPhone and iPod touch's touchscreen interface to let you choose your ball, line up the shot, and adjust the ball's velocity and direction.

Freeverse also plans to bring more Flick Sports games to the iPhone, including Flick Fishing, Golf, Basketball, Baseball, and Soccer.

Freeverse strives to develop and publish seamless software, with a particular concentration on the Mac OS and the Xbox 360. The games developed and published by Freeverse have been honored with more Apple Design Awards than any other company.

Our original characters have appeared in TimeDigital, Wired, and Animation World magazines, as well as television commercials for Blockbuster Video.

References:

http://www.freeverse.com/games/game/?id=8011

iPhone Sales Reposts Strong

The iPhone 3G sales have been booming, according to recent reports, and it appears it will sell even more in Q4. In fact, it is now estimated that Apple Inc will be shipping 5 million units for Q4, which ends on September 30th.

This new estimate has Apple targeting 7.4 million iPhones before the holiday season even starts. While this is a drop down from the previous estimate that had Apple producing 800,000 iPhones a week, it is still rather impressive given its price and the economy in many parts of the world right now, especially the US.

So what does this really mean? Apple will need to sell 2.6 million iPhone 3Gs by the end of the year if they are to meet their original goal of 10 million phones sold.

References:
http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20080922/apples-10-million-mac-year-also-its-10-million-iphone-year/

Smells Funny...

Over at MacRumors.com, Arnold Kim posted that App Store rejections are now being labelled as being "UNDER NON-DISCLOSURE", presumably to stem the negative press that Apple's been getting over their arbitrary and anti-competitive App Store rejections lately.

I hope it's an untrue, unfounded rumor. While I understand Apple wanting to keep some oversight over the App Store, rejecting applications that compete with Apple's offerings is downright skeevy, and nowhere in the rules does it state that you can't compete with Apple, or at least they weren't when Steve Jobs stood up on stage at WWDC, and they weren't when I signed up. It's possible they've updated them now with language to cover these situations.

If all the rumors are true (and I hope they're not), then this move by Apple to place rejection letters under NDA is a move worthy of the RIAA or MPAA... or Microsoft. It's the kind of heavy-handed tactic that makes people hate and resent your company, and there's absolutely nothing in the letter that would constitute a trade secret or patentable claim. It's absurdist, but it will probably work because Apple holds the keys to the kingdom, and anybody who has invested countless hours into writing an iPhone app is not going to risk getting their developer status yanked for breaching the NDA, even if they haven't.

Apple is one of the few large corporations that I don't hate, and I most definitely do not want that to change. I like their products, I like their development tools, and I like the Apple developer community. In the past, it's always felt like Apple has strived to create a balance between their own needs and those of third party developers, but with the iPhone and App Store, it feels much more like they're saying "we're playing with my ball, so I get to make up the rules", only the game we seem to be playing is Calvin-Ball, because the rules seem to change to fit Apple's whim.

All this stuff going on lately with Apple... it worries me. I'm not about to jump ship anytime soon, but I do hope this is a blip that is quickly corrected.

Logitech Speaker Docks For iPhone And iPod

Logitech announced two new iPhone and iPod speaker docks: Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus and the Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime premium alarm clock.

The Pure-Fi Express Plus is an omnidirectional speaker and Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime premium alarm clock is a nightstand companion. Both speakers are compatible with the first generation iPhone as well as the new iPhone 3G.

The Pure-Fi Express Plus can run on AC or battery power and includes an integrated handle. The new Logitech dock also features a wireless remote with a range of up to 30 feet.

Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus and the Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime premium alarm clock for iPod or iPhone is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in October for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

The new docks are available for purchase on Amazon.com.

References:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/172/5091&&cl=us,en

Book Update and Article

In addition to the iPhone book (which is about halfway through copy editing now, so darn close to done), Dave and I have been writing articles for Apple's developer web site. We don't get a byline, but the articles are fun to write and Apple's been really great to work with.

The first article we wrote for them went online Friday. You can find it here:

http://developer.apple.com/mac/articles/tools/unittestingwithxcode3.html

We've got another one in the can that should go live soon, and one really big article (might end up as a three-parter, but still waiting for Apple to weigh in on doing that) that's written, but hasn't been edited yet.

Still no word on when the book will be published. Like everybody else, we're hoping Apple will give us some hint about when or if the NDA will drop. It's very frustrating, this whole NDA thing. I understand that there are probably valid patent-filing reasons for it, but it's extremely frustrating. I've got many postings that I've wanted to do here, but couldn't because of the NDA, and the book is in quasi limbo, since it can't be published until the NDA is dropped.

Ah, well...

Apple to replace iPhone 3G power adapters

Apple said it is going to replace power adapters sold with its popular iPhone 3G mobile telephones because of a risk prongs will snap and cause people to be jolted by electricity.

"We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported," - the California Company said on a Web page providing adapter exchange details. The part Apple is offering to replace is an "Ultracompact USB power adapter" reportedly included with iPhone 3G models sold in Japan, Canada, Mexico, the United States and a half dozen South American countries.

"Customer safety is always Apple's top priority, and therefore we have voluntarily decided to exchange every Ultracompact power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge," - Apple said. Apple advises iPhone 3G owners to charge their handsets by plugging them into computers or with a standard-sized Apple power adapter until the potentially problematic part is replaced.

Reference:
http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram/

iPhone Updated Remote App Supports Playlists Creating And Editing

Apple released an update for the Remote application for iPhone and iPod touch to the App store.

The application, allows you to link your iPhone to any iTunes library or AppleTV setup.

The update also adds the ability to remotely create Genius playlists on any Mac or PC running iTunes 8.

After the application update the users with remote speakers will see that the interface for managing speakers has been moved to the “Now Playing” screen after tapping on the album artwork.

The new application and its update is a free download from the iTunes App Store.

Refernces:
http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/09/16/iphone-remote-app-gets-genius-and
-playlist-editing-support/

Griffin Technology Unveils AirCurve and Clarifi For iPhone

Griffin Technology unveiled new accessories for iPhone at Apple Expo Paris: the AirCurve, a new acoustic amplifier dock and Clarifi a protective case for iPhone that features a built-in lens for close-up photography.

The new dock amplifies and projects the iPhone’s sound without speakers or the use of electricity. It works with batteries or ability adapter and you can even charge or sync your phone while it’s on the dock.

"AirCurve and Clarifi build on Griffin's line of revolutionary, unique accessories for iPhone and iPhone 3G," said Paul Griffin, founder of Griffin Technology. "AirCurve is the perfect addition to an iPhone user's home, allowing them to listen to their music on the iPhone without powered speakers or earphones. And with Clarifi, iPhone lovers can now enjoy their iPhone camera with more close-up detail."

AirCurve also includes a pass-through slot allowing you to charge and sync your iPhone using a Griffin Dock Connector Cable (available separately).

Clarifi has a "close-up lens," which supposedly gives your iPhone 3G the ability to take remarkably detailed macro shots with even "more accurate colors."

Clarifi’s case design allows for complete access to power switch, headphone jack, volume controls and touchscreen. It features Griffin’s EasyDock design—simply slip off the case bottom to charge and sync, with no need to remove your iPhone from its case.

Griffin's AirCurve, $19.99, and Clarifi, $34.99, will be available in October at major retailers and on Griffin's website.

Griffin Technology began designing and manufacturing technical solutions with an innovative flair in 1992.

Today, Griffin designs, manufactures and delivers useful and fun solutions for digital entertainment and personal computing to people in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, through major retailers and online.

Refernces:

http://www.griffintechnology.com/press/releases/59

iPhone App Lets Users Send Photos To Other Phones

Until now, an iPhone user could not send a picture to another cell-phone number, although the user could e-mail pictures to anyone. JuiceCaster, a social-broadcasting service for cell phones, called Flutter the next best thing to multimedia messages, or MMS.

"Being in the business of multimedia and other products with JuiceCaster, we thought why not use the underlying platform we use to send pictures," - said Amir Hosseinpour, Juice Wireless senior vice president of product strategy, speaking from London. He said it's just a small step in the company's plans for the iPhone. "We are in the process of porting JuiceCaster to the iPhone, and it just seemed like we were going to take that big step anyway."

It's unclear why the iPhone 3G doesn't have the ability to send pictures without e-mail, but Hosseinpour says there are three schools of thought about this. One is that Apple's software wasn't ready when Apple wanted to launch the iPhone 3G and it would just add the functionality in new versions. Another thought is that AT&T simply did not want to enable the feature. The third thought is that it was not included for strategic reasons.

Flutter allows individuals to take a photo, address it to cell-phone numbers listed in contacts, and add messages. The person on the receiving end gets a text message with a link to JuiceCaster. JuiceCaster will host the photo. A feature included in the service is the ability to use the iPhone 3G's GPS to show recipients your location. The recipient gets an option to see the sender's location. One caveat, however, is that because JuiceCaster is hosting the service, recipients cannot reply to the sender by hitting reply.

The service is free, at least for now. The plan, however, is to put ads on Flutter. The company said they will be on the client side, and the sender will be the one viewing the ads, not the recipient.

References:

http://www.juicecaster.com/flutter/

Sony ICF-CD3iP iPod And iPhone Radio Clock

Sony has created an extraordinary third-generation iPhone and iPod clock radio dock, the ICF-CD3iP. The dock has a unique circular design that holds a clock, AM/FM radio and a CD player, with simple controls in front for playback.

A side dock holds the Apple device. It can play MP3’s, CDs and CD-R/RW audio discs. The iPhone or iPod are integrated with the alarm clock and it comes with a remote so you don’t have to get out of bed to turn it off. The ICF-CD3iP will reportedly be available in October, with a price estimated at $100.

References:

http://www.sonyinsider.com/2008/09/09/sonys-icf-cd3ip-ipodiphone-dock-cd-
and-alarm-clock/

Iphone’s market share is only 4%

According to AdMob company Iphone’s market share is only 4%.

AdMob is a mobile advertising marketplace that connects advertisers with mobile publishers. They allow advertisers to create ads, choose landing pages and target their ads with plenty of detail. Ads can be targeted to locations, carriers, phone platforms and phone manufacturers.

Reference:

http://www.admob.com/s/home/

iPhone App PhoneSaber To Return As LightSaber Unleashed

The MacBox, developers of popular iPhone app PhoneSaber, has announced that the application PhoneSaber, which was removed from the App Store because of copyright issues, will return very soon with the new name LightSaber Unleashed.

The app fits characters and some other details from the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game.

The Lightsaber Unleashed will feature the sabers of several of the console game's characters also, such as General Rahm Kota and Darth Vader. Lightsaber Unleashed also boasts improved graphics and sound effects, as well as optional dueling music.

The new application will be free.

The old version of the app was pulled from iTunes after THQ Wireless spoke with TheMacBox about copyright, and the potential of a branded app in its place.

Refernces:

http://themacbox.co.uk/2008/09/the-return-of-phonesaber/

App Store Downloads Top 100 Million Worldwide

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced at the Apple's "Let's Rock" event in San Francisco on September 9, that since the launch of the App Store on July 11, 2008 the App Store has served up more than 100 million applications.

The App Store launched 500 applications to start. By the end of the first weekend it was open for business, iPhone and iPod users had downloaded more than 10 million copies of applications. Customers can currently find more than 3,000 applications on the groundbreaking store with over 90 percent priced at less than $10 and more than 600 offered for free.

“iPhone’s unique capabilities, easy SDK and the ability to reach an audience of millions via the App Store made this an easy development choice for us,” said John Pollard, Jott CEO. “To date, we’ve had hundreds of thousands of downloads of Jott for iPhone, which has been a major win for our company.”

Applications can take advantage of iPhone and iPod touch’s large display, innovative Multi-Touch™ user interface, fast hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, built-in accelerometer and location-based technology.

Applications are free or charged to the user’s iTunes account, and the App Store notifies the user when updates are available for their apps. The App Store is also available on iTunes for Mac or PC, which syncs applications to the iPhone or iPod touch using a USB cable.

References:

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/09/09appstore.html?sr=hotnews

iKeno released for iPhone

Mundue.net on Monday announced the release of iKeno, a version of the classic game of chance. iKeno is available for purchase and download from the App Store and costs 99 cents. iKeno lets you play the game of chance on your iPhone, but the bets aren't real, of course.

iKeno lets you play from 1 to 10 spots, wagering up to five tokens per game. Match enough numbers and watch your winnings increase. iKeno keeps track of the top 10 numbers drawn, along with win/loss statistics.

You can choose your own numbers or use a Quick Pick feature to have iKeno choose them for you. A Replay button lets you play them over again. iKeno features optional sounds and support for Landscape mode if you prefer.

iKeno runs on any iPhone or iPod touch with iPhone 2.0 software installed. Because the game simulates gambling, the App Store has rated it 12+.

Reference:

http://ikeno.mundue.net/Home.html

Touchgrind - First Multi-touch Skate Game For iPhone

Swedish game developer, Illusion Labs created world’s first a multi-touch skate game for the iPhone. The game is known as Touchgrind and will be available on the App Store this October.

The new game is very different from all the other skating games as it is played only by a specific finger gestures that are swiped in a similar manner as that of legs and feet on a real skateboard.

The player rides freely in a skatepark and performs tricks on ramps, boxes and rails.

Apart from the natural controls, Illusion Labs has developed an online level editor open to the community to create and publish their own skateparks.

Illusion Labs was founded in autumn 2007 and is located in Malmö, Sweden.

Illusion Labs focuses on two areas; Game 2.0 apps such as Labyrinth and Touchgrind and branded apps for select advertisers such as the iPint which was awarded a Cannes Silver Lion in 2008.

References:
http://www.illusionlabs.se/index.html

http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/09
-08-2008/0004880901&EDATE=MON+Sep+08+2008,+01:12+PM

iPhone Gets EA's Spore Origins

EA Mobile has just announced a raft of games for the iPod touch and the iPhone. The EA announcement Friday focused on the release of Spore Origins for the Apple mobile market.

It's not the full-blown evolutionary strategy game you'll find on the PC and Mac, but EA's Spore Origins gives iPhone users a taste of "survival of the fittest" by incorporating two modes of play in the mobile version. In evolution mode, players create, edit, tweak and customize their creatures and explore strange worlds. In survival mode, players are prey and predator, advancing through 35 levels of eat-or-be-eaten action.

According to EA Mobile, the game incorporates the motion-sensing capabilities of the iPhone, so gamers can navigate creatures by tilting and moving the handset. In a statement released by the company, Travis Boatman, vice president of worldwide studios at EA Mobile, said, "We're really excited to bring Spore Origins to the iPhone and iPod touch. By leveraging the unique capabilities of these devices, players can customize their own creatures and shape their destiny in an exciting evolutionary journey."

In contrast, EA's full-blown Spore allows for nearly total customization of the worlds and creatures that inhabit them, providing ample opportunity to tweak environment and evolutionary features. Supposedly there are millions of worlds to explore and populate.

While the mobile version certainly can't contain all the features of the full version of Spore, EA is hoping it can dominate nearly every game platform with versions of Spore. In addition to Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, Spore Origins is available for the PC, Mac and Nintendo DS, with versions for other platforms no doubt in the works.

Also check out here.

Reference:

http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1194127&highlight=

iPhone Sales In Eastern Europe Are Quite Low

T-Mobile and Vodafone the Eastern European carriers for the Czech Republic have sold only about 5,000 iPhone 3G each since its launch on August 22. So the sales figures are not that positive.

O2 is also a Czech Republic carrier, but its sales info was not available at the moment.

Despite that small number, the iPhone 3G is still selling well in other parts of the world, particularly in the U.S, the U.K. and in Germany.

References:
http://www.moconews.net/entry/419-iphone-sales-in-eatern-europe-not-so-good/

SugarSync: An Alternative To MobileMe

If you are having problems with MobileMe for syncing data, now you don’t have to worry anymore as SugarSync, made by Sharpcast, will help you to solve all that problems.

It helps you organize your data and does not cost heavily on your pocket. This app made by Sharpcast is an Internet service customized for your iPhone. It backs your media files while you are online and it later syncs your data to all your devices, PC, Mac and your iPhone.

You can share and view your PDF, Word, Excel and power point files and also have the joy of sharing your photo collection. The push sync technology enables you to save the changes you made on your Mac instantaneously on your iPod touch and iPhone.

You can download the app for free, however a yearly fee or monthly fee will be charged for the services rendered. It can range anywhere between $25 to $250 a year.

SugarSync, launched in March of 2008 to rave reviews and is available direct to consumer. SugarSync is built on Sharpcast Universal Sync Platform which is also available for license by Wireless Carriers, Internet Service Providers, and Device Manufacturers.

References:

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/sugarsync-offer.html

iPhone Life To Hit US Stores On September 9th

iPhone-related magazine iPhone Life will hit US stores on September 9^th. iPhone Life will be available by subscription or in local stores. The magazine features content that cover all aspects of the iPhone, from news, how-to's, reviews and more.

“People are excited about the iPhone and iPod touch for good reason,” says publisher Hal Goldstein. “The iPhone’s vibrant screen, its fun intuitive interface, powerful Safari browser, automatic updates, and app store brilliantly solve many of the problems inherent in handheld computing. The iPhone is changing the way people use their phones, and we’re here to help them get the most out of it.”

Thaddeus Computing is the publishing company behind the project and for the premier issue they promise 100 pages of hot content.

The 100-page premier issue includes:

• Full coverage of the new 3G iPhone

• Top software from the iTunes store

• 85 hidden features

• Best FREE software and web apps

• How to Rip DVDs

• Must-have accessories

• Safari surprises

• iPhone profiles of a doctor, rabbi, student, mayor, CEO

• Celebrities who have iPhones

iPhone Life will be available at most major bookstores. A subscription costs $25 for issues up to 2010. This includes the premier issue and at least 4 issues next year and in 2010. iPhone-friendly digital version of each issue also comes with a subscription. You can subscribe here.

iPhone Life was founded by the same people that bring Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine to you. That magazine has been providing readers with info and expert advice on the smartphone market for years.

References:

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/iphone/pressreleaseAugust29

Gameloft's Asphalt 4 Elite Racing

Gameloft has released their Asphalt 4 Elite Racing game to the app store. The $9.99 game was originally expected by the end of July.

The new racer provides some unique features such as Wi-Fi multiplayer mode so you can race against your friends. Other features claimed by the developer include:

- 28 licensed rides from the world's most prestigious manufacturers: Ferrari, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Chevrolet Corvette, and more.

- Use your phone as a steering wheel thanks to the accelerometer controls

- The best 3D graphics available on iPhone

- Hours of high-speed entertainment: 5 racing modes, 9 cities such as new York, Shanghai, Dubai, and Paris

Reference:

http://www2.gameloft.com/corpo_press.php?date=2008