iPhone 3.0 Software Roundup

Well, that's that. We now know what to expect from the next generation of iPhone software. Let's get up to speed quickly:

Landscape keyboard? Yes. Copy/paste? Yes. MMS? Yes, unless you have the first phone. A2DP? Yes, unless you have the first phone. Tethering? Yes, but it's in the carrier's hands now. Expanded bluetooth support? Yes, but again, no A2dp for the first gen phone, and in the Q&A, they oddly mentioned they didn't have anything to announce about the ability to use bluetooth keyboards with the phone. Umm.. Flash? No. Video? No.

So with that, Apple addressed most of the pressing concerns. It's unfortunate to see the first-gen iPhones left out of the MMS and A2DP game. For now, we'll take Apple's word that these weren't implementable on the first phone. I stress, for now.

A lot of time was spent having developers show off what they can do with the new APIs for the 3.0 software. Most of the time seemed to focus on new ways to separate you from your money via new in-game purchases like extra weapons, levels, etc. That part really wasn't exciting for consumers, but I'm sure it'll rally the app troops looking for a way to turn bigger profits on a $5 game.

It's just a shame we have to wait until June for the official release of the software. What did you think? Good event, or did Apple leave out things from your wish list?

The iPod in 2009: Still Cool, or Commodity?

I can remember the first time I saw a stranger with an iPod. I was jogging with my own iPod at a local park, when I saw the tell-tale white earbuds headed towards me in the ears of a lovely young lady. She smiled, and I smiled, and no it wasn't my exuberant charm, or that she was exceedingly pretty (she was lovely, but not that lovely). No, it was the recognition that we were part of a club. We were part of a small group of people who "got it."

Here we are, 2009, and those iPod headphones have become so ubiquitous that it's numbing. Seeing someone with an iPod is like going to a friend's house and seeing they have cable: you have something in common, but there's nothing intrinsically cool about it. Now if they had cable in the early 80's, well that's a different story.

When I had that iPod, I was the only person in my family (immediate or extended) to own any Apple product. Today, I've troubleshooted iPods for 10 year-old nephews, and Uncles and Aunts of a certain age, as well as my parents. When you buy a cool new gadget, and then see grandma on the treadmill with it, it takes something away.

So what do you think? Is there any "cool" left in the iPod? Is there anything Apple can do to keep it "hip" in addition to ahead of the competitors? Does it even matter if it's "cool"? Can you have anything selling millions of units for years on end, and still feel like you're part of a "club" for having it?

ABC News App for the iPhone and iPod Touch

There are plenty of ways to get local and national news on your iPhone. Kudos to ABC News for their ABC News iPhone App. Sure, it gives you headlines like most news/RSS sites, but the real advantage to this application is the video capability. Same day clips are available from several ABC shows, and I'm partial to the Tech Bytes segments. The app also gives you local weather and news/emergency alerts. Take a look:

Fake Calls for iPhone (and iPod Touch, Actually)

I suppose in an ideal world, we wouldn't need an app like Fake Calls. After all, what good can come from lying to others about getting a phone call. And if you're like me, you'll be so anxious to show your friends how it works, they'll never believe you really have a phone call in the future.

The premise is simple. You select a contact from your contacts list, or a phone number. Then select a time up to one hour in the future, and the ringtone you'd like to use for your "call." The ringtones include the iPhone standard rings (except for the alarm, which is one I actually use) which adds authenticity to the experience.

I've had the most fun having people call me while they're sitting in front of me. I sell it as a mind-over-matter exercise. Of course with this blog post, the jig will be up.

For $0.99, you could do worse as iPhone apps go, and it might just get you out of tight spot someday. Oh and a bonus for iPod Touch owners: I haven't tested it, but reports are it will work with the iPod Touch as well. Voila! an instant fake iPhone in your hand!

You got an iPhone or iPod For Christmas, Now What?

Santa brought his bag of goodies to your house and look what he left: A brand new iPhone, or iPod! For those of you who are new to the Apple family, welcome! For those who received a long awaited upgrade, well welcome to you as well!

Here are some tips and tricks to get you started.

iPod Clickwheel Owners: Congratulations on getting the tried and true clickwheel version of the iPod. The good news: You probably have far longer battery life, and far more storage than those iPhone and iPod Touch friends of yours. Who needs a touchscreen anyhow. The bad news: The clickwheel iPods do not play the games and apps found in the iTunes app store, but that doesn't mean you can't find games for your iPod. There's a section called iPod Games that's just for you. Nearly all the games are $4.99. Are they worth it? Well, we've compiled video reviews of all the games, so you can find out before you buy. Just click here. And another quick tip: it can be tricky to find a case for your iPod (especially the classic) since there have been so many slightly different variations on it. Either head to your local Apple Store / Best Buy, or we suggest one of these cases: If you want to run with your iPod clickwheel, check out the Belkin Neoprene Armbands. If you'd prefer a soft gel-type skin for your iPod Nano, then check these out.

iPhone Owners: Depending on your activation method, you may have had to know this one was going to be under the tree. Welcome to the iPhone club. You now own the device that changed the cell phone industry forever. If this is your first device to use the iTunes App Store, a word of warning. The reviews of apps on the site are notoriously unreliable. Pay more attention to the overall rating of the app, rather than individual comments. Most of the prominent comments just complain about price. Or better yet, check out our independent iPhone and iPod Touch App Reviews. If you need a case (my personal preference is to go case-less. I'm a rebel, what can I say...) I'd suggest a hard case like the Inspiretech Full Protect Case.

iPod Touch Owners: Look at you! You own the Cadillac of iPods! You tell the world, I don't need copious amounts of storage. I simply want the most functionality, and what Steve Jobs referred to as the "funnest iPod yet." First, promise you won't be upset if the storage increases, or the price decreases by late January. Promise? Ok, on we go. Again, the app store is a big part of what makes this baby purr, so be sure to check out our iPhone and iPod App Reviews. Just remember, not all of the apps work with the Touch, so be careful when buying. Again, a hard case is probably the best choice to protect your investment. Here's a great and tough option from Otterbox.

Apps worth checking out (check for compatibility with your device: some are iPhone only)

Pano - Turns your iPhone into a panoramic picture taking machine.

The Price is Right Game - If you enjoy the TV game, you'll love this version. It's a little pricey, but worth it for the fans.

Pandora Radio - It's free, and gives you a great way to discover new music.

Chopper - When we first reviewed this game, I wasn't thrilled. But since then, it's really grown on me. And it's a lot cheaper than it used to be.

AIM AOL Instant Messenger - It's not perfect, but if you want to bring AOL instant messenger on the road, this is your best option.

These are just a few starting points. There are thousands and thousands of apps out there, so subscribe to our video reviews (that you can then watch on your iPhone or iPod).

Enjoy your new toys!