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Get your Groove (Shark) on With Your iPhone

Guest Author ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

If you feel like it has been months and months since the Beta iPhone app for popular on-demand music streaming giant Grooveshark was released, you are correct. However your patience has been well worth the wait. The application has officially hit the market and is available for free in the App Store, sort of.

Upon downloading the handy jukebox, you will be instantly granted a 30-day trial of the service. Once your month is up, the cost is only $3 a month, or $30 a year if you want to pony up 12 months off the bat. Honestly, that's a great deal, especially if you compare it to similar services like MOG, or Rhapsody. The best part is you don't even have to offer up a credit card to start jamming.

Just like web-based version, Grooveshark's content is posted by the users themselves, thus the ability to find obscurities among the classics is usually painless. The ability to add search results to existing playlists, combined with a "genius" type predictor, works well when constructing the perfect variety.

Inevitably someone is going to compare the pennies a day price to the likes of free music streaming via Pandora, and ask why they should switch. I have a hard time believing anyone who has used both Grooveshark and Pandora would ask. Nevertheless, the ability to outright search for specific song titles and have them played on demand, is in itself worth the small stipend. Don't believe me? Go use your free trial and get back to me.

Turn Your iPhone into a Mini iMac

Guest Author ∙ August 14, 2010

I don't like to make a habit out of promoting (or writing) about accessories I haven't used, simply because you don't usually know until you have it in hand. However the Just Mobile Xtand for the iPhone looks seriously legit. This aluminum holder takes your trusted device, and morphs it into a little looking iMac. Just another reason I might hold off on buying an iPad. Sorry Apple.

The 3 piece unit is said to be easily assembled and incredibly sturdy, and houses a rubber "hand" so to be speak, where the iPhone actually rests. Sick of looking up peoples nostrils on your FaceTime calls? No problem, this solution will fix that in no time. A must have ability is covered in allowing either portrait or landscape mode. Watching movies or reading iBooks on an iPhone just became ten times better.

All iPhone models seem to be supported, with a current 20% discount bringing the total to just $33. iPod Touch, iPad, and even MacBook look-a-likes are also available. So no more worries of holding your phone the wrong way. Just plop it into this beauty, and let the Xtand do the gripping for you. This just might be sitting on my desk I'm a short time. What do you guys think?

Apple’s Liquid Metal in Action

Guest Author ∙ Updated May 11, 2018

Earlier this week, iDB reported on Apple's newly purchase liquid metal company, Liquidmetal Technologies. Naturally our imaginations ran wild. Cult of Mac is bringing us back to reality, and linked a YouTube video showing us the real life capabilities the futuristic material is able to produce. While a transforming iDevice was nice to ponder, seeing what Liquidmetal Technologies, and thus Apple, may have in store is pretty bizarre in itself.

My question is, how will this be implemented into our favorite fruit companies products? How heavy is this stuff once it's ready to be sold? And the biggest question, how much will adding this Terminator type metal cost us? Give us your opinion in the comment box!

App Store Adds List of Apps to Impress Your Friends With

Guest Author ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Have you been to the App Store lately? Over the summer, Apple has been creating sub groups of applications under the featured section, highlighting apps and placing them into specific genres. It is a good way of showcasing apps that are too good to jut be among the other 300,000. The latest category? Apps to Impress Your Friends With.

There is an obvious prerequisite of all those included in this unique category. Of all those making the cut, nearly all of them boast higher than a 3 star rating. They are also among the most complex of programs, especially on a phone.

So what are some of these impressive pieces of desirability? A few from each category: Shazam, Siri Assistant, and Red Laser are useful utilities mentioned. Real Racing, Madden 2011 and Touchgrind are of the sporting games. iMovie, Pano, and Hipstamatic are of the few camera enabled apps to make this seemingly prestigious list. There is another trend here. All of these apps, (and the others listed), work really well on iOS.

If Apple was to create a list of apps to convince someone to buy an iPhone, this would be that list. So while these apps may impress your friends of your phone's ability, I think inspiring them to open their own wallets is what Apple has in mind. So head over to the App Store, and tell us how you would change this list.

Hey Apple, Lighten Up on Camera+ [Rant]

Guest Author ∙ August 13, 2010

It's Friday, and (as usual), I feel like ranting before the weekend. On Wednesday we reported that Camera+ had "snuck" in a feature in its application, allowing the user to shutter using the volume buttons. This ability has been atop of the request list of many iPhone owners, in regards to Apple's native camera app. As we predicted, Apple put the kibosh on the useful addition, less than a day after it was made public by various outlets. Apparently Apple took offense to the developers at Taptaptap for actually listening to what the consumer has to say.

More often than not I usually side with the way Apple handles its business. Some have even *gasp*, called me a fanboy of sorts. I'm cool with that. What I'm not cool with is the disregard of public opinion about not only a harmless feature, but a very useful one added to a magnificent application.

Camera+ is no fly-by night app. In fact, it recently reported earnings of over $500,000.00, after Apple's 30% cut, in 60 days! Not a bad chunk of change for 2 months worth of exposure. I'm not suggesting Apple should change its policy because an app is making lots of money, as much I'm asking them what the big friggin deal is? It seems that those in charge got their panties in a bunch because Camera+ had previously tried to include the feature legitimately, but were denied because it was claimed the feature "was too confusing". Thanks for identifying (and in turn, insulting) our level of intelligence, Apple.

I understand that there has to be guidelines and enforcement surrounding the entries into the App Store I can even understand hidden circumvention that undermine policies, such as Handylight (which allowed users to tether for free), needing to be dealt with. Camera+'s "easter egg" wasn't included in the app itself. Those wishing to implement the volume button shuttering had to type an address in their Safari URL, and could also remove the ability doing the same. It was optional, until Apple decided to play enforcer.

There have to be rules, and I get that. But just because a rule exists doesn't mean it isn't a silly rule. Camera+ only "broke" policy because Apple told them their feature wasn't easily enough understood. Ironically enough, its Safari-based addition was easy enough to understand by enough people for Apple to kick the app out of the store.

So lighten up, Apple. Camera+ is and was one of the better applications out there. It enhanced the brilliant ability of both the iPhone 4's camera, and Retina Display. Go hassle some of the developers who promise to "find your friend's phone", or the fortune tellers. In fact, stop the hassling of non-abrasive implementations, and then there won't be these silly rules to break in the first place. Otherwise, be prepared to lose millions to Cydia, who I imagine would welcome such revenue. Just sayin'...

Just When You Thought the Verizon iPhone Rumors Couldn’t Get Crazier

Guest Author ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Apple news junkies 9 to 5 Mac have revealed some interesting info, via DVICE, about what they say possibly being the Verizon iPhone. Just to warn you, the following claims may induce severe skepticism, high levels of doubt, and a good old-fashioned belly-laugh.

First, the rumored device is said to pack a next-gen A4 chip, which fires at 1.2ghz. Sick of that 3.5 inch screen? No problem, because this unicorn of a handset will up its traditional size to 3.7 inches. Personally if I were going to start a rumor, I would have at least made the screen 4 inches, but that's just me. Last but not least, the Verizon version of the Jesus Phone would come with a relocated antenna, placed internally.

9 to 5 Mac makes no bones about this information being illegitimate, but don't rule out the possibility that these specs would accompany the 5th generation iPhone. That doesn't sound too crazy, however at this point none of this has much foundation to rest on.

What do you think? Will we see any of this come January, or should we put this device next to the "iPhone Nano"? Let us know in the comment section.

Walking in to Buy an iPhone 4? Good Luck!

Guest Author ∙ August 12, 2010

It has been more than 7 weeks since Apple released its iPhone 4 in the United States, so you should be able to walk-in to most of its retailers and purchase one, right? Not according to Mac Life, who reports that Apple Insider sent an analyst to various stores to collect the data. He found that of the 30 stores he strolled into, just 16 had any stock.

For the math wizards reading this, you have deciphered that to be just over having a 50% chance as a "walk-in". While the flip of a coin type odds may seem harsh, all stores made it apparent that each of them are still receiving daily shipments, in hopes to meet some of the demand that still exists. The optimistic man will note that before July 10th, 0/20 stores had stock iPhone 4's for sale.

When the iPhone 3GS was released last year, most countries reported curtailing the demand by late September, early October. Gene Munster, who conducted the walk around, stated "We had expected near full in-store availability in the U.S. by now", in reference to the shortage of iPhone 4's. Why he thought this I'm not sure, since as of this week it was still 3 weeks backorder on Apple's website.

More now than ever it shows how little effect "Antennagate" actually had on the selling of the iPhone 4. It's been the fastest selling Apple product ever. Munster was quoted in saying he believes that the units will have sold 11 million worldwide in September. That's a lot of bumpers!

Linux Director Spouts Off About the AppStore (and Everything Else)

Guest Author ∙ August 12, 2010

In a recent interview with Wired, Jim Zemlin, the Executive Director for Linux (yes that Linux), gave his opinion on the present and future state of the App Store. Why anyone would ever look towards Linux to give you a mobile business opinion is beyond me. However, Zemlin had a few points I'll highlight for you.

Zemlin says that Apple's status with the App Store is "totally within reach". Then states that the top 10 pages are "the only ones that matter". Already it was hard to take him seriously with this sort of rhetoric. If the App Store is so reachable, let's have the competitor. As far as the top ten page being all the store has to offer, I won't insult your intelligence by even offering up a defense to this lunacy.

When asked how the App Store model will change, the exec claims that developers aren't going to pay 30% forever. Instead he claims that an "App Warehouse" will be used, servicing carrier stores. Of course he follows by saying that this will cost the dev 15-20%, and the warehouse will (conveniently) run Linux. Yes, I'm serious, he really thinks this.

Wired sort of set him straight throughout the exchange, noting that businesses want to be on the iPhone, etc. The word of mouth, and easy accessibility that is integrated into having your service or product in the App Store, is priceless. Even the Linux boss himself noted how well Apple has implemented a savvy UI into its selections.

There is much more in this piece than I cared to cover, mostly because it's not iPhone (or even Apple) related. I will say that it seems a bit presumptuous to think that the App Store can or will be overtaken as easily as it is to say such. Fact is, most people who don't even own a smart phone can tell you something about Apple's App Store, or the iPhone for that matter. And Linux? Many of those same people would probably have to Google it. Whattaya think?

CDMA iPhone in Verification Process?

Guest Author ∙ August 11, 2010

The man with the Apple info, John Gruber, has posted a long entry concerning the latest information about a CDMA iPhone. As with all undisclosed releases, this particular product is codenamed N92. So what's different about this rumor than all the others? Well, Gruber states that the mysterious device has entered Engineering Verification Testing (EVT) status. This is said to be just below Designed Verification Testing.

What may or may not be important to mention, is that the ordering of CDMA parts doesn't necessarily equal a Verizon iPhone. Sprint uses the same technology, so as the "facts" stand, they could be getting the iPhone. While that is possible, I see this note as Gruber covering his butt, just in case nothing happens.

When would this mammoth of an announcement come? Some say at the CES, while others predict a special announcement. LTE, Verizon's next focused technology, is rumored to be their focus at CES, so unveiling a CDMA product at the same time wouldn't make any sense. Wherever (if ever) it happens, January 2011 is the popular timeframe... right now anyway.

Gruber then goes on to question the popularity such a device would attract. The 1.7 million units AT&T sold in the iPhone 4 opening weekend is a difficult number to match. There would no doubt be lines, and long lines at that. We would really see just how many of Verizon's loyal fan-base have been waiting for the beloved iPhone.

We at iDB will faithfully keep bringing you the details as they emerge. As the new year approaches, I expect this to be make or break concerning the validity behind the Verizon iPhone. It seems as if we've been hearing (and forgetting) about the possibility for years. One thing is for certain, a release this huge will be difficult to conceal, even for Apple. Unless of course they happen to "lose" another one in a "random" bar. Any thoughts?

Camera+ For iPhone Sneaks in Volume Button Shutter Hack (For Now)

Guest Author ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

First let me say that Camera+ is in my top 5 of amazing iPhone apps. On the iPhone 4, this application allows you to maximize your photography abilities to a whole new level, when it comes to taking pictures on a phone. The developers at Taptaptap have snuck in a feature via Safari, that allows you to shutter photos using the volume buttons. Quite handy when you're using a paid app designed to take stable snapshots.

Apple rejected their public attempt, saying “Your application cannot be added to the App Store because it uses iPhone volume buttons in a non-standard way, potentially resulting in user confusion. Changing the behavior of iPhone external hardware buttons is a violation of the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement. Applications must adhere to the iPhone Human Interface Guidelines as outlined in the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement section 3.3.7” Apparently Apple doesn't think we are smart enough to operate the camera via physical buttons.

Fear not though. Just type “camplus://enablevolumesnap” (don't use quotations), into your iPhone's Safari URL box, and Camera+ version 1.2.1 will enable the feature. Want it removed? Just type “camplus://disablevolumesnap”, and you're back to its original state.

Like always when it comes to a developer circumventing Apple's ultimate authority, this won't last long, I'm sure. So you better grab it now, before it's banished into the violators oblivion. I can't help but again think of how many other, less popular apps, have hidden features sneaked into their applications.

[Smoking Apples]

Will You Upgrade Your iPhone to 4.0.2?

Guest Author ∙ Updated September 1, 2010

As Sebastien reported just a bit ago, Apple released software update 4.0.2. This "update" is said to have addressed to the PDF exploit that the Dev Team discovered, thus allowing JailbreakMe to function with ease. For those of you who aren't jailbroken (which includes me), do you really plan to update this time?

It would have been nice of Apple to include the various features such as Game Center in this round, but perhaps the Beta isn't quite perfected to release to the masses. It's clear that this update was specifically aimed to prevent JailbreakMe from enticing those who buy their phone from today on. I bet the Dev's get all fuzzy inside when Apple directly implements fixes aimed at their work. I give credit to them (devs), as they do work hard on these jailbreaks.

I think I will be sitting this update out. It may even have a counterproductive effect on me. Now that the hole is patched, I just may jailbreak for the heck of it. How about you? Will you update this go around, or wait for a real update? Let us know in the comments below.

Pandora Update Includes Retina Display for iPhone

Guest Author ∙ August 11, 2010

For those of you who are like myself in the regard of not checking the App Store daily, the streaming sensation Pandora has updated its iPhone app.

The largest feature implemented is the support for Retina Display. It does look nice.

What's New In This Version:

uses high resolution graphics for iPhone 4 yields control of external volume buttons when backgrounded and paused improves detection and notification of device audio failures fixes several crashes improves album art loading other minor bug fixes and improvements

I thought my usage of Pandora would greatly increase with the background capabilities, but I was mistaken. Perhaps it's the lack of 3G in my area, which makes it's functionality nearly unusable. Nevertheless, the update makes it look cleaner on my home-screen.

How often do you use Pandora?