Parrot, a provider of wireless peripherals for mobile phones, has launched the Parrot RKi8400, a car stereo system for both the iPhone and the iPod, in the United States.
The Parrot RKi8400 is an FM/AM RDS car stereo that features multiple connections for digital music and advanced hands-free telephony functions. A first in the industry, the RKi8400 is designed with a storage compartment behind the removable front panel, ideal for protecting and recharging an iPhone(TM) or iPod. Parrot RKi8400's iPhone and iPod connections have achieved the double official Apple license 'Made for iPod' and 'Works with iPhone'.
Orange today announced that its first UK exclusive app, Orange Wednesdays, is now available on the App Store. For those who love films, the free Orange Wednesdays App brings the hugely popular Orange Wednesdays cinema experience to the iPhone. The app combines the latest film reviews and trailers with up to date info on what's on, where films are showing, information on how to get there and the ability to redeem the 2 for 1 Orange Wednesdays cinema voucher on your Orange iPhone.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the all-new 2010 GTI via the App Store by making available a free version of the popular Firemint Real Racing game that exclusively features the all-new 2010 GTI. This is the first time an automotive manufacturer has used the App Store to launch a new vehicle. Additionally, users of the Real Racing GTI App in the U.S. can compete for the chance to win one of six, limited-edition 2010 GTIs that are fully-customized inside and out.
The free Real Racing GTI App is available worldwide and spares no detail, allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 GTI right in the palms of their hands on iPhone and iPod touch. From the redesigned exterior with more aggressive headlights and the famous red-striped grille, to the sporty interior with a race-inspired steering wheel, the all-new 2010 GTI races its way to life on the screen for a thrilling gaming experience.
Nokia announced that it has today filed a complaint against Apple with the Federal District Court in Delaware, alleging that Apple's iPhone infringes Nokia patents for GSM, UMTS and wireless LAN (WLAN) standards.
Nokia has created one of the strongest and broadest patent portfolios in the industry, investing more than EUR 40 billion in R&D during the last two decades. Much of this intellectual property, including the patents in suit, has been declared essential to industry standards. Nokia has already successfully entered into license agreements including these patents with approximately 40 companies, including virtually all the leading mobile device vendors, allowing the industry to benefit from Nokia's innovation.
Panoramio, a community of people sharing photos of places (owned by Google), which are sometimes displayed on Google Earth and Google Maps as photo layers, have launched a new application that makes it easy to upload photos to Panoramio from the Apple iPhone.
Per Panoramio, "The philosophy behind the app is to keep it simple: sign in (only the first time), pick a photo from your device or take a new photo, and upload it straight to Panoramio. If available, the geoposition will be automatically set, and you can optionally add a title to the photo."
Google is working hard to release an Android version.
Interestingly, Panoramio has monthly for people to submit pictures to various categories. The contests have 28 winners each month who win prizes. Visit http://www.panoramio.com/contest for more information.
Apple posted revenue of $9.87 billion and a net quarterly profit of $1.67 billion, or $1.82 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $7.9 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.14 billion, or $1.26 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 36.6 percent, up from 34.7 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 46 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
Apple sold 3.05 million Macintosh computers during the quarter, representing a 17 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 10.2 million iPods during the quarter, representing an eight percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 7.4 million iPhones in the quarter, representing seven percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter.
Check out this neat app called BuzzVoice for the iPhone, iPod, Mac, PC or any MP3 player. BuzzVoice allows you to listen to your favorite news and blogs by actually reading the content to you. BuzzVoice automatically collects the news and blogs and converts them to audio in real time. You can listen on the go in your car, home, gym, anywhere and anytime. (See demo video to the right)
In addition to listening with BuzzVoice, you can view text, pictures and video, and share "talking stories" with friends via email, or on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and other social sites. You can choose from over 1,400 of the Web's top news and blogs to create your personalized playlist in minutes.
BuzzVoice offers a free version and a pro version for $3.99, however, they are offering a 7 day free trial.
AT&T today announced it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network. Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. For some time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks. AT&T this afternoon informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision.
In late summer, AT&T said it was taking a fresh look at VoIP capabilities on iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network, consistent with its regular review of device features and capabilities to ensure attractive options for consumers.
AT&T allows customers to download or launch on their wireless devices a multitude of compatible applications directly from any lawful Internet website. Additionally, because AT&T uses GSM technology, the most pervasive and open wireless technology platform in the world, we support customers using any GSM phone that works on AT&T's frequencies.
Today Vonage launched Vonage Mobile, its first mobile calling application for smartphones. Vonage Mobile is a free downloadable application (app) that provides seamless, low-cost international calling while on Wi-Fi or cellular networks*. Once downloaded, the service saves customers more than 50% on calls to dozens of countries versus the rates charged by wireless carriers while providing far more convenience than calling cards. Vonage Mobile will be available for download on the iPhone, BlackBerry and iPod touch at www.vonagemobile.com and the iTunes App Store later today.
With Vonage Mobile you can call around the world from home, a Wi-Fi hotspot, or while traveling around the country. Vonage Mobile is easy to use. There are no access numbers or new phone numbers to give to friends and family. Simply enter an international number or select a contact from the existing contacts on your iPhone or Blackberry and hit send. Vonage does the rest.
This app will give customers exceptional per-minute rates to any country they want to dial. In the fourth quarter 2009, we will enhance the app to include the popular Vonage World plan that was introduced for home service in August.
Orange UK and Apple have reached an agreement to bring iPhone 3G and 3GS to Orange UK customers later this year. Orange globally now offers iPhone in 28 countries and territories.
Orange, which has the largest 3G network covering more people in the UK than any other operator, will sell iPhone in all Orange direct channels including Orange shops, the Orange webshop and Orange telesales channels, as well as selected high street partners.
A pre-registration site for customers to log their interest has been launched at www.Orange.co.uk/iPhone. More information on pricing, tariffs and availability dates will be released in due course.
Apple today announced that more than two billion apps have been downloaded from its revolutionary App Store, the largest applications store in the world. There are now more than 85,000 apps available to the more than 50 million iPhone and iPod touch customers worldwide and over 125,000 developers in Apple’s iPhone Developer Program.
“The rate of App Store downloads continues to accelerate with users downloading a staggering two billion apps in just over a year, including more than half a billion apps this quarter alone,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The App Store has reinvented what you can do with a mobile handheld device, and our users are clearly loving it.”
Quicken has introduced its free iPhone mobile app for Quicken Online Mobile (also free) to help its customer get smarter about their finances. (See link to video on the right). The mobile app features the following:
Shows your online accounts all in one place
See your bank, credit card, loans and other accounts all in one place, so you know exactly where your money is going.
Helps you stay ahead of payday
Paycheck Forecaster shows you how much money you have left, and what bills are coming, so you can make the rent AND go out with your friends.
Makes budgeting easy
Stay on top of your budget goals and track how you're doing.
Griffin Technology Inc. has announced the market's first-available FM transmitter and iPhone app pairing. The new iTrip FM transmitter for iPhone and iPod, fully integrated with its new iTrip Controller app, is the most advanced iTrip yet.
App integration is the latest iTrip innovation, pairing the hardware with iTrip Controller for iPhone and iPod touch. Users connect iTrip to their iPhone or iPod touch running iPhone OS 3.0, open the app, and are greeted with a large, simple display showing tuning controls and a SmartScan button, Griffin's trademark technology that instantly locates the best available frequency.
Three preset options are present and programmable, and a settings screen allows for adjustment of SmartSound EQ and mono/stereo broadcast modes. Any change made in the app instantly occurs on the iTrip, and iTrip adjustments are instantly reflected on the app, making for complete and flawless iTrip hardware and software integration.
Google announced today a new product from Google Labs called Google Fast Flip. Fast Flip is a web app that allows you’re to quickly flip through stories with the swipe of your finger while viewing the actual web page as opposed to a RSS reader that only shows you the article. Like a RSS reader, Fast Flip allows you’re to browse headlines and popular articles without having to visit the website. Fast Flip is available for the iPhone, Android-powered devices and desktop/laptop computers. According to Google, the service works great for mobile devices.
With Fast Flip you can search for specific topics which let you make your own "magazine." Fast Flip allows you to easily share articles as well. To send an article to someone, you simply tap on the "Email" link in the upper right. For test out Google Fast Flip visit FastFlip.GoogleLabs.com.
ESPN today launches its newest application to the Apple iTunes App Store for ESPN Radio.
The app gives millions of ESPN Radio listeners access to live, crystal clear radio streams, fan favorite shows, the latest SportsCenter updates every 20 minutes, popular podcasts, play-by-play broadcasts, live scores, newsfeeds and text messaging and call-in capabilities directly to ESPN Radio and ESPN affiliate stations.
The ESPN Radio app adds another platform to access audio from ESPNRadio.com, the world’s most listened-to online audience stream of any terrestrial broadcaster in the world. It reaches more than 420,000 unique listeners per month according to Ando Media, which measures nearly 7,000 global streams of audio worldwide.
If you hate the virtual keyboard that comes with your iPhone, then you may want to consider the iTwinge by Mobile Mechatronics. The iTwinge Keyboard is Mobile Mechatronics typing “Skin” for the iPhone which enables faster and more accurate typing through the use of our patent pending Twinge Technology.
The iTwinge Keyboard is intended for heavy email and text users, women with long finger nails, people with large fingers, or anyone who is not satisfied with typing on the iPhone. Additionally, the iTwinge was originally designed to help people improve their typing skills on the iPhone virtual keyboard thru building “muscle memory”. A few days of iTwinge use will result in dramatic iPhone typing performance improvements. The iTwinge is also a great transitory product for users of other Smartphones that want to convert to the iPhone
Mobile Mechatronics recommends you not purchase the iTwinge if you are not willing to try it for three to four hours of typing. If you have tried different PC or smartphone keyboards and found you initially preferred your old keyboard! It will take time for your “muscle memory” to adapt to the iTwinge, before the full benefits are realized.
Google announced today a new product from Google Labs called Google Fast Flip. Fast Flip is a web app that allows you’re to quickly flip through stories with the swipe of your finger while viewing the actual web page as opposed to a RSS reader that only shows you the article. Like a RSS reader, Fast Flip allows you’re to browse headlines and popular articles without having to visit the website. Fast Flip is available for the iPhone, Android-powered devices and desktop/laptop computers. According to Google, the service works great for mobile devices.
With Fast Flip you can search for specific topics which let you make your own "magazine." Fast Flip allows you to easily share articles as well. To send an article to someone, you simply tap on the "Email" link in the upper right. For test out Google Fast Flip visit FastFlip.GoogleLabs.com.
Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, appeared on stage today after being back to work over three months ago. This was his first public appearance at a product launch in San Francisco wearing his classic jeans and black turtleneck. Mr. Jobs still appeared thin as he did when he left the Apple last January.
Mr. Jobs began the event discussing his recent liver transplant, “I’m very happy to be here and thank you all. As some of you know, five months ago I had a liver transplant. I now have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash and was generous enough to donate their organs. I wouldn’t be here without such generosity, so I hope all of us can be as generous and elect to be organ donors.”
Mr. Jobs is co-founder of Apple along with Steve Wozniak. In 1985 he left Apple after being ousted by the board of directors. He went on to find Next which was purchased by Apple in 1997. As a result he returned to Apple and has served as its CEO since his return.