Commercial Times Puts Twist on Next-Gen iPhone Rumors, Claims Multiple Versions
The Commercial Times has thrown us a curve: they're now saying that the next-gen iPhone will have three models, one of which could be a budget, EDGE-only throwback.
Expected in June, the models are said to line up as follows: a 2.75G (which Slashgear interprets as EDGE) version, an upgraded 3G version and a China-oriented model, possibly to support a Chinese CDMA carrier. The mention of EDGE would seem to indicate that one of these models will be a budget version, but not necessarily a smaller one—the report makes sure to say that there won't be an iPhone Nano. It goes on to say that component suppliers are reporting a first run of four million for the combined handsets, which is a lot, but not out of the question.
The obvious surprise here, though, is that EDGE phone. To revert to a waning network standard a full year after consciously switching from it doesn't seem very Apple. That said, a fully subsidized iPhone paired with a cheaper data plan could tap an entirely new market for the company, drawing millions more users to the lucrative App Store/iTunes fold. Strange, yeah, but this shouldn't be ruled out—the Commercial Times has a solid record on Apple hardware rumors. [Commercial Times via Slashphone]
Apple’s Patent Hints at iChat AV Video Answering Machine Message
This patent for automatically sending an audio or video reply to an iChat call has us excited, because it could point to automated replies not just on computers, but via the iPhone as well.
The original iChat AV answering machine patent was filed in October 2007, and detailed ways of iChat (or the iChat server) playing back an automated video or audio message when the user can't be reached. What's cool about this is that it's not that useful for computer to computer calling, but very useful for iPhone to computer calling, or computer to iPhone calling. When an iPhone user is out of range, or if a computer isn't on, it's convenient to know within, say, 10 seconds, instead of waiting there and wasting your phone's battery.
Plus, if there is video recording in iPhone 3.0, you may be able to record your messages directly on the phone itself. Bad ass (if true). [Macnn]
Next Generation iPhone May Have FM Transmission Capabilities
Oh, what is this? In addition to the previously unearthed features, the next generation iPhone's guts will have full FM transmission and reception capabilities, according to its spec sheet:
The BCM4329 includes both FM transmit and receive capabilities. FM transmit enables consumers to stream music directly from a personal media players (PMPs) or mobile phone to car stereos or home theater systems without having to purchase special adapters or use bulky cables. FM receive is already a popular feature that enables consumers to obtain real-time traffic information as well as listen to music, news and sports broadcasts on their mobile phones.
I'm not interested in listening to radio or news—although many have been demanding this capability in iPods for ages—but I can't wait for the built-in transmission to the car stereo, as well as real-time traffic information data everywhere, independently of the 3G connectivity. [Broadcom via AppleInsider via 9to5]
Update: Apple Insider say the previous chipsets had potential FM functionality as well, but Apple's declined to switch it on.
iPhone Next Generation: The Most Probable Evolution
I drooled at the idea of an iPhone Pro with slide keyboard and big honkin' camera, but let's face it: It's probably never going to happen. So—using logic—what will the next iPhone look like?
Probably something like this: A flatter, even more tapered and slender version of the current one. After all, if you have a winning formula, why radically change it?
Matt says that he would be disappointed if it ends being something like this, just a version of the current model. I'm going to be pessimist and expect just an evolution of the current design. The market keeps growing with what they have now, so it won't make sense for them to go through a radical design change just yet. And besides this point, there are at least three generations of smooth evolution and tweaks in Apple hardware designs until something completely new comes along (witness the iMacs, for example.)
Not that it really matters: As long as they include a bigger camera sensor while reducing the thickness to iPod touch levels, I'd be happy. But who knows, perhaps there will be a radical departure. What do you think? Do you have any original idea? Send it to us. [Dotdosh]
How to Enable 3G Tethering in Your iPhone 3.0 Now
We haven't tried this but someone has published a tutorial about how to enable 3G tethering in the iPhone OS 3.0. [Update: It works with AT&T]
Warning: ONLY DO THIS IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND CAN ACCEPT THE RISK*
To get this to work with AT&T, follow these instructions:
1. Download this file. The image files contains a modifid ATT_US.ipcc file, which is a bundle that contains different property list XML files. These text files enable or disable functions in the iPhone.
2. Plug your iPhone with iPhone OS 3.0, and wait for it to connect to iTunes.
3. Option + Click on the "Check for updates" in the iPhone screen.
4. Select the ATT_US.ipcc file.
5. The iPhone's version of the file will update.
6. Once it restarts, go to Settings > General > Network and turn on tethering.
7. Enable the USB connection, but say no to the Bluetooth tethering.**
Done. Now connect your iPhone to the computer. The computer will automatically detect a network connection on the USB port. It just works.
Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet to check how it works.
** Tethering over Bluetooth only works with older hardware, before the current revisions (Bluetooth to 3G tethering won't work in the unibody MacBooks.)
*WARNING: A reader reports that since installing this file this morning, he ran into some problems:
• Camera icon is gone in the messages app (doesn't matter, since there's no MMS capability yet).
• Voicemails are not coming in.
• There's no data on 3G bandwidth consumption in your online AT&T account. BEWARE: SINCE TETHERING IS NOT SUPPORTED BY AT&T, THERE'S THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY MAY BE CHARGING YOU FOR USING IT
[File from joachimbeam—Thanks J.]
iPhone 3G Tethering Now Working for Someone, Somewhere
A developer called Steve Troughton-Smith has managed to activate and use the 3G tethering feature available in the new iPhone 3.0 OS. He can now use his iPhone to connect his laptop to the internet.
I missed this one—even while I gave up and joined the Twitter cult a couple of days ago, after trying TweetDeck—but apparently Wired thinks it may be legit because Troughton-Smith has other captures and his story seems to be coherent. Unlike his explanation about it:
So if you were looking at how to activate it—like I was—it seems we are all out f luck. [Twitpic via Gadget Lab]
iPhone’s First Turn-by-Turn Navigation App XROAD G-Map Yanked from App Store
XROAD's G-Map, the iPhone's well-reviewed first turn-by-turn navigation app, has been pulled from the App Store. UPDATE: It's because they were naughty and violated the App Store's terms.
Update: Some developers have told us that the reason G-Map has been pulled is that by including turn-by-turn navigation, it violated the terms of agreement—which is why it was the first turn-by-turn app to come out. So don't expect to see it back in the store. Just another case of something slipping through the wide cracks of Apple's app review processor.
The sole official explanation lies on the XROAD site, that "G-Map U.S. East and West are being reviewed for improvement and will be back in the App Store soon." But as we know, the iPhone 3.0 OS revealed yesterday has baked in turn-by-turn for navigation apps, so the timing is notable.
Is this the first app that's a casualty of the iPhone's new features (you know the landscape keyboard and MMS guys all wept during the presentation, and not with joy like most of us)? Wonder what the improvements are? Hopefully something to keep the coming flood of turn-by-turn apps at bay. [Kicking Tires]
Why iPhone In-App Transactions Could Be a Disaster
Apple made a big deal about allowing in-app transactions with the new iPhone 3.0 API. It's great news if you're a developer looking to make more scratch, but it's potentially terrible news for users.
Basically, this is opening the flood gates for nickel-and-diming microtransactions from the App Store. Before, when you spent $5 on a game, you knew you were getting the whole game—with free upgrades. Now, you'll spend $5 on a game and you'll need to spend another $5 to unlock all the levels and weapons. And that's on legit apps. Just wait for the novelty fart apps with one fart sound that want you to pay for extras, or a flashlight app that wants you to pay for different colors.
This could easily turn tons and tons of apps into crippled trialware without consumers knowing, and it's going to make developers hungry for the extra cash they can make by charging you for extra feature they would have included in the full version anyways. Like a game charging you $3 for fancy horse armor on the Xbox 360, but without the filter than comes from the huge budgetary requirements of Xbox 360 games, this is going to open the floodgates for the sleaziest app behaviors possible. The worst part of it is, there will be enough people willing to pay a little here and a little there to support this kind of behavior. But I for one, am out. Do not want. [Gizmodo's iPhone 3.0 Coverage]
Apple Puts Onus On AT&T For 3G Tethering, Confirms Hardware Support
Now you can focus your rage directly at AT&T for the lack of a legit tethering solution. In the Q+A, Apple's Scott Forstall put the onus on the carriers to come up with an official tethering solution (at extra cost, of course):
Q: Where do you stand on tethering?
A: There's two pieces needed to support that: client side and working with carriers. We're absolutely supporting tethering in the client side in iPhone 3.0, but we're working with carriers around the world to see when they can add tethering support on their networks. But we are building that support into iPhone 3.0.
Looks like jailbroken tethering will live on, for now.
[iPhone 3.0 OS Guide: Everything You Need to Know]
iPhone 3.0 OS To Bring MMS Messaging To 3G Phones
If this camera button is any indication, you'll soon be able to send photos (and videos?) with your iPhone, just like all your friends have been doing since 2003. Sweet.
• Confirmed is support for sending and receiving photos, contacts (VCards), and audio files. Looks like video is not included.
• You can record voice notes with the iPhone's mic, edit them on the phone, and then send via MMS.
• Bad news for iPhone EDGE owners though: MMS is one of the features Apple is pruning from the 3.0 release for the first-generation iPhones.
