Star-studded Curvy night

Intermix at West Coast was the place to be for the launch party of the pink BlackBerry 8330 Curve on last August 27th, there are plenty of stars and celebrities who gathered there to see the new BlackBerry goodies.

Among the stars spotted at the night event were: Kim Kardashian, Stacy Keibler, Rebecca Gayheart, Emmy Rossum, Marcia Cross and Chris Evans.

The "miss-leading" news on banned iPhone ad

Have you been following the controversial iPhone ad in U.K.? As some of you who have, you must have your own arguments on is it right or not for Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to banned the iPhone ad because it's "miss-leading".

The lack of Flash and Java support in iPhone's Safari web browser has caused a painful back-lash for Apple, especially for Steve Jobs who was strongly expressed his will not to allow those two of the most used proprietary technologies (from 3rd party software developers) in almost every websites nowadays.

It's the: "You'll never know which part of the internet you'll need" and "all parts of the internet are on the iPhone" lines said in the ad that made ASA to pull it off from airing. Watch the ad for yourself below, in the YouTube video I've embedded in this post.

Like usual, Apple quickly responsed to the accusation that the ad is referring to every website availability, rather than technical details or specific appearances. But ASA doesn't agree, and based on two complaints from local viewers, they said: "We concluded that the ad gave a misleading impression of the internet capabilities of the iPhone."

"Because the iPhone doesn't support Flash or Java, you couldn't really see the internet in its full glory," said Olivia Campbell, a spokesperson for the ASA. "They made a very general claim that you can see the internet in its entirety, and actually that's not quite true - so we've upheld."

Apple, a.k.a. Steve Jobs; has their own reason on why the Flash & Java are not supported in iPhone's Safari web browser. And ASA, which represent the mass local viewers right; has their own reason on pulling off the ad.

It's a tough world out there, a chaotic population that's filled with over-lapping rules fueled by certain interests from big companies. So I'm not gonna post my own oppinion on this one, it's better if I let you decide for yourself which is the right one; Apple or ASA? And whether or not the news is "miss-leading" us to see the 'bare-necessity' of mobile world. ;-)

Sources are from:

• Apple iPhone ad banned in UK due to "misleading" claims (AppleInsider)
• Why the UK was Wrong to Ban the iPhone “Just the Internet” Ad! (the iPhone Blog)
• iPhone ad rapped as 'misleading' (BBC News)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Heart broken Android will not have GTalk & Bluetooth, for now

If you've listened to PA Official Podcast #127 by Tyler Faux, or read the news that Android won't be having Bluetooth feature in its first official SDK v1.0; then here are some more heart-breaker news coming right at you.

The Android Dev Team has posted the decision not to include Google Talk into Android platform, for now. At first they were about to put GTalk into Android, but then they realized the GTalkService has some fundamental security problems. Rich Cannings, one of Android security researchers explain the security issues in Android Dev Blog as:

"Although we would have loved to ship this service, in the end, the Android team decided to pull the API instead of exposing users to risk and breaking compatibility with a future, more secure version of the feature. ... As a final note, I want to point out that since the GTalkService was always a Google "value-added" service anyway, it was never guaranteed that it would be present on every Android device. That is, GTalkService was never part of core Android. As a result this change actually allows us the potential to build a new system that is part of the core of a future version of Android."

Personally, I think the reason is more than security issue but because there's a good probability that GTalk could jeopardize the quick adoption of Android platform by wireless carriers around the globe. Why? Cuz if we can use GTalk to talk with our friends, then we won't be using the wireless carrier's voice plan anymore, no? The same reason why Nokia has pulled off its VoIP feature in N96 & N78.
And the Android Dev Team also explains on why there's no Bluetooth feature in current release of Android: The reason is that we plain ran out of time. The Android Bluetooth API was pretty far along, but needs some clean-up before we can commit to it for the SDK. Keep in mind that putting it in the 1.0 SDK would have locked us into that API for years to come.

On a personal note, Nick adds, "I would love nothing more than to start seeing some neat third-party applications and games over Bluetooth. In my opinion, Bluetooth is completely under-utilized on most mobile platforms and I'm excited to someday see what the developer community can do with Android."

I'm definitely bummed about these API removals. I was particularly looking forward to the P2P capabilities offered by GTalkService, but, as always, user security and privacy must come first.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Empty cups

I had one of those most tiring days last night and today, where I felt so tired even though I hadn't go through too much of a hectic schedule but my eyes just wanted to shut down no matter what.

And so is today, after two cup of coffee; at last my eyes are fully opened. Too bad my stomach doesn't quite agree with them ~LOL~
Anyway, so far I've been using my Treo to call and send text messages from last night till this morning. And when I saw Tyler Faux's podcast is finally up at PalmAddict, I rush to my computer and downloaded it immediately; then I transfered the PA Podcast #127 to my Treo so I can listen to it while on the go.

I know I could download it via OTA, but the wireless data network of my carrier hasn't been good over these past 4 days. I only get slow GPRS connection, not the usual 3G no more. My cup of mobile joy is depleted, it's not the same without fast data connection. So I guess it's best to get the podcast in old fashioned way ;-p How about you, how's your data connection these days?

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

An early peek at N85 & N79

It doesn't feel complete without talking news & rumors about one of the biggest brand in mobile phone industry; Nokia. Nokia latest handsets to be are the N85 and N79, both have received extra promotions due to the rumors leaked around the net.

But what you're seeing on the left, is the picture of N85 that's set to be announced officially tomorrow at 10:00 CET. The specs are already bleeding out everywhere as I speak, here they are according to GSMArena:

Nokia N85 will have dedicated game keys and support for N-gage platform for a great gaming experience. The handset will pack an exiting 2.6” 16M AMOLED display, which will be the largest of its kind among GSM phones. In addition the N85 will feature a 5 megapixel camera, WLAN and 3G with HSDPA support. A microSD card slot will allow expanding the built-in memory. The built-in GPS will allow geo-tagging of the photos taken with the camera.

The Nokia N79 is supposed to be a fashion-oriented handset with replaceable back covers. It will also come with a 5 megapixel camera, which will be complemented by a dual LED flash and a protective cover. Among the other features are Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G as well as a microSD card slot. A 4GB card is expected to come in the retail package.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Kindle sales was over cooked by media, says Amazon execs

I deliberately put the "says Amazon execs" on the title post up there, because I don't want to cause a preliminary debate from Kindle owners out there. ;-)

The famous e-book reader from Amazon, the Kindle is definetely not a miss-hit device and a proof that books aren't dead (yet?); like everybody had predicted before its release back then. In fact, it's selling like hot peanuts on a winter season.

But there's something about those sales number of Kindle that has been miss-directing the blogosphere and us; it's not as huge as it's reported. Andrea James from Seattlepi.com (via Valleywag) got the report: Amazon officials gave McAdams Wright Ragen analysts the impression that high-end estimates on Kindle sales reported by TechCrunch and a Citigroup analyst are not reasonable.

McAdams Wright Ragen analyst Tim Bueneman said Friday in an e-mailed note based on meetings with management; Amazon managers "told us that the Kindle is definitely selling very well, but they also said the analysts and reporters giving out these extremely high estimates 'did not run them by company."

Maybe Amazon could really turn things around and pump up the sales with the new Kindle. "There are already several new, improved versions of the Kindle in the works," Bueneman wrote. "But Amazon has no plans, however, for an MP3 music audio version. We guess the new version will have improved interface operating controls. This has been an issue with some buyers."

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

BlackBerry Bold has 3G reception issue too

This doesn't sounds so good, especially for AT&T, who is the exclusive wireless carrier to release the troublesome BlackBerry Bold in the U.S. and in some other parts of the world.

After the hard hit on AT&T's star: the iPhone 3G with its reception issue, then comes the news on BB Bold is having the same reception issue like iPhone 3G. The breaking news is coming from Citigroup analyst Jim Suva, who wrote a note after he tested BB Bold and then published by Barrons:

“We had a few occasional 3G signal dropping troubles at some locations especially on high-rises building streets & on our 34th floor (EDGE picked up immediately but slower internet speeds)." He also thinks that RIM have delayed introducing the Bold because they want to iron out the 3G kinks with a software patch. He also lists “smudges on the screen from our extended testing” and a puny 2-megapixel camera. Nothing about battery life in the report.

Unlike iPhone 3G that uses Infineon processor, the BB Bold is using a 624Mhz Marvell Tavor PXA930 processor which incorporates the HSDPA modem and applications processor on one chip says Michael Santo from RealTechNews. Can this be the processors are the culprit behind 3G reception issues? I can't wait to know the truth behind these most coveted mobile phones right now.

Sources are from Barrons, via RealTechNews, via BGR.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]a

BugMe till I'm tired

Pheeew..., what a day! It's not that I've got plenty of activities, instead I had just been in one place fixing the troubled point of sale machines. The wireless network was going crazy, and for no apparent reasons the machines can't communicate correctly to the main server.

Anyway, after slowly and carefully retracing my steps back to the beginning; I found out what was wrong on one of the machines. So tomorrow I'll battle with the others. How's these all got to do with mobile world?

Well, I've used BugMe! to write down the many IP addresses, MAC addresses, passwords, settings, config files, etc. You know, those little important infos that an IT admin should remember. Unfortunately today my brain is out of power and memory, I had troubles to memorize the technical infos I needed to.

When I first had my Treo, I only know of the built-in Notes to jotted down things I need to remember. But after reading some reviews and mostly because I read BugMe! on PalmAddict, I decided to give it a try since a week ago. I can now enjoy the ease of taking fast notes with handwrite them down directly on Treo's screen. Now, the next thing I must learn to do is to write beautifully with stylus-pen, cuz I'm telling you that even myself is having hard time to re-read my own notes. ~LOL~

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Question symbol ear buds is unquestionably the coolest

Caught this unique concept at Yanko Design, made by Yoonsang Kim; it's ear buds that shaped like the "?" (question) symbol. Here's the rest of explanation from the page:

Actually the unique shape serves several purposes. It fits snug in your ear, easily loops together around your neck when not in use, and somehow prevents bacterial growth which is 700 times more concentrated in regular ear buds. If it weren’t just a concept, would you buy one?

Oh, I know I'll definetely get one if it's ever get out from the production factory. I'm hoping someone will be interested to produce it, it'll sell for sure.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Use fake Obama SMS to fool everybody

I know it's too late now for the joke, since Sen. Barack Obama has chosen Sen. Joseph Biden as his vice presidential nominee. But hey, some of your friends or family & relatives might not hear the news yet, so here's your chance to pull their legs. ;-)

Wonkette weblog got a prank tip for sending legitimate-looking TXT announcements from Sen. Barack Obama himself, using Verizon's website.

Just make the From and Reply to number 62262. (You have to put your real number in the Call Back field, but it doesn’t show up in the text.) … and send a message (to your verizon wireless friends) thanking them for their support and letting them know you have chosen Hillaryt Clinton as your running mate! Don’t forget to hit the Urgent checkbox!

I was just thinking about this kinda line: "As a thanks for all your support we wanted you to be the first to know that Barack has chosen Sammual James McLoughlin as VP". That doesn't sound bad at all ain't it? ;-D

Sources are from Wonkette, via Switched.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Android say no to Bluetooth

In a shocking finding by Nancy Gohring from PC World; it looks like Android won't be having Bluetooth feature. This is confirmed by Android's latest SDK, the Android 1.0 release note says it won't include a "comprehensive" Bluetooth API (application programming interface).

Some developers have focused on the word "comprehensive" to surmise that a future SDK update that Google has said might come in September could include very basic Bluetooth support.

It's hard to imagine that the most awaited mobile platform will not have Bluetooth, what will we do with the expensive Bluetooth earpiece that we've just bought? And how about HTC Dream?

HTC Dream is one of the first mobile phone with Android OS in it, and rumors say it's due to be released on late September. Will it not feature Bluetooth connection? It's not likely... "HTC would not release a smartphone in this day and age that lacked Bluetooth support," wrote a developer going by the name Jeff Craig on the forum.

Maybe Google or the Android Dev Team will release another SDK, that will include Bluetooth API in it. We'll have to wait and see about that.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

A rumor & an update for MacBook Air

Don't think that your slender MacBook Air (MBA) won't get any rumors or updates, because you're getting both of them just at this end of the week. First one let's get to the rumor: new Intel Core 2 Duo S processor for the next gen of MBA.

It's actually more kinda like a prediction than a rumor, really. Cuz at the latest Intel Developer Forum (IDF) held on San Fransisco; Intel announced the new small packaged Core 2 Duo that Apple has used in MBA. That new processor will be called Core 2 Duo S, there are two clock speeds available: 1.6GHz & 1.8GHz.

You may say those clock speeds are the same with your MBA right now, you damn right they are. But the new "S" processors will have better FSB: 1.06GHz, cache memory: 6MB L2, and consume less energy: 17W.

That would mean you'll get a tiny bit more performance boost with a new price tag, remember; new gizmo means it'll be pricier than the old one. But let's face it, you'll get it right? Cuz with less power hungry processor means you can turn on the back-light of MBA's cool keyboard more often & longer, you like that don't ya? ;-)

Next one is a new important update for MBA that can fix the processor idling bug, which reportedly by MBA users; one of the Core 2 Duo processors would shut down when MBA is too hot. The update also to fix problems with video playback on MBA. This update can be considered very late after the issues first known, but nevertheless Apple has finally released an official update to fix them.

Before you grab the update and start installing it into your MBA, Apple has warn that third-party utilities used to adjust the clock speed and voltage of the processor may create problems and should be uninstalled before applying the update.

Sources are from:

• Next-gen MacBook Air CPU; Apple's SoHo neighbors complain (AppleInsider)
• Apple releases MacBook Air Update (Macworld)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Apple announce iPhone 2.0.2 software update

It's here! Apple has posted the iPhone v2.0.2 software update on its site, you know; the buggy software update that I've told you not to install.

There are many scary stories from iPhone users around the world, who have installed the latest iPhone software update, they all reported various results. Our own Associate Writer; Scott McClintock has tried it and got frustated. Good luck Scott!

So if you have invested an enourmos faith in Apple stocks, and have the balls to try the 2.0.2 software update, then make the jump but don't forget to tell us what happen next.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

My busy days have started...

My days of endless works in hell has started a couple of week ago, as the days are getting closer to the most busiest month for retail business here in my country; I have to install new point of service machines and get them ready within less than a week.

It's like everything turns against the clock and nothing go the right direction in such a short time, everything seems have gone awry especially the wireless network. I had to fire up my Pocket IE while on the site, and search on-line manual to set the WiFi.

Heck, even on this end of the weekend I had to work overtime till late at night. I felt like to sleep on the site instead of my comfy little bed at home, because I'm currently on the site again this Sunday. No rest until everything is working right...

My only joy is that my Treo can provide entertainment when I needed it, such as listening to songs with pTunes or playing Bejeweled 2 when I really-really bored out of my mind while on the site. And the best thing is that last night before going to bed, I rewatched again "Meet the Robinson" movie with my Treo, I converted the movie with Spb DVD. It's such a blast, and it's a very good animation movie.

I hope all of you are having a great weekend, it's been a busy one and we all need to recharge our energy.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Get your Google phone now!

You can stop "dreaming" to get the first Google's Android phone, HTC Dream, because it's taken forever to be released since all of the rumors. In fact, you can start get your own Google phone right away, now.

I didn't notice this before, until Valleywag has pointed out about GE's Premiere DECT 6.0 Phone. It's not a mobile phone, but instead it's a cordless phone that uses 800-GOOG-411 service.

Ooops, I didn't upset you am I? ;-p My bad then...

For you who haven't know yet, GOOG-411 is Google's new 411 service. With GOOG-411, you can find local business information completely free, directly from your phone. You can access 1-800-466-4411 from any phone, including mobile phones.

According to Mark Hachman from GearLog: GE highlighted the $99.99 GE Premiere DECT 6.0 Phone with Home Speakerbox/Intercom (model 28821FJ3), which includes a dedicated two-way wireless intercom system plus a special portable speakerphone/room intercom unit.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

More pictures of Intel's UrbanMax

Another live photo shots of the newly introduced Intel's UrbanMax concept have surfaced, and they're coming from Gizmodo (again!). They were lucky enough to get up close and personal with the "strange creature", like the Giz-guys are calling in it ~LOL~, plus they managed to snap more detailed pictures.

Aside from what we've first learned, that the UrbanMax concept device will sports a slide-tilted mechanism for its 11" screen, there's one more detail that I'll be waiting for; the new unique static mouse button (pictured left). Gizmodo says that the mouse design is like a high-tech hybrid between a touchpad and the venerable IBM/Lenovo's TrackPoint, sweeping your fingertip across the sensor yields predictable & accurate control over the mouse.

Head on to Gizmodo's gallery page to see more of UrbanMax device prototype.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Liliputing has a complete list of netbooks for you to choose from

Liliputing has gather around all the informations available about netbooks in the market today, and put them all in a complete list database for ease of view. It's a really nice one, and as far as I know of; it's one of the kind.

With so many little laptops and mini notebooks to choose from various brands, we got lost so easily in the wide jungle of consumerism. Heck, you can even find some names and brands that you never knew exist before. The list will quickly view the specs and images, no pain for opening up a new tab or windows to see the details. So thumbs up to Brad Linder for making the efforts to help us to sort them all out. ;-)

And I kinda like the new name for netbook, that Brad has called it as: "liliputer". Maybe this name is more befitting for some of you?

Sources are from Liliputing, via Gizmodo.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Mastercard Canada Mobile trials another PayPass

I have to agree with Chris Ziegler from Engadget Mobile on this one, and perhaps some of you are too; mobile contacless payment trials are getting really tiring to follow on.

There are many trials prior this latest one from Mastercard, where they're engaging another PayPass that uses same old Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The trial said to run from August 2008 to November 2008, full info can be read on Mastercard's FAQ page.

One thing that stills catch my attention is their attempt to promote the security on PayPass: "Thanks to special security technology, contactless payments are as safe as traditional card payment transactions. PayPass enabled mobile phones must be extremely close to the terminal to be read (typically one to two inches). Contactless payments also provide more consumer control, since the mobile phone doesn't have to leave your hands to be swiped by a merchant/retailer. All PayPass enabled mobile phones are protected with Zero Liability coverage for any fraudulent transactions."

Well, at least the phones are still usable. ;-p

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

iPhone 3G creates a new marketing campaign trend: fake queue

I first thought it was only another silly jokes from Fake Steve, when the news about people began lining up in queue for iPhone 3G back then, long before at its first official release in July.

And then came a hard and sick truth about this fake queue, when we found out that even David Pogue; the New York Time's tech pundit, he interviewed some of the paid actors on the street.

I can't imagine if this is a new marketing campaign idea originally from Apple, to create a massive lines of people just to spark up the iPhone 3G launch histeria. True or not, it's working. iPhone 3G sells like a hot pancake that comes right from the oven, and the queue lines last days afterward.

But when Orange, the biggest wireless carrier in Poland, is about to bring iPhone 3G into the birthplace country of the late Pope John Paul II; they're actually paying college students and actors to line up in front of Orange stores across the country.

"We have these fake queues at front of 20 stores around the country to drum up interest in the iPhone," an Orange spokesman said. Why would Orange do this is probably because there were no queues at T-Mobile's Era stores, which will also due to launch the iPhone on Friday. And there's a fact that mobile phone buyers in Poland may be reluctant to pay hefty monthly charges. Now, who's fault is that?

So, instead of hiding the truth; they're saying out loud and admitted it is for the purpose of marketing campaign. Way to go, a new trend has arrived and I'm pretty sure other wireless companies will use the same trick in the future, and not necessarily only for launching iPhones but other branded handsets too.

Watch the video of the fake queue below, courtesy of Gazeta (via Engadget); sources are from Reuters & AppleBlog.

Długie kolejki po iPhone`a?

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

iPhone 3G coming to Singapore

A good news for iPhone 3G wannabe-owners in Asia Pacific region, especially for you who reside in Singapore and other countries that are surrounding the smallest nation in Southeast Asia.

As what has been reported by PCW Business Center; Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) will be offering unlocked iPhone 3G on August 22nd, the promo is shown at SingTel website. But customers won't get one of iPhone 3G's standout feature; the visual voicemail, and no music or video downloads from iTunes as well.

"On launch, customers will not be able to buy content from the iTunes store. However, they will be able to buy applications from the Apple application store," SingTel said in its FAQ page, did not offer an explanation why.

The iPhone 3G will be available for free to Singaporean customers who sign a two-year contract that costs S$205 (US$145) per month, including 1,500 minutes of outgoing talk time and 3G bytes of data access. The cheapest plan for new subscribers costs S$348 for the 8G-byte iPhone 3G and S$508 for the 16G-byte model, and requires them to sign a two-year contract that costs S$56 per month and includes 200 minutes of outgoing talk time and 1G byte of data.

Of course with this unlocked iPhone 3G coming to Singapore, will mean easier for neighboor countries close to Singapore to get their hands on the most coveted mobile phone right now. Although with the known iPhone bugs, those issues still don't slow down iPhone popularity yet.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

A round of applause for Treo Pro

There's a rising star coming out from Palm, and it has a lot of potentials inside its slim body. Ladies & gentlemen, I'm sure you already know what it is I'm talking about and even without a preliminary introduction; this Palm's newest bad boy (or girl if you wanted to ;-p) has making plenty of ruckus around the blogoshpere just few days ago.

Introducing at Palm's Business Solutions corner, weight in just 4.69 oz and with dimensions of 4.49" x 2.36" x 0.53", it'll join in with its older sibling the Treo 800w which is already sitting pretty there; "Functionality, not fuss" is its nickname. Its black colored body is already showing the seriousness of the raw power within. Without any further ado, allow me to re-present it to you, the one and only... Treo Pro!!! --sounds of crowd cheering & loud applause--

For you who (may) have missed the official announcement of Treo Pro by Sammy here at PalmAddict, especially about the availability & pricing then here's a little reminder: the U.S. will get unlocked version at $549 price tag, while others can get it through Vodafone & O2 at 399 Euro (with contract). For the lucky Australian, Telstra will offer it soon enough and then followed by releases in various Asian countries later.

Sammy also has posted a link for us, to see the pictures and 360 degree viewing of Treo Pro at Palm website. So grab an empty bucket, cover your keyboard, move away your mouse, clear your computer desk; and start drooling. ~LOL~ In a few minutes after the drool stops, you'll be repeatedly clicking on the 'Purchase' button but to find out that it's not yet on sale. But don't worry you're not alone, I did that too, so let's cross our fingers together that Palm will not hold Treo Pro release anymore. ;-)

While we're eagerly waiting and biting down our nails till they're left no more, why don't you try read the New York Times article that Sammy has posted too; it's about Palm and the new savior: the Treo Pro. Reading through the article has got my spirit & hope for Treo Pro, and re-flame my interest in Palm. The article takes us to get to know of the man behind the recent success of Palm device, Jon Rubinstein. An inspiring and encouraging words written there from Richard Wong, a venture capitalist at Accel Partners in Palo Alto, who's said, “Just when you count them (Palm) out, they do something interesting.”

And as in rhyme with the NYT article, "Business productivity is the corner stone of Treo Pro users..." said by Stephane Maes, Palm's VP of Product Marketing in the video demo below. Palm is going back to its core and focuses back on getting back the once loyal consumers of Palm devices: business users.

Watch the video I've embedded below in this post, where you can have a glimpse of Treo Pro's packaging that has received a good comment from NYT: "Even the Treo Pro’s packaging was modernized. It looks surprisingly (or maybe not so) like the jewel-box-size package Apple used for the iPhone." Well said and pointed out. The video acquired via Engadget, be sure to check it out.

Also in the video, Peter Skillman, Palm's VP of Design said: "It takes a hundred little details in aggregate that make for tsunami of a great experience, and what we really wanted to do with Palm is to nail all of the little things and actually drive that across the board ... all of these little things matter, and this is what we really doing at Palm."

I hear you bro, I feel you on the little things... ;-D That's what make this life worth while to live with, the little details. Speaking of that, don't forget to listen to Tyler Faux's latest PalmAddict official Podcast #126, where he talks about Treo Pro too.




[blogged with my Treo 750v]

iPhone cut & paste feature workaround has been found!

Breaking news, especially for you; proud iPhone 3G and upgraded first gen iPhone owners: a workaround to enable cut & paste feature in iPhone has been found! And it's called OpenClip.

OpenClip is an open source project, so that means it is free. And the best of all is that OpenClip doesn't violate any iPhone SDK agreements, meaning you don't have to jailbreak your iPhone for it. How's that possible? According to what's explained in its website:

OpenClip utilizes a shared space on the iPhone. Applications that use the OpenClip framework can access this common area to write to and read from, allowing copy / paste between participating apps.

Excited? Don't yell out on the top of your roof yet, because here comes the catch behind OpenClip: OpenClip is not an application for your iPhone that can be installed. Rather, it's a framework that developers can integrate within their apps, giving them copy / paste functionality with other participating apps.

So either you wait till the software developers of your favorite apps adopt OpenClip, or you can write a friendly email asking them to implement OpenClip in their apps. Remember, ask nicely. ~LOL~

To know more about OpenClip, you can find most of the answers at its FAQ page. For the already supported apps, see them at this link. And if you wanted to know more behind OpenClip, you can visit Cali Lewis' article at GeekBrief.TV (found it via Just Another iPhone Blog). And if you're too laze to go there, then I've embedded the video interview below.


Cut and Paste for iPhone from Cali Lewis on Vimeo.


[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Steve Jobs admits iPhone 3G bugs, and why you shouldn't be bothered updating to iPhone v2.0.2

Lately, Steve Jobs has done things that we never expected before from him. Starting from his 'undirect' apology about MobileMe mess, then he admitted there's indeed a "kill-switch lever" in iPhone 2.0, and now he answered about iPhone 3G's bugs.

That last exceptional action of Mr. Jobs was from his response to an AppleInsider reader, who's been asking Mr. Jobs about iPhone 3G's reception issue.

"This is a known iPhone bug that is being fixed in the next software update in September," reads the one-line message from the Apple co-founder.

The short line answers many questions, one: it's not a secret anymore that iPhone 3G/iPhone 2.0 indeed has issues, second: the firmware v2.0.2 update is not the cure and Apple is still working for a cure, third: we'll have to wait till next month for it, four: Mr. Jobs admits something... OMG! ;-)

So for you who love to get the updates whenever they come out, you might want to consider updating your iPhone. Because more and more users are reporting there is no improvement at all after upgrading into v2.0.2, only very few believe there's a slightly better reception. Besides, if you do the upgrade that means you'll need to re-install all your apps back, or jailbreaks your iPhone again.

The worst of all, there's a chance you'll get additional mess like one member of Apple's forums who has been told by a support agent that his iTunes account was apparently "split into two separate accounts," confusing the iPhone when it attempts to load an app.

iPhone Atlas also has reported that iPhone OS 2.0.2 is causing a serious issue, in which some third-party applications crash or do not launch, for many users. This problem is generally accompanied by another in which music and other media are erased from the iPhone. The simplest fix to try: erase one application, then re-download it. Now, you don't threw away your purchase slips haven't you?

But if you have put so much faith into Apple's stocks, I suppose getting the latest update is the only 'brief' redemption you can find for now. My advice is to wait and see for users input & comments about the updates, before diving into an unknown mess again.

Sources are from:

• Steve Jobs vows iPhone app crash fix for September (AppleInsider)
• Apple posts iPhone 2.0.2 update; users say 3G problems remain (Computerworld)
• iPhone OS 2.0.2: Fix for Apps Crashing, Not Launching and Missing Music (iPhone Atlas)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Intel UrbanMax shown & admired

Caught this exciting news at GottaBeMobile, via jkOnTheRun; Intel has introduced a new concept called UrbanMax at Intel Developer's Forum (IDF), that could very much shakes up the first concept of netbook.

Why? Well, by only seeing at the pictures on the left there; we can see how small and light weight is that UrbanMax device. The hands that are holding the device tell that much, and you gotta see the rest of the pictures at GottaBeMobile.

The keyboard is using slide mechanism and it'll be hidden underneath the tilt-capable screen, so IMHO the UrbanMax is look like kinda cross-over between tablet PC and dekstop PC, yet it takes form in netbook's main traits: small & light weight. Mmm... I can't wait to held and own this baby, Intel you better go hurry and market this device already!

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Have you noticed Google's new mobile ads at YouTube?

Caught this quickie news at Webware; Google is grinding its money machine again with new ads in YouTube. The ads will be targeted for mobile devices, and here's the exact line from Google Mobile Blog:

"You may have noticed that we started running a test of display ads on select pages of the YouTube mobile site in the U.S. and Japan. This is our first step in testing mobile advertising for YouTube -- it will give you a new way to interact with content on the go, while allowing us to learn how video viewers engage with mobile advertising."

So, have you noticed the new mobile ads from Google whenever you watch YouTube lately? Tell us about it here at PalmAddict weblog will ya? ;-)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte introduced

I don't really quite know what to do when I caught this news at GSMArena, to post or not to post... that's the question.

I remember it well enough, when my sister bought the 'ludricious' N8800 SE, which at that time is one of the exclusive mobile phone around; then Nokia broke all of N8800 owners by releasing the Luna version. After that, there's Arte and then Saphire too.

And now, like it's not enough to re-fire the old flame. Nokia has announced Nokia 8800 in Carbon Arte serie, and as like the name imply; the body is using carbon fiber with etched 3D patterns dominating the exterior.

It'll also get the better specs compared to its older siblings such as a 3.2 megapixel camera, 4GB of flash memory, 2" OLED display with anti-fingerprint coating, microUSB & Bluetooth. But the most stand out feature is the turn-to-mute and tap-for time, these features use the built-in accelerometer to show the time by simply taping twice on the case or mute calls by turning it over.

The N8800 Carbon Arte is set to be released on the 3rd quarter of the year, priced at 1,100 Euro or around $1,600. Head on to Nokia's photo web page to see more pictures of this expensive mobile phone in all of its glory. Sources are from GSMArena & Engadget Mobile.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

ScummVM supports iPhone, ...and others too

Just a little bit of reminder, especially for you who love to play old & classic games from Lucas Art. Such as Secret of Monkey Island, Indiana Jones, Maniac Mansion, Day of Tentacle, etc. You can always replay those games with your mobile phones.

The ScummVM latest release v0.11.1 is already supported iPhone, grab the package at this link and use it with the official games you've purchased legally. Remember, play safe & stay legal.

I'm sure iPhone's wide screen will make it so fun to play the games, unlike with my Treo's squarish screen where I must squint my eyes to see the details... Oooh, I'm so envy you iPhone owners. When, oh when will iPhone arrive here?? ~LOL~

For you who have upgraded your iPhone into firmware v2.0, or for iPhone 3G owners, there's a premilinary version available. And if you have a brave heart & soul to try it out, then grab it at this link. Or you may want to follow on the progress at this ScummVM's forum, and watch closely untill a stable version comes out.

And for other mobile OS platforms like Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Symbian, etc. you're not left alone. ScummVM has sucessfully supported them too, the only thing left for you to find is the games you wanted to play again. Oh, almost forgot to remind you who haven't know of ScummVM, you can read the FAQ first, and don't forget it's free! ;-)

Yeah, I'm being melancholy right now. ;-p But rather than waiting for Fallout 3 to come out (which I'll definetely play it even if I have to "steal" a gamer computer ;-p), I'd rather waste my time with good quality classic games like I've mentioned above.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Refurbished iPod Touch is now only $199

Caught this hard to miss bargain from Gizmodo; the previously refurbished 8GB iPod Touch has received another price cut at Apple Store, it's now sold at $199.

And if the 8GB is barely not enough for your huge music collections, then the 16GB version also has been dropped to $299.

Strange, I'm feelin like if I'm buying an iPhone 3G with price like that. Or is it just me... ;-D Anyway, IMHO it's a very sweet deal. If just I live in the states, then I'll definetely get one and throw it away randomly... :wink-wink: ~LOL~

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Cloud computing is for suckers, says John C. Dvorak

Oh boy, Mr. John C. Dvorak is at it again.

One of my most favorite bloggers, Mr. John C. Dvorak from PCMag has written another intriguing editorial about 'cloud computing'. And even the title itself is already drawing my attention when I took a glimpse: Stormy Weather for Cloud Computing.

Now, for you netbook users and yes you too; who's planning to get one (so get one already will ya!? ;-p), you must be pretty much familiar with the term 'cloud computing'. And so reading Mr. Dvorak's article will be a mind challenging, and mentally too. :wink:

The article is not meant for the faint of heart, and you better brace yourself for a good sarcastic jokes; as you may have guessed from Mr. Dvorak's closing line that I've put in the title of this post. ;-)

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Android SDK v0.9 looks amazing!

When you saw that screenshot, you'll probably scream to yourself like I did: "If that's how Android is goin to be, then I want one!" ;-)
That's one hella mobile OS, I'm tellin ya. And I ain't talkin yet about the video walkthrough of that Android SDK v0.9, see it yourself and I betcha drop yer jaw.

The left picture and the short video below are courtesy from Engadget Mobile, but too bad the embedded video doesn't show how Android's web browser perform. Since Android's nickname is the "iPhone-killer", it would've been interesting to compare its web browser with iPhone's Safari web browser.

But fret not, cuz Gizmodo has posted their own version of this Android SDK v0.9, and I'm tellin ya it looks smokin hot!

Head on to the respective sites to see more screenshots and video, while I'm gonna drool all over me keyboard now. ~LOL~



[blogged with my Treo 750v]

iTabi; Kimono clothing for your iPhone 3G

Caught this quick yet unique & interesting case from Mercury Software (via Macworld) for your precious iPhone 3G; and it's called iTabi.

Don't tell me you don't see this one coming, the Japanese are crazy too about iPhone 3G. Now, now, don't read that sentence with different punctuation; or otherwise it'll means very differently from what I really meant. ~LOL~

We can see the enthusiasm from the long lines of people, who wish to bought the iPhone 3G when it's first launched in Japan. The lines are not to be underestimate compared to the ones we see in the states (U.S).

Ohkay, let's go back to the case. Mercury Software, which I think it's strange enough for a software company to make cases, has just released a line-up of "kimono-clothing" case for iPhone 3G on last Monday. So far, I'm counting 10 of iTabi cases available right now (pictured above); each one of them will costs you $19.98 (perhaps this price will be in range for D. Adda from Santa Monica, CA USA?). ;-p

Here's the technical specifications from Mercury Software:

• Straps : x2 short & shoulder length (adjustable)
• Headphone jack : access on top left or right
• Screen protection: interior is 100% nylon padding
• Front pouch : for headphones, lipstick, eye shadow, etc.
• Origin : handcrafted in Kyoto, Japan
• Weight : 0.76 ounces/21.5gr
• Shipping : free shipping to U.S & Europe

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

Dell's Mini-Inspiron 910 shows its official face

Looks like Gizmodo is on fire today, they've managed to get their hands-on the full (internal) Dell Inspiron 910 (a.k.a. Mini-Inspiron) web documentation.

Full with specs, scoping shots from few angles, release date on August 22nd; but alas no price detail yet. The Mini-Inspiron will become a major contender in the netbook wars, and a new consideration for netbook end users & consumers to choose from various options available already.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

HTC Dream first official technical picture

I hope you didn't get your hopes too high when you read the title of this post. ;-p

Cause the picture on the left is just a picture leaked from FCC, and looks like the HTC Dream has passed and soon arrive at our door steps. Here's the rest of the news taken from Engadget:

The handset is listed as type, "Dream" with a model of "DREA100." The same model also appears with a WiFi Interoperability Certificate touting 802.11b/g WiFi. If indeed this is the long awaited Android phone, then T-Mobile, HTC, and Google are free to announce in September with an October launch as originally planned.

It's not much, but at least we can have a little more imagination of what the first Google's Android handset is going to look like. But what's up with the little bended form as we can see from the side view there?While we're waiting, why don't you enjoy one more time the HTC Dream in action on the video clip below. Enjoy!

UPDATE: This just in; according to Yahoo!News (via Gizmodo): "T-Mobile has confirmed its plan to launch a mobile phone powered by Google's Android software, making it the first operator to do so and posing a direct threat to Apple's popular iPhone."

[blogged with my Treo 750v]

"Checkpoint Friendly" bags, according to TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just issued on August 15th; what they mean by "friendly" laptop bags for airport checkpoint. TSA will allow laptops to remain in bags meeting new 'checkpoint friendly' guidelines. Not all laptop bags are 'checkpoint friendly'(see images on the left).

TSA mentioned in the website that there are laptop bag styles currently on the market, such as laptop-only sleeves, that have the potential to present a clear X-ray image of the laptop if they are correctly packed. However, most current laptop bags will not present a clear X-ray image and should not be sent through the X-ray with the laptop inside.

But beware, purchasing one of these bags will not guarantee that you can leave your laptop in your bag for screening. If a TSO finds that the bag does not present a clear and distinct image of the laptop separate from the rest of the bag, the laptop will have to be screened separately.

Great, now I'm really confuse. Can't TSA just make, branded, and sell its own "friendly" laptop bags so we can have an ease of mind whenever we're at the airport checkpoint? ~LOL~

[blogged with my Treo 750v]