Counting down (8 days left) to WWDC '09: the drop of Indonesia's iPhone 3G price to almost $100 hints at upcoming new model

It hurts so much when it hits the right spot, and that is your pocket. I don't even want to ask my friends who have bought the iPhone 3G when it was first released here, in Indonesia just less than two months ago.

Telkomsel, one of the largest wireless carriers in Indonesia and the only one who offers iPhone, is using its 14th-year of anniversary as an excuse to cut the price in an amount of one million rupiah. The 8GB model is now offered at Rp. 2,999,000 (US$287), and the 16GB model at Rp. 3,999,000 (US$383). --according to the currency at the time I write this post--

We've been hearing plenty of rumors surrounding the upcoming new iPhone model at WWDC '09 which is slated on June 8th, there are also many signs that suggest both Apple and every wireless carriers who have the exclusivity to offer iPhone are trying to get rid the last stocks of the current model to make room for the new one. But Telkomsel's latest move by cutting the price of iPhone 3G price to almost $100, is can be said as an obvious effort to attract consumers to get the Apple's smartphone right now before the new model introduced in just a week later.

Although iPhone has been a huge success in the U.S. and many other countries, Aulia Masna from Macworld was reporting that: "When Telkomsel announced iPhone 3G pre-order in January, roughly 39,000 people registered interest within the first month, but less than 6,000 actually purchased the iPhone when it was finally made available in late March."

I wonder if I'm going to see the new iPhone as soon as Apple announced it at WWDC '09 on June 8th *sighs* It's really painful to live outside the U.S. especially for a mobile-geek like me, all I can do is hope that Apple will pressure Telkomsel to stop offering the old model and start selling the new one immediately. Heh, I wish... ;-p

Counting down (6 days left) to Palm Prē launch: BGR's Prē-view

While the world at large is waiting for Sprint to launch the Palm Prē™ just in few days on June 6th, we were made jealous on certain kind of boys for getting an exclusive hands-on the most awaited smartphone of the year, who am I talking about? Oh you must've heard it too, they're the Boy Genius Report (BGR).

The boys at BGR really have done it this time, landing their grubby-mits on Palm Prē™ while other tech blogs, and not even Palm-centric sites can't get one minute of intimate moment with the Prē™ without a Palm's representative staring at them within less than one metre radius; we're all officially and morally jealous of them. ;-p

In the most recent update to BGR's hands-on the Palm Prē™ part 1, they mentioned that the handset they're currently testing is a 100% retail unit, but they weren’t able to test things like the simplest task: a phone calling. BGR promises more thorough review on the retail unit, and another full review will be coming soon. The conclusion so far, BGR's verdict on the Palm Prē™ is:

"The OS is great. There’s no ifs ands or buts; it’s really refreshing to see something that’s brand new with a UI unlike anything else out there. The only problem with this is, Palm’s never been a hardware company that anyone’s really cared about. They have been the furthest thing from innovative since circa-2003 — their hardware has always been second rate at best and it doesn’t seem to be changing now."

I don't want to spoil all of the excitement, read the first part of the review directly at BGR's page. And for the last comment, all I can say is: "C'mon Palm, release the unlocked Prē™ already for the whole wide world to enjoy!!" ;-)

Counting down (9 days left) to Palm Prē launch: So these are what have made Apple so mad at Palm

Hey do you remember what made Apple so mad at Palm back then, when U.S. Patent Office rewarded the Cupertino-based company with a 358-page thick patent on its iPhone multi-touch technology? Which later on turned into a brawl talk between them two: Apple and Palm, it sure is interesting to know what exactly Apple COO Tim Cook was referring to when he said: "We will not stand for having our IP (Intellectual Property) ripped off and we’ll use whatever weapons we have at our disposal. I don’t know that I can be more clear than that."

At that time and even until now the Prē is not released for public yet, so we can only assume that some of Palm Prē's touch gestures mimic iPhone's multi-touch gestures too close. But as days go by and we're nearing the launch date of Palm Prē, new videos and images are leaking everywhere on the net, revealing newly found Prē's features we've never know before.

One in particular for the case of iPhone multi-touch patent that Apple so madly want to defend, is being revealed in the leaked Palm Prē Gesture Guide. A little brochure which seems to be included in every Palm Prē box, to quickly introduce users on how to make the most of Prē's touch gestures technology. As you can see at the images above, the Prē's touch gestures really work like the way iPhone's do. There's 'Zoom In & Out' by using two fingers gesture at once, or the most close one is how the 'Scrolling' works: by 'flick'-ing your finger to the desired direction. The term 'flick' is basically became popular ever since Apple introduce it in the first iPhone, and it is now being adopted by others in similar function for finger-friendly touchscreen apps, and now in the Palm Prē.

Another worthy tid-bit for you to know, is about the background story on how the Palm Prē got the same touch gesture like in iPhone's. Fortune Magazine (via PreCentral) interviewed Palm executive chairman Jon Rubinstein when he decided to use capacitive touchscreen for the Prē, instead of the ol' resistive touchscreen which is used in Trēo and Cēntro:

Rubinstein started, in his words, "hanging out" with Palm people in late June. He didn't like what he saw. The hardware for the Pre needed to be scrapped and rebooted. For one thing, prototypes were using old "resistive" touchscreen technology that responds to a user physically pushing the screen, not the newer "capacitive" technology manipulated by the electricity in the user's body. Rubinstein tossed out the old phone's hardware and built a new one in about 15 months. "We were basically running a marathon and doing a heart transplant in the middle of it," says Rubinstein.

It is true that resistive touchscreen requires the use of a stylus in order to accurately pin point on it, obviously it is an old technology and Palm need to replace it with newer one: capacitive touchscreen. So by adopting it, Palm automatically must use the same touch gestures that iPhone has.

IMHO it goes back to the basic question I've asked in my post about iPhone multi-touch patent: will it stifle the touch technology? Since the patent covers all of the basic ways to use multi-touch technology that anyone can think of...

Counting down (11 days left) to WWDC '09: The new iPhone & iPod might look the same as ever, but what if the 'current' Palm designed it?

Searching for images or even one live shot of the rumored new iPhone before Apple announced it officially at WWDC '09, is like trying to find a needle in hay stacks. Or more likely, you'll never going to see a real one because the company is known to keep everything closed tight before the official announcement.

But it looks like Apple has finally made a tiny mistake when the Cupertino-based company released the iPhone OS 3.0 SDK Beta 5 to developers, a member of MacTalk forums has found an icon set buried secretly deep within the framework that shows of what seems to be the new iPhone. And it is called as "iPhone 2,1" which is the internal code name usually used by Apple to numerically label the iPhones, starting from the first gen labelled as "iPhone 1,1" to iPhone 3G labelled as "iPhone 1,2". --pictured above--

The numerical numbering may sound strange to us, but that is Apple's method to differentiate hardware changes in each new models. When there's only minor hardware changes made, then the number on the second string increase. And if there's major hardware changes, the first number in the string will be the one increased.

If after you saw the blown up picture of "iPhone 2,1" above you feel somewhat don't want to jump on the coach like Tom Cruise did in Oprah's Show, then you're not the only one. But it's not like we're completely surprised at all, because previously the rumors have it that the new iPhone to be unveiled at WWDC '09 will not has a total make over, but instead it'll only received a little cosmetic touch-up. On the outside, the look and the dimensions will be the same as ever. On the other hand, the inside will offer more powerful hardware parts than the both older models.

The "iPhone Slider" concept

Back in the days where Apple first introduced its one and only 'brainchild' smartphone; there was this rumor about how Jon Rubinstein pressed the need for a physical keyboard on the iPhone when he still works there, but Steve Jobs disagree and went with his own design for the iPhone as we all know today. So what if the very 'soul' of current Palm, Jon Rubinstein, did have his iPhone design approved? Would the iPhone has a slide keyboard just like Palm Prē™? That's when people started to dub the imaginery device as the "iPhone Slider"...

But that's not what happened, the iPhone we know as today doesn't have a physical keyboard. Although what we know for sure is Jon Rubinstein did design the Palm Prē™, and he did a major change from the original design. Fortune Magazine managed to interview Jon Rubinstein about it, here's a snipped info of the interview:

"Rubinstein started, in his words, 'hanging out' with Palm people in late June. He didn't like what he saw. The hardware for the Pre needed to be scrapped and rebooted. ... Rubinstein tossed out the old phone's hardware and built a new one in about 15 months. "We were basically running a marathon and doing a heart transplant in the middle of it," says Rubinstein."

I got the feeling that Jon Rubinstein has a certain fondness to a sliding keyboard mechanism, don't you think? Would it be good or bad, it's hard to know since there are pros and cons on having a physical keyboard that slides out underneath the screen. The debates are way too long for this post to contain. But thank goodness we have this greatest gift from God when things were not how we thought they would be: imagination. And with helps from various design artists, we've got two cool "iPhone Slider" concepts below for you to drool over. ~LOL~

Which one do you prefer? Personally, I like better the left one with less cramped keyboard and bigger buttons. One of the most things I like from iPhone is its user-friendliness for our big-bulky fingers. ;-p

The new iPod nano with camera

The latest juicy rumor is saying that Apple prepping a new iPod nano with a wider screen and built-in camera, and iLounge added more fuel to the rumor by creating a rendered image of the new iPod nano. But still in the thought of what if Jon Rubinstein is still at Apple and he's designing the new iPod nano, how would it turns out to be? Could it become like the right image below? Another slide out physical keyboard under the iPod nano's screen and click-wheel? Ouch, I guess I'm being a mean person right now, but like I said above; I got the feeling that Jon Rubinstein is a 'slide-keyboard-out' kinda person... ;-)

Sources are from:

• Icon for iPhone 2,1 appears in latest iPhone SDK (AppleInsider)
• Apple prepping iPod nano with camera, three new iPhones - report (AppleInsider)
• New iPhone Design: Same as It Ever Was (PC World)
• Fortune Magazine, via PreCentral

Google's paid apps arrive in Singapore

Not many of us know about Google's paid apps since, well let us be honest here, most of us only use the free apps. So it's kinda weird to hear the news of Google apps offered...

But nevertheless, after shook off the shock from hearing there are paid services from Google (yes, it's more than one! ;-p), let's hear more about it. According to a PC World article; a Singapore-based company called PointStar has start offering Google Apps Premier Edition and will provide consulting and support services for local customers.

Google Apps Premier Edition is the version of Google's online application suite designed for companies with more than 50 users. Unlike the free version designed for companies with up to 50 users, Premier costs US$50 per year for each user. For that fee, companies get 25GB of storage per user, instead of 7GB, as well as migration tools and more support.

Google is looking to recruit more resellers for Google Apps Premier Edition in Singapore, and plans to expand the program to Malaysia, Indonesia and India in the coming months, Ramanathan said. The service is already available in other Asian markets, including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, said Deepak Ramanathan, Asia-Pacific head of enterprise marketing for Google.

This move will clear the way and smooth the path for the arrival of Google's Android smartphones, which naturally will also use Google's services (Gmail, Docs, Calendars, etc.) either they're paid or free versions. And by aiming for small to middle businesses, Google will be able to plan a stronger base in yet to be untapped potential of Asian markets.

Say, what about you Palm (the cue goes to the Prē™)?

PalmAddict marks a decade of dedication & friendship

Oh, woops... here I go again. While everyone has congratulate PalmAddict on its 10 years birthday, here I am late as usual to pen down my own congratulation for PalmAddict. I intended to do this since two days ago, but I was so busy and the workloads prevented me to post even a tiny-bitsy thought.

But before I get to that, I just want to say exactly the same of what Sammy has also come to realized when on May 25th, 2009 our beloved PalmAddict weblog turns 10 years old: "...wow cannot believe I am using the word 'decade' to mark my site."

I know I was not there when PalmAddict first established, nor when PalmAddict grew for the past years after its birth, because I only joined PalmAddict last year. But even without witnessing it, to mark a website or a weblog for a decade long is remarkably awesome! For any kind of establishments, a decade means you'll have to have a large amount of dedication to make it this far. To think of PalmAddict has been always fueled by users' thoughts and contributions, it is so awe-inspiring to know you're not alone out there, and there are a lot of fellow Palm and mobile users who feel the same way we do about the brand which has pioneered the PDA road into our digital life.

Because of that, there's no site or blog like PalmAddict. And to tops it all, in my personal humble oppinion, it is the great atmoshepere at PalmAddict that makes it to become such a heart-warming community for me to call as 'home'. Where everyday, every hours and every minutes, I'll come here whenever I can to check what's new and to see familiar faces (I mean names... ~LOL~). In this vast world of internet, I've marked PalmAddict as my 'virtual home' and I'm sure many of you do the same whether you've realized it or not.

In this very special moment, I believe it's the most appropriate time to thank you all of you: readers, associate writers & editors, who have made PalmAddict what it is now. It's because of you, PalmAddict exist and stay strong even in these harshest times. And of course, we all can't thank you enough to Sammy for all he has done to PalmAddict. He is the rarest kind of fellow you can find in this short life of ours, and I've learned a ton from him ever since I joined this one-of-a-kind community.

But the biggest treasure I found in PalmAddict is not those lavish gifts that Sammy love to throw so often, like the PalmAddict 10 year birthday throwaway, it's not that really. But it's a chance of a lifetime to let yourself be heard in a big community like PalmAddict, to be a part of it, and to learn lots of new things from others whom you can call as 'friends'. For me, it's really an honor to be allowed to contribute for PalmAddict. But the real shiny jewel I've received from you and which I'll always keep close to my bosom; is what I'm proud to call as: 'friendship'. Life is short, and to have crossed path with you, and to be allowed to call Sammy and most of you as 'good friends' is every man's riches to die for.

Happy birthday PalmAddict!!! All of the best wishes for another decade to come, where hopefully we're all can say this together out loud: "Whoops... here we go again!" ;-)

Counting down (12 days left) to Palm Prē launch: Palm finally decided to support prēDevCamp

Sammy has just posted up prēDevCamp date announcement from Michael McAsey, and the date is set at June 13th. And as I was keeping tabs with the prēDevCamp website, there's a big and joyful announcement for all of us Palm Prē-fans: Palm supports prēDevCamp!

Before I lost you on the basic questions such as: "Why is the news such a big deal?" or "What is that suppose to mean? Did previously Palm disacknowledge prēDevCamp?" or even question like "What is prēDevCamp anyway?!?" I think I should start over from the scratch before the latter question pops up for real, but don't worry I promise I'll make it as brief as possible. ;-p

In essence; prēDevCamp is an upcoming not-for-profit gathering to develop applications for Palm Prē using both the Mojo SDK and traditional web standards, the event inspired by the original iPhoneDevCamp and other similar events. The founders and organizers of prēDevCamp are consist of three great whiz people with their own unique backgrounds: Giovanni Gallucci, Dan Rumney and William Hurley (a.k.a. 'whurley').

The community quickly captured the attention of many developers and mobile fans, who are willing to line up and commit to local events. Just in the first week, they saw 10 cities sign up for the event. As in today, prēDevCamp already has a camp that is scheduled to host over 1000 developers in almost 100 events around the world. A testament to the huge, sleeping community/fan base that Palm has been ignoring over the past several years.

From the very start, prēDevCamp has agreed that the community would live and thrive with or without Palm, Inc.’s support or participation. The fast growing popularity of prēDevCamp soon enough made Palm Inc. interested, but Palm Inc. asked the organizers to put a disclaimer that they were not affiliated with them, before Palm Inc. would enter into a relationship with prēDevCamp. So thus now you'll see the said 'disclaimer' on the top of prēDevCamp website whenever you visit there.

Since the first contact, the conversation began to developed some kinda theme that sounds more or less like these: “do you work for Palm?” or “why are you doing this?” and better yet: “why would you do this if we’re not paying you to?” And so, Gio's (one of the co-founders) answers would seems to answer your question too about what is the nature of prēDevCamp event:

"We hoped to help breathe new life into the mobile development marketplace via a grassroots effort by building a developer ecosystem around the first mobile device, The Palm Pré, to generate widespread excitement in and out of the tech press since the iPhone."

"The event is not about Palm. It’s about the community. The brand is a vehicle to rally a number of like-minded people around, but it’s not the reason for the event. We do this because we want to build community, connections, cool products, make great software, solve problems, meet new friends."

What happened next, without spilling out the whole ugly nitty-gritty, there was a misperception on both sides of prēDevCamp and Palm Inc. about the NDA they've agreed upon. I won't spoiled the emotional story, so I'm sorry my good readers but you'll have to read Gio's side of story to know the entire chronology. In the end, the 'never real to begin with' relationship between prēDevCamp and Palm, Inc. was over. The experience from the contacts left a certain bitter taste for prēDevCamp...

But now, to put aside the differences and the bitter taste from the previous mischief relationship, Palm Inc. has decided to fully support prēDevCamp. This mirrored in a recent post on the Palm Developer Network blog from Pam Deziel, VP of Developer Marketing at Palm:

• Palm supports prēDevCamp 100%
• We overreacted to the whole disclosure issue. We’ve been in stealth and super secret mode for so long now, we needed a real world conversation to see how we needed to work things so everybody can operate in their own environment.
• As messy as it feels right now, the passion of the community is incredibly positive

The announcement carries a very good sign from Palm Inc., which soon later one of the prēDevCamp co-founders Dan Rumney responded with a wise comment: "prēDevCamp cannot exist without support from the community and we’ve seen that in spades. With the addition of Palm’s support, we can expect prēDevCamp to thrive."

After a heart-warming conversation and an exchange of 'virtual hug', Giovanni also posted up his own take about those recent discouraging events: "Everyone now has a better understanding about the reasons why folks made certain decisions, internal workings on each side, and some of the thought processes that led to these recent events. ... With all that being said, the end result has been a more active, genuine, intelligent, and serious relationship between Palm and its independent developer community. Everyone wins!"

This is how it all should worked out from the beginning, and we at PalmAddict camp can't be more happy for both sides (prēDevCamp & Palm Inc.), and wishes the best of luck for prēDevCamp to become a major contributor to the success of the Prē. After all, the success of Palm Prē may very well depend on developers. Namasté.

* Special note about this blog post's title: as I'm writing this blog, the time in my country already gone to the next day so it's '12 days left' for me since the previous post. ;-p

Counting down (13 days left) to Palm Prē launch: Palm & Kris Allen, the American Idol 2009 winner

A little off topic; last night I just got the chance to watch the final episodes of American Idol season 2009. The final match between the two last contestants: Adam Lambert & Kris Allen, and the crowning of the winner. I know I'm late to watch the shows and I already knew who the winner is from the internet, but that's because I was so busy for the last weeks.

But wait, what this got to do with Palm? Why do I start blabbering about a singing competition in here? So if you could just bear with me for awhile...

First of all, I usually don't give much of attention about American Idol (AI). I don't even know who wins and at what season after Ruben Studdard, the winner of AI season two. Yes I know, you must be sayin' how lame I am. I used to only watch the auditions to see the funny people so desperately trying to sing a song, and think they're THAT good. And I also used to stop watching it when the contest starts moving to the big stage.

But this year's season, it caught my attention especially when the 'underdog' contestant Kris Allen sung Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine" with such amazing and fresh composition that no one have ever heard, or in this case; no one have expected that from him. Kris continued to surprise everyone when he changed Kanye West's "Heartless" song into an energetic coffee house jam with his guitar, all of a sudden he turned from an 'underdog' into a 'dark horse' in the competition. Kris' uncanny ability to made every chosen songs into his own version, has helped his modest yet charming personality to win more votes than the favorable contestant Adam.

No one remembered or recognized Kris from the start of the show, the AI producers didn't even bothered to show Kris until he reached the semi-finals. In contrast to the other contestant, Adam who received plenty of attention both from the judges and fans, including from the producers. Adam often overly publicized and given better stage effects like special lighting, stage smoke, etc. than Kris. And on the finale the judges literally handed the crown to Adam, while they tried to comfort Kris by saying he should be proud to make it this far. Everybody, including Kris himself was so sure that Adam will become the winner of this year's AI.

When the results announced, everyone's jaw drops and eyes were wide open. Kris was speechless and said this when Ryan Seacrest the show host asked him how he feels: "It feels good, man, but Adam deserves this." Too bad they didn't show Adam's reaction at that moment...*

This is where I feel the resemblance of Palm's situation right now with what happened to Kris Allen, Palm had been ridiculed so many times before the Prē introduced. And with new features of the Prē spilled out in almost monthly to weekly basis, everyone are beginning to see how good actually is the Prē. The once 'underdog' company now turns into a 'dark horse' to be reckon with by every other competitors in the market right now.

As Kris has been crowned as the winner and is now doing his victory laps at his home town (and presumably at his room too ~LOL~), Palm is yet to receive the same situation, not at least after the Prē released on June 6 next month. That is, if the fabled webOS™ is as good as we've seen it so far.

And even though Palm will do its own victory dance after the Prē becomes a success, Palm will still face a tough time ahead when Apple is also rumored to introduce a new iPhone just two days after the Prē launched...

* If you still want to read more about Kris Allen and American Idol 2009, then visit Alan Sepinwall's excellent article at NJ.com. And whilst you're there, perhaps you'll want to pen down your own oppinion at the article's comment section which has reached 281 comments as I write this blog. ;-p

Counting down (15 days left) to WWDC '09: New iPhone model rumors round-up

Do you really believe Apple will introduce a new iPhone in WWDC '09 on June 8th next month? Even though Apple is like usual never give an official statement on its upcoming hardware line-ups, either it's Macs or iPhone, we're emotionally believe that Apple will follow through its own tradition to introduce a hardware refresh when it comes to WWDC events. Like last year, Apple CEO Steve Jobs presented the iPhone 3G, also at WWDC.

But based on tradition alone, does not guarantee the arrival of third generation of iPhone. Except, it's Apple we're talking about here. A company which always managed to surprise us all whenever it comes to a new fine build product, along with nice looking and fluidly smooth software. However, talking about new iPhone software is not something wholly new, because Apple already unveiled the iPhone OS 3.0 software update which is also coming in summer later this year, most probably to accompany the new hardware.

With that in mind, that leaves one big hole absence of heart yearning for a new iPhone model. At first, we can only assume. Later on, rumors are beginning to pour in and hint that new iPhone is on its way. And as we're nearing the WWDC '09 event just in more or less a couple weeks, signs are emerging to back up the evidence of new iPhone. Apple is trying so hard to close tight the lids, but no matter how good Apple is, unintentional blunders or deliberate mistakes are made and thus make it harder for Apple and non-believers to deny.

The rumors

While we're counting down the days left to WWDC '09, let's take a quick flash back from the old to the latest rumors that hint the arrival of a new iPhone:

• Apple is now selling iPhone 3G online. Starting on the early weeks of May, Apple Online Store began offering to ship iPhones to new AT&T subscribers for free. The price remains the same at $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. Why all of a sudden Apple had a change of heart? It's obvious that Apple is trying to clear out its warehouse of old iPhone stocks, in order to make space for the new model.
• AT&T is running out of iPhone 3G stocks and starts offering refurbs for sale. Some subscribers are reporting of iPhone 3G shortage in their area when they called AT&T call centre, of course AT&T denies any shortage and spokesman Brad Mays claims that sales representatives provided "incorrect information," but doesn't elaborate further.
• Vodafone Australia puts 16GB iPhone 3G into the EoD (End-of-Life) list. One of Apple's authorized wireless carriers in Australia has sent out an advisor note to its retail staffers saying that the 16GB iPhone 3G is discontinued by its distributor Brightpoint. "This is an opportunity to take advantage of these devices whilst they're still available," the carrier said.
• AT&T's BlackBerry Bold trade up program includes 32GB iPhone 3G. 'Fishy' thoughts and rumors are flying around when AT&T includes its hottest selling handset into the BB Bold trade up program, why would AT&T do that unless to show that its cutting-edge iPhone 3G is old and new model is coming right up. And to tops it all, AT&T 'accidentally' spilled the bean of a 32GB iPhone 3G themselves.
• T-Mobile Austria "accidentally" posted up a dummy placeholder page for a 32GB iPhone. Aaanndd... it's gone now. The 32GB iPhone placeholder has been removed shortly after the blogosphere is on fire because of the dummy page. *sigh*
• Rogers is also expected to launch the new iPhone in Canada. Rumors has it, or in this particular rumor: BGR's ninja has it that Rogers will launch the new iPhone on the same day that it lifts off in the US. Purchases will be limited to one iPhone per customer on opening day and there will be active demos on display in stores.

The specs

Those are the rumors, but they are not complete without specifications. Unlike like the rumors, these specs are confirmed by findings in the iPhone OS 3.0 software registry system, and backed up with reports from various sources. So without further ado, let's have 'em already shall we:

• 32GB and 16GB storage capacities
• 600MHz processor speed
• 256MB RAM
• 3.2 Megapixel camera
• Video recording & editing
• OLED screen
• Built-in FM transmitter
• Built-in digital compass (magnometer)
• Direct movies & tv shows download
• Apple logo on the back to light up*
• Rubber back*
• $199 and $299 price-points to be maintained
• July 17th, 2009 release date

* These aren't confirmed, just some iPhone-fans wish list. ;-p

** Also, don't forget to tune in to PalmAddict Podcast #156 in which Tyler Faux discuss about the rumored new iPhone too.

Last thoughts

Apple knows exactly what excite people most is a new hardware, not just a software update, the beauty inside does not apply right for this time. Especially when the Palm Prē launch date is so close to WWDC '09, the time will come soon where Apple need to battle the Prē head-to-head.

Although it looks like we won't see much different of the new iPhone from current existing model, again by knowing apple's tradition of hardware refresh like its Mac line-ups. It's most likely Apple will only add light cosmetic touch on the exterior of the new iPhone. Because Apple has already struck a gold with iPhone's look, its minimalist and pure aesthetical look is in line with Apple's own famous philosophy. We might only going to see small changes on the back of the new iPhone... maybe.

A motherload of Prē screenshots released to tease us of webOS goodness

Aaargh... This just ain't fair!

With the official release date of Palm Prē™ is just around the corner on the early month of June, we are being teased so many times with numerous Palm Prē™ hands-on in the wild by those 'generous' yet morally cruel beta testers, who consciously take pictures and worst is leaked out the video of the Palm Prē™ test handsets in action.

Oh, the torture never ends! When will I can get one for myself...

And if that wasn't enough, here comes another one. Palm Goon (via Engadget Mobile) has released a motherload of Palm Prē™ screenshots which have never been seen before. This confirms some of the Prē™ features, and better yet reveals three new features: auto-backup, auto-update & First Use utility.

Like any of you, I quickly rushed to the Palm Goon but just to found out that the website's server is heavily populated and busy so I couldn't get the pages rendered perfectly. Thank goodness it's weekend, otherwise I wouldn't had the time to keep pressing the refresh button. So after tiresome attempts to see them all, I took the liberty to re-post the screenshots here so my fellow addicts can also enjoy them. Excited? Well, so am I. Let's dig 'em! (Note: click on the images to enlarge them)

Things You Might Not Know...

Looks like Palm has created the Prē™ to stay updated and backed-up automatically, so you won't be bothered doing all of those routine but technically important actions. Of course you can turn on/off the backup feature, or even do a manual backup. There's a "First Use" utility to help you set up your Prē™ for the first time, and create or link up to a Palm online profile. Other little thing I love about the Prē™ is those large menu buttons, they're looking very finger-friendly, so who says we still need a stylus these days? The Prē™ will challenge the iPhone in terms of finger-friendly touchscreen, that's for sure.

Meet the "Tasks" app

One of the important features in smartphone is its ability to create a list of tasks and to-dos for your hectic schedule, easy to make and easy to manage, those are the keys for the Prē™ to win the hearts of busy multitaskers (the cue goes to business men/women & housewives ;-p). It doesn't look like going to take a rocket scientist to use the task and to-dos list in the Prē™, in fact judging from what Palm Goon demonstrated with the above screenshots, seems like it's so enjoyable and easy to use.

The Prē™ comes with "copy & paste" feature in almost every utilities and apps in it, so is including in here. iPhone, you better watch out.... And in case you're wondering what is that circled "i" button on the next of each tasks made in the list, clicking on it will open up notes for the given task as you can see on the second screenshot from the right. Still on the particular screenshot, you can also see there's a small "envelope" icon on the right corner below the screen, that's just how the Prē™ will notify you when there's a new email. Neat, eh?

Meet the "Memos" app

This "Memos" feature in the Prē™ is just as useful and intuitive as the “Tasks” but simply serves a different purpose, said Palm Goon. The "Memos" home screen is simply eye-catchy, as pictured on the most left screenshot above, and looks as good when viewed with the Prē™ cards system (far right screenshot). Clicking on the "New Memo" sticky pad icon at the "Memos" board will open up a new sticky pad memo with random color, to change the color of the new memo is simply by tapping on the slightly folded memo on the right corner at the bottom screen, and then choose from the four colors available. And not to be forgotten; you can also "copy & paste" in here. Another "uh-oh" for iPhone... ~LOL~

Meet the Web Browser

The Prē™ web browser looks to take the battle head-to-head with iPhone's Safari web browser, a true worthy contender for Apple to worry. Palm Goon noted that the Prē™ web browser is "truly fast, intuitive, full-featured web browsing, and what you get is the full HTML version of the page. No mobile watered down version. You get all of it. Lightning fast and incredibly accurate to form."

The Prē™ web browser home screen shows you an input bar on the top, and the bookmarks are hanging out as thumbnails in the background as you type. Another feat for our eyes is how the Prē™ can handle multiple web pages opened up at once and displayed them all together on the cards system, as pictured at the most right screenshot above. This really shows the Prē™ raw power to do real multi-tasking, something Apple tries so hard to avoid in iPhone. A very big double "uh-oh" for iPhone... ;-p

Head on to each of Palm Goon's links to see all of the screenshots in their full size, just get ready to drool for more of the webOS™ goodness. Remember, you've been warned... And just in case you didn't notice, Palm Goon also throws a Palm Prē™ giveaway contest so be sure to check it out.

If the Palm Prē™ is really going to be as good as advertized, then I can't wait for Palm to release a slew of webOS™ devices in near future. Because based on what I've seen so far, including from these Palm Goon's screenshots, I'm quite sure Palm has a real ace in its palm. Let's just hope Palm does make the webOS™ versatile enough to power up various kind of devices for the next years to come.

An encrypted fashion advice from Apple support

These days you gotta have to be an 'Apple genius' or a real hardcore Apple fans in order to decrypt the messages coming out from the Cupertino-based company, and one of the latest resolutions from Apple support regarding the recent static shock that comes from iPhone/iPod earbuds is just another example.

Users have been complaining the experience of a small and quick electrical (static) shock from their earbuds while listening to iPod or iPhone, the grumbles are pouring all over at the company's support site thread.

"I get a small shock in my right ear only when I am on the treadmill at the gym. Really weird!" said one user. Other user also wrote: "Maybe it's just me but for a couple of weeks now my earphones are delivering little electric shocks into my ears."

Apple quickly respond at its support page by explaining that the condition does not necessarily indicate hardware issues with the iPod, iPhone, or earbuds:

This condition is very similar to dragging your feet across a carpet and receiving a static shock by touching a door knob.
Static buildup on your electronic device is largely due to the environment that it is used in. Certain environments and actions can encourage static electricity buildup:

• Very low humidity (dry) environments are conducive for static buildup.
• Very windy environments are conducive for static buildup.
• Taking your device in and out of your pocket can create a static charge.
• Jogging or exercising with your device can cause a static charge.
• Clothes made with synthetic fibers (like nylon) can easily become charged with static electricity.

Apple offers some methods to remedy the condition such as suggesting users to try wear different clothes with natural fibers, since synthetic fibers are more likely to hold a static charge. But this would mean that users are more prone to wet their iPhone or iPods, because clothing with natural fibers are easier to absorb sweat from sports excercise. Users should be aware of their devices' warranty, which has limited coverage on submerged condition.

That isn't the best part, an eagle-eye TG Daily writer Emma Woollacott spotted the fashion tip behind the particular Apple support on this static shock case: "Leave your iPhone/iPod in your bag or pocket." Apple's argument is because removing your device from your pockets frequently as rubbing the device on certain materials can cause a static build up. Well, for a function point of view that might be the right thing to do. But why would you want to conceal the cool device from everyone's sight, when the main purpose of getting it out from your bag/pocket is to show it off to everyobody. ~LOL~

But hey, perhaps you can pick one of this handmade iPhone felt-case, it's a handstitched case imitating the iPhone's stunning home screen. The $49.5 worth case is made from sheets of SOFT felt and measures 14.5 cm x 8 cm, covers almost every iPod and cell phones as said by the maker (via iPhone Savior). This way you can protect your iPod while keep on showing it off to everybody that you own and use an iPhone, or maybe you can fool everyone that you look like have an iPhone but instead use a lame 'dumb' phone inside it. ;-p

Interested? Too bad, as I'm writing this blog that handmade iPhone felt-case is already sold out... Dang! Better luck next time. Or in my case, better write it up faster next time.

"Rosie" UI shows how good Android can be

I couldn't put it better than how AndroidGuys put these latest "Rosie" Android UI (User Interface) screenshots into words: "Forget cupcakes and donuts. This looks like a wedding cake." ~LOL~

In the not so-so far away land called rumor, in the not so-so long ago, we were served with such delicious offerings: 'cupcake' and 'donut'. And now, comes a new delicate ice-topping to arouse your gluttony and it's called "Rosie". No, it's not cherry on top like usual. But rest asure, it is better and will leave your mouth-watering yearn for more.

The instant super-kid named Haykuro who became famous since he shown off the HTC Hero firmware in his possession to the world without actually sharing it, has come back with another brand new teaser this time and make us drool for more.

It's still uncertain whether this so called "Rosie" UI is just another customized Android 1.5 ('cupcake'), or just an upgrade from the previous HTC Hero firmware. So far, all we know the nickname "rosie" is used several times during the video demonstration below, so it might be the real code name for this cool new UI after all:

• rosie_arrange
• rosie_add_to_home
• rosie_navi

But the biggest question is, how come a 17-years old teen can have this next gen Android UI from a huge multi-dollar company like HTC? Is this just a prank, just some sort of photoshopped & animated pictures? Or is this a deliberate leak from HTC to make some noise before introducing the HTC Hero phone? First thing first; considering how often it is for HTC to make its own customized UI in Windows Mobile handset line-ups, it's highly possible this so called "Rosie" UI could be a real thing.

And the timing couldn't be any better: HTC is about to face an uphill road in June when iPhone 3.0 and Palm Prē are both going to be launched almost at the same time. So it is best to create some kinda buzz no matter how small to stimulate the market and send a message to the consumers that Android too can be as good, or yet better, as those two over-publicized smartphones.

Then what are you waiting for, HTC? Bring it on! Let the war begin, and may the best of all win.

See more of this "Rosie" UI screenshots here, via Android Community.

It's official! Sprint to offer Palm Prē nationwide on June 6

We finally have a major break through today, Sprint has spoken on the official date of Palm's most awaited smartphone of the year: the Prē™, and that is going to happen just two days before Apple's WWDC '09. Yes sir, you got that right. The rumor seems to be true after all, Palm helped with Sprint is planning to take the battle a head start before Apple had the chance to announce a new iPhone (if it does exist). Here's the snipped information of Sprint's official announcement:

-May. 19, 2009-- Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced pricing and nationwide availability for the highly anticipated Palm® Pre™ phone, offered exclusively from Sprint. Palm Pre will be available nationwide on June 6 in Sprint stores, Best Buy, Radio Shack, select Wal-Mart stores and online at Sprint.com

“The argument that you need one phone for work and another phone for play, or that you have to make compromises between business and lifestyle productivity, is over,” said Dan Hesse, president and CEO of Sprint. “With Pre, compromises of the past are history.”

“Pre is truly a new phone for a new web-centric age,” said Ed Colligan, Palm president and chief executive officer. “We’re a mobile society, and we want our people, calendars and information to move with us. With Pre’s exquisite design and the unique webOS software, running on Sprint’s fast broadband network, we’re changing the perception of what a wireless phone can be.”

Pre comes with a charger in the box, but for anyone tired of plugging a cord into their wireless phone, Palm introduces the Touchstone™ charging dock, the first inductive charging solution for phones, available exclusively for Pre. Simply set Pre down on top of the dock without worrying about connection, orientation or fit. Pre is active while charging, so you can access the touch screen, watch movies or video, or use the speakerphone.

The Palm Pre phone will be available from Sprint on June 6 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement on an Everything Data plan or Business Essentials with Messaging and Data plan. An array of compelling accessories also will be available for Pre, including the Palm Touchstone charging dock. The Touchstone™ Charging Kit, which includes the Touchstone charging dock and Touchstone back cover for Pre, will be available June 6 for $69.99. The Touchstone charging dock and Touchstone back cover also are available separately from for $49.99 and $19.99, respectively. 

The wait is finally offer... Oh wait a sec, that's not entirely true. First there's still more or less a couple of weeks before June 6, that's one. And secondly, when it is June 6 you'll still have to wait in a "presumably" very long line of other people who want to get the Palm Prē™ too. Awww....

Well, at least that's good enough for you guys who live in the U.S. For us, including me, who live outside the U.S. will have to wait a lot longer than that... ;-p

HTC Hero - Android firmware got shown off

It wasn't that long ago we got the news about Android next firmware update called 'cupcake' and the Android 2.0 called 'donut', and now we've got another fresh one: a customized Android 'cupcake' firmware which is supposed to run on HTC Hero; an upcoming new Android-based smartphone from HTC.

A 17-years old teen named 'Haykuro' has posted up this HTC Hero firmware screenshots on XDA-Devs forum, the alledgely modified 'cupcake' firmware was ran on T-Mobile's G1 handset. Haykuro also provide a recorded demonstration, teasing us all by showing off the complete firmware information to proof he really has it:

Model Number: HTC Hero
Firmware version: 1.5
Baseband version: 62.505.20.17H_2.22.19.261
Kernel version: 2.6.27-00392-g8312bafDan@Lab709 )
Build number: 20090506 Hero_Generic_WWE #
Software version: 1.0.0.A6288

If that isn't mean enough, Haykuro doesn't plan to share the HTC Hero firmware because of some kinda legal reasons. Well, let's just take a look at the bright side: at least now we know there's a HTC Hero comin' up real soon, and how its UI will look like... ;-p

Sources are from XDA-Devs, via PhanDroid. Don't forget to check out the video below of this HTC Hero firmware in action, courtesy of Rob Jackson from PhanDroid.

Prē-tend theme for iPhone

You probably have seen this news a couple of times at Gizmodo, and Sammy also has posted them up at PalmAddict. This so called 'Prē-tend' theme made by a graphic designer James Meister, is inspired by Palm's upcoming Prē™ smartphone with the new exiciting webOS™ user interface.

This isn't the first time a Palm Prē™-based theme is made for iPhone, previously there's a similar theme offered at an iPhone group forum. Can't really tell which one is better, because I haven't got myself an iPhone 'yet' (read here if you want to know the reason why ;-p) and since there ain't much of screenshots to compare them. But one thing for sure though, James Meister's 'Prē-tend' theme looks to have a much cuter icons set. One particular I'm very fond of, is that Tweetie icon pictured below.

The 'Prē-tend' theme isn't the only iPhone theme that James has made, he also created four other cool themes for iPhone. Go check 'em all out at his website, and while you're browsing there you can grab the 'Prē-tend' theme as well.

They say: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...," but it's a real shame, really... That Palm has shut down the successful TealOS, while Prē™-based theme like this one is coming out like spores in rainy season. While Palm's very own competitor; the iPhone is enjoying a bit taste of the upcoming Prē™, why can't Palm loyal users have the same experience? Bummer...

Sources are from James Meister, via JAiB.

They can’t have it all, but we can…

This isn’t an ‘idiot’ guide to the universe of mobile phones / smartphones, this isn’t even a deliberate discussion in an attempt to categorized myself or any of you who love shiny new gadgets. Because being a geek who crave for new technologies each day, I found myself scraping the latest news on the net every minutes looking for the ultimate mobile device that I believe will suit the best of my needs. So do I get what I’m seeking for? Err… not at all, in fact I haven’t made the purchase even as I write this blog.

Is it because I haven’t found one? Nope. Is it because there isn’t such a mobile device for me? Nope. The problem is, because I have too much information on the latest technologies to come so I decided to postpone the purchase. Is it bad? In my own terms, it’s not such a bad idea. But not according to some people I know, who don’t care much of what new models or technologies to come out soon, but rather make a purchase because they need it right now.

For the last three months, I’ve been asked several times by relatives and friends about mobile technologies, particularly technologies in smartphones. Ever since the iPhone 3G is officially launched here not so long ago, it has captivated many mobile users and challenge the growing popularity of BlackBerry. The BlackBerry has become very popular here and can be seen being used by almost everyone, not just business men but also housewives and teens as well. There are many times where people are mistakenly recognized my Treo as a BlackBerry, and I always gladly enlighten them about Palm brand.

Basically mobile users here are torn into four choices of mobile platforms: Symbian, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry & iPhone. It’s plain to see the degrading dominance of Nokia smartphones with its Symbian operating system, lots of Communicator (E90) users are migrating to either BlackBerry Bold or Javelin. Windows Mobile is still keeping its presence known through HTC, LG and Samsung products. While the latest and newest comer; the iPhone is quickly becoming a niche mobile device to own by a certain level of consumers*.

Before the latter mobile platforms entered here, Nokia was the most favorable choice and followed by Sony Ericsson. Things were easier back then with fewer options, consumers were not burden with too much diversity across multiple platforms, which now bewildered those who don’t have enough knowledge of the differences between each mobile platform. Simple and basic questions are often thrown at me by close friends and relatives when they’re asking which smartphone is the right one for them, and upon giving them the answers I always opt for the more fundamental reasons on why this or that smartphone is the preferable choice for them, rather than trying to explain every technical details on each device.

Smart vs. dumb

This is the foremost question I asked first time whenever someone asked me to help them pick a smartphone; do you really need a smartphone and make use of its features or you just need a phone to do the usual stuffs (calls & SMS)? Because the reason is quite simple really, no matter how smart and powerful a smartphone is; there’ll be a time where it crashes or freezes after a heavy use. This is where a ‘just-a-phone’ (aka. a ‘dumb-phone’) will triumph over smartphone, it’ll do what it does best without fail when you needed it the most.

Touch vs. press

It’s an emerging old technology which is now becoming a common feature in smartphone, Palm already uses touchscreen in its Trēo line-ups since the first iteration. But users sometime must choose between a device with just the touchscreen or just the QWERTY keyboard, like in the case of choosing between BlackBerry Bold and Apple iPhone. For some people, they like better the feeling of tactile feedback from physical buttons than touchscreen but then people are beginning to adapt with the on-screen keyboard nowadays, so it boils down to personal liking and preference.

Although users do have a choice of having the best of both worlds with Windows Mobile smartphones which mostly feature both touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard in one package, but then comes the next question: do you really need them both? Because to have both means you’ll be paying more, so unless you’re going to use them then you’re just wasting money. If money is not your concern, then you might consider the extra weight of having both technologies in one device.

Simple fun vs. extra fun

I was going to say “simple to use” instead of “simple fun”, but we’re talking about smartphone here, meaning there’s nothing simple to use anymore, smartphones are designed to be capable of doing multitasks so no matter how easy one platform is made there’s always someone out there who can’t use it perfectly. Smartphone itself naturally is prepared for business use, the manufacturers only add a bit of apps inside to make it more fun to use.

There’s Media Player in Windows Mobile, BlackBerry also has its own media player, but Nokia 5800 Xpress Music and iPhone are more entertainment oriented device than the first two mentioned mobile platforms. Sure, users can install 3rd party apps into each of those mobile platforms but that somehow shows what the device can really do and not capable of. So it’s important to set your mind on what is the purpose of buying a smartphone for.

Ease of mind vs. headache

Now this one is very important, especially for them who don’t want to trouble themselves with technical details on how to migrate from one mobile platform to another. It’s one of the most frequent questions asked: how do I transfer my old phonebook to my new smartphone?

Each smartphone with its unique platform is equipped with computer software to manage files and phonebook from your desktop computer or laptop, because of each platform’s distinctiveness, contributes a small problem which can cause a painful headache for average users: contact sync. The contacts in phonebook is essentially the most important information in a smartphone, and by migrating from different mobile platforms means one will have to find a solution to transfer the contacts into different format.

There are some outstanding 3rd party softwares out there which allow users to transfer contacts without much trouble between mobile platforms and desktop/laptop operating systems, but you’ll have to fork out extra cash to migrate into new mobile platform of your choice. This usually discourage the not-so-well informed users to get a better smartphone, which in the end these kinda users will pick an easier path by upgrading to the same mobile platform but with better hardware, this way there’ll be no hassle on transferring the contacts.

No smartphone have it all… (yet)

Every mobile manufacturers try to put more and more features into their products, the competition have brought a positive outcome for consumers and end users, but at the same time left us with lesser options to’ jump-ship’ by presenting new features that the competitors don’t have.

They say you can’t have it all, but can’t we? Can’t we wait until they finished making the perfect smartphone? Like RIM finally fix the problems in its first fully touchscreen smartphone with Storm 2, or Apple at last puts in the missing ingredients into iPhone OS 3.0, or how about if Palm really nail it all down with its most awaited smartphone: the Prē? Can we have it all then?

Last thought

Many wise consultants say the key to decide when is the right time to buy, is not by waiting for the latest technologies to arrive, but by asking do you need it right now or not. That’s one logical thinking to rationalize our urge to have the latest technologies which only God (and the manufacturers) know when they’ll come out, but what if you know? Or better yet how about if you have the information on when is the exact date those new technologies will come out, will you make a purchase now or wait?

Like for an instance; I know the iPhone OS 3.0 software is coming later in June, and there’s a high possibility that Apple will also introduce a refreshed iPhone hardware along with the software update in WWDC ’09. So I much prefer wait for the new iPhone, if it does come out, rather than buy it now and own a device that’s no matter how cool it is but will become obsolete in just less than a month…

But hey, that’s just me speaking. I’m pretty sure you have a different perspective on deciding the best time to have a smartphone with the best and most complete features, good luck! ;-)

* Editor’s note: these facts are not a survey or study, only my personal watch on the current trend market of smartphone use in general at my home country; Indonesia.

If just these iPhones are real & to be introduced at WWDC '09...

Everybody, starting from Apple fans to iPhone owners, have marked their calendar on June 8th as the most important date to know and see what Apple has prepared for the future of the iPhone. Where at WWDC '09, Apple is for sure to present the new iPhone OS 3.0 software and Mac OS X. On recent announcements, Apple also confirms that the event will be led by Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing; not Steve Jobs. The famous Apple CEO is apparently still focusing on his health ever since he took six months of medical leave back in January this year, and still on track of come back at the end of June though.

If the absent of Steve Jobs is not heart breaking enough for Apple hardcore-fans, then some of you might already noticed that there's no mentioning or even the slightest confirmation of a new iPhone at the event. Like the Apple we're familiar with, the company keeps tight lips on everything related to the upcoming new products. So the least we can do is to hope, and to keep on dreaming / imagining of what the new iPhone will look like if it's truly exist.

One particular artist, who called himself as 'Inside Apple', has created not just one but two new iPhone concepts: nano & unibody. They're nicely done, a bit over the top but hey that's how we like it right? ;-)

iPhone nano

Life is full of colors... That might actually work as a catchy line for these rainbow colored iPhone nanos (pictured above). ~LOL~ They're simply eye-candy for any gadget lovers, especially for those who love to show off. The concept itself doesn't went far off from the first generation of iPhone, just added two tones of different color at the back while retaining its physical shape.

There have been many rumors before about the existence of iPhone nano, and it does make sense in a way for Apple to pump up the iPhone sales by using the same strategy used for iPod nano. Adding colors will give an extra value to replace the limited features compared to the bigger / original iPhone, a nice trade off for some exquisite users. And with global economy recession wave still hasn't totally gone yet, Apple ought to think of a smart way to outsell the upcoming Palm Prē.

iPhone unibody

This one concept really blew me off my mind, the moment I saw the back of this so called iPhone unibody rendered pic (pictured below), my jaw dropped in awe and I'll definetely going to get one for myself if it does exist. It is so gorgeous...

The thing is about iPhone, it will completely change your perspective once you held it in your own hands. Just like many Apple's other products as well, like the new unibody MacBooks. You can't tell the difference only by seeing the picture, but when you hold a MacBook and touch it, you'll feel the difference is silently overwhelming. So it is a very cool idea indeed if Apple use the unibody technology into the new iPhone, making the frame more rigid without adding too much weight while keeping the beautiful look. A light weight smartphone but very robust; that's how an ideal mobile device should be made. No one has ever done this before, certainly Apple is not going to be the last company to do that... right? ;-)

Sources are from Inside Apple, via The Business Insider, via iPhone Savior.

Put on a little shy smile today...

Where's the moment we needed the most?
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost,
they tell me your blue skies fade to grey,
they tell me your passion's gone away,
and I don't need to carryin' on...

'Cause you had a bad day, you're taking one down.
You sing a sad song just to turn it around,
you say you don't know, you tell me don't lie.
You work on a smile and you go for a ride.

The clock is showing 09:03AM in the morning as I write this post, it is a brilliant morning full of warm bright light that shines through the window. Accompanied with a hot cup of coffee placed on the left side of my old computer, played random songs with my Trēo on the right, I was trying my usual ritual to get myself out of this cramped office of mine with helps of internet and a bit of imagination...

Suddenly the magic came, the Trēo is playing the 'Bad day' song by Daniel Powter, and the 17" ol' CRT monitor is showing this amazing picture with a gorgeous girl smiling shyly. It feels like I was taken into an autumn garden, and there's a beautiful girl shyly smiles like she's telling me everything is going to be okay. I paused for a second, and a shy smile cracked out on my lips out of the blue. I knew right away, I'll have a wonderful morning today.

So my fellow PalmAddicts, try on playing some songs on your Trēo or Cēntro, because who knows it'll picked the right song for you this morning and brighten up the day for you. If there's something I learned from my current misfortunes not long ago, is that we should think of possitive and bright thoughts no matter what to get through each day... Oh, and of course one small detail but the utmost importance: put on a smile no matter how shy it is. ;-)

Have a great and wonderful day y'all!

* above picture features Marta Bułka, courtesy of Krzysiek Nowakowski (Flickr link).

Spb Puzzle: new jigsaw puzzle game for touchscreen smartphones

Just received this news last night from Victoria Krasilshikova at Spb Software; a top mobile games and applications developer, today announces the release of Spb Puzzle 1.0 - a classic jigsaw puzzle game, designed specifically with the touchscreen in mind: Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 touchscreen phones.

Spb Puzzle is explicitly finger-friendly, offers animation, haptic response, and real-looking puzzle pieces that are thoroughly crafted, down to the effects of light and anti-aliasing. Spb Puzzle offers 10 puzzles preinstalled, more free puzzle for download, and can make custom puzzles out of any image.

"With this brand new release, we aimed to create an authentic puzzle game with excellent graphics, clearest possible controls and navigation, and an unlimited number of puzzles to solve," - comments Nikita Glushkov, Spb Puzzle Product Manager. "Spb Puzzle gives users the freedom to work on even the most complicated puzzles in the comfort of their own phone, any time, any place. Spb Puzzle also keeps players assured that not a single puzzle piece will ever get lost, or that a nearly completed puzzle will ever get ruined by mishap," he concludes.

Key Features of Spb Puzzle 1.0:

• Versions for Windows Mobile and Symbian S60
• High-quality graphics and finger-friendly interface
• Custom puzzles from any image or photo
• Free additional jigsaw puzzle packs
• Flexible puzzle difficulty - fit for any age
• 10 preinstalled puzzles in "Classic" pack
• Pause and resume, autosave on exit, never lose a puzzle until it's complete

Spb Puzzle 1.0 is compatible with Windows Mobile 5.0 or higher, and Symbian S60 touchscreen devices, qVGA and VGA screen resolutions are supported. Spb Puzzle 1.0 shareware version is limited in the number of puzzles available: 2 base and 1 custom image puzzles. Full version of Spb Puzzle is available for 9.95 USD at www.SpbSoftwareHouse.com.

Apple disallows Jesus face app in iPhone

The success of Apple's one and only smartphone; the iPhone has been recognized with a given name by a certain circle in blogosphere: the Jesus phone, which sounds more cynical rather than praising it. The nickname itself actually to show the iPhone as the ultimate phone among the others, because it's gaining followers (read: users) faster than any other mobile platforms, considering iPhone was first introduced in 2007.

But funny enough, when Benjamin Kahle invented an app that allows users to put their faces within a religious figure (for an instance: Jesus), add a message and send via email or upload directly to Facebook; Apple disallows the so called "Me So Holy" app into App Store.

Apple pointed out the reason as in section 3.3.12 in the iPhone agreement states: "Applications must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, etc.), or other content or materials that in Apple's reasonable judgment may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users."

In the end, Benjamin is left wondering on Apple's base to reject entry of his app: "You may be familiar with recent snafus over the baby shaker app and the rejection of the Nine Inch Nails apps. Our question is, is religion really to be placed in the same category as these violent apps?"

For a software developer who make fun religious themed app for iPhone, Benjamin gives a thought full of wisdom on his misfortune with Apple: "We feel that Apple is being too sensitive to its perceived user group and are disappointed that this otherwise creative, freethinking company would reject such a positive and fun application. The message to developers is that they should think inside the box, rather than outside it."

Sources are from Me So Holy website, via Wired's Gadget Lab.

* Editor's note: I understand this post contains religious topic which can be sensitive for some people; I apologize for any wrong use of words, names or unintentional jokes.

Free Handcase's Palm OS games emulator for PC

Handcase, a Brazilian company behind various Palm OS games is offering a free emulator which enables you to play its games on PC. Basically, the games are changed into ROM files so they can run on the Palm OS emulator software.

Handcase stated that using the Palm OS emulator is as easy as only three steps: buy the games, install the emulator, then click and drag the games into the emulator. Oh, what a sweet memory it is to play those ol' games again. ;-)

Sources are from Handcase, via IntoMobile.

Donut: Android 2.0 nickname proves that Google loves food

Have you heard the new nickname for Android 2.0? Yeah, it's none other than Homer Simpson's fav snack: 'donut'!

Not only the news caught me off guard that Google has already begun working on the next gen of its mobile platform, but also because of the nickname which Google picked. It feels kinda hilarious since the latest firmware update released not so long ago (Android 1.5) is gaining quite some popularity for being called 'cupcake', and now Google decided to go with something bigger than a 'cupcake'... Well, I guess 'donut' is emotionally logical. ;-p

Android Developers have already started mentioning 'donut' in Google Groups thread, but not much of info on what to be expected in the new version. Although it is said that the basic functionalities in the version 2.0 are very noticeable from the Android 1.x, and it'll not be available in every devices, the implementation of version 2.0 is given entirely to the mercy of wireless carriers and mobile manufacturers.

With that, for you who are about to get today's Android phone, consider yourselves warned. Because it's possible that Google plans to fight back the upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 software update with this 'donut' firmware, and just like the iPhone there'll be some features which are not going to be available in the old hardwares (T-Mobile G1 & HTC Magic).

Sources are from Google Groups, via Phandroid.

Cydia 3.0 haz arrived

Right now, the hottest topic for iPhone and iPod Touch owners is the new upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 software update in June later this year. And so the "3.0" moniker continue to be the next gen for everything related to those aforementioned devices, and that includes the famous Cydia and QuickPWN tools.

Jay Freeman (a.k.a. saurik) has released the new Cydia 3.0, and what more good is that StealthBravo from ModMyI has bundled the latest QuickPWN Beta 5 tool with the new Cydia:

"Currently the only way to get Cydia 3.0 on your device is to jailbreak with a newly modified QuickPwn. This new custom QuickPwn is compliments of HoZy, lilstevie, saurik, and iphoneappsru. This QuickPwn includes all bundles needed to jailbreak your iPhone 3G, iPhone, and iPod 1G."

But beware, the Dev-Team creator of the official QuickPWN tool has warned us the danger of using the unofficial tool before hand. And so does StealthBravo: "If you upgrade to 3.0, it will change your baseband and yellowsnow unlock will be non-functional. Furthermore, as of now you will not be able to downgrade your baseband unless you are on a 5.08 bootloader and be stuck without a soft unlock."

If you're interested but still have doubts on using this bundled tools, head on to Firmware 3.0 jailbreak thread to get help. God speed my friend!

Missouri students are told to buy Apple's products

While Microsoft is trying its hardest efforts to tarnish Apple's long reputation of being a maker of cool computers with the latest of its Laptop Hunters ad, on the other side of the world there's another little sales pitch which Microsoft should be worried about...

Missouri School of Journalism is apparently telling its students to buy Apple's computers, including the iPhone & iPod Touch in order to meet the requirement to study at MU (that's the short for Missouri University, not Sammy's favorite football club ~LOL~). At the university's website reads:

"Effective Fall 2009, students majoring in Journalism at Missouri are required to have either an iPod Touch (the minimum requirement) or iPhone to allow for the delivery of freshman-orientation information as well as course material. Students will electronically download such material to either of those devices from iTunes University, a no-cost component of the iTunes Store."

What's more, MU is recommending the students to purchase the required 'hardware equipments' at its own store called TigerTech:

"We strongly recommend that you wait and buy through TigerTech (formerly Computer Spectrum) at the University Bookstore. We have arranged for special low pricing from Apple, and that's where you'll almost certainly get the best deal."

MU tries to explain the reasons on why the university chose Macs over PCs, which I think will cause Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer have a heart attack if he read them:

"Yes, the device is a music player, but it is much, much more. TigerTech estimates that 90 percent of Missouri students have iPods. We are trying to take advantage of that as a means to deliver course content. The video capability of the iPod Touch and iPhone makes this an ideal delivery platform and gives students a device on which they can review lectures and other course material while on the go or working out.

The faculty has designated Apple Computer as its preferred provider for two primary reasons: (1) Apple's OS X operating system is based on Unix, which makes these computers far less susceptible to viruses than other computers. Viruses are a serious problem on university campuses. (2) Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro computers come bundled with iLife, a suite of applications ideal for learning the basics of photo editing, and audio and video editing. We'll use those programs in several classes."

These are beginning to sound almost like those Get a Mac ads, but at the beginning of the announcement, MU already stated the minimum requirement that well at least a bit relieving for Microsoft:

• "Each year, the school recommends two or three configurations for all entering freshmen and graduate students. The minimum recommended configuration is a wireless laptop computer with the Microsoft Office suite of software.

• Additional software may be required in some specialties by the time students reach the junior year or in specific graduate areas of emphasis. Photojournalism majors, for example, will need to purchase Photoshop, a program for toning photographs for publication.

• Students are encouraged to acquire wireless laptop technology from Apple, which the School has designated as its preferred provider, but students also will have a choice of a Windows-based alternative."

But does it? Should Microsoft breathe easier settling with just that? IMHO not, especially when some of the last of the university's announcements are read like these:

• "Last year, 99.5 percent of incoming students chose the Apple option.

• TigerTech estimates that 90 percent of Missouri students have iPods.

• Almost 100 percent of last year's freshmen chose Apple computers."

Sources are from MU, via TG Daily.