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]