iPhone 3G To Go Product Red

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

Now that the iPhone 3g has officially come out in The Philippines, everyone is literally scowering our country to get their hands on a unit. These phones have become so in demand that Globe Telecom has run out of units. Damn! Now while others have gotten their unites immediately, the iPhone 3g is not so accessibile to some. May it be because of prices being too high, some don't want to change their lines, and some just don't have a high enough line to grab one. Trust me, I got an iPhone 3g, and it's really hassling.

So for those who have gotten their hands on an iPhone 3g, I've got bad news, and for those who haven't, I've got good news. There have been rumors flying around that Apple is planning to release a Product Red of their popular handset. Product Red is a line that Apple releases where part of their proceeds go to help fight AIDS in Africa. They've released product reds for their iPod lines in the past. So for those who are unsure if they wanna get an iPhone 3g, or for those who are still putting away money for it, I suggest you guys wait til the holidays because Apple plans to release these around Christmas time.

When I saw this, I gotta admit, I was a little annoyed. Why can't these guys just release every color. Why must they do this?!? Hahaha! Nah, the red looks good, but I'm still a fan of my white one. But like some other people I know, I know there are some of you guys who like to see red. So for you guys, be patient. If you don't have an iPhone yet, wait. But if you already do, I suggest you start looking for buyers for your phone! Hahaha! BUT, while all this sounds promising, this is all simply rumor as of now! It was also rumored that the first gen iPhone was going product red, but it never came to life. So make sure you guys stay tuned for updates from us at VANTAGE.

"True Story"

iPhone 3.0 OS Guide

Apple is currently working on their much awaited 3.0 software for their iPhone, iPod, and any other device Apple comes up with.

This new software finally features the demanded copy & paste feature.

• Copy & Paste text. When you double-tap over text, you will get a "cut, copy, and paste" bubble dialog. Double-tap again and a "paste" bubble will appear if there's anything stored in your clipboard.



If you accidentally paste something that you didn't want to paste, a simple shake of the iphone will undo this.

• Copy & Paste photos. You can also copy and paste photos. Now you will be able to select multiple photos by tapping the action button, copy some of them, and paste them in an email, ready to send.

• New Spotlight. iPhone OS 3.0 will allow you to search across the entire information contained in your device, no matter where, as soon as the information is supported it. If an application is written to support the new Spotlight, its data will also be available in the search.



• Search in Mail, Calendar, and iPod. These Apple applications have specific search interfaces. The search in Mail doesn't support the message content yet, but it supports searching in IMAP servers—that will save a lot of time logging into Gmail.

• 3G Tethering. This feature will allow you to connect your iPhone 3G to a laptop, to use it as a modem to access the internet. Carriers still have to sign-off on it, and probably charge more for it. None have announced it yet.

• Landscape keyboard. Apple has added the landscape keyboard mode to other applications, like Mail, SMS, and Notes.



• Multimedia messaging. A big one to send rich content to people without mail-enabled telephones: The new MMS function will allow you to include everything, from images to sound to vcards (no word on video, however.) Personally, I find these usesless having email, but some people seem to want it.

• Support for new calendar types. In iPhone OS 3.0 you will be able to subscribe to calendars on the web using two protocols: CalDAV—supported by Google and Yahoo—and subscriptions via the .ics format—which is what Apple uses in iCal.



• Improved stocks application. The stocks application now allows you to read related news, so you can enjoy yourself learning about the latest market scandals, stock crashes, and executives getting bonus packages from government aid while their companies sink into hell. Thank you, Apple.

• Stereo Bluetooth A2DP audio. You will be able to pair your iPhone 3.0 with a stereo Bluetooth A2DP device, like headphones or speakers.

• Note syncing with iTunes.

• Automatic login in Safari. The new version of Safari will remember login credentials, so you won't need to introduce your username and password again while accessing Scoreland your work intranet.

• Shake to shuffle music. If you are in your iPod application, you just need to shake it to start the shuffling mode. Hopefully this will be optional for sports people out there.

• Wi-Fi auto-login. In case you have a subscription to a paid hotspot, your iPhone or iPod touch will autolog into it.

• Anti-phishing. Mobile Safari now can warn you against malicious sites trying to scam you.

• Extended parental controls. Adult content filters can now be applied to movies, TV shows, and applications, in addition to web sites and music (porn apps, here we come).

NEW APPLE APPLICATIONS

Apple will include new widgets in the new version of the iPhone operating system:

• Voice memo application. Obviously, allows you to record voice or any other sound, so you don't forget any idea or want to play FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper.



• Send and receive files. A dedicated application to exchange files between iPhones or iPods touch.

NEW THIRD PARTY APPLICATIONS FEATURES IN IPHONE OS 3.0

The new iPhone OS 3.0 adds 1,000 new APIs to extend the capabilities of new applications.

• Peer-to-peer Wi-Fi Bluetooth connectivity. A new API will allow for two iPhones to connect directly—peer-to-peer—via Bluetooth.



They will be able to discover each other using Bluetooth, and then start a Wi-Fi connection transparently.

This opens a lot of possibilities. I doubt they will allow you to pass music, but you would probably be able to pass any other information, as well as directly communicating between applications in the two devices. One example: A pets game that allows two dogs to play with each other.

This feature could be combined with push notification, so your iPhone may receive a note from another iPhone, inviting you to play a game one-on-one.

• Browse remote content. While the built-in iPod application doesn't allow you to browse songs in other people's iPhones or iPod touch, third-party applications will allow you to do that, according to Apple's Forstall.

• Use your iPhone/touch to control peripherals. A new API will let you use your iPhone or iPod touch as a control to your accessories. In this example, the iPhone is being used to equalize the sound in a loudspeaker.



• Maps inside other applications. New applications will be able to use Maps directly, which is now an API.

• Turn-by-turn directions. Developers will also be able to create turn-by-turn applications using the GPS information from the iPhone and combining it with their own maps, without depending on 3G connectivity or Google.



• Push notification finally coming. Hopefully this time it will be true. Push notification means that your iPhone OS 3.0 applications will finally be able to receive messages from the intarwebs automagically, so you can have an Instant Message application and have your iPhone vibrate or make a sound when a new message comes in, even if the application is not running.

• Voice communication in applications. iPhone 3.0 applications will also be able to access a Voice over IP service. This means that you will be able to chat with other users while playing against them in a game, for example. This won't use the telephone, but the internet over a Wi-Fi connection.

• Rumbling. Games—or any other application—will also be able to rumble, like your console joystick.

• Audio recording. Audio recording will also be possible from third-party applications using a standardized API, instead of custom workarounds.

• Access your music from applications. Future applications will also be able to access the iPhone/iPod music library. This means that applications will be able to play your own music while they run.

NEW FEATURES IN THE APP STORE

The new OS will also offer an enhanced App Store, opening new possibilities for developers and consumers.

• Subcriptions to apps.
• Purchase additional content for apps, like new cities for a city guide application.
• Purchase additional levels for games.

Basically, this will allow developers to sell more things on top of their apps, and to consumers to expand their experience with those apps.

• This will work straight from the applications, so you can purchase new things through the software itself, even while it still goes through the App Store internally.

PRICE

iPhone OS 3.0 will be a free upgrade to all iPhone users, including the first generation (not all features will be supported in the first generation, like Stereo Bluetooth support). iPod touch users will be able to but it for $US9.95.

I am definitely excited about this update!! This new OS is just packed with so many features that the iPhone could finally be complete? I mean, wow. My favorite features have got to be the copy & paste, the landscape messaging, and the peer to peer connectivity. It's nice to know that Apple is listening to their consumers, and that they're actually giving them what they've been asking for. There have been no confirmed release dates on this new OS, but rest assured that I will be downloading it as soon as it's released!

For those who can't wait and have balls of steel, you can download the BETA version HERE.

Source: GIZMODO

What do you think? Comment!!

END OF POST

Could This Be The Next iPhone 3G?

MacRumors is claiming that this could very well be the next iPhone 3G. As you can see, it basically looks like the current 3G but with a matte finish.

Now as most of you should know, all this is simply rumor, and Apple has yet to confirm these leaked photos. Stay tuned for updates.

When I look at this picture, I do think that the matte finish looks cool, but I always thought that the new iPhone's look was gonna change considerably. I mean, if we compare the first-gen iPhone to the 3G, we can see that there's a pretty big difference, so I assumed it would be the same for the next-gen 3G. Now whether or not this is the final look, I can't say, but I seriously hope not. If this is the new iPhone, then I think I'd stick to my shiny white. But I guess it's all preference. I mean, this should be more scratch resistant.

What do you think? Comment!!

END OF POST

Possible Threat to the iPhone? - HTC Touch HD

Though with still no official press release on HTC's part, someone was able to find a page on HTC's official site showing off the new HTC Touch HD in all its glory. Specs were also shown which include a 3.8-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera, and 3.5mm audio jack. I have the iPhone and its gorgeous display is only 480 x 320, I cant image what 800 x 480 will look like! dayum! The phone also only measures 12mm thick & is essentially the same size as the iPhone 3G.

Other features include Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR and a microSD slot. On the software side there's TouchFLO 3D on top of Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro. There's also a front-facing VGA camera for video calls, 512MB of ROM and 288MB of RAM. HTC expects the 1350 mAh battery to score you 390 minutes of 3G talk and 450 ours of 3G standby, with 120 minute video calls just for kicks. Still no word on availability and pricing, though its rumored that it will be released in time for Santa.

What I failed to find out was whether this phone makes use of multi-tap technology for its touchscreen, other than that, this phone is shaping up to be a sweet one! A lot of touchscreens nowadays still make use of a stylus & none with the capacity to compete with the ease of using the iPhone's screen and tapping capabilities. Maybe the HTC Touch HD can change that.

You guys share my sentiment on this phone? Will this one be the one to truly compete with the iPhone? Comment Comment!

Apple iPhone 2.2.1 Update Available Now!

For all you proud iPhone & iPhone 3G owners out there, VANTAGE would like to inform you guys that Apple has just released their 2.2.1 update. This update is suppose to fix the minor bugs in Safari, Mail, and Camera.

This update is said to apply to iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod Touch. It doesn't seem like this update will be installing new features, but stay tuned cuz I will personally be installing the update myself today! The update is 245.7 MB.

For all you nast jailbreakers, it is recommended that you guys hold off on your jailbreaking until it is confirmed that 2.2.1 can be jailbroken. The same thing goes for all you unlockers!

What do you think? Comment!

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iPhone 3G finally comin to rock the PI!

Love it or hate it, I'm sure everyone knows about the iPhone, so introductions arent necessary here. Whats important is that the coveted Jesus Phone is finally arriving in the Philippines via Globe Telecom this August 22nd! Reservations are already open for both 8gb & 16gb variants, as well as pricing plans which u can check out at Globe's website.

If the mandatory 2-year post-paid lock in with Globe doesn't bother you, prices for the iPhone itself can range from P34,500 to it being FREE! But thats no doubt, a huge difference from the much cheaper prices in the States. If u decide to go the pre-paid route, the iPhone can reach a staggering P48,899!

The question remains, is it worth it for a 3G phone that, i think, cant fully utilize all its features such as in the States? Is it worth upgrading if you already have the 1st gen iPhone? I say, if you already have an iPhone, stick to it, unless the P20-40k price tag is chump change for ya and you really want that plastic back case.

BUT...

What do u guys think? comment comment...

New iPods Announced!

Yup yup, for the millions of Apple followers, you knew it was comin... the announcement of the new iPod Nano, iPod Touch and Shuffle! Though bad news to those who were hoping for the rumored price cut (supposedly pricing the Touch lower than the iPhone 3G), no price cut here.

The screen and the dimensions of the iPod Touch remain the same with just the outer casing receiving a little face-lift. It has taken queues from the iPhone with its rounded back and chrome bezzle. Sizes remain the same with 16gb and 32gb variants. Some additions that I find very useful over the 1st Gen are the newly placed volume controls on the side and a new, nice sounding speaker. For 1st Gen owners, like me, I wouldnt panic too much as I dont think these minor updates are worth shelling out another $240-$400 for, but if you're mad at money, then its cool to have.

This Nano makes it the 4G, or 4th generation of its kind. Instead of its usual look, Apple put emphasis on a wider screen and gave it much more vibrant and playful colors. It also shed it typical square shaped casing for a more "oblong" shape, giving it tapered ends like that of the iPhone 3G. The OS is also seen to have changed as well as flash disk size, going up to 8gb & 16gb variants. Ill take one in silver please!

You guys gonna jump the gun? What do you guys think of the new iPod lineup? Comment Comment!

*for anyone really interested in getting these, send me an email and I might be able to help you one!

Friendly Reminder: iPhone 3G officially out today!

Just a reminder to those who have been waiting for the iPhone 3G to come out locally via Globe... its out already! You can go to your nearest Globe Outlet and grab one or give them a call to reserve a unit.

I hear there are still a lot of remaining stocks, so no need to worry about running out!

Blackberry Storm: iPhone Killer?

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

Blackberry is gearing up to release their first touchscreen handset, "The Blackberry Storm."  Many sites have tossed the term, "iPhone Killer" around so I wonder, will it live up to its hype? Well let's talk about this phone for a bit so you can decide.

The "Blackberry Storm" will come with a 3.25 inch-display with a resolution of 360 x 480 pixels (slightly better than the iPhone), quad-band GSM support, Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, and a 3 megapixel camera which has video capabilities, plus a fluid interface ready to take on the iPhone head on.

A recent powerpoint presentation has leaked on the internet which further goes into details about this handset. It seems that it will feature a copy-paste functionality, and will feature the "Berry Store." An application store similar to that of the iPhone's.

All this probably sounds good to you guys huh? Well, I gotta admit, it does. BUT, I'll save my judgements til an actual hands-on experience. Why? Because sites like Gizmodo have already gotten their hands on a unit and have cited some complaints. One annoyance they have cited is that while typing, the letters are highlited blue instead of enlarging it. This may pose as a proble for people with fairly large fingers. 

Here is Blackberry Storm's Launch Video:

So what do you guys think? Are you guys convinced that this is the phone to take down the iPhone? Personally, I'm not convinced. I need to see more. While it does have features that the iPhone lacks, I wonder about its OS. Anyways, this phone is sold exclusively at Verizon in the U.S., but I'm sure we Filipinos will find a way to have it sent our way!

iPhone Killer Or No? Comment!!

"True Story"

Invisible Shield

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

In light of the recent release of the iPhone 3g here in Manila, I've decided to inform you guys about this protective film called, "Invisible Shield" by ZAGG. The shield is made by a unique material originally designed for the military to protect the leading edge of helicopter blades. This offers protection like no other films can offer. With over 2,500 copyrighted designs, you can protect a variety of gadgests such as mp3 players, phones, and even your PS3's.

I don't know about you guys, but I've already gotten mine for my 3g. Since the iPhone has decided to go plastic, it's definitely more prone to scratches and other kinds of damages. And yes, your iPhone can get scratched even when it's just in your pockets. I suggest you guys go out and look for the "Invisible Shield" if you wanna protect your devices. Just check out the video below!

Invisible Shield Demo:

For more info: ZAGG Official Website

Also check: Sulit.com

"True Story"

Apple iPhone 3G Kill Switch

"This Is So Going In My Blog"

Any of u guys have iPhones? Have any of u ever experience any problems with your phones due to applications? Me and a few friends of mine have certainly had out fair share of these problems. Hehehe. Ad trust me, it's a scary thing when ur iPhone stars acting up. I froze the first time it happened! Luckily, Apple is releasing a new feature to help prevent this from happening.

Apple CEO, Steve Jobs has just recently announced that while the new iPhone will be loaded with cool new features, it also comes with a feature that can help protect the phone from being harmed by 3rd party applications. Apple has called this feature, "The Kill Switch."

"The Kill Switch" is there just in case Apple inadvertently allows a malicious 3rd party app! This feature sounds really cool to me! Ive been worrying about harmful application from the first day I got my iPhone! Apple is trying to preotect its customers from harmful apps such as apps that steal a user's personal data.

Jobs was quoted saying, "Hopefully we never have to pull that lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to pull."

And the switch hasn't been used yet. Phew!!

What do you guys think? COMMENT!!

"True Story"

iPhone Finally Getting Its Flash On

According to our sources, Adobe's Shantanu Narayen is finally developing flash for the iPhone. It has been in development since June 2008, and is a customized solution for the iPhone.

According to Apple, regular flash is just too heavy, and would use up the battery life too quickly for an iPhone, and that flash lite is just not good enough. Hahaha! So, Steve Jobs has been able to close a deal with Adobe to produce a solution for this problem. Narayan was quoted saying, "the ball is in our court. The onus is on us to deliver." It is believed that this solution depends a lot more on Adobe's engineering team than that of Apple's.

Back in 08, Adobe had actually stated that a solution could be produced "very soon" if Apple had approved of it. Obviously, Apple didn't make the right decision and rejected the proposal. Tsk tsk. But then again, Adobe could've just dropped the project themselves. Who knows!!

I absolutely think that it is about time!!! I seriously did not understand why Apple chose not to release their 3g with a flash!! I mean cmon, most standard phones nowadays come with flash!! But hey, I'm glad that Steve Jobs has finally come to his senses and has decided to listen to his consumers!!

What do you think? Comment!!

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HTC Touch HD reviews

I've always told people that if I didn't have my iPhone or if the iPhone never came out, the HTC Touch HD would be my phone of choice. It would be the phone I'd be carrying in my pocket right now. With its gorgeous, large and in charge, screen along with its slew of other impressive features, its a no brainer for a techie like myself.

Reviews are calling this "HTC's best Windows Mobile phone yet," along with other great praises in lines with features and battery life (which is very important for a lot of people). Of course, it still has its drawbacks, such as it running on the Windows OS, its size and it's lack of US 3G bands. But honestly, who really cares about 3G here in the PI?! Anyways, give the links a click for more in depth reviews!

CNet
Phone Arena
Slash Gear
Pocket Now

iPhone Night Camera App....A MUST HAVE!!

When Apple released their 3g, the first thing I immediately disliked about it was their failure to improve the camera capabilities. There was no video, there was no flash, the megapixels remained at 2 while other phones were releasing at 5 and son on and so forth. Who's with me?? Raise your hands!!

But luckily, Apple had added the "App Store" so that one day we may be able to download an app that will allow us to better use the camera on the iPhone. Well that day has come ladies and gents. A new app called Night Camera which will allow us to clearly take shots at night has just been released! Now I know what you're thinking, with night shots you need to have a steady hand, otherwise it'll just come out a blur! But this is the part where I explain the "A MUST HAVE" on the title!

This app uses what they call an accelerometer. Now there's a lot of nerd lingo I can use to explain this term, but I'll give it to you guys at point blank. This basically detects motion, and snaps the photo when it senses that you are holding it steadily! Ain't that great? Just look at the pic above to see how clear it comes out. And the best thing about this app is that it's only a buck......for a limited time of course! So if you're the proud owner of a 3g, log on to the app store and get it! I'll be getting it after I write this post.....which is now!

What do you think? Comment!

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The Top 10 Most eBayed Gadgets Of 2008

This list has no reference to worldwide sales whatsoever.

But according to eBay, the Nintendo Wii was the most purchased product this year.

No surprise there. Nintendo really hit it off with this console. Their sales were definitely through the roof with this one.

Here's the full list:

1. Nintendo Wii: 2,056,866 related items sold
2. Microsoft Xbox360: 1,297,903 related items sold
3. Sony PSP: 350,591 related items sold
4. iPod Touch: 281,361 related items sold
5. Nintendo Wii Fit: 266,584 related items sold
6. Apple iPhone 3G: 212,837 related items sold
7. BlackBerry Pearl: 207,688 related items sold
8. BlackBerry Curve: 193,788 related items sold
9. Sony Playstation 3: 103,333 related items sold
10. Guitar Hero III: 98,159 related items sold

If you look at the list carefully, I think you guys would agree with me when I say that everyone seems to be enjoying their fair share of video games!! Guys guys, I think gaming is lots of fun, but I'd suggest a few hours of exercise too! Don't want all the gamers in the world to be overweight right? K, hope the post was interesting, I'll post again soon! I'm off to playing my PS3! I'm out!

For those who want to view further down the list, visit CrunchGear!

What do you think? Comment!

END OF POST

T3's iPhone Nano.....

T3 had recently commissioned a team of writers/designers to come up with some concepts of some of the future products that are just around the corner. This covered everything from shoes to television sets. The iPhone Nano was also one of the products that they worked on.

This concept would supposedly come with EDGE (No 3G), 16gb of flash memory, a 5MP camera, A2DP, and a nice aluminum case.

I totally love T3's idea on this phone. My personal favorite has got to be the aluminum case. Yeah, I know it would certainly add to the weight, but I fell like it gives the phone a more elegant look.

Who of you would like to see this iPhone Nano in production? Comment!

See more pics HERE.

END OF POST

Nokia N97

Is Nokia finally going to take the full jump into our soon-to-be touch screen world of mobile phones? The 5800 was their first effort (which was already released in some countries), but got mediocre reviews, but this one looks promising (but actually, so did the 5800 haha!).


The N97 was just announced in Spain a few days ago during the Nokia World '08 event. This feature-rich handset is dubbed by some as the “Facebook Phone” mainly because this device is geared towards users who are into social networking and multimedia. Based on the specs though, this “handheld computer” device can also cater to the power/business user. But then again, here in the PI, who really cares about what the phone is originally or supposedly for?! Its all about what it can do, how it looks and what it says about the user. And this one looks great, its a high-end phone (for sure!) so not everyone is going to be able to buy it... horray for us!

Here are some of the more common specs...

• 3.5″, 640 x 360 resistive touch screen
• QWERTY keyboard
• Tri-band HSDPA 3G
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• A-GPS and Stand-alone GPS for directions and geo-tagging
• 32GB Built-In Memory
• microSD expansion support for ADDITIONAL 16GB
• 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics
• Flash Lite 3.0 support and Flash Video in web browser
• Music player up to 36 hours playback time
• Share and Ovi services support

For the complete phone specs, check out GSMarena.

Check out some video demos of the N97 here & here!

Verdict? Well, it really does look promising, especially for those who loved any of the previous communicator phones by Nokia. Its packed with features, looks-wise, is a definite head turner and for certain, a phone that confirms you're social stature. Though for me its still iPhone: 1 and all other phones: 0!