Apple Releases iPhone OS 3.1 for iPhone & iPod Touch

At yesterday’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll” event not only did we get new iPods, but Apple also made available the new iPhone OS 3.1 for download.  The full list of features is here, however here’s a brief overview of what goodies you’ll find:

• Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos
• iTunes U content organization
• Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
• Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
• Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll
• Option to “Save as new clip” when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
• Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on
• Remotely lock iPhone with a passcode via MobileMe
• Use Voice Control on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets
• Paste phone numbers into the keypad
• Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS
• Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing)
• Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling
• Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly

As usual, iPhone OS 3.1 is free for iPhone users but will cost iPod Touch owners $4.95 (unless they already have OS 3.0, in which case it’s free for them too).

Source: MacRumors.

iPhone and iPod Touch Jailbreak Explained

If you’re not familiar with the term ‘jailbreak’ as it relates to your iPhone or iPod Touch, then this post is for you. If you’re an old pro at the practice, then you can probably skip this one.

You’ve probably heard the term before: “jailbroken iPhone” or seen people discussing it in other forums. However, if you don’t know what it is but you do own either an iPhone or iPod Touch then you should at least familiarize youself with what it is or does. This post will not show you how to do it, rather my intentions here are to educate people about it and the ins and outs of jailbreaking.

The iPhone and iPod Touch are closed platforms, meaning they are not open for you to do whatever you want with them. When you activated your device, you agreed to abide by Apple’s rules, by only using your device in a manner that is approved by it’s manufacturer. In short, jailbreaking your device is the antithesis of this agreement, breaking it out of Apple’s “jail.”

Apple continues to make news with their App Store as they approve some pretty crazy apps while denying others into the app store. In fact, recently all Google Voice apps were pulled from the app store even after they had been allowed for multiple months. The whole purpose behind the jailbreak movement is to free your device from Apples tight, controlling grip and allow you to do things with it that are not approved or sanctioned by Apple. One classic example of this is installing apps that are not part of the Apple App Store. Another very common practice for jailbreaking is the process of unlocking your iPhone to use it on another carrier. In order to perform the unlock, the device must first be jailbroken.

There are various groups of hackers out there that pride themselves in continuing to defeat Apple’s efforts to thwart the jailbreaking and unlocking communities. After all, Apple has a vested interest in keeping the device closed and operating solely within their guidelines. Some of these interests would include the revenue from apps that would only be distributed on the App Store but also the ability to ensure that apps that you are installed have at least passed Apple’s sniff test for quality. They also want to make sure that the iPhone, which is locked to AT&T here in the U.S. stays on the AT&T network, since they would likely earn more money from the AT&T exclusivity agreement. There are also countless other reasons why Apple would want the devices closed, but I wont get into any further reasons on this post since this is more of an introduction to Jailbreaking.

Jailbreaking is in no way supported by, endorsed by or even sanctioned by Apple. In fact, when you activated your device you agreed to the End User License Agreement and in that agreement, you agreed not to modify the device or software installed on it. You also agreed that in the event that you do decide to modify either that your warranty is null and void at that moment. The reason for this is that Apple doesn’t want to be responsible for you messing up your device through unauthorized modifications. So if your jailbreak or unlock “bricks” your device it’s you who’s responsible, not Apple. You can’t come crying to them for a warranty replacement.

The other significant drawback to jailbreaking your device is software upgrades. Apple releases frequent iPhone and iPod Touch software upgrades. In nearly every software upgrade thus far, Apple has taken steps to close the hole in which the jailbreaking community gains access to the device. So, whenever there’s a new firmware update, you’re device will be set back to Apple’s closed platform and you’ll have to wait until the hackers out there release a new version of the jailbreak. This can be somewhat overcome if you wait to upgrade your device until the new jailbreak is released. However, the cat and mouse game can be tiresome and tedious to follow and keep up with.

We should also remember that jailbreaking and upgrading are not bullet proof. Shortly after the release of the original iPhone in 2007 the jailbreaking and unlocking community were having a field day with the iPhone. Unlocked iPhones were being sold on eBay at significantly higher prices to markets around the world that did not yet have the device. In Octover of 2007 Apple released a firmware update and with it, a stern warning to unlockers that their precious iPhones would become inoperable if the update was applied to an unlocked device. As you can well imagine, many people’s iPhone’s were turned into “i-bricks” by the update. Apple later relented and released another update that reversed the bricking and restored the phone to a locked status, but this is clear evidence that playing in the jailbreak world can be risky.

The pros of jailbreaking are pretty enticing. One of the Google Voice apps that was recently pulled from Apple’s App Store showed up on Cydia (the app installer used to install apps on jailbroken iPhones and iPods) today, just a day after Apple pulled it from their App Store it showed up on the “underground” app store. Also via Cydia can you get true, run in the background applications - a feature that Apple has thus far refused to open to “legit” developers. Jailbreak developers are not bound by Apple’s terms, hence you can find some pretty decent apps in the “grey” market.

A word of caution. If you are contemplating jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch then we would caution you in doing so. While the jailbreaking community has tried to make the process easy and seamless it is not without it’s risks and problems. If you are not technically savvy then we’d recommend you just stay away altogether. However, if the warnings of jailbreaking don’t have you scared away then Google is your friend in finding more information.

Note: Here at AppChatter.com we do not support nor endorse the practice of Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch (none of our devices are or have been jailbroken) and issue this warning: Jailbreak at your own risk! If you render your device inoperable it is your responsibility and nobody else’s.

How To: Easily Remove (some) Apple App Icons

I see and hear complaints all the time of people wanting to remove pre-installed applications from Apple off of their iPhone or iPod Touch.  Everybody knows by now that to remove an app installed from the App Store simply touch and hold the app icon until all the icons jiggle.  Once the icons start to jiggle the non-Apple apps will have a black “X” badge in the corner of them.  Touch there to remove that app from your device.  But what if you want an Apple app removed?  There is no black “X” badge that appears for Apple apps, so that doesn’t work.

With the introduction of iPhone OS 3.0 Apple added Parental Controls called “Restrictions.”  Using the Restrictions function you can block access to all sorts of content on the device - including a few applications.  While not a surefire way to remove all of the Apple icons from the springboard, you can use Restrictions to block access (ie: remove) to a few of the Apple installed applications such as Safari, YouTube, Camera, iTunes and App Store.  You’re still stuck with the other Apple apps such as Notes, Calendar, Weather, Stocks, Mail, etc.  But for these few applications turning them off and hiding their icons is easy.

To use Restrictions to hide the icons of these apps you must first enable it in the Settings app. Navigate to Settings, select Restrictions,  enable Restrictions, and enter a passcode.  Now you can easily turn off the apps that you don’t want showing up anymore.  That’s it! You’re done!  If you need help on how to enable Restrictions via step by step then see our earlier post: Tour of Parental Controls.

A Tour of Push Notifications Using Textfree Unlimited

The day has finally come that push notifications are available for iPhone and iPod Touch with the new firmware 3.0 update.  This capability is one that many iPhone/iPod Touch users have been anticipating for some time now.  It will enhance the usefulness and function of many apps.  One app in particular caught my interest.  So, I took a look at exactly how Textfree Unlimited will work with this new function.

The addition of push notifications to Textfree Unlimited allows you to receive a notification when you receive a text using the app.  When you open up your Textfree app, it will ask you if you want to allow push notifications (the most recent update is required).  If you tap “OK,” they should be enabled. Now, when someone texts you to your textfree.us account you will receive a notification.  This is regardless if the app is running or not or if your device is locked or not.  It works much like getting a text message on an iPhone.

The notifications come in three different ways, the alerts or pop-up windows, sounds, and badges seen as a number in the upper corner of the app icon on your screen.  In the Settings app on your device you can choose to turn any one of these on or off at any time.

I tested this app sending and receiving texts first with my iPod Touch on when the app was closed.  Next, I tried locking my iPod.  The push notifications still came through (very cool). [Update: Push notifications on an iPod Touch will only work when the iPod is locked if it is connected to a power source (either your PC or charger), it will not work otherwise.  Thanks to Brick for the comment.] With the new addition of push notifications, the need to pay for the ability to text is near zero.  The only limit now is the range of your Wi-Fi network.

Testing push notifications on an iPhone was near identical to the iPod Touch tests but with two exceptions: no need to be connected via WiFi (obviously) AND push notifications work whether the iPhone is locked or not.

If you’re looking for an alternative to text messaging that AT&T’s plans, or you have an iPod Touch, the introduction of push notifications makes Textfree a whoooole lot better.

Textfree Unlimited is $5.99 in the iTunes App Store.

Textfree Unlimited is not the only app to take advantage of this new capability, though.  Other apps that make use of push notifications include AreMySitesUp (Free), Tap Tap Revenge (Free), Star Defense ($5.99), Pollen (Push) (Free), Weather Alert ($0.99), AP Mobile (Free), Leaf Trombone ($0.99), E*Trade Mobile Pro (Free), and Hey Where Are You (Free).  Many more apps are coming that will support this functionality, keep checking back for more updates.

For more OS 3.0 information check out: iPhone OS 3.0 is here. Where to Start and Changes to check out

iPhone OS 3.0 is here. Where to Start and Changes to check out

Apple released iPhone OS 3.0 for iPhone today, creating lost work productivity accross the globe as untold numbers of fanbois eagerly update their iPhones and iPod Touches.  The update brings many new enhancements to all generations of iPhones and iPod Touches and we’ll start breaking these down over the next day.  However, there’s been no shortage of information about OS 3.0 since it was seeded to app developers some months ago.

So where do you start, you ask?  Well, here’s just a few of the much desired enhancements that iPhone OS 3.0 brings and how to use them:

1. Spotlight searches.  Similarly to Spotlight on you Mac computer the new iPhone OS features search across all of the apps on your iPhone.  What’s also very nice is that it’s FAST, just like what you’re used to with Spotlight on your main computer.  To try it out, unlock your device.  Press the home button to make sure you’re at the home screen, now you will notice that there is another “dot” (ok, spotlight) left of the left-most screen indicator.  This is the Spotlight screen.  Just swipe right (move the screen left) and voila! Start your searches.  Touching a result will launch that application and open what you selected.  Very nice.

2. Voice Memos.  iPhone OS 3.0 introduces and new application: Voice Memos.  Apple’s impementation of Voice Memos is clean and concise and works great.  After launching the app you have a record button and VU meter.  Press record -> speak -> press stop and you’re done.  Listenning to voice memos is easy, just select the menu button on the right and you’ll get a listing of all of your voice memos. Touch one to listen to it.

3. Landscape Keyboards.  Finally!  All of the Apple applications now support landscape keyboards for easier typing.  This includes Notes, Mail App, and Messages App.  This has been one of those frustrating omissions for the past two years and we are happy to see it finally arrive. To try it out, just launch any of these apps and tilt your device into landscape mode (that was probably obvious, but ah-well!).

4. Notes Syncing. Yep, no more worries about losing those notes, you can now sync them with Mail.app using iTunes on your desktop.  Nice.

5. Cut, Copy & Paste.  Yes, I’m sure you were as giddy as a little school girl knowing that today would bring Cut, Copy and Paste to your beloved device.  So now that you have it, try it out!  Copy/Paste is easy to use and works across all applications.  Just touch in the text area, get the magnify and then lift your finger (or double-tap the text area).  The cut/copy markers and buttons will appear.  Drag the two ends to include the text you want then touch one of the actions.  Now head on over to another application, repeat above steps but now touch paste.  Done. Easy. Beautiful. Sigh.

6. Push Notifications. Ah, the famous push notifications have arrived.  If you don’t know what these are then let me explain quickly: push notifications is Apples answer to background running applications.  Since Apple does not permit apps to run in the background (ie: chat apps that would check for chats) they have come up with this system to appease developers.  How it works is that if you have an app installed that uses push notification, the app developer can “push” content or messages to your device and you will be notified, regardless if the app is open or not.  Eg: AP news app can push you breaking news headlines.

7. YouTube enahancements.  Even YouTube saw some enhancement love today.  The new YouTube app allows you to sign in to your YouTube account where you can view our uploaded videos, subscriptions, favorites, history, playlists, most recent, and top rated vids.

8. iTunes and App Store.  iTunes and App Store now have more purchasing options, such as movies, TV shows and the capability to redeem codes via your device.

9. Others.  A few other enhancements worth mentioning are: Stereo Bluetooth, Internet Tethering (not yet for AT&T), MMS messaging (note yet for AT&T), shake to shuffle and oh so much more.

Since the new OS includes over 100 enhancements and changes we can’t possibly list them all, but as you find more of them - share the knowledge and please let us know in the comments.

Apple Announces New iPhone 3GS, iPhone OS 3.0

AppChatter.com is not a rumor site by any means, and so for the past several months we’ve had to sit back and bite our tongue as every other Apple oriented blog out there took it upon themselves to report every single rumor possible about the upcoming iPhone.  Well, today was reconciliation day for all as Apple laid out the new iPhone firmware and of course, the new iPhone 3G S.

Here’s what we know about the new iPhone 3G S, pulling from TUAW.com and CrunchGear.com:

• Two new iPhone models: 16GB iPhone 3G S ($199) and 32GB iPhone 3G S ($299)
• In addition to the two new iPhone models Apple will continue to sell the original iPhone 3G 8GB for $99.00
• Some are reporting that the “S” designation on the new iPhones is for “Speed.”
• New iPhones will be available on June 19th.  That’s June 19th.
• Updated features on the 3G S iPhones include:
• Significantly improved battery life: 9 hours on wifi, 10 hours watching video, 30 hours of audio playback, 12 hours of 2G talk time, and 5 hours of 3G talk time.
• Support for Nike+
• Built in digital compass.
• Voice control and voice dialing.
• Control iTunes via voice commands.
• Voice commands float around in the background on the screen.
• New camera with 3.2MP, auto focus, auto exposure, auto white balance.
• Tap on the screen to focus on that part of the picture.
• Improved low light sensitivity.
• Macro capability.
• Captures video (woot!).
• Video at 30 frames per second in VGA resolution, also auto-light and auto-focus.
• iPhone 3G S is roughly 2X faster overall from iPhone 3G.

Along with the new iPhone 3G S comes a new software update for all iPhone ownsers.  We previously reported about the new firmware when it was seeded to iPhone developers and now here is the final word on it:

• New iPhone OS 3.0 firmware will be available world wide on June 17th.
• Copy/Paste and Undo supported across all apps.
• MMS is now available (ATT will not support MMS until later this summer).
• Spotlight is being added to iPhone OS 3.0.
• Rent and purchase movies right on the iPhone.
• Improved parental controls.
• Data tethering via USB or Bluetooth for both MAC or PC (only 22 carriers in 42 countries, no word on ATT).
• OS 3.0 is much, much faster in many regards, including 2x faster for JavaScript.
• Autofill usernames/passwords in Safari.
• New feature: “Find my iPhone” available only to MobileMe subscribers.
• A new remote wipe command that you can remotely wipe the contents off the iPhone.
• Send a message from land line or online to trigger remote wipe.
• App subscription support.
• Push notifications for developers.
• Much more.
• iPhone OS 3.0 is free for all current iPhone users (2G and 3G) and is $9.95 for iPod Touch owners.

So to sum it up: new iPhone OS 3.0 is available on June 17th and the new iPhone 3G S will be available on June 19th.  Mark your calendars and schedule your vacation days (as I turn to my “other” job to do just that).  We’ll be bringing you the iPhone 3G S full pics and coverage on the 19th once we’ve been down to the Apple store to get one.  Stay tuned!

iPhone OS 3.0 has copy/paste and 100 more enhancements

As many of you may know, Apple had their iPhone OS 3.0 live event today in Cupertino, California. The event, hosted at Apple, was to give everyone a view into the upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 and the many new features and enhancements to the platform. So, without further delay, this is what I got as some long awaited features due to hit iPhones everywhere this summer:

• Major API enhancements and additions for app developers (over 1000).
• App subscriptions and in-app purchases now supported (Apple to take 30% still).
• Discovery of nearby devices via bluetooth.
• SDK dock support for proprietary apps and accessories.
• Map app enhancements for in-app maps via the APIs.
• CoreLocation to support turn by turn navigation, developers must supply their own maps.
• Push notification - Can push badges, text and sounds. Major infrastructure changes to support it.
• Cut, Copy & Paste supported across all applications. Minimal effort to implement for developers.
• All Apple apps to receive landscape mode keyboards.
• A whole new messages app (texts) to support MMS and more.
• A whole new voice memos app.
• Updates to Calendar app to include syncing with Google, Yahoo! and others.
• Spotlight search to search across all apps and launch the appropriate app.
• Stereo bluetooth support (A2DP) for wireless stereo headphones, etc.
• Many more enhancements.

This is definitely the largest and most complete update that the iPhone has ever seen.  Nearly every single gripe that anyone has had with the device will be overcome with this new update.  I’m also very happy to see that every one of the items on my wish list have been met - thank you very much!

The update will be available this summer to all 3G iPhone owners. 2G iPhone owners can also use it but with missing features and iPod Touch owners will have to caugh up $9.95 to run it on their devices.  However, judging by the laundry list of enhancements every device owner will benefit from an upgrade to 3.0.

For further/more detailed information visit: TechCrunch.com, Gizmodo.com, and ArsTechnica.com.

iPhone Carrier Update… update.

If you’re like me and plugged your iPhone into your computer today you likely notice a prompt from iTunes to update your phone’s carrier information. MobileCrunch.com has the details of the udpate, which appears to be nothing more than a couple of images for AT&T’s new MicroCell service for residences. So no worries, update away.

Apple releases iPhone and iPod Touch Firmware 2.2.1

For iPhone OS 3.0 information see:

iPhone OS 3.0 is here. Where to start and changes to check out.
Apple Announces iPhone 3G S and iPhone OS 3.0

==

Today Apple released a minor firmware update for both the iPhone and iPod Touch.  This update brings the version to 2.2.1 and appears to only fix a few minor issues within Safari and the Photo app:

iPhone 2.2.1 Software Update

This update contains bug fixes and improvements, including the following:
- Improved general stability of Safari
- Fixed issue where some images saved from Mail do not display correctly in the Camera Roll

Products compatible with this software update:
- iPhone
- iPhone 3G

If you know of any other improvements or enhancements found in the 2.2.1 firmware version please leave us a comment..