• Secure mount which docks the iPhone in the desired position on the car windshield or dashboard, using a twist-and-lock motion
• Adjustable mount securely rotates iPhone to either portrait or landscape mode
• Easily removed with one twist upon arrival at a destination
• Built-in GPS receiver reduces the chance of signal drop in areas where GPS reception is limited, such as cities with tall buildings or forested areas
• Significantly improved positioning accuracy in all areas
• Built-in speaker for clear voice instructions
• Integrated microphone and speaker allowing hands-free calling
• Charges iPhone while on the go, so it stays fully charged
• Plays your iPhone music through the AUX OUT port over your car stereo

The TomTom car kit for iPhone is available now for $119.95. Keep in mind you’ll still need to buy the TomTom application for the iPhone.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: TomTom, TomTom car kit for iPhone

• Secure docking using the EasyPort mount
• Built-in GPS receiver enhances the GPS signal especially in areas where GPS reception is limited
• Built-in speaker and volume control
• Hands-free calling via built-in microphone
• Charges iPhone while driving
• Rotates for optimal viewing
• Line out port to connect to car audio system
• Compatible with iPhone 3G and 3GS

If you’re living in Europe, you can purchase the TomTom car kit for the iPhone at the TomTom website or at the Apple online store for $99,99 euro. The car kit will be available in the U.S. in the near future. Note – the car kit does NOT come with the TomTom app – you’ll still need to purchase the app for the iPhone.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: TomTom, TomTom car kit for iPhone

In an interesting change of heart that was no doubt spurred on by a recent FCC inquiry, AT&T announced today it has “taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s 3G wireless network.” VoIP applications (such as Skype) were previously allowed to run only over a Wi-Fi network and not over AT&T’s 3G wireless network. With today’s announcement, VoIP applications can now run on both the Wi-Fi network as well as AT&T’s wireless data network.

According to Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: AT&T Wireless, Apple iPhone, VoIP

Elgato EyeTV users will be happy to hear that the company has released an EyeTV app for the Apple iPhone/iPod touch allowing users to watch live TV or recorded TV directly on their devices as well as browse the detailed program guide. Other features include:

• The ability to connect to any Mac running the latest EyeTV version (3.2)
• Automatically finds Macs on a network via Bonjour
• Remote access Macs running EyeTV using a free locator utility called “My EyeTV” also being introduced as part of EyeTV 3.2
• Support for Apple’s new HTTP streaming technology introduced with iPhone OS 3.0. Relies on Apple’s specs for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. Also uses iPhone’s hardware acceleration for playback
• Once connected to a Mac, plays live TV, change channels, watch EyeTV recordings, browse the Program Guide, and start/schedule recordings
• Requires Wi-Fi connection (sorry no 3G support here)

EyeTV is available for a price of $4.99 at the iTunes Store. EyeTV 3.2 is a free update for EyeTV 3 users. Now if someone would only release a Windows Media Center compatible app for the iPhone…

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Elgato EyeTV, iPhone Application

If you’ve been longing for a physical keyboard on the iPhone, then you’re in luck. Toronto-based Mobile Mechatroncis has introduced the first attachable keyboard for the iPhone called the “iTwinge”.

Originally designed as a training device for the iPhone’s virtual keyboard, the iTwinge became so popular that no one wanted to go back to the virtual keyboard. Who can really blame them? There’s nothing like a physical tactile keyboard!

The iTwinge comes in a sleeve-like form factor which you slide onto the bottom of the iPhone, turn-on, and then start typing.

The company is now accepting pre-orders on the website for $34.99 (which includes $5.00 dollars for shipping and handling so it’s really $29.99) with shipments expected to begin on November 19th.

[Check it out via NY Times]

Technorati Tags: iTwinge, iPhone keyboard, Mobile Mechatronics

Are you worried about the low levels of radiation being emitted by your iPhone’s antenna? If so, then you’ll want to check out Pong Research’s newest product, the Pong iPhone Case, which reduces the amount of radiation a user is exposed to.

According to Pong Research, the Pong iPhone Case is the first product proven by FCC-certified labs to reduce cell phone radiation. The case supposedly reduces the “specific absorption rate (SAR)” by 60% and reduces “intense hotspot cell phone radiation” by 85%.

How does the case work? Here’s what Pong had to say in their press release:

“The Pong case merges high science and breakthrough technology with contemporary industrial design. Its patented technology module employs principles of antenna theory and physics to channel the emitted radiation into a ‘chimney effect,’ pulling the radiation up and away from the phone. Full signal strength is maintained, so that the phone’s function and battery life are not compromised.”

The Pong iPhone Case is available now at www.pongresearch.com for a price of $59.95. A case for the BlackBerry will be available later this year.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Pong iPhone Case

The new Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system is the latest iPod one-piece speaker system to come from Bose – joining the ranks of the SoundDock Series II and the SoundDock Portable system. Features of the SoundDock 10 include:

• Incorporates the latest version of Bose’s proprietary waveguide technology – developed specifically for the SoundDock 10
• New waveguide reduced from 75 inches to 52 inches without compromising audio performance
• Newly designed Bose woofer which delivers four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer
• Two proprietary Bose Twiddler transducers optimally positioned in front of the system to complete full range of music reproduction
• Proprietary digital signal processing algorithms improves sound reproduction
• Internal switching power supply eliminates the need for external transformer
• Proprietary vibration isolation structure used to maintain iPod and iPhone performance
• Made for iPod and Works with iPhone certified
• Compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod touch and iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone
• Optional Bluetooth dock allows you to stream music wirelessly from a stereo Bluetooth music phone. New docks will be made available to support new devices over time
• Auxiliary input
• Video output
• Infrared remote control
• Measures 9 x 17 x 10 inches

The Bose SoundDock 10 is available from Bose for a suggested price of $599. The optional Bluetooth interchangeable dock is available for $149. Both products will be available starting on September 21st.

Technorati Tags: Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System

iPhone owners who are also fans of TomTom GPS navigation products will be thrilled to hear that the TomTom App for the iPhone is now available for purchase via the Apple App Store for $99.99 (though you might not be thrilled with the price point). The TomTom App for the iPhone provides the same easy to use, intuitive user interface found on today’s TomTom Personal GPS devices – except they’re now available on the iPhone instead.

The TomTom app is available for both the iPhone 3G and 3GS and includes a map of the US and Canada via Tele Atlas. Features of the app include:

• IQ Routes technology which bases route calculations on actual experiences of millions of TomTom drivers to calculate the fastest route
• Fast route planning and clear voice instructions
• Automatic re-routing if a turn is missed
• Route demo or map of route when trip planning
• Alternative route options if avoiding roadblocks, toll ways or looking for high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes along route
• 6 million POI
• Optimized for iPhone
• Multiple display options including portrait and landscape mode
• Night and day color mode
• Support for 18 languages
• 3D or 3D map display
• Support for multi-touch gestures
• Navigation to contacts in the address book
• POI search and call capabilities from iPhone

TomTom claims to expect compatibility with the iPod touch and other iPhone models (I assume the 1st gen iPhone??) to come soon.

Below is the WWDC presentation of the TomTom App

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: TomTom, TomTom App for iPhone

Here’s an interesting tidbit courtesy of the folks at the Boy Genius Report. Apparently Rogers in Canada is in the process of shipping 8GB iPhone 3GS models to their stores. Although this has yet to be confirmed, it makes you wonder whether these 8GB units are meant to replace the older 8GB iPhone 3G units that went on sale when the 3GS was announced. Could these supposed 8GB iPhone 3GS units make their way to the U.S. market anytime soon? If so – would they be sold for $99 dollars also? Interesting thought eh?

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple iPhone 3GS 8GB Rogers Canada

Speck expands their CandyShell iPhone 3G/3GS case lineup with the introduction of five new two-tone color combos. The new style (known as “Ombre”) is available in the following colors: BubbleMaker Pink, BatWing Black, AquaBerry Blue, WaxStick White, and JamJar Purple.

The CandyShell case was introduced earlier this year and offers a unique combination of hard shell protection and a soft interior.

The new CandyShell cases are available at either the Apple Store or at www.speckproducts.com for a price of $34.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Speck, CandyShell case, iPhone 3G case, iPhone 3GS case

“Low- or high-temperature conditions might temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to temporarily stop working properly”

So what might trigger this message?  Here’s a couple of scenarios:

• Operating the iPhone under high heat conditions where temps can exceed 113 degrees F. (yeah..so don’t leave that iPhone inside a parked card under the windshield ok?)
• Using CPU intensive app while in direct sunlight could also cause temps to rise quickly
• And on the other extreme, try not to keep the iPhone in cold conditions. Don’t store it in a location at –4 degrees F or use it under 0 degrees F.. (so wait.. we can’t use our phones in the cold winter when we’re stuck in the middle of a snow storm? crap).

So what happens if the iPhone exceeds these temps?

• iPhone may stop charging
• Display might get dim
• May experience weak cellular signal
• and of course.. that temperature warning message will pop up

Of course, there’s no mention of white iPhones changing color because of overheating..

[Check it out via PC Magazine]

Technorati Tags: Apple iPhone temperature warning message

Are you an iPhone 3G user who’s peeved at AT&T because you’re not eligible for the upgrade pricing of the iPhone 3G S? Well AT&T has responded today.

In a general letter on their website, AT&T announced that for a limited time, any iPhone 3G customer who is upgrade eligible in July, August, or September 2009 will now get their best upgrade pricing starting on Thursday June 18th. It’s important to note that AT&T’s upgrade eligibility tools will be upgraded tomorrow (Thursday) so don’t go check on your eligibility today.

Guess I’ll check in tomorrow to see if I’m upgrade eligible after all..

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: AT&T, Apple iPhone 3G S upgrade price

We’ll save the first spot for Mr. Apple fanboy himself, David Pogue. He’s got this to say about the new 3G S:

“All of these changes make it much harder to resist the iPhone on intellectual, feature-county grounds. The new iPhone doesn’t just catch up to its rivals — it vaults a year ahead of them. At this point, the usual list of 10 rational objections to the iPhone have been whittled down to about three: no physical keyboard, no way to swap the battery yourself and no way to avoid using AT&T as your cell company.”

Next up, Engadget’s Joshua Topolsky has his review of the 3G S here. Here’s what he has to say about the handset:

“So while it’s tough to argue with the package Apple has put together (a stellar device with just enough new to make it nearly perfect), we couldn’t help feeling a bit let down by the 3G S.”

We’ll head over now to the other major gadget blog out there – that would be of course the folks at Gizmodo which had this to say about the new 3G S:

“Like I said in the Palm Pre review, I’m a bit bored of the iPhone look and feel. If you’re looking for something new, something different and something you’re not quite familiar with, there’s the Pre or the MyTouch 3G. But as a whole, the iPhone 3GS is the best all-around smartphone available. If you’re looking for a refined, augmented version of what you already know, a phone that, not for nothing, runs all the tens of thousands of apps on the App Store, choose the iPhone 3GS.”

Here’s a review of the new iPhone 3.0 OS update from the folks at Macworld (it’s not a review of the new 3G S phone):

“Overall, iPhone 3.0 offers useful new features and refinements of existing features. It doesn’t necessarily tick every checkbox on our iPhone feature wishlist, but it’s a solid step in the right direction. And, after all, Apple has to leave something for iPhone 4.0.”

Finally, CNET has their look at the new iPhone 3G S handset here and says the following:

“The iPhone 3G S doesn’t make the same grand leap that the iPhone 3G made from the first-generation model, but the latest Apple handset is still a compelling upgrade for some users. The iPhone 3G S is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement.”

Looks like the consensus is about the same across the board. Apple fixed what it needed to fix (for the most part) with the iPhone 3G S (and the 3.0 OS update) yet.. the iPhone 3G S isn’t the compelling upgrade that the 3G was. Yup.. you can be sure I’ll be holding out till the fourth generation iPhone now. No need for me to pick up the 3G S at the early iPhone upgrade fee of $399.

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPhone 3G S Reviews

Here’s what you need to know about the new cases:

Grip Cases

All Grip cases offer “rugged layer of silicone” designed to protect the iPhone. Each case comes with different textured designs which affect style, color, and grip. You can charge the iPhone while the phone is in the case.

Grip Ergo (F8Z460) – $29.99

• Ergonomic design lets you text, game and surf the Web comfortably
• Contoured ridges provide maximum gripability of your iPhone
• Colors: Caviar, Chili Pepper, Indigo

Grip Two-Toned Vector (F8Z474) – $29.99

• Colors: Caviar/Clear, Caviar/Hot Pink, Caviar/Bright Blue

Grip Vector Duo (F8Z472) – $19.99

• Colors: Light Graphite/Indigo, Hot Pink/Chili Pepper, Caviar/Translucent White

BodyGuard Cases

The Belkin BodyGuard cases utilize a combination of polycarbonate and rubber materials to help protect and increase grip on the iPhone. The cases also offer full access to the dock connector, the buttons, and of course, the touch-screen display.

BodyGuard Hue (F8Z455) – $24.99

• 2-piece polycarbonate design snaps together to create 2 shades of color
• Colors: Light Graphite/White, Hot Pink/White, Bright Blue/White, Indigo/Light Graphite, Garnet/Light Graphite, Citrus Yellow/Light Graphite

BodyGuard Halo (F8Z461) – $29.99

• Colored rubber track adds color and makes it easier to grip the case
• Colors: Clear/Caviar, Clear/Hot Pink, Clear/Chili Pepper

BodyGuard Cush (F8Z470) – $29.99

• Interior rubber lining prevents from everyday scratches and scuffs
• Colors: Caviar, Hot Pink, Garnet

Micra Flex (F8Z469) – $24.99

• Slim, form-fitting polycarbonate and rubber design provides protection without added bulk
• Unique U-Flex design offers quick and easy removal of iPhone from case
• Features a highly gripable exterior surface
• Provides full access to connector, buttons and iPhone screen
• Colors: Black, Hot Pink, Garnet

Leather Cases

Finally, if you’re looking for a lil leather, check out these cases.

Leather Sleeve with Pull Tab (F8Z465) – $29.99

• Pull tab lifts iPhone from case for quick access and easy navigation
• Cutout window allows for easy viewing of time and caller ID

Leather Sleeve with Clip (F8Z467) – $29.99

Leather Folio (F8Z462) – $29.99

Leather Horizontal Holster (F8Z463) – $29.99

Leather Slim Fit with Pull Tab (F8Z466) – $29.99

Formed Horizontal Holster (F8Z464) – $29.99

DualFit (F8Z459) – $29.99

You can see more by going to http://www.belkin.com/ipod/

Technorati Tags: Belkin Grip Cases, Belkin BodyGuard cases, Belkin Leather Cases, iPhone 3G S Cases

Of course you can count me OUT for June 19th as I’m not eligible for the standard upgrade price of the iPhone. Instead, I must pay the $200 dollar “early iPhone upgrade” premium which means the iPhone 3G S will cost me $399/$499 if I really want it now. No thanks.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: AT&T, Apple, iPhone 3G S

You’re an owner of the iPhone 3G handset and now you’re all excited about the new iPhone 3G S and you’re ready to plop down $199 or $299 starting on June 19th.. but wait.. chances are you won’t be able to pay that price on that day. You see.. if you upgraded to the iPhone 3G last June (or later) when it first came out, you won’t be eligible for the iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing. Plus depending upon how long you’ve had the iPhone 3G, you MIGHT be eligible for the “early iPhone upgrade” fee which is still a premium over the current upgrade pricing – though just slightly cheaper than the full price.

Update:

AT&T actually has a three tiered pricing system.

• If you’re a new or existing AT&T customer eligible for the upgrade – you can get the new iPhone 3G S at the $199/$299 price points.
• If you’re not eligible for the upgrade price BUT you’ve purchased the iPhone 3G for at least one year, then you’re eligible for the “early iPhone upgrade” price which is basically $200 dollars more – $399/$499 respectively.
• The third tier is – pay the phones outright at their non-subsidized cost of $599/$699

Here’s how my situation unfolded over the last two years. I got the original 4GB iPhone back in 2007 at the original sale price for the phone (which was originally outrageous). Then the iPhone 3G was announced and to my surprise, I was eligible for the upgrade price of $199 (for the 8GB model) on June 18th 2008. (thx to Rob for noting that i was eligible for the upgrade price back then simply because I paid the full price for the 1st gen iPhone).

This unfortunately gave me the false hope that I would eligible for the upgrade price for the new iPhone 3G S, I went to the Apple website to see if I could pre-order the new iPhone 3G S. After checking with my account, Apple came back to me and showed me this page.

Yes.. that does indeed say $599/$699 on my account.  (UPDATE: I was apparently dinged by AT&T for being late this month with my mobile phone payment. Because I was LATE, I was not eligible for the early iPhone upgrade pricing. Once I paid up, I became eligible – read more at the end of the article). No. I AM NOT PAYING $599 for the 16GB iPhone 3G S (or $699 for the 32GB model). According to AT&T, I would not be eligible for the iPhone 3G S until December 13th.. 

Here’s the new updated page once I paid my bill:

So this got me thinking. If I’m not eligible for the iPhone 3G S upgrade price on opening day (June 19th), then who is?

The iPhone 3G didn’t launch until June 18th, 2008 and I bought the handset the day after.. so based on this information, it’s safe to assume that anyone who upgraded to the iPhone 3G is NOT eligible for the iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing. (please correct me if I’m wrong here). Does this apply to regular mobile phone upgrades made in the last year too? Not sure. What is clear is that first movers like me are being penalized by AT&T. We faithfully bought the 1st gen iPhone and then the 2nd gen iPhone 3G and now.. well now we’re going to have to wait (let the whining start).

OK.. so instead of paying $599/$699, I would have to pay $399/$499. That’s still a nice premium over the upgrade price!

Ah but wait.. if you’re still using the 1st gen iPhone then you’re probably OK. Also.. if you haven’t upgraded your AT&T account in more than a year.. then chances are you’re OK there too. Thus here’s what we’re gathering:

• AT&T is sick of eating the subsidized bill for customers who keep moving to the latest version of the iPhone (tho they’re willing to eat SOME of the costs if you’ve been around for at least a year).
• AT&T is using the new pricing to attract customers who haven’t upgraded in some time as well as new customers to the company.

I do have to give AT&T some props here. They’ve made my decision making process regarding the iPhone 3G S that much easier. I was originally on the fence about the new hardware and with this upgrade pricing (or lame upgrade pricing for me) in place, I absolutely won’t be upgrading anytime soon.

So there you have it folks. Early adopters like myself are going to have to pay a premium for the iPhone 3G S. This will of course continue next year when the fourth generation iPhone comes out and we’re forced to pay another “early iPhone upgrade” fee. OR, we can completely forgo the iPhone 3G S and simply wait till next June/July and then be eligible for the upgrade price (woo).

But wait.. if I were to get the iPhone 3G S in December or even early next year would this effectively nix me from their 4th generation iPhone (which probably will come out next year at this time?) Hmm.,. if so.. then FORGET the iPhone 3G S altogether!

AT&T.. you’re sucking in my books..

UPDATE (4:22pm):

Just wanted to remind all of you again that because of a late bill payment on my part, AT&T dinged me for the upgrade price of the iPhone 3G S. Once I paid my balance, I became eligible for their early iPhone upgrade fee of $399/$499. That’s still $200 dollars too much in my opinion.. but something to remember in case you too are not eligible for some reason. Check to make sure you paid your bills!

Technorati Tags: AT&T, Apple, Apple iPhone 3G S upgrade price

If you have a thing for Swarovski crystals and you’re looking for a new iPhone 3G case, then you’ll have to check out this lineup of cases by the folks at DSstyles. It’s a complete collection of Swarovski Crystal adorned iPhone 3G cases – each featuring some unique pattern created through the placement of over 1,000 colorful Swarovski crystals. You’ll see designs ranging from Adidas designs to Batman ones to Bart from the Simpsons. Each one of these cases will set you back $189.99.. but come on now.. that’s over 1,000 Swarovski crystals we’re talking about here!

[Check it out via Chip Chick]

Technorati Tags: DSstyles Swarovski Crystal iPhone 3G cases

Here’s a unique looking case for the Apple iPhone 3G that’ll surely turn some heads out there. It’s the new Handwoven case by a company called More-thing.com.  These cases utilize polymer-based materials made out of 100%  pure silicone and feature:

• Four color choices – black, clear, purple, blue
• Ultra-clear and high glossy surface with Hydrocarbon Polymer Technology
• Provides durable protection to the iPhone 3G

The Handwoven cases are available for $22.90 each.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: More-things.com, Handwoven iPhone 3G case

“In the new era of hand-held computers — super-smart touch-screen phones that run sleek, compelling software — Apple’s iPhone has been king. A new, improved iPhone is expected to be announced on June 8.”

Now of course, he’s using that opener to lead into the release of the new Palm Pre on June 6th.. but did he really need to mention the new iPhone is coming out two days later? Maybe not…. or MAYBE it’s because Mossberg already has the new iPhone in house as Sascha Segan theorizes, and so dearly wants to talk about it – especially while reviewing the Palm Pre.

Just read the review. Near the end of it, Mossberg shifts his attention to the upcoming iPhone which he says “could obviate many of these advantages” (of the Palm Pre).

Could? I’m guessing the word he wants to use is “will”

He continues to add:

“Apple already has announced it’s adding MMS, universal search, and copy and paste. And, although Apple hasn’t announced any new hardware features, I expect to see an iPhone with up to 32 gigabytes of memory, video recording, a higher-resolution camera, a compass, and greater operating speed. Plus, there are persistent rumors that Apple will announce at least one iPhone at a drastically lower price than $199.”

If this statement was coming from some gadget site (um say us) with a supposed insider at Apple, then yeah, we might take it with a grain of salt. However, it’s Walt Mossberg and chances are, he’s got the new iPhone already (or already has played with it) which means his above statements are important to take note. He pretty much confirms the rumor that Apple will indeed be releasing an inexpensive iPhone for the masses. He confirms the existence of a better camera, more memory, a compass, and a beefed up processor.

OK – with that said, let’s make this weekend all about the Palm Pre ok? We can start talking about the iPhone next week again..

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple iPhone 3.0, Walter Mossberg

Belkin announces two new TuneBase products for the Apple iPhone and iPod – the TuneBase FM and TuneBase Direct. Both products allow you to pick up phone calls on the iPhone in your car, hands-free.  When a phone call comes in, both TuneBase products fade out the music allowing you to pick up the call. Simply press a button on the TuneBase to answer the incoming phone call. The call’s audio comes through the car stereo system.

The TuneBase FM features:

• Push-button call pickup and speakerphone
• ClearScan technology which automatically searches for the clearest FM frequency to transmit over
• Transmit audio on multiple FM channels from 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz

The TuneBase Direct features:

• Push-button call pickup and speakerphone
• 3.5 mm cable for cars with built-in auxiliary inputs

The TuneBase FM has an MSRP of $89.99 while the TuneBase Direct has an MSRP of $69.99.

Technorati Tags: Belkin, Belkin TuneBase Direct Belkin TuneBase FM, Apple iPhone, Apple iPod