The Hippest Phones » iphone 3gs

New iPhone 3GS 8GB features redesigned box with iOS 4

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:43:00 +0000

Couldn't very well have an iPhone for sale showing an outdated version of the operating system, now, could you? Just wouldn't be civilized.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

New iPhone 3GS 8GB features redesigned box with iOS 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple rolls out iBooks app for iPhone, iPod touch

Donald Melanson — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:16:00 +0000

It's not just multitasking apps that are hitting the App Store to coincide with the release of iOS 4.0 -- Apple has also just rolled out version 1.1 of its iBooks app, which is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch in addition to the iPad (officially, this time). As previously announced, the app now also supports PDF viewing, and boasts a range of other more minor improvements, including new ways to bookmark (complete with syncing across devices), your choice of white or sepia colored pages, more font options and, of course, "greater stability and better performance."

Apple rolls out iBooks app for iPhone, iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T offering price protection (or iPhone 4 swap) to recent 3GS buyers

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:01:00 +0000

We've been able to confirm some leaked information out of modmyi.com today that AT&T is doing us a solid by extending price protection for recent iPhone 3GS buyers by just a little bit. If you purchased a 3GS -- either the 16GB or 32GB model -- between May 7 and May 14, you'll have until June 14 to get credited the difference between the price you paid and the $149 / $199 they're charging now; if you bought it after the 14th of May, you'd have at least until the 14th of this month anyway, so it's effectively a one-week extension. If you'd rather trade up to an iPhone 4 rather than pocketing some cash and keeping the 3GS, you've got an option there, too: anyone who picked up a 3GS between May 7 and May 21 can preorder an iPhone 4 by June 21 and get the new phone for only the difference in cost, assuming you bring in your 3GS when you pick it up.

On a related note, modmyi.com is also reporting that AT&T corporate stores are set to open at 7AM on the 24th, iPhone 4 launch day, though we're not able to confirm this one. Word on the street is that new customers will only be able to activate one line and existing customers will be able to buy one iPhone 4 per line of service, clearly an attempt to stretch inventory as far as it'll go. With the way Apple's setting up for preorders and launch-day delivery, it seems like a lot of this chaos and bedlam is going to be avoided -- but hey, it's Apple. You never know.

AT&T offering price protection (or iPhone 4 swap) to recent 3GS buyers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Financial Times: US antitrust regulators plan to investigate Apple’s mobile advertising practices

Donald Melanson — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:23:00 +0000

There's not a lot of details on this at the moment, but the Financial Times is reporting that US antitrust regulators plan to investigate Apple's mobile advertising practices to see whether they unfairly restrict rivals like Google and Microsoft. As you'll recall, Apple recently revised its rules on outside advertisers and, specifically, their ability to collect analytics on ads for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, effectively cutting out Google's AdMob in the process -- something the company's CEO has publicly complained about. What's next? That's still not certain -- the Financial Times says that while US regulators have taken an interest, it's still not clear whether the FTC or the Department of Justice will handle the investigation going forward.

Financial Times: US antitrust regulators plan to investigate Apple's mobile advertising practices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 vs. iPhone 3GS: the tale of the tape

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:02:00 +0000

Apple's claiming that the iPhone 4 represents the platform's biggest advance since the original model's intro back in 2007 -- but does the argument hold water? Follow the break for a comprehensive rundown of the key differences between the newest member of the iPhone model and last year's king of the hill, the 3GS!

Continue reading iPhone 4 vs. iPhone 3GS: the tale of the tape

iPhone 4 vs. iPhone 3GS: the tale of the tape originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3GS drops to $99, 8GB only — iPhone 3G discontinued

Donald Melanson — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:29:00 +0000

We've already seen the iPhone 3GS drop to under a $100 at Walmart, and Apple has now made that official following the announcement of the iPhone 4. What's more, the phone will now only be avail

iPhone 3GS drops to $99, 8GB only -- iPhone 3G discontinued originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming soon to an iPhone near you: Netflix

Robin Wauters — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:27:51 +0000

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings got up on stage right after Apple CEO Steve Jobs at the WWDC 2010 conference, which we're liveblogging here. Guess why he was there: there's a Netflix app for iPhone on the way, and it's coming this Summer.

It isn't much of a surprise. I mean, Netflix already has an (amazing) iPad app, and it started surveying interest for an iPhone app early March 2010, while rumors of its impending launch have been swirling for much longer.

Yep, the iPhone runs Android 2.2, too

Donald Melanson — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 02:01:00 +0000

Sure, we might be seeing some big changes to the iPhone tomorrow, but what if you could see some big changes on your very own iPhone, today? Well, you can if you're brave enough to try installing Android on your iPhone, which we've seen done before, but not with Android 2.2 (otherwise more deliciously known as Froyo). Still not convinced that such a thing is possible? Then head on past the break for the video evidence, and hit up the link below for the complete, not-for-the-faint-of-heart instructions for performing the feat yourself.

P.S. Of course, "runs" isn't exactly the same as "runs well." The iPhone in the video apparently got noticeably hot after five minutes of use, and there's some issues with Android not recognizing little things like WiFi or the phone's GPU.

Continue reading Yep, the iPhone runs Android 2.2, too

Yep, the iPhone runs Android 2.2, too originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix for iPad hacked and running on iPhone (update: disabled)

Joshua Topolsky — Sun, 30 May 2010 18:58:00 +0000

How desperate are you to get Netflix running on your iPhone? Desperate enough to jailbreak, grab frameworks from your iPad, and do some plist hacking? If the answer to those questions is "yes," then the folks at ModMyi have something they'd like to show you. According to the site, a tipster has been able to get the video streaming service up and playing on an iPhone by making what appears to be fairly simple changes to his device; namely, boosting the iPad's MediaPlayer.framework and altering plist settings once the app was installed on his phone. It's not all wine and roses, as using Netflix where it's not supposed to be used causes a massive battery drain (go figure), and there are issues with crashing and 3G playback (two more unsurprising problems). Still, it can be done, and this is just the start -- so if you want to get in on the party (and maybe even help out a little bit), hit the read link and see what it's all about.

Update: Cody tells us the powers that be have already disabled this little gem of a workaround. We have to hand it to you, powers that be -- that was mighty quick for a Memorial Day weekend.

[Thanks, Cody]

Netflix for iPad hacked and running on iPhone (update: disabled) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 May 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone vulnerability leaves your data wide open, even when using a PIN

Tim Stevens — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:47:00 +0000

if you feel like going through the process of typing in your PIN every time you unlock your iPhone is worth it thanks to the unconquerable security it implies, you might want to read this report from Bernd Marienfeldt about the chosen one's security model. Yes, a PIN will keep casual users from picking up your phone and making a call with it, or firing off an e-mail to your co-workers saying that you're quitting and becoming an exotic dancer, but it won't keep someone from accessing all your data. Bernd and fellow security guru Jim Herbeck have discovered that plugging even a fully up-to-date, non-jailbroken iPhone 3GS into a computer running Ubuntu Lucid Lynx allows nearly full read access to the phone's storage -- even when it's locked. The belief is that they're just a buffer overflow away from full write access as well, which would surely open the door to making calls. Bernd believes the iPhone's lack of data encryption for content is a real problem, and also cites the inability to digitally sign e-mails as reasons why the iPhone is still not ready for prime time in the enterprise.

[Thanks, Amit]

iPhone vulnerability leaves your data wide open, even when using a PIN originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walmart officially cuts iPhone 3GS to $97, potentially clearing out inventory for the iPhone 4?

Nilay Patel — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:58:00 +0000

Well, this is intriguing: Walmart just officially announced that it'll be selling the 16GB iPhone 3GS for $97 starting Tuesday, a full $100 off the regular price. Given the high probability that Steve Jobs will introduce the thoroughly-leaked next-gen iPhone when he gives the WWDC 2010 keynote on June 7th, the price cut seems like either an attempt to clear out remaining inventory or a way to slide the 3GS down the line to replace the $99 8GB iPhone 3G -- a move which would corroborate some whispers we've heard today that the 3G is no longer being shipped to stores. Either way, the 3GS just got a lot cheaper, which is never a bad thing, but we'd still say potential iPhone owners should wait a couple weeks and see what's coming next.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Walmart officially cuts iPhone 3GS to $97, potentially clearing out inventory for the iPhone 4? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wi-Fi Sync for iPhone video hands-on: it works!

Sam Sheffer — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:07:00 +0000

We just got our hands on Wi-FI Sync and guess what? It actually works -- fancy that! For those of you out of the loop, Apple recently rejected this gem of an app (go figure), but thanks to the magic of jailbreaking, that was hardly the end of the road. Days later, Wi-Fi Sync ended up on Cydia (Mac-only, for now) with a completely-affordable price tag of $9.99, promising iPhone and iPod touch users the ability to sync their device with iTunes sans any cabling whatsoever. Since we're notoriously lazy when it comes to actually plugging in our phones and syncing, we fired up the program on our jailbroken 3GS in order to see exactly what the law-abiders in attendance were missing out on.

Installation couldn't have been easier. We parted ways with our Hamilton, downloaded the necessary companion software for our laptop, and fired up the application. The iPhone was immediately recognized, and after a few prompts we were ready for action. Syncing was just as easy as it normally is (with "easy" being a relative term here), just without that iPod wire hanging around and bumming everyone out. We will say, however, that things weren't as snappy OTA as a standard hardwired connection. It was a bit sluggish on the first couple of runs, and although iTunes crashed a few times (boo), we're fairly confident in saying that a poor WiFi connection was to blame for the jankiness. Once we migrated closer to the router, things went much smoother. Still unsure if it's worth the investment? Then give the video past the break a look.

Continue reading Wi-Fi Sync for iPhone video hands-on: it works!

Wi-Fi Sync for iPhone video hands-on: it works! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ScanBizCards: use your iPhone 3GS to organize your collection of business cards

Scott Merrill — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:30:56 +0000

Business cards are an anachronism. We all have them, we all pass them out to people we meet, but how many of you actually own a rolodex, or file the business cards you receive in any meaningful way? For the people you actually care to connect with -- as opposed to the people from whom you dutifully accept a proffered business card with no intention of ever contacting -- you might manually transcribe the card's details into your phone or contact management software. Personally, I wish business cards would die a fiery death so we could all move on to something a little more modern. Until that happens, or you become a master of business card throwing, you might want to check out the ScanBizCards application for your iPhone.

iPhone OS 4 unlocks 720p video capture, further solidifying iPhone HD?

Sean Hollister — Thu, 06 May 2010 03:52:00 +0000

Last time on let's-speculate-about-Apple-products, the New iPhone rumor mill dug up dirt on video chat and a 5 megapixel camera. Now, it appears there might be one more reason to call it the iPhone HD. MacRumors reports that the iPhone SDK 4 beta includes the value "AVCaptureSessionPreset1280x720," leading some to believe Cupertino's next phone will record video in 720p. Mind you, the iPhone 3GS was technically already capable of that feat, so this might not have anything to do with a new handset, but honestly, at this point the iPhone's camera wouldn't be competitive recording in a smaller format anyhow.

iPhone OS 4 unlocks 720p video capture, further solidifying iPhone HD? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 22:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iFixit pits the iPhone 3GS against the Nexus One infograph style

Matt Burns — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:30:39 +0000

iFixit is known for its gadget teardowns and self-help repair services. Now we can add large infographs to the mix as well with this large iPhone 3GS vs Nexus One graph comparing everything from the hardware to the manufacturing cost to sales. Our favorite part, however, is in the middle where the steps required to replace each phone's battery is compared. Well played, iFixit, well played. Click through to embiggen.

Nokia asks ITC to ban iPhone, iPod, and MacBook imports, files another lawsuit against Apple

Nilay Patel — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:49:00 +0000

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Nokia_Wants_to_Ban_iPhone_iPod_and_MacBook_Imports'; Looks like Nokia is going all-out in its patent fight with Apple: in addition to the lawsuit it's filed over GSM standards and last week's International Trade Commission complaint, Espoo just filed a second complaint with the federal court, alleging that Apple's infringing several "implementation patents" that cover everything from camera sensors to touchscreens. That's three fronts in the same war, if you're counting -- the original regarding GSM patents, and these two latest over specific device technologies. The biggest bombshell so far is the ITC complaint, in which Nokia's asking the commission to ban imports of basically every Apple mobile product from the MacBook to the iPhone for infringing its device patents -- a strategy we've seen in other high-profile cases. Since the ITC has the ability to move quite quickly, we'd expect that case to be the primary battleground for the moment -- but remember that Apple has plenty of its own incredibly broad patents of its own to fight back with here, so don't expect a quick resolution. Looks like 2010 is going to be awfully good for these attorneys, don't you think?

[Thanks, Matt]

Nokia asks ITC to ban iPhone, iPod, and MacBook imports, files another lawsuit against Apple originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget for iPhone / iPod touch: available now!

Joshua Topolsky — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Good news, everyone! Our very own iPhone / iPod touch app is finally really available in Apple's much talked about and critically acclaimed App Store! That's right, all the excitement and info you've come to know and love from Engadget is now bottled in an easy to digest and delicious iPhone form. The application -- easily downloadable from your device or iTunes -- features a whole bunch of useful features such as offline viewing, built in streaming for The Engadget Show, in-app tipping (you know, for when you see the next iPhone), and all kinds of customization options. You can download the app right here, or click on the image above.

Even better than this? We've got more apps on the way! Before CES (fingers crossed), you should see both a BlackBerry and webOS version of the Engadget application, and plans for the Android version are already in motion.

Lastly, a big, big, big thanks to the team at AOL that actually made this thing a reality: Sun Sachs, Andy Averbuch, Hareesh P, Anibal Rosado, Rajesh Kumar, Rich Foster, Claudeland Louis, Mike Wolstat, Eric Wedge, Vikas B R, Asha Indira and Bob Gurwin. You guys rule.

Engadget for iPhone / iPod touch: available now! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone reception issues plague O2… too (updated with AT&T’s response)

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:53:00 +0000

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/iPhone_reception_issues_plague_O2_too'; It would appear that AT&T isn't the only carrier in the world suffering from a horrible and nagging case of the iPhones. In an interview with the Financial Times, O2 head Ronan Dunne apologized to customers for the poor performance the network has been experiencing since the introduction of the iPhone 3GS to its airwaves this summer. Just as US customers (particularly those in dense, urban areas) have learned to struggle through dropped calls, the inability to make or receive calls, or weak data connections, our brethren on the other side of the pond have felt a similar sting. Says Dunne, "Where we haven't met our own high standards then there's no question, we apologise to customers for that fact," adding that the carrier had fixes at the ready and that the issues would be "more than addressed" shortly. Unlike the widespread problems here, the O2 mess seems to be relegated largely to London, though it's curious to know that AT&T isn't alone in being hamstrung by a network clearly not prepared for the onslaught of data being pushed up and down its virtual pipes. Also unlike the AT&T situation is the fact that O2 has solutions in mind (including the installation of 200 additional mobile base stations in London), and they're clearly taking ownership of the situation. Ahem, Ralph.

Update: AT&T responded and let us know they had fixes underway too. Here's an outline of forthcoming changes the carrier says it's making.

We are nearly doubling the wireless spectrum serving 3G customers in hundreds of markets across the country, using high-quality 850 MHz spectrum. This additional spectrum expands overall network capacity and improves in-building reception.
We are adding about 2,000 new cell sites, expanding service to new cities and improving coverage in other areas.
We're adding about 100,000 new backhaul connections, which add critical capacity between cell sites and the global IP backbone network.
We're enabling widespread access to our Wi-Fi network - the largest in the country with more than 20,000 hotspots in all 50 states - allowing them to take advantage of the best available AT&T mobile broadband connection.
We're rolling out even faster 3G speeds with deployment of HSPA 7.2 technology, with initial availability in six markets planned by the end of the year.

iPhone reception issues plague O2... too (updated with AT&T's response) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online iPhone sales back on in New York City

Nilay Patel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:01:00 +0000

We may never know exactly why AT&T suspended online sales of the iPhone to residents of New York last night, but it doesn't matter anymore -- the site's been updated and online sales are back... online. In other news, previously spiking sales of pants in the New York area have suddenly flatlined.

Online iPhone sales back on in New York City originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T suspends online iPhone sales in New York City, reasons still unclear

Nilay Patel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Here's a Sunday night conundrum for you: it's no longer possible to purchase an iPhone from AT&T's online store if you live in New York City, and as of right now, the carrier isn't saying why. Making matters worse, some online customer service reps have apparently gone rogue in providing explanations to curious would-be customers and the occasional inquisitive blogger -- the Consumerist was told that NYC wasn't "ready for the iPhone," and a few others (including us) were fed a line about credit card fraud causing a ban on online sales. The fraud explanation would actually make sense, considering NYC-area Apple and AT&T stores all have the phone in stock and are happily selling them, but Ma Bell still hasn't put this story to bed with an official explanation -- all we've heard so far is the charmingly generic "We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels." Way to quell a fire with the gasoline of ambiguity, friends. Anyway, if you want an iPhone in New York City right this instant, you should start walking to the 24-hour Fifth Avenue Apple Store, taking the opportunity to assess your priorities and fundamental sense of purpose along the way. The rest of us will continue spending a reasonable percentage of our income on housing.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

AT&T suspends online iPhone sales in New York City, reasons still unclear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to connect your iPhone and Bluetooth keyboard? There’s a (jailbroken) app for that (Update: video!)

Vladislav Savov — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:01:00 +0000

The wait has been long, but now there's finally a means by which to connect your dear, yet almost buttonless, iPhone or iPod touch to a Bluetooth keyboard for some more intense finger tapping action. The project that delivered us this teasing video back in February has at long last reached the application stage, where simple commoners like us can use it to synergize our gear -- provided we've had the wherewithal to free it from Cupertino's overbearing clutches first. The BTstack Keyboard app is now available in exchange for $5 at the Cydia store, so if you want to be the first to write a bestseller on his or her iDevice, there's no time like the present.

Update: We've done the inevitable and had a quick play with the app ourselves. Pairing our iPhone and keyboard was a veritable cinch, and we were met by delightfully rapid responsiveness throughout, whether using it in Safari, composing text missives, or jotting those novella notes down. You should note that command, cut, copy, paste, and highlighting functions are not yet active, and then hurry along past the break to see a video demo.

Continue reading Want to connect your iPhone and Bluetooth keyboard? There's a (jailbroken) app for that (Update: video!)

Want to connect your iPhone and Bluetooth keyboard? There's a (jailbroken) app for that (Update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic shows off Unreal Engine 3 running on iPhone / iPod touch

Donald Melanson — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:21:00 +0000

There's certainly plenty of good looking iPhone games available these days, but things could be about to get quite a bit more interesting, as Epic has now demonstrated its Unreal Engine 3 (the same one used for games like Gears of War 2) running on the iPhone 3GS and 3rd gen iPod touch to our friend Anand Shimpi of AnandTech. Unfortunately, it hasn't also announced any games or licensees that will be using the engine, but it seems like it has at least managed to get it running remarkably well on the hardware -- albeit in a somewhat limited demo, as you can see in the video after the break. What's more, Epic also reportedly said that it would be showing off the engine running on "another mobile platform entirely" at CES next month, but didn't drop any further hints besides that. Video after the break, and hit the read link for the full scoop.

Continue reading Epic shows off Unreal Engine 3 running on iPhone / iPod touch

Epic shows off Unreal Engine 3 running on iPhone / iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone and Vodafone UK set the date: January 14

Vladislav Savov — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:03:00 +0000

Vodafone has decided if it can't give us the iPhone for the holidays, it'll do the next best thing and spill details of its launch and pricing of Apple's finest. Available from January 14, the iPhone will be yours for £30 ($48) per month on two-year contracts, though up-front charges will set you back £239 ($386) for the 32GB 3GS variety. A monthly 1GB of 3G data is permitted, alongside unlimited WiFi, but what might be most interesting here is that Vodafone will allow you to use the iPhone as a modem. Such use will not be covered by your allowance of course, and will cost £5 ($8) for each 500MB downloaded, but we're happy to see a carrier offering the option. Furthermore, though Vodafone's agreement to carry the iPhone seemed a rushed defensive move, the company now claims it has been preparing its network for over a year to handle the increased traffic it expects.

iPhone and Vodafone UK set the date: January 14 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone nabs 46 percent of Japanese smartphone market, the tiny Japanese smartphone market

Donald Melanson — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:36:00 +0000

So you read a headline like "iPhone grabs 46 percent of the Japanese smartphone market" and the first thing you're likely to think is, "wow, Apple is really doing well for itself." Well, it is and it isn't. While it has made some considerable gains in the smartphone market at the expense of phones like Sharp's W-ZERO3 and the Willcom 03, it still hasn't gained nearly the same total mindshare or market share that it has over here. That's because "smartphones" as we know them are still a relatively small market in Japan, where carriers' lineups consist of a whole range of offerings including everything from mobile TV-equipped phones to true camera phones to perfume holders. For a bit more context, check out the pie chart after the break courtesy of IDC Japan, which shows cellphone vendors' market share in Japan as of October of this year. The leaders by a wide margin are Sharp, Panasonic, Fujitsu and NEC with a combined 72.8% of the market, while Apple is lumped in with "Others," which add up to 22.6%. It's making inroads, to be sure, but just that at the moment.

Continue reading iPhone nabs 46 percent of Japanese smartphone market, the tiny Japanese smartphone market

iPhone nabs 46 percent of Japanese smartphone market, the tiny Japanese smartphone market originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3GS coming to Tesco Mobile on December 14, extreme price plans in tow

Vladislav Savov — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:48:00 +0000

The marriage of a high-priced smartphone to a value-minded department store was always going to be interesting and Tesco has not disappointed. Having just announced that availability of the latest and greatest iPhone is coming on December 14, the company has also detailed some unique -- for the UK at least -- price plans to go with it. Most notable is the unlimited (subject to fair use policy) 3G web and BT Openzone WiFi access on offer, which will be free for a year to Pay As You Go and one-year contract customers or for two years if you're on a 24-month agreement. Tesco's also bringing the minimum monthly outlay down to £20 ($32) on its one-year contract, but that only gets you a £60 ($98) calls and texts allowance and you'd have to pony up £320 ($520) for the 16GB handset. On the other hand, you could go nuts and get the unlimited calls and texts plan for £60 a month, which isn't too bad value for the incessant chatterboxes out there. Finally, there's also half-price calling to your favorite five numbers, which isn't going to matter much to people on the all-you-can-eat price plan, but is a nice extra.

[Thanks Tony H. and everyone who sent this in]

iPhone 3GS coming to Tesco Mobile on December 14, extreme price plans in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iHandstick snap-on dresses your iPhone / iPod Touch up as a Playstation controller

Richard Lai — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:54:00 +0000

The iPod touch (and technically the iPhone as well) may well be "the funnest iPod ever," but it can also be the most awkward device to hold for prolonged gaming sessions, nor have previous attempts made things any better. The iHandstick might just do the job -- while we can't credit them for originality, this hollow cousin of the Playstation controller may satisfy owners of iPod touch 2G / 3G and iPhone 3G / 3GS. Remember, it should give a similar grip enjoyed by millions of Playstation gamers over the last 15 years. The only doubt left is whether our thumbs can easily reach the virtual buttons on the screen. Wanna give this a shot? $16.99 plus shipping and it's all yours.

iHandstick snap-on dresses your iPhone / iPod Touch up as a Playstation controller originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhones rejoice as Ustream Live Broadcaster hits App Store, other smartphones wonder what all the ruckus is

Tim Stevens — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:49:00 +0000

When it comes to streaming live video from a smartphone, there's an app for that and there has been for a long, long time -- unless you're an iPhoner. With Qik for the iPhone a delayed broadcast was possible, but it took months for the thing to break out of its WiFi-only shackles. Now you, like Bill O'Reilly, can do it live courtesy of the Ustream's Live Broadcaster, newly available in the App Store. It's not the first to stream live video from Apple's handset, an app called Knocking gets that distinction after getting the nod last week, but it is the first to allow live broadcasting, it works over 3G, and it's available for free right now for iPhone 3G and 3GS models running OS 3.1 and above. So go ahead, start those cameras rolling and tell all your friends how great it is -- just don't be heartbroken if they're not all that impressed.

P.S. It's worth noting that Ustream also works in local record mode thus turning the iPhone 3G into a video camera like its newer 3GS sibling. Videos (stuck at 320 x 240 pixels) can then be easily viewed in the Broadcaster app or uploaded to Ustream, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.

iPhones rejoice as Ustream Live Broadcaster hits App Store, other smartphones wonder what all the ruckus is originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Layar 3.0 reunites the Beatles in 3D augmented reality

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:51:00 +0000

Layar's approach to bringing augmented reality to the masses is unique. Instead of writing isolated AR apps, Layar provides a very real augmented reality platform onto which content owners can layer (or layar) their data resulting in a richer experience when viewing the world through your Android or iPhone 3GS camera lens. There are already 294 layers and counting ranging from Google's ubiquitous local search results to homegrown content listing apartments for rent or tourist hot spots. Today sees the launch of Layar 3.0 with new 3D capabilities, authentication, and plenty more to entice anyone "with basic web development skills" to join the fun. To show the platform's new capabilities Layar presents a handful of use cases that include the ability to add authenticated social media layars (like Twitter and Foursquare), see incomplete construction sites in their final form, interactive public-space art projects, and a guided Beatles discovery tour that takes you to destinations made famous by the fab foursome -- you can even pose with the band for pictures as they cross Abbey Road. Sure, the jury's still out on the usefulness of 3D content presented in this manner and the ability to geolocate Twitter users and Hollywood stars in this manner continues to creep us out. But man is this stuff interesting.

Layar 3.0 reunites the Beatles in 3D augmented reality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fring brings one-way video calling to the iPhone

Donald Melanson — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Fring was the first to bring VoIP calls to the iPhone, and it looks like it's now finally done the same for video calling -- sort of. While it obviously can't do much to change the camera placement on the iPhone, the latest version of the app will at least let iPhone users (and iPod touch users, for that matter) see the person on the other end, and Fring says it'll add two-way video calling whenever "a front camera is placed on these." As with the company's app for Nokia devices, you'll also be able to make video calls to Skype users, but you'll have to make sure you're in the vicinity of a WiFi hotspot, as this one doesn't support calls on 3G. Head on past the break for a video.

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Fring brings one-way video calling to the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3GS Supreme is diamond encrusted, spectacularly expensive

Vladislav Savov — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:53:00 +0000

Seeing as how the iPhone's exclusivity status has been slipping, it was inevitable that the bourgeoisie would invent a new way to distinguish themselves from the lowly masses. Enter a designer by the name of Stuart Hughes, already expertly familiar with slapping precious metals onto slightly less precious mobile phones. He classes up a 3GS handset with a 22 carat solid gold body, which he then sprinkles with no less than 190 diamonds. And just to make sure none of the riff raff can get their hands on it, this creation is priced at £1.92 million ($3.2 million), which places it precisely £1.92 million outside our budget. Completing the, erm, value proposition is a storage chest cut from a single block of granite, which you may peep after the break.

Continue reading iPhone 3GS Supreme is diamond encrusted, spectacularly expensive

iPhone 3GS Supreme is diamond encrusted, spectacularly expensive originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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