September Contest

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Swype It – A new way of typing on the iPhone

For those of you out there who either have yet to get used to the iPhone’s keyboard or are refraining from buying an iPhone because of the touchscreen keyboard, there is a solution out there for you. One of the originators of the widely used T9 text input mode has done it again with the Swype application.  Cliff Kushler’s new software allows the user to type without tapping each letter instead, dragging (or “Swyping) your finger to each letter of the word you are trying to type. To start a new word, simply raise your finger and press the first letter of the next word and repeat the process.  Swype is already being used on some devices using Windows Mobile and will eventually be compatible with any device with a touchscreen not limited to cell phones.

Apple Developing ARM Processors for iPhone

A NY Times blog entry reports that Apple is indeed working on its own variant of the ARM processor for the iPhone. This information backs up past rumors, since apple took control of the company P.A. Semi earlier this year, following an announcement by Apple CEO Steve Jobs and ARM. Apple is currently using several different types of ARM processors for the iPhone, but since the takeover of the company, Jobs said that there chips could be in the next iPhones and iPods.

Former P.A. Semi engineer Wei-han Lien lists his current position as “Senior Manager Chip CPU Architect at Apple” in his Linkedin profile. What does this mean for us iPhone users you may ask? Well, By developing their own versions of the chips found in the iPhone, Apple could benefit from cost savings and competitive advantages to improve devices. Apple could create a chip, that has the built in functions to take full advantage of things such as the touch screen and accelerometer, which could make the iPhone even better in the future. This could save on costs, as not many processors would be needed to control so many things. Also, It could also stop a lot of these product leaks we have been seeing. If apple use there own chips, then less companies will know of any new devices being made.

We most likely won’t see anything more on this until around July next year, when the new iPhones will probably land. Keep an eye out for anything more on this, as it could one day save you money.

Video Review #84: Marware SportSuit Convertible

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Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: It’s 3 cases in one, very comfortable arm band
Cons: Silent switch is hard to use when iPhone is in the case
Verdict: This is my newest favorite sport case for the iPhone.

You can purchase this product directly from Marware for $34.99

Video Review #83: Marware SportGrip

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Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Very unique smooth texture for a silicon case, free screen protector and cleaning cloth
Cons: Screen will not be protected from hard drops
Verdict:This is probably the best silicon case that I’ve test thus far, under $20.

You can purchase this product directly from Marware for $19.99

Video Review #82: Ivyskin ReflectScreen Protector

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Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Protects the screen from scratches
Cons: Smudges with finger prints easily
Verdict: This screen protector makes your iPhone look really cool and does a good job of protecting the screen, but I think the build up of finger prints might get annoying for some. What do you expect, it’s practically a mirror!

You can purchase this product directly from Ivyskin for $14.95

New Seinfeld Microsoft Ad: ‘New Family’

I know this isn’t exactly iPhone related, but Microsoft is a direct competitor to Apple, and Apple makes the iPhone so… just watch it! Maybe Bill Gates should get into acting since he really doesn’t do a whole lot at Microsoft anymore. This is the long version of the ad. I’m still trying to figure out what this ad is trying to accomplish. Watch and post your comments.

PwnageTool and Quickpwn ready for 2.1

The Dev Team has been working over time and they finally have a version of the PwnageTool and QuickPwn that will work with iTunes 8 and doesn’t require any patches. I don’t know about you, but I plan on updating and jailbreaking my iPhone today. I’m tired of the constant rebooting and apps crashing. Of course I’m sure that having my iPhone jailbroken doesn’t help the situation, but at least I know that the majority of my problems will be fixed with the Apple 2.1 firmware. I’m going to attempt to shoot a video of the QuickPwn process to show you how easy it is to jailbreak using it. You can download a copy from the following links:

Direct Downloads – QuickPwn

• http://daten.gorgont.de/downloads/iphone/QuickPwn_1.1.dmg
• http://www.dayofdefeat.org/QuickPwn_1.1.dmg
• http://www.eltonno.eu/QuickPwn_1.1.dmg
• http://69.73.148.215/~evasive/downloads/QuickPwn_1.1.dmg

Direct Downloads – PwnageTool

• http://www.dayofdefeat.org/PwnageTool_2.1.dmg
• http://daten.gorgont.de/downloads/iphone/PwnageTool_2.1.dmg
• http://www.eltonno.eu/PwnageTool_2.1.dmg
• http://alekserviz.com/adamov/PwnageTool2.1Mac/PwnageTool_2.1.dmg
• http://rs402.rapidshare.com/files/144960584/PwnageTool_2.1.dmg
• http://69.73.148.215/~evasive/downloads/PwnageTool_2.1.dmg

Video Review #81: Scosche showTIME AV cable

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Rating: 9 out of 10
Pros: High quality cables and video output
Cons: It would be nice if it came with a carrying case
Verdict: This is a handy accessory to keep around if you get tired of watching your videos on your iPhone and want to see them on the big screen.

You can purchase this product directly from Scosche for $39.95

iTunes 8 Update

Just yesterday, Omar reported that iTunes 8 is giving people a hard time when trying to use the Pwnage Tool. Apple not only provided great updates but according to the Dev Team:

“…one way they can try to combat Pwnage for existing hardware, is to program iTunes to detect and prevent the Pwnage exploit.  In fact, they’ve already done that in iTunes 8.”

But fear not, my jailbreaking hopefuls. The Dev Team has prepared for this and has you covered.  They have already created a patch to exploit the prevention of the exploit (confusing eh?) for the Mac iPod Touch.  A patch for the iPod Touch PC users along with iPhone patches for both Mac and PC are currently being constructed.  My guess is that all versions will be released simultaneously….hopefully. Regardless when it comes out, Apple will forever remain: