The Macintosh Wizard And PC Tech Blog

iPhone users and testers alike agree that a major function missing from the iPhone application line up is instant messaging or chat software.  Rumors abound about what Apple has in store for its iPhone customers, when they decide to release the first firmware update.  iPhone customers that must have the latest and greatest have yet another option.  This option lies in the alpha version (pre-beta and no where near gm or golden master) of Trillian Astra software from Cerulean Studios.  They say that this software has been “designed for iPhone, it doesn’t just happen to work with it.”  Apparently, they got the memo from yesterday’s report of the iPhone Developer Web Site.

The picture above shows the interface for the new Trillian Astra application.  The program does look to be nicely designed and its interface is compact, which fits the screen well.  The result is a single screen showing text conversations.  The software updates your contact list and message windows, and enables the text messaging function as long as the Safari window is open.

Continue reading iPhone IM Software Trillian Astra

Apple decided yesterday to launch an iPhone developer web site.  It outlines what developers should do to make their applications compatible with the Safari web browser.  This new web site is part of the Apple Developer Connection.

Developers that want to make applications for the iPhone currently have the only option to make a Safari Web browser add-on.  The Web 2.0 approach allows applications to look and act like the programs that are already built into the iPhone.

 Apple says that by building applications this way, information is shared and integrates with other iPhone applications and services.  These include making a phone call, sending an email, and displaying a location in Google Maps.

The guidelines on the new Apple Developer web site provide several categories such as Understanding User-iPhone Interaction; Use Standards and Tried-and-True Design Practices; Integrate with Phone, Maps, and Mail; Optimize for Page Readability; Ensure a Great Audio and Video Experience; Know What Safari Supports on iPhone; Connect With other Web Developers.

 The Safari add-on application lock down Apple said in January at the Worldwide Developers Conference is to maintain the security of the iPhone.  This move, however, is a double edged sword.  There are many other cell phone developers that are allowed to make whatever programs they want.  Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Palm and Microsoft see this as a potential stay of execution for them in maintaining sales of their phones and operating systems.  It remains to be seen in how ingenious the Apple iPhone developers can be programming for Safari.  Via PCWorld.

In a recent article from a German regional newspaper, Deutsche Telekom AG’s T-Mobile division has contracted a deal to sell Apple’s iPhone in Germany starting November 1.  It is reported that T-Mobile won the bid at the last minute from Europe’s largest mobile phone operator, Vodafone according to Rheinischen Post newspaper on Wendesday.

 The iPhone is to be sold for 450 Euro or $613 USD.  The article itself cited unnamed sources from within the business community.

T-Mobile has yet to comment on what it says is a rumor and has noted that Vodafone and the Carphone Warehouse Group PLC have also been linked to possible iPhone deals in previous news reports.

The European cell phone market is fragmented, so this means that there will be several operators to distribute the iPhone.  There are however, several key points to Apple’s distributor contracts, that may require operators to share portions of their revenues from iPhone sales.  This may mean that larger operators may not want to give up the revenue to carry a single product.

 Apple is expected to launch the iPhone in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2007 but has laid out no further details at this time.  Source is MacWorld.

Viewing a lot of video’s on the Internet through web sites such as the New York Times can not be done without the Flash plug-in for the Safari web browser.  Apple has hinted at releasing the plugin in a software update.

Other iPhone software that may or may not be included in the first software update could be MMS or multimedia messaging service and IM or instant messages.  Both of these features are included in the AT&T iPhone Launch Training Participant Guide on Page 31.  The training guide already says that these features are part of the iPhone Data Plan.  These software updates are reported to be coming sometime in the next few months.  Sources are Engadget and MacRumors.

The iPhone from Apple does not have a user replaceable battery. The people over at Apple understand that most users will need to have it replaced within a year. Purchasers of the iPhone have been wondering what they are going to do once the battery starts to die. If the iPhone’s battery lasts longer than the one year warranty, then there is still an option. The out-of-warranty battery replacement program run by Apple costs $79.95 plus $6.95 for shipping. The turnaround time is expected to be about three business days. Three days is a long time for the hip Apple user, so Apple has come up with a rent an iPhone program. No word yet on how much to rent an iPhone is however. If Apple finds anything else wrong with the iPhone the reported fee is only $29.

People at this point might be thinking about replacing the battery themselves. Checkout the tear down photos all over the Internet. There are three soldered leads from the battery to the iPhone board so it is not as easy as most think.

For the small fee to replace the battery correctly, Apple is willing to do what regular iPhone users should not. Plus, by having them do it, you know it will be done correctly the first time. Source is Engadget and Apple.

The first iPhone accessory from Apple is the $129 bluetooth headset and a dock is included.  Details for the headset are a 5.5 hour talk time and 72 hours of standby time.  The dock has dual purpose, it charges the iPhone and the headset at the same time.  The dock however, is available separately for $49.  The bluetooth travel cable which is seen on the left goes for $29.  It comes with a pair of stereo headphones.  The dock has an audio line-out port.

An Apple approved “Works With iPhone” logo is available for products.  This means that there are quite a few accessories in the works.  Unfortunately, there have been a few reports out that not all current iPod accessories work with the iPhone.  Some of the more popular accessories for the iPod may work on the iPhone on a future firmware update.