September 2009 Archives

Truphone said customers they may encounter service problems with the current version of the Truphone application (version 3.0.2) if they install OS 3.1.

Truphone makes software for the iPhone which enables people to make telephone calls via the Internet rather than the cellular phone network. Such calls are usually substantially cheaper, particularly for International calls.

"We are aware of an issue and already have [an updated version of the Truphone app] with Apple for approval. We're working with Apple to ensure a speedy release of this update. In the meantime, if you are a frequent user of Truphone and wish to maintain an uninterrupted service, then we recommend that you do not upgrade to Apple iPhone OS 3.1 until the new Truphone version is available," said Truphone in a letter to subscribers.

We have not heard from other Internet phone app vendors but existing versions of other products might also have an issue with OS 3.1.

Not for the first time, it seems an update to the iPhone software has caused problems with iPhone apps.

Skype for iPhone enables you to make free calls and send and receive instant messages to anyone else on the Skype network. You can also call regular landlines and mobile phone numbers and send SMS messages to other mobile phone users with an additional subscription-bsed service.

Skype for the iPhone enables voice communication over Wi-Fi, but allows you to message using either Wi-Fi or your phone's data plan.

Skype for iPhone requires an iPhone or iPod touch running iPhone OS 2.2 or later.

Features include the opportunity to geo-tag images, add them to a set, and view your photos by set and tags. Flickr for iPhone and iPod touch gives users a chance to view photo updates from friends and family, search photos and make comments.

Flickr was developed by Ludicorp, and launched Flickr in February 2004. In March 2005, Yahoo! acquired Ludicorp and Flickr. According to Wikipedia, Flickr hosts more than 3.6 billion images, as of June 2009.

As you can see from Apple's event image to the right, next week's announcement looks set to be a new range of iPod, with the slogan "it's only rock and roll, but we like it". No further details are known about the event, however we'll be treated to a live link-up to California, where (with any luck) Steve Jobs will take to the stage.

As reported for several months, a touch screen tablet appears to be on the horizon, however Apple might save that for a further event closer to Christmas. Apple Insider is claiming that new iPod and iPod Touches will be unveiled, each sporting a 3.2-megapixel camera for picture-snapping and video recording.

In addition to new iPod, the latest version of iTunes is also rumoured to be shown off, enabling deeper access to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Could we soon be updating our friends on Facebook with what song we're listening to on iTunes, with a link to buy the track? All shall be revealed next Wednesday.

The Sony Walkman outsold Apple's iPod in Japan last week, the first time in more than four years, according to a study by Japanese electronics research company BCN. Sony's slice of the market for digital music players in Japan rose to 43 percent for the week ending August 30, narrowly beating Apple's 42.1 share. The survey didn't include sales results for the iPhone because that device also serves as a cell phone.

Sony achieved its victory through pure sales volume and number of players, said BCN. Apple's 8GB iPod Nano hit the top of the sales charts with a 21.7 percent share of the market, while Sony's mini NW-E042 Walkman came in second with just a 6.2 market share. But Sony captured six of the top 10 sales spots with different models of its Walkman. In addition to its top 8GB Nano, Apple took the remaining three slots with its 16GB iPod Nano, iPod Classic, and iPod Shuffle.

Sony's win be may due to a variety of factors, according to BCN. The company focuses on lower-cost music players, with the average price of a Walkman dropping in recent weeks while Apple's prices have stayed firm. BCN also said it thinks Apple may be competing with itself, as more Japanese consumers have opted for iPhones rather than buying both an iPod and cell phone.

Fresh from dating GTA: Chinatown Wars for the PSP Rockstar has announced that the latest portable GTA adventure is heading to the iPhone and iPod Touch, along with Beaterator.

Chinatown Wars on the DS didn't quite achieve the pant-wetting levels of success previous GTA titles have enjoyed, but it looks set to get a whole new lease of life on the PSP, and now surprisingly the iPhone and iPod Touch.

But according to Rockstar boss Sam Houser we shouldn't be too surprised that the crime-caper will reach the Apple device; originally built for touchscreen controls the game should make a fine iPhone port.