Apple has created a survey to help them get a better idea of how people actually feel about the iPhone 3G. The survey is being sent out by Medallia, a feedback agent.
The survey contains several questions that span the gamut of the typical iPhone user's experience. For instance, there are questions about whether or not you've had to take in your phone for repair or replacement, if you're a Mac or Windows user, and if this is your first Apple product.
Since many have been reporting problems with the iPhone as of late, it should be interesting to see what sorts of answers people are submitting, if and when the results are ever released.
[via Gadget Lab at Wired.com]
We're in the age of nit picking, it seems. Recently, two viewers filed a claim with the Advertising Standards Authority in regards to a new iPhone 3G ad that says all of the Internet is accessible on the device when, in fact, Flash and Java are not.
The ASA Council ruled in favor of of the two viewers and now Apple must change the ad if it is to be shown in the UK again. Now I get what these people are saying. Certainly Flash and Java are integral components of many websites. But is the ad outright lying? I don't think so.
The idea here is that you can book a hotel, check the weather and the stock market on your iPhone. That is, perform day-to-day on the go tasks. And while Flash and Java are a part of the Internet, it seems people are just looking for problems now.
[via ASA]
Your private information may be at risk on your iPhone now that the 2.0.2 update has made the rounds. Why is this the case? Quite simply, anyone can break into your phone and access your private information including Contacts, Safari, Mail and SMS even if you have a password set.
The following was posted on Gizmodo and will explain what the problem looks like and how to avoid it until Apple comes up with a fix for this bug.
First, password protect your phone and lock it. Then slide to unlock and do this:
1. Tap emergency call.
2. Double tap the home button.Done. You are now in your favorites. This seems like a feature, because you may want to have emergency number in your favorites for quick dial. The security problem here is double. The first: anyone picking up your phone can make a call to anyone in your favorites. On top of that, this also opens access to your full Address Book, the dial keypad, and your voice mail.
If that wasn't bad enough, the second one is even worse: if you tap on the blue arrows next to the names, it will give you full access to the private information in a favorite entry. And it goes downhill from there:
• If you click in a mail address, it will give you full access to the Mail application. All your mail will be exposed.
• If there's a URL in your contact (or in a mail message) you can click on it and have full access to Safari.
• If you click on send text message in a contact, it will give you full access to all your SMS.Hopefully, this major security break that fully exposes your most private information will be solved as soon as possible. Until then, you can avoid any potential breach doing the following:
1. In the iPhone home, go to Settings.
2. Click on General.
3. Click on Home Button.
4. Click on either "Home" or "iPod".This way, the double-click on the home button will take the user back to the unlock screen (if you use "Home") or the iPod screen. I recommend using Home. You will lose the ability to quickly access your favorites for a quick call—which is one of my favorite features—but that's better than having all your private mails, contacts, and SMS database compromised.
[via Gizmodo]
The app formally called JiveTalk and known as the best IM program for the BlackBerry is now sporting the name BeeJive and will be coming to an iPhone near you shortly. The official app will bring more functionality to IMing on the iPhone than any of the other IM programs currently deliver.
What's particularly great about BeeJive is it supports every IM service out there and has a simple and easy to use interface. Plus, it's stable and maintains connection well. You can adjust the timeout time and you can even still accept messages once the app is closed. That way, when you re-open the app, all of your messages are listed there for you.
Background notification support is also included so that once Apple enables this function the app will be prepped and primed for it. BeeJive is currently in beta, but it will be available shortly, if all goes well.
[via The Boy Genius Report]
If you're into extravagant finds, then perhaps a 24K Gold iPhone 3G is the perfect item for you? At least that's what Computer Choppers, makers of the Polished Gold Macbrook Pro and the 24K Gold iMac are hoping.
While not yet available, the gold dipped iPhones will be the first with 24K yellow gold housing and bezel. Funnily enough, the makers even hinted that this time around the phones were a bit harder to dip because of the bad quality of the plastic casing. But I guess anything would seem poor to people that dip everything in gold!
Last minute tests are being performed now for people that may want customizations such as engravings. If you want one, you'll need to e-mail Computer Choppers to find out how much they'll cost.
Usually, if the price isn't listed and you need to know it, you can't afford it. At least that's why I won't be getting a gold coated iPhone anytime soon.
[via Chip Chick]
If you're a lover of those old LED football games, you'll be happy to hear Mark Helmuth will be bringing the fun game to the iPhone. Based on the 1970's handheld games, this game will have all the appeal of the old ones with touch capabilities thrown in.
There is currently a beta version out there and the games will launch sometime next week. It will only cost a dollar and should be pretty fun.
With big, oversized buttons, beepy sounds and old-school graphics, how can you go wrong? With this new version of an old classic, gadget lovers of the ages will be pleased.
[via Boing Boing Gadgets]