iLounge

iSkin has introduced its new solo FX Special Edition (SE) case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Like the previously-released solo and solo FX for iPhone 3G, the SE is a form-fitting case, featuring integrated volume and power button protection, an embossed design pattern for added visual interest, and unobstructed access to all ports and controls. Unlike prior models, however, the solo FX SE features a more subdued matte finish with a textured surface, and includes both clear and mirror-finish screen film protectors. The solo FX SE for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS is available now in black, pink, or white, and sells for $35.

Boomwave has unveiled its new Kruz cases for the second- and third-generation iPod touch. Like the company’s prior Kruz cases for the iPhone 3G, the Kruz cases for iPod touch feature an inner ABS hard shell with a faux leather exterior, and come in white, pink, or black, each with a unique design on the rear shell. Each case offers full access to all ports and controls, and also includes a screen protector. Boomwave’s Kruz cases for the iPod touch 2G and 3G are available now and sell for $24 each.

With over 3,100 votes from iLounge readers, our most recent poll—“Do you still have your first iPod?” has ended. Readers could choose from two positive responses or five negative, with a separate option for those who have never owned an iPod.

With exactly 50% of the vote, the majority of readers said they still have their first iPod, and it still works. Another 12% said they still have it, but it is no longer operational, while 11% said they sold their first model to upgrade to a newer iPod. 9% said they gave it to a friend or family member, 7% said they got rid of their first after it stopped working, and an unfortunate 4% said their first iPod ended up lost or stolen. Only 1% said they sold their first iPod to upgrade to an iPhone, while 5% said they have never owned an iPod. Thanks for all your votes!

Our new poll focuses on the Apple TV and the rumored $30 iTunes TV subscription plan. We’d like to know if a $30 iTunes subscription option would be enough to make you buy an Apple TV? Would you buy it if the service included all, or at least some of the shows you enjoy watching, or only if Apple increased the storage or lowered the price of the Apple TV? Or would it not be enough to convince you to purchase, or do you already own an Apple TV? Our new poll, “Would a $30 monthly iTunes TV subscription service be enough to make you buy an Apple TV?” lets you answer that question. As always, you can find the iLounge Poll in the left-hand column of the main iLounge.com home page. Cast your vote today!

Apple has launched a new Music landing page in the iTunes Store’s Movies section, ahead of a broader push that will see the company attempting to negotiate exclusive access to new music-themed movies to make them available on iTunes prior to the physical DVD release. Billboard reports that the first such exclusive will be for It Might Get Loud, a documentary about guitarists Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge; iTunes will offer it from December 8-22, before any other outlet, and pre-orders are available now. Another exclusive is the Kings of Leon concert film Kings of Leon, Live at the O2. In addition, Apple is said to be expanding its catalog of older music-based films, including titles such as Woodstock, The Doors, This is Spinal Tap, and John Lennon Imagine. [via AppleInsider]

Sony Creative Software has released 1,000 Ringtones, a new DVD containing a collection of ringtones grouped into music, sound effects, and spoken word categories. Developed with iPhone users in mind, all 1,000 ringtones included on the DVD are in .m4r and .mp3 formats, and are ready for use without any additional fees, downloads, or editing. Users can simply browse the ‘tones directly from the DVD and drag any selected tones into iTunes for synchronization. 1,000 Ringtones is available now as either a DVD shipment or direct .zip archive download and sells for $20.

Apple has officially announced that there are now more than 100,000 applications available on the App Store. iPhone and iPod touch users in 77 countries have access to the store, which includes 20 categories of applications. Application monitoring sites had claimed the company had passed the 100,000 app mark earlier, but this is the first official confirmation from Apple.

“The App Store, now with over 100,000 applications available, is clearly a major differentiator for millions of iPhone and iPod touch customers around the world,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The iPhone SDK created the first great platform for mobile applications and our customers are loving all of the amazing apps our developers are creating.”

“The App Store has forever changed the mobile gaming industry and continues to improve,” said Travis Boatman, vice president of Worldwide Studios, EA Mobile. “With a global reach of over 50 million iPhone and iPod touch users, the App Store has allowed us to develop high quality EA games that have been a huge success with customers.”

“With 10,000 downloads a day, worldwide customer response to our I Am T-Pain App has exceeded our wildest expectations,” said Jeff Smith, CEO of Smule. “The App Store has given us a unique opportunity to create and grow a very successful business, and we’re looking forward to an exciting future.”

AT&T has filed a lawsuit against Verizon Wireless over its recent TV advertisement campaign comparing the two leading carriers’ 3G network coverage map. As we reported early last month, the ads ape Apple’s “there’s an app for that” iPhone slogan by repeating “there’s a map for that” while showing various usage scenarios in which Verizon’s 3G coverage might better that of AT&T’s. The Wall Street Journal reports that AT&T is claiming that Verizon is misleading consumers with the ads, by using maps with large amounts of blank space which AT&T says indicate a complete lack of coverage, not just a lack of 3G. “By communicating that AT&T customers have no coverage in large parts of the country, Verizon is misleading the public about an essential component of the services AT&T offers,” the suit reads.  Verizon is claiming the lawsuit is without merit. “Our ads clearly explain that non-3G coverage is available elsewhere,” Verizon spokesman Jim Gerace told the WSJ. “I think it’s interesting that AT&T’s chose to focus on the white areas and not the blues area of their map. We think it calls into question their own fastest 3G claim as the map clearly shows where 3G doesn’t exist.”

EnvIO networks has released Chorus, its first application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Chorus is a application discovery app, helping users find worthwhile applications on the App Store without the need to dig through the store itself. The application bases its recommendations on those of the user’s friends—which can be brought in from Facebook and Contacts, and added from a list of nearby Chorus users—as well as a select group of “App Maven” experts. Chorus is available now as a free download from the App Store.

Kodak has introduced its new Pic Flick application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Kodak Pic Flick allows users to wirelessly transmit pictures from their devices to Kodak EasyShare W820 or W1020 wireless digital picture froms, or to a Kodak ESP 5250 All-In-One wireless printer for printing out the image. Kodak Pic Flick is a free download from the App Store. [via Photography Blog]

Highlights for Children has debuted Highlights Hidden Pictures, its first game for the iPhone and iPod touch. The game features eight puzzle illustrations featuring more than 100 hidden objects, a scrollable row of objects to use as clues, a hint feature, the ability to register the game for two free puzzles, the ability to play custom music in the background, and more. Highlights Hidden Puzzles is available now and sells for $2.

GLU Mobile has released World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend, its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. This No-Limit Texas hold’em poker game features a career mode with cash games, bracelet events, multi-table tournaments, and more, over 20 unique achievements, up to 9-player real-time online multiplayer, a heads-up two-player Bluetooth multiplayer mode, the ability to save favorite hands, the ability to listen to music from the iPod while playing, and more. World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is available now and is priced at $7.

Swedish audio company Brothers has introduced its new Wall of Sound (WOS) iPod speaker system. Hailed by the company as “the most powerful iPod speaker on the market,” the WOS is powered by a 125 Watt, built-in tube amplifier. It features a total of 28 driver elements, each of which has its own handcrafted box for a more balanced sound. Other features include a frequency response of 40 Hz-20,000 kHz, dimensions of roughly 37” x 49” x 12”, and a weight of approximately 225 lbs. Available exclusively at Brothers’ flagship store in Stockholm, the Wall of Sound is priced at $4,495.

A Dutch hacker has used an exploit commonly left open when jailbreaking an iPhone or iPod touch to try and extort €5 from a number of T-Mobile Netherlands users. Ars Technica reports that the hacker used port scanning to identify jailbroken iPhones on the network that had SSH running. As many users who had activated SSH had not changed the default root password, the hacker was able to hack into the devices and send an alert that appeared on the screen like an incoming SMS message. The false alert read, “Your iPhone’s been hacked because it’s really insecure! Please visit doiop.com/iHacked and secure your iPhone right now! Right now, I can access all your files. This message won’t disappear until your iPhone’s secure.”

A visit to the website mentioned in the alert prompts the user to send €5 to a PayPal account, after which time the hacker will send the user an email with instructions to remove the hack. Ars notes that the hacker doesn’t appear to have malicious intent, as he/she states on the page mentioned in the alert that,” If you don’t pay, it’s fine by me. But remember, the way I got access to your iPhone can be used by thousands of others—they can send text messages from your number (like I did), use it to call or record your calls, and actually whatever they want, even use it for their hacking activities! I can assure you, I have no intention of harming you or whatever, but, some hackers do! It’s just my advice to secure your phone.” Apple has often mentioned security issues as a reason why it is opposed to users jailbreaking their devices.

China Unicom has announced that it has signed up only 5,000 new iPhone subscribers in the first five days the device has been on sale, but adding it was satisfied with the results. Unicom Chairman Chang Xiaobing said that the company is “satisfied with iPhone sales so far,” and added that the launch would help boost revenue in the fourth quarter, without providing any additional details. Reuters reports that analysts expect Unicom may be forced to offer more subsidies on the iPhone to bring down its price and boost sales. China Unicom became the first carrier to offer the iPhone in mainland China when it launched the device October 30.

Ngmoco has released Eliminate Pro, its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Eliminate Pro is a first-person shooter in which players compete with one another in multi-player matches to earn credits to buy upgrades and better weapons. Features include networked play over both 3G and W-Fi, multiple weapons, power-ups, and arenas, Plus+ integration, and more. Eliminate Pro is available now as a free download from the App Store.

Electronic Arts has introduced Command & Conquer Red Alert, its latest title for the iPhone and iPod touch. In Red Alert, players use multi-touch controls to command their forces against the enemy, fighting through twelve combat levels as either the Soviets or Allies—each side has its own specific weaponry and campaign storylines. A map pack with six extra skirmish maps is available as an in-app purchase, and EA is promising Bluetooth and Wi-Fi multiplayer, as well as an “Empire of the Rising Sun” expansion pack as future updates. Command & Conquer Red Alert is available now and sells for $10.

id Software has unveiled Doom Classic, its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. As a port of the original first-person shooter, Classic includes the original three episodes as well as episode four for a total of 36 levels, customizable control schemes, both Deathmatch and Co-op multiplayer modes, the ability to listen to the original soundtrack or music from the iPod library, and more. Doom Classic is available now for $7.

Izy CG has released IzyPhotoTip, its latest application for the iPhone and iPod touch. IzyPhotoTip is designed to help photographers and travelers mark, locate, and revisit places where they might want to take a picture with more advanced photographic equipment. Features include the ability to manage, categorize, and tags shooting locations, add photos from the camera or library to a location, save the best time to shoot the location, share locations with friends, and more. IzyPhotoTip is available now and is priced at $4.

Apple is attempting to sell TV networks on a $30 monthly iTunes subscription plan for launch as soon as early next year, according to a new report. Citing multiple anonymous sources, AllThingsD claims that the company is trying to gain support for a possible monthly subscription service, which would be tied to iTunes, instead of a particular piece of hardware, meaning it could potentially be rolled out across multiple devices, including the iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV. The report claims that Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services, has been promoting the idea to industry executives, who, while intrigued with the idea, are also wary of straining relationships with cable providers.

Alongside the previously mentioned JBL Creature III speakers and other accessories, another major product debuting in our 2010 iPod + iPhone Buyers’ Guide is V-Moda’s new Crossfade headphones. Designed and aimed to compete with Monster’s Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, the Crossfades will be available in both Over- and On-Ear versions, with 50mm drivers in one and 40mm drivers in the other. Other features will include an included carrying case, swappable cables, and four available colors. Expect the Crossfades in December with a price tag of $200.

IvySkin is showing off its upcoming SmartCase for the iPhone 3G/3GS in the Sneak Peeks section; the Quattro-T4-based case will offer a 1500mAh battery on the rear, along with power indicator lights, a USB port to allow for charging of both the iPhone and SmartCase at the same time, and a button to switch the port into an iPhone sync mode. Expect it later this month for $80; the company is also working on a similar KeyPal case, which will add a hardware keyboard to the iPhone 3G/3GS as opposed to a battery. Finally, Griffin is debuting its Travel Stand for iPhone + iPod, a folding, portable video stand featuring an included cord manager and a flip-up video stand compatible with any iPhone, iPod touch, or fourth- or fifth-generation iPod nano; expect it in Wal-Mart stores for $15 later this month. For more information on these and thousands of other products for the iPod and iPhone, check out our 2010 iPod + iPhone Buyers’ Guide.

As always, the Sneak Peeks section of this year’s iPod + iPhone Buyers Guide plays host to exclusive images and information of several upcoming iPod and iPhone accessories. One of this year’s most anticipated new add-ons is JBL’s Creature III speakers. Based substantially offer the company’s prior Creature II, the Creature IIIs retain the subwoofer-mounted bass and treble controls and satellite-mounted volume controls of the prior model, and pack a 75mm low end drive, 40mm drivers in the satellites, and two colors to choose from when they launch in November for $130.

Also bowing in the guide is the Incipio duroSHOT V for iPod nano, a new case for the fifth-generation model that aims to solve the question of how to hold the diminutive player when recording video. As a solution, the duroSHOT V features a rear handle that folds out and below the camera for a stable hold, as well as a screw mount hole in the handle for attaching to a tripod and an included screen protector. It will be available in November in four colors and will sell for $25. Hitting stores later this year or early next will be the Scosche ReviveLite 2, which keeps the original’s mix of iPod/iPhone charger and nightlight but improves upon it with a front-mounted folding dock, a USB port for simultaneous charging of a separate device, and folding blades for more portability. It will sell for $25. For more information on these and thousands of other products for the iPod and iPhone, check out our 2010 iPod + iPhone Buyers’ Guide.

A combination of a certain Intel chipset and Windows 7 is leaving some iPhone users unable to sync their phones to their computers. According to a group of intrepid iPhone users on Apple’s Support forums, the problem appears to be caused by Intel’s P55 Express chipset and its USB controller, which leaves the Windows 7 machines able to recognize the iPhones but unable to sync. Users instead are greeted with the unknown error 0xE8000065. Notably, the problem appears to exist across both 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows; no workaround is currently known short of purchasing a new PCI USB card. [via Engadget | The Register]

It’s here: iLounge’s annual guide to the iPod and iPhone, plus their accessories, apps and games has arrived! Download the 2010 iPod + iPhone Buyers’ Guide today!

The 2010 Buyers’ Guide is your one-download shortcut to all of the best iPod and iPhone holiday shopping information we’ve compiled over the last year, designed to be useful for any sort of reader: new iPod and iPhone users will appreciate detailed shopping tips and the brand new iGlossary, which cuts through all the technical jargon related to the players and accessories, while hard-core fans will enjoy exclusive sneak peeks at JBL’s futuristic Creature III speakers, V-Moda’s metal DJ-style Crossfade headphones, and more! Additional details are after the download links below.

If you haven’t yet submitted your entry for our Sonix3 Earphone Giveaway, today and tomorrow are your last chance. In our Giveaway of the Month for October, Lenntek and iLounge are giving away 10 Sonix3 Earphones to lucky readers. To enter, simply fill out and submit the form on the giveaway page—the giveaway will end on October 31, 2009 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. Good luck!

The Iconfactory has released Pickin’ Time, its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Pickin’ Time has players attempt to pick their chosen vegetable as fast as they can when it pops up. The game offers both a single-player mode plus single-device and Wi-Fi multi-player modes, as well as a family-friendly theme and original soundtrack. Pickin’ Time is available now and sells for $2.

UPS has launched UPS Mobile, its new application for the iPhone and iPod touch. UPS Mobile lets users track package and freight shipments, find nearby UPS locations, and estimate shipping costs and delivery times; users logged in with a My UPS ID can also nickname tracked shipments, see recent tracks, create shipping labels to e-mail and then print, access their ups.com address books, and use saved shipping and payment preferences. UPS Mobile is available now as a free download from the App Store.

Nikon has introduced Nikon Learn & Explore, its new photography application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Learn & Explore gives users access to a host of photography tips and information, including educational images and videos, advice on shooting techniques, guides to fundamental photography principles, a photography glossary, complete access to Nikon’s quarterly print magazine Nikon World, and more. Nikon Learn & Explore is available now as a free download.

Namco has released Garters & Ghouls, its latest title for the iPhone and iPod touch. Developed in collaboration with Big Blue Bubble, Garters & Ghouls puts players in the shoes of Marie Dupois, who has been summoned to battle a horde of baddies with dual on-screen stick controls. Features include over 25 levels, a variety of weapons and power-ups, extra downloadable content, the ability to share in-game achievements via Facebook Connect, and more. Garters & Ghouls is available now and sells for $5.

iPodweek, iLounge’s weekly newsletter summarizing the last seven days in iPod, iPhone, iTunes and Apple TV news, articles, reviews, and more, will be sent out later today. In addition to rounding up the week’s top stories, iPodweek also features giveaways and accessory discount offers from various companies. If you haven’t yet signed up to receive iPodweek, there’s still time to register and receive this week’s edition — just use the simple form below to submit your email address.

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