iLounge

Unusual Studio has unveiled its new Embassy Series cases for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Available in ten different designs, the Embassy Series are thin hard-shell cases featuring original artwork printed onto the case using advanced printing technology. The cases also offer full access to all ports, controls, and the camera, and come with a screen protector. Interestingly, the cases are to be packed using a Blind Assortment method, meaning each customer will receive a same-looking box, and will only discover what design he/she received upon opening the package. Unusual Studio is currently looking for a distribution partner for its cases.

Capcom has released the highly anticipated Street Fighter IV for the iPhone and iPod touch. First announced last month, Street Fighter IV brings the popular console game to the iPhone and iPod touch with a user interface specifically redesigned for the touchscreen and the same visual style and artwork found in the current generation console game. Eight classic characters are available in the game, including Ryu, Ken, Chun Li, Able, Blanka, M. Bison, Dhalsim, Guile and Ken and the game provides seven different playing environments. Familiar moves such as Unique Attacks, Special Moves, Focus Attacks, Super Combos and Ultra Combos are all present, and the game provides a “Dojo” mode to introduce new players to the game’s moves and features. In addition to the standard single-player mode, players can choose to compete against other iPhone and iPod touch users over Bluetooth in a two-player head-to-head mode. Street Fighter IV is available on the App Store for $10.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has acquired a recent copy of Apple’s iPhone Developer Program License Agreement (PDF Link) and posted it online. Previously seen only by those applying to be a licensed iPhone developer, the EFF used the Freedom of Information Act to ask NASA, which distributes a free NASA App through the App Store, for a copy. Contained within the agreement is a section prohibiting developers from making any “public statements” about the terms of the agreement, as well as sections prohibiting reverse engineering of the iPhone OS, prohibiting developers from contributing to the development of jailbreaking and or unlocking solutions, and a clause saying that Apple can “revoke the digital certificate of [an application] at any time,” a feature of the iPhone OS that Apple has yet to invoke, but keeps available as a backup plan should malicious software manage to find its way onto the App Store and users’ iPhones and iPod touches.

This week’s featured photo is from our iPhones Around the World gallery, and shows an iPhone 3GS overlooking a snow-covered scene near Vanersborg, Sweden. To share your photos and to be considered for our Photo of the Week, you simply need to submit your own photo to one of our galleries. So get out there, take some pictures with your iPod or iPhone, and maybe your submission will be our next Photo of the Week!

Quirky has introduced its new Cloak case for the Apple iPad. The Cloak sports an office folder-like design and non-slip rubber construction, with plastic on the hinge mechanisms and support braces. The iPad slides into the case from the top, and is completely protected when the case is shut; the case can also be used to prop the iPad up on a flat surface by either folding back the front cover or using the plastic support brace located on the case’s inside cover. Quirky’s new Cloak case for the iPad is available for pre-order now in a variety of colors and sells for $36.

Apple has released the fourth beta version of its iPhone SDK 3.2 for iPad. First released in January following the introduction of the iPad, the SDK is tailored specifically to the device, including support for its 1024x768 resolution, other iPad-specific interface functions, and includes an iPad simulator application so developers can pre-test their apps in an environment similar to that of the final device. It is currently unclear what, if any, major changes were made in the updated version. The iPhone OS 3.2 SDK beta 4 for iPad is available now to registered iPhone developers through the iPhone Dev Center.

Elgato has announced its next-generation EyeTV Hybrid TV tuner stick for HDTV and analog TV. Hailed by the company as “America’s smallest TV tuner stick,” the new EyeTV Hybrid features an ultra-compact enclosure, a matte aluminum finish, a built-in USB connector, an analog/ATSC tuner, S-Video, Composite video, antenna, and stereo audio inputs, an IR remote control sensor for use with the included remote control, and included EyeTV 3 software for Mac. Notably, the new model does not offer the built-in FM radio tuner of the previous model. The next-generation Elgato EyeTV Hybrid is available now and sells for $150.

WaterField Designs has introduced its new Smart Case and Slip Case accessories for the Apple iPad. Joining the company’s previously announced Ultimate SleeveCase and iPad Suede Jacket, the Smart Case is a top-loading case featuring an impact-resistant plastic inner shell with light padding, leather accents on the sides, Ultrasuede lining for protection against scratches, a color fabric exterior, and a “powermesh” back pocket for accessories. The Slip Case is a simple sleeve-style case featuring a quick-access top opening, a piece of internal impact-resistant plastic for screen protection, Ultrasuede lining, a pull tab at the bottom to help with device removal, and a washable, water-resistant outer material for protection from moisture. WaterField Designs’ Smart Case and Slip Case for the iPad are available for pre-order now in a variety of colors and sell for $59 and $29, respectively.

Genera Mobile has released FORMULA 1 Live Racing 2010, an unofficial Formula 1 information app that allows F1 racing fans to follow Grand Prix racing on their iPhone or iPod touch. The application provides live commentary, lap-by-lap race positions, live coverage of qualification sessions and real-time leaderboards for all Grand Prix 2010 races. Users can also view detailed circuit information including weather conditions, view stats on the drivers competing in each race and receive daily F1 news updates between races. FORMULA 1 Live Racing 2010 is available on the App Store as a free download.

Jays has introduced its new a-Jays high-performance earphones. Available in three models, all a-Jays earphones feature an 8.6mm driver and flat, tangle-free TPE cords. The One model offers a sleek black finish,  while the Two model sports a highly polished finish, a more bass-heavy sound signature, and an included stereo splitter and flight adapter. Finally, the Three model features a rubber coating, as well as titanium coated diaphragm (TCD) technology, a wider frequency range than the One or Two models, and an included stereo splitter, flight adapter and protective case. Jays’ a-Jays high-performance earphones will be available in April and will sell for $40-$60.

CBS Interactive has released a new app for iPhone and iPod touch users to follow the NCAA March Madness tournament games on their devices. NCAA March Madness on Demand provides live streaming video of every game of the tournament, available over both Wi-Fi and 3G/EDGE connections. The application also provides Westwood One live radio broadcasts of all games, video-on-demand highlights, game previews and current scores and headlines. Users can choose to receive alerts on their favorite teams and other events and can share comments via Facebook and Twitter from directly within the application. CBS Sports NCAA March Madness on Demand is available from the App Store for $10. A free Lite version is also available that provides scores, stats, news and video highlights but excludes live video and audio streaming.

Case-mate is now shipping its Hug protective case and charging pad solution for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The Hug consists of a two-piece hard plastic case featuring aluminum accents and open access to the headphone jack, power button, volume buttons, and ring/silent switch, and a desktop charging pad with an aluminum base. When placed on the charging pad, the Hug case begins charging the encased iPhone wirelessly, shutting off automatically when the battery is full. In addition, both the case and charging pad are based on the wireless power standard set by the Wireless Power Consortium, meaning that other compliant devices will be able to draw power from the charging pad or provide power to the case. Case-mate’s Hug case and charging mat for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS also includes a screen protection kit and is if available now for $100.

Electronic Arts has released the first new mega pack for its episodic Surviving High School game. “Homecoming Queen” casts the player in the role of a female student who must work on her popularity, dancing skills and find a date in order to become Homecoming Queen. While the original main game pack “Football Season” cast the player in the role of a male football player, the new add-on pack provides players with the opportunity to play in the first-person as a female character instead. Released last fall, Surviving High School is a choice-based role-playing game that is unique in its approach of providing free short weekly “episodes” using a TV-like model. The game includes a single full game pack, “Football Season” followed by shorter episodes released weekly that allow the player to follow various other characters and stories. New episodes are available for free each week with past episodes and new mega-packs sold as in-app purchases from within the game. Surviving High School is available on the App Store for $3, the Homecoming Queen Mega pack is $2 as an in-app purchase.

Apple has started blocking so-called “cookie-cutter” basic applications from the App Store, according to a new report. Citing developer comments, TechCrunch reports that Apple is cracking down on applications that function as little more than glorified RSS feeds or business cards, many of which have traditionally been produced by app-building services. One such service, Appmakr, said Apple has reached out to provide suggestions which could be used to improve the service. The company now plans to add more advanced features to the apps that it builds, including push notifications, in-app purchases, offline access, and landscape viewing modes. Other services, according to anonymous developer comments, are not receiving as much help from Apple on improving their products; TechCrunch suggests these are likely the services offering only the most basic of app templates. Notably, Apple does not appear to be going through the store and removing currently available applications that would not be approved under this new policy, as it did with a large number of “overtly sexual” applications last month.

A team of Apple executives is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom this week for discussions with mobile operators about the iPad. The Sunday Times reports that Apple is expected to sign deals with more than one mobile operator, instead of going with a single provider approach. All three current UK iPhone carriers—O2, Orange, and Vodafone—are said to be anxious to make a deal, due to the positive buzz around the product and the potential data revenues it could produce. Citing anonymous sources, the report states that preliminary discussions about the iPad have already taken place between Apple and the carriers, but pricing details have yet to be worked out. Notably, the report also claims that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is not expected to take part in the discussions, which are scheduled to run into next week. Apple has announced that it will launch both the Wi-Fi and 3G models of the iPad in the UK in late April.

China Unicom is working with Apple to build a Wi-Fi-capable version of the iPhone for the Chinese market, according to comments from Unicom chairman Chang Xiaobing. During initial negotiations between the two companies, Chinese regulations required handset makers to use a homegrown standard called WAPI for wireless Internet instead of Wi-Fi, causing Apple to remove the feature from iPhones bound for the Chinese market. These regulations were later revised to allow for Wi-Fi alongside WAPI, but only after Apple had finished its redesign of the phone. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Chang’s comments to reporters indicate that the revision in policy has opened the door for a new model of iPhone with Wi-Fi capability. Without giving a specific timetable for the arrival of the new model, Chang did say that if the new model is introduced the company would consider compensating current iPhone users by allowing them greater use of China Unicom’s 3G network. China Unicom launched the iPhone in China in October 2009, and had sold 300,000 units as of December 29.

Sprout Creation has introduced its new Vers Wood case for the Apple iPad. Handcrafted from solid hardwoods and bamboo, the case features steel reinforcement for added strength, a soft, scratch resistant lining, a form factor that covers the rear, sides, and bezel of the iPad, a top-loading design, open access to the 30-pin connector, volume controls, headphone port, home and power buttons, and an optional integrated vertical stand. Sprout Creation’s Vers Wood case for iPad is listed as coming soon and will sell for $80.

Apple has aired its first television commercial for the iPad, during the broadcast of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. The 30-second spot shows the iPad in use, and highlights many of the device’s built-in applications, including Photos, Maps, iTunes, iPod, Safari, Calendar, and Mail, along with iBooks, the iBookstore, and Pages. The ad finishes by showing the device’s launch date followed by the iPad name; the spot also features the song “There Goes My Love” by The Blue Van throughout. Notably, Apple used the same event—the Academy Awards—to air its first iPhone television commercial. Apple’s new iPad commercial is now available for viewing on Apple’s website.

If you haven’t yet entered our Schlage LiNK Giveaway, there’s still time to do so. In our Giveaway of the Month for March, iLounge and Schlage are giving away five Schlage LiNK Starter Kits with Wireless Keypad Deadbolts, which are compatible with the Schlage LiNK iPhone app. To enter, simply fill out and submit the form on the giveaway page—the giveaway will end on March 31, 2010 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. Good luck!

According to data from the latest ChangeWave survey, respondents looking to purchase an e-Reader in the next 90 days are more likely to buy an iPad than an Amazon Kindle. Specifically, 40% of those respondents said they would purchase an iPad, compared to 28% for the Amazon Kindle, 6% for the Barnes & Noble Nook, and only 1% who said they planned to purchase a Sony Reader. Among current e-Reader owners, 27% said they would have purchased an iPad instead of their current e-Reader had it been available at the time, compared to 45% who would have still purchased their current e-Reader, and 30% of respondents who didn’t know. The survey also asked likely iPad buyers about the timing of their purchase. 6% said they expected to purchase an iPad within a week of its release, 10% said they would likely purchase one 2-4 weeks after its release, 20% said they would likely buy an iPad 2-3 months after its release, and 23% said they thought they would purchase one 4-6 months after its release. Another 19% said they expected to purchase an iPad 7-12 months after its release, while only 8% said they expected to wait for more than a year before purchasing an iPad. ChangeWave’s survey consisted of 3,171 consumers, and was conducted from Feb 1-10, 2010.