iLounge

ezGear has announced that its line of ezSkin cases for the iPhone will include InvisibleShield scratch protection. The ezSkin Slimline for iPhone features a separate removable belt holster, as well as access for all ports, speakers, and microphones. It is now available for $30. The ezSkin Max for iPhone features extra thick corners and sides to provide better shock and drop protection, and gives the user full access to all ports. It sells for $35. Both the ezSkin Slimline and ezSkin Max are available in 4 colors — Onyx Black, Frost White, Cool Blue, and Princess Pink — and include an InvisibleShield screen protector. The ezSkin Edge protects the iPhone’s front and back with InvisibleShield, while the perimeter of the iPhone is protected by the case itself. The ezSkin edge includes a belt holster, is available in four colors, and will ship later in July with a cost of $37.

Handset makers Inventec Appliances and Quanta Computer are competing to become Apple’s second assembly partner for the iPhone, according to a DigiTimes report. Quanta president Michael Wang has set a goal to aggressively strive to become a partner for iPhone production. A recent Goldman Sachs report claims that while Foxconn Electronics remains the exclusive supplier for US-bound iPhones, orders have been split with Quanta for the European version of the phone. The firm also claimed that Foxconn, Quanta, and Inventec are all bidding to become suppliers of the Asian version of the handset. The report notes that it “would be difficult for either Inventec or Quanta to compete with Foxconn to win iPhone orders, given the investment Foxconn has already put into production of the iPhone. However, Apple may still choose to outsource a small portion of iPhone assembly to manufacturers other than Foxconn, in order to lessen its exposure to one partner and lower its market risk.” [via MacWorld UK]

Electronic Arts has released its new The Sims Bowling game for fifth-generation iPods. Features include Click Wheel control, accurate physics, a “Sims Life” mode in which you can create your own Sim to compete in a popularity contest, “Pass-n-Play” two-player mode, and a practice mode. The game requires 38MB of space and sells for $5. EA had previously revealed that they planned to release The Sims Bowling this year, along with three other games.

Blue Flavor has launched a new set of web-based iPhone applications, called Leaflets. These small applications offer iPhone-specific interfaces for popular sites and services such as The New York Times, Newsvine, Flickr, Upcoming, as well as interfaces for search, RSS, and a directory of iPhone applications. The Leaflets are also optimized for AT&T’s EDGE network, by reducing the amount of images and other data-intensive interface elements. The applications can be used by visiting getleaflets.com from an iPhone; screenshots and a demo are also available at the site for users visiting on a desktop.

iLive has announced its latest iPod speaker system, the iC2807. The iC2807 features a “folding” design that allows the system to lay flat for storage and portability. Other features include stereo speakers, built-in Dock, video out, line-in, and USB connections, digital clock and alarm, an included carrying pouch, and the ability to run off the included AC adapter or off four AA batteries. The iC2807 is available now and sells for $100.

Scosche Industries has announced its new Do-it-Yourself BlueLife Bluetooth car kit. Available in three versions, including one that comes with a Dock Connector-based Bluetooth transmitter for iPod, the kit features a 12-volt power port-based Bluetooth receiver with integrated microphone, DSP Echo Cancellation, and a standard 3.5mm audio out connector. The kit is Bluetooth 1.2 compliant and accepts both A2DP and HFP Bluetooth profiles. The Scosche DIY BlueLife Bluetooth car kit is available now and sells for $100 (alone), $190 (universal transmitter), and $200 (iPod transmitter).

An issue regarding the iPhone’s charging screen has been acknowledged by Apple as a software bug. A few iPhone owners have claimed that the battery icon, which appears on the device’s screen when charging, fails to show a fully charged battery despite hours of charging, reports WirelessInfo. Apple responded to the report by stating, “Your battery is fully charged, but the UI (User Interface) is just not correctly reflecting this. We expect to fix this in a software update.”

Alloysoft has released its Signal software, which lets you control iTunes, Winamp, or Windows Media Player with an iPhone or Windows Mobile device via Wi-Fi. The software offers an iPhone-specific interface, which provides a two-way, live-updating view of your media player. Features include the ability to play, pause, and stop your music, browse and search your media library, adjust the volume, rate songs, and more. Signal is available for Mac or PC and sells for $30.

Griffin Technology has launched its new SmartScan StationFinder, a web-based application that lets iTrip users find the best frequencies to use when using their FM transmitters. SmartScan is a new iteration of Griffin’s StationFinder application, and marks the beginning of a new platform from which future station-finding technologies may be developed. The application automatically formats itself to the user’s device — including the iPhone — and lets users find clear stations based on geographical area. The new SmartScan StationFinder can be found at GoiTrip.com.

According to a survey done by Interpret of Santa Monica, CA, half of iPhone purchasers switched from another carrier, and 35 percent of those paid an average of $167 to break an existing cellular contract. Interpret’s chief strategy officer, Jason Kramer, calls the survey findings to be “pretty much off the charts.” In addition to the carrier numbers, 90 percent of iPhone owners said they were “extremely” or “very” satisfied with their phones, while 85 percent said they were also “extremely” or “very” likely to recommend the device to others. Interestingly, three out of ten iPhone buyers were new to Apple, and for an even more surprising 40 percent, the device represents their first iPod.

Griffin Technology has introduced its Streamline armband for iPod and iPod nano. Hailed by the company as the “ultimate sport armband,” the Streamline features a slim, low-profile design, a clear, full-face screen protector, reflective trim for safety, and a washable, two-way adjustable band. Currently available in black only — colors are planned for a follow-up release — the Griffin Streamline for iPod and iPod nano are both priced at $30.

A new iPhone print ad has debuted and is featured in the August 2007 issue of Details Magazine. The ad features a right-facing iPhone on a black background, with a hand coming from the right, seemingly lit only by the phone, interacting with it. Below the image is the tagline “Touching is believing.” MacDailyNews has suggested that in light of the “Jesus Phone” or “God Phone” moniker some have applied to the iPhone, the ad may be deliberately referencing Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam fresco found in the Sistine Chapel. Keep reading to see the ad.

iLive has announced that it is now shipping its iHT3817DT flat panel speaker system for iPod. The system features a retractable, motorized iPod Dock, Enhanced 3D Audio and SRS TruBass, dual built-in subwoofers, AM/FM radio, integrated clock, and remote control. “We created our Studio Series for iPod users with a more sophisticated palate for sound and quality,” said Bill Fetter, CEO for DPI, Inc. “This speaker, in particular, is one of our most compelling blends of smooth audio performance, cool, upscale style and complete feature offerings.” The iLive iHT3817DT is available now for $300.

An Apple patent application has recently been uncovered that suggests possible wireless sharing capabilities for the iPod and iPhone. The application, from September 1, 2006, addresses methods for mobile devices to discover others in the vicinity, and wirelessly transmit and share files such as video, music, games, photos, playlists, and slideshows. The patent also mentions restrictions for media that may have “limited-use rights.” The application assumes wireless capabilities for the devices, stating, ““however, as portable electronic devices become more versatile and more interactive, it is advantageous to exchange (send and/or receive) media or other types of data with other electronic devices in a wireless manner.”

Vaja has introduced its iVolution Holster and iVolution Lady Holster for iPhone. The iVolution Holster features a leather outer, an optional clip system, and provides protection for the iPhone’s back and bottom corners. The iVolution Lady Holster also features a leather outer as well as a matching leather strap, and provides protection for the iPhone’s top, sides back, and bottom corners. Both cases access to the device’s screen, headphone jack, SIM card, Power button, camera, riing/vibrate switch, volume keys, Dock Connector, and speakers. The iVolution Holster for iPhone starts at $55 while the iVolution Lady Holster starts at $84. Both cases are available now.

Luxury leather goods maker AB Sutton has introduced its iPhone Simple Slip case. The iPhone Simple Slip is made from kidskin leather with dupioni silk interior lining. The case comes in two styles — with and without a wrist strap — and customers may also add a silk monogram to the outside of the case. The iPhone Simple Slip case is available now in a large variety of colors and with a multitude of different silk linings. It sells for $48 without a strap, $68 with a strap; adding a monogram adds $20 to the price.

RBC Capital has noted that its checks suggest that Apple may try to produce 8 million iPhones in 2007, which implies 12-14 million unit sales by the end of calendar year 2008, well ahead of Apple’s stated 18-month goal of 10 million units. The firm also claims that Apple’s plans for 07 may include boosting iPhone storage capacity, and an iPod line refresh that they believe includes an updated iPod nano, a new iPod and a new video iPod. In addition, RBC sees a 3G iPhone coming by Spring of 2008, and believes Apple is also planning a higher-resolution display — 480x720 — for future iPhone models. The firm raised its iPhone sales outlook to 13.5 million units by the end of 2008.

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of a House subcommittee on telecommunications and the internet, slammed the iPhone’s restrictions this week in Washington. Even though the phones become expensive paperweights if customers quit AT&T’s plan, claims Markey, AT&T still charges a $175 termination fee. Markey went on to say that the phone has “Hotel California service. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave - you’re stuck with your iPhone and you can’t take it anywhere.” The termination fee Markey mentions is quite common and can be found in virtually all long-term cellular contracts in the United States. While it is true that you can’t use take the iPhone to another service provider, the capabilities it retains after activation — iPod and Wi-Fi — are generally far greater than any other phone after being removed from service.

Apple has released iTunes 7.3.1 and Quicktime 7.2 as updates available from through the company’s website or through Apple’s Software Update application. According to Apple, “iTunes 7.3.1 addresses a minor problem with iTunes 7.3 accessing the iTunes Library.” The update does not require Quicktime 7.2, which “addresses critical security issues” and includes support for full screen viewing in QuickTime Player, updates to the H.264 codec, and numerous bug fixes. Both updates are available now as free downloads for both Mac and PC.

Update: Quicktime 7.2 also adds two new export options for iPhone: Export for iPhone and Export for iPhone (Cellular). The former exports a .m4v video, while the latter exports in the smaller .3gp format. [via MacRumors]

Myvu Corporation has introduced its new myvu Made for iPod solo wearable video headset. The myvu solo features in-ear, noise-reducing earbuds, an in-line remote for picture and audio controls, and the same wrap-around headset found in the original myvu. Accessories available for the myvu solo include the myvu power pack, a combo 8-hour lithium ion battery and protective case, and the myvu premium travel case, which can hold both the myvu and an iPod. The myvu Made for iPod solo is compatible with 30, 60, and 80GB fifth-generation iPods, and is available for $200 from myvu.com and ZoomSystems robotic stores.