http://www.iLounge.com Articles on iPod, iPhone, iTunes, Music, Podcasts and more en jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) jerrod@ilounge.com (Jerrod Hofferth) http://www.expressionengine.com/ Articles-15742 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/instant-expert-secrets-features-of-iphone-22/ Early this morning Apple released the much-anticipated iPhone 2.2 firmware update, adding significant new enhancements to the Maps application and podcast downloading capabilities, as well as a few other bug fixes and improvements. The update is installed in the same way as any other update: Connect your iPhone to iTunes and click the “Check for Update” button. iTunes will notify you that a new update is available for your iPhone, and prompt you… Features jesse@ilounge.com (Jesse David Hollington) Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:30:08 GMT News-15752 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/griffin-roadtrip-receives-iphone-iphone-3g-certification/ Griffin Technology has announced that it is now shipping a revised version of its RoadTrip with SmartScan combination car charger, mount, and FM transmitter that is certified for use with the iPhone and iPhone 3G. RoadTrip includes interchangeable, model-specific cradles for iPhone or iPod to securely mount the device on a flexible steel neck, and features the ability to play music from the device while charging, a built-in FM transmitter with RDS… iPhone Accessories news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:01:15 GMT News-15751 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/compete-iphone-users-more-likely-to-install-applications/ According to the results of a survey contained in Compete’s latest Smartphone Intelligence report, iPhone users are far more likely to have downloaded and installed third-party applications than users of other smartphones. The survey, conducted during October and November and consisting of 940 respondents, found that 34% of smartphone users have not added an application to their devices, compared to just 7% of iPhone users. In addition, 72%… iPhone news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:22:16 GMT Reviews-15750 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/soundon-media-i210-21-digital-wireless-ipod-speakers/ Employing similar 2.4GHz wireless technology to the company's headphones, SoundOn's Media-i210 ($249) is a 2.1-channel speaker system with wireless iPod connectivity. You get a subwoofer and two satellites, all glossy black with fabric grilles, and the wires to connect the speakers to each other, power, and an auxiliary audio device if desired. The wireless part is the link between the speakers and iPod, which uses a 2.4GHz dongle that can broadcast… Bluetooth/Other Wireless Home AudioSpeakers - Multi-Component/Stationary jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:40:11 GMT Reviews-15749 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/soundon-whp-i230-digital-wireless-ipod-headphones/ Somewhat generic in appearance, the new Soundon WHP-i120 Digital Wireless iPod Headphones ($179) are a set of silver and black headphones that can be used with Dock Connector-equipped iPod models without the need for any wires -- save for when you want to recharge the headphones. A power adapter and carrying case are included with the headphones and iPod audio adapter, which relies on the device for its power. Soundon claims a 100-foot operating distance… Headphones & Earphones jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:35:02 GMT Reviews-15747 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/dlo-homedock-hd-entertainment-dock-with-on-tv-navigation-for-ipod/ As the latest generation of DLO's HomeDock series of on-TV navigation docks for iPods, HomeDock HD ($250) was originally announced in January of this year, and apparently has taken until now to complete. The reason? HD features an all-new icon-driven menu system that can display in standard or high definition (720p/1080i) resolutions, and upconvert videos found on iPods to 1080i resolution. You can use either composite, S-Video, or HDMI ports… Docks - Audio-OutDocks - On-TV MenuingDocks - Video-Out jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:27:45 GMT News-15746 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/sign-up-for-our-ipodweek-newsletter-arriving-shortly1/ The latest edition of iPodweek, our weekly newsletter covering all things iPod, iPhone, iTunes, and Apple TV, is coming later today. iPodweek is a summary of the top news, reviews, and feature articles we’ve published over the past week, and it also features giveaways and iPod accessory discount offers from various companies. There’s still plenty of time to sign up and receive this week’s edition — just use the simple form below to submit… Site News news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:27:06 GMT News-15745 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/apple-updates-iphone-sdk-for-os-22/ Coinciding with the release of iPhone Software 2.2 for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod touch, Apple has released an updated version of its iPhone Software Development Kit for the new software. Listed as build 9M2621, the updated SDK weighs in at 1.56GB and requires Mac OS X 10.5.5. iPhone SDK for iPhone OS 2.2 is available now as a free download for registered developers from the iPhone Dev Center. ... iPhone news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:57:23 GMT News-15744 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/mix-tweetie-puzzle-quest-orblive-itunes-credit-woes/ Atebits has released Tweetie, its new Twitter application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Tweetie lets users handle multiple Twitter accounts, view timeline, replies, direct messages and favorites, browse friends and followers, post new tweets and retweet, reply directly to tweets and send direct messages, picture uploading, view Twitter trends, perform custom searches, and more. Tweetie is available now from the App Store and sells for $3. TransGaming… Mix news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:03:08 GMT Articles-15743 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/with-iphone-os-22-apple-vaults-iphone-slights-ipod-touch/ Ever since Apple announced iPhone OS 2.0, the once secretive company has developed more leaks than a sieve: with only the rarest exception, every major feature of each of its new software updates has been outed, photographed, and discussed so much that the actual releases have become non-events. At least, it may feel that way for those who spend every day obsessing over the latest Apple happenings. But there’s a different reality on the streets… Editorials jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:47:08 GMT News-15741 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/ipod-touch-software-22-out-lacks-maps-enhancements/ In addition to the release of iPhone Software 2.2 for iPhone and iPhone 3G, Apple has released the “iPhone 2.2 Software Update for iPod touch,” containing a comparatively shorter list of improvements. Notably absent in Apple’s changelog are references to improvements to the Maps application, which on the iPhone and iPhone 3G has gained Google Street View, transit information, and walking directions. Here is what Apple lists as improvements… jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:18:51 GMT News-15740 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/iphone-software-22-out-google-street-view-podcasts/ Early this morning, following the release of iTunes 8.0.2, Apple released iPhone Software 2.2 as a free download for iPhone and iPhone 3G users. Here is a partial list of new features contained in the update, according to Apple. Fewer call connection failures and mid-call drops. Improved Visual Voicemail sound quality. Google Street View has been added to maps. Public transit information and walking directions. Dropped pins display addresses. Current… iPhone jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:51:15 GMT News-15738 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/apple-releases-itunes-802/ Apple has released iTunes 8.0.2, the latest version of its digital media management software. According to the release notes, the update addresses a quality issue creating MP3s on some computers, fixes a connectivity issue with the iTunes Store when using some internet proxies with Mac OS X, and improves accessibility with VoiceOver. iTunes 8.0.2 is available now as a free download from itunes.com or via Apple’s Software Update utility. ...… iTunes news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:33:12 GMT Reviews-15735 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/iskin-duo-for-ipod-nano-4g-duo-touch-for-ipod-touch-2g/ As evolutions of the company's earlier Duo cases for the iPod nano and iPod touch, iSkin's new Duo for iPod nano 4G (3-Pack, $35) and Duo touch for iPod touch 2G ($35) both use a combination of silicone rubber cases, hard plastic screen protectors, and clear film to protect the iPods inside. Duo for iPod nano 4G is sold in three different three-case sets: you get either clear, black, and purple cases ("Chill Pack"), clear, pink, and red cases ("Cruise… Cases - iPod nanoCases - iPod touch jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:42:20 GMT Reviews-15736 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/iskin-vibes-for-ipod-nano-4g-ipod-touch-2g/ Based somewhat upon the company's earlier Vibes for iPhone 3G, iSkin's Vibes for iPod nano 4G ($25 each) and iPod touch 2G ($30 each) appear to use the same soft plastic we've seen in Jet Navy hydrocarbon cases, and feature uniquely iSkin molding and etching. The iPod nano version of Vibes is a single clear case with one of seven different patterns etched into the body, allowing the color of your iPod nano to shine through. By comparison, the iPod… Cases - iPod nanoCases - iPod touch jeremy@ilounge.com (Jeremy Horwitz) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:39:16 GMT News-15734 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/dlo-ships-homedock-hd-for-ipod/ Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has announced that it is now shipping its HomeDock HD entertainment dock for iPod. The HomeDock HD features an integrated iPod dock offering video upscaling to 1080i or 720p and an optical digital audio output, component video and RCA audio outputs, an auxiliary audio input, an included RF remote, and an on-TV interface featuring album art in an icon-based visual flow format. The DLO HomeDock HD is available now and sells… iPod Accessories news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:02:42 GMT News-15733 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/apple-patent-points-to-iphone-ipod-status-indicators/ A recently published Apple patent application suggests the company is developing a new system of status indicators for its iPod and iPhone devices. The patent describes a system in which the main backlight of the device sports a semi-transparent area, allowing a low-power, secondary backlight to show through, displaying simple icons to show whether the iPod is playing music, indicate new email or voicemail, missed calls, and so on. As with all Apple… Apple news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:46:04 GMT Articles-15726 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/instant-expert-secrets-features-of-apple-tv-23/ Yesterday evening, Apple quietly released an Apple TV Version 2.3 update, providing bug fixes, stability improvements, and a few additional new features. Version 2.3 may well be the company’s least publicized and least glamorous Apple TV software update yet, but the changes are interesting nonetheless. As usual, we have gone through Apple TV 2.3 with a fine-toothed comb to see exactly what has changed. Curious about what’s new? Read on.… Features jesse@ilounge.com (Jesse David Hollington) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:45:35 GMT News-15732 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/mms-coming-to-iphone-via-re-branded-mobispine-app/ Following a report from MacWorld Sweden (Translated Link) claiming that iPhone carrier Telia would soon offer a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) application for its iPhone customers, mobile services company Mobispine has announced that it is developing a native MMS application for the iPhone. According to a posting on the company’s blog, Mobispine will sell a specially-branded version of its MMS application to operators, who in turn will make… iPhone news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:03:27 GMT News-15731 http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/mix-softbank-frenzic-goldstriker-zune-marketplace/ Softbank Chief Strategy Officer Tetsuzo Matsumoto recently said that the company is “happy” with its current situation regarding the iPhone 3G, despite reports of slower-than-expected sales. “We introduced the iPhone without any big market trial, so the initial package had some problems,” Matsumoto told Dow Jones Newswire at the GSMA Mobile Asia Congress. Citing research from MM Research Institute, Newswire reports that Apple… Mix news@ilounge.com (Charles Starrett) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:55:05 GMT