Verizon ads call the iPhone a “misfit toy”

Posted in Verizon by Conner Flynn on November 8th, 2009


Verizon layed the smack down this weekend in its anti-AT&T campaign with three new ads. The first ad, “Misfit Toys,” attacks the iPhone’s attachment to AT&T and says it belongs on Rudolph’s Island of Misfit Toys for running on a network with low 3G coverage. The new commercials make a point to praise the phone, but attack the network, making it seem like Verizon is backing away from direct criticisms.

The “Blue Christmas” and “Elves,” ads are less direct but show iPhones with no logos ruining Christmas because they can’t get a good signal. You can see the other ads below.

idox Traveler Series iPhone Case

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on November 5th, 2009

idox Traveler Series iPhone Caseidox has a new range of cases for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPod Nano, dubbed the idox Traveler series. This range of cases is designed to be used as a case for your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPod Nano, while acting as a stand so you can watch your favorite movies while on the go.

Pretty convenient while traveling. Just set it down and watch your movie on a plane, train etc. They start at $24.95 for the iPod Nano version, and both the iPhone and iPod Touch versions are $34.95.

iPhone 3GS gets a Nintendo N64 emulator

Posted in iPhone by Conner Flynn on November 3rd, 2009

iPhone 3GS gets a Nintendo N64 emulatorZodttd is a developer working on a N64 emulator for the iPhone 3GS. Will it have the power? Possibly, thanks to CPU, GPU and OpenGL ES 2.0 support that will deliver smooth N64 emulation. But don’t get too excited.

Some high-end N64 titles might not be available due to the lack of power. The other issue would be the control scheme. Some of us hated the N64’s controller and found the games hard enough to play originally. The iPhone won’t be any better.

XM SkyDock now available for iPod touch and iPhone

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on November 2nd, 2009

Sirius XM SkyDock converts your iPhone into a Satellite RadioRemember the XM SkyDock? It’s now available for purchase for $120. For that price it will give you full touchscreen control along with tagging capabilities over your in-car satellite radio. SkyDock features a built-in XM tuner and PowerConnect FM transmitter and will plug right into the cigarette lighter / power adapter socket where it will also charge your Apple device.

XM is making the App a free download from Apple’s App Store, but you’ll still have to run the antenna cable along the inside of your vehicle’s weather stripping to attach the magnetic antenna to your car’s roof (just above your front windshield) for optimal results.

Pure Siesta iDock iPod iPhone dock

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on October 27th, 2009

Pure Siesta iDock iPod iPhone dockAnd the iPhone/iPod dock of the day is the Pure Siesta iDock, a stereo DAB/ DAB+/ FM clock radio complete with an iPod and iPhone dock. Need to take a Siesta? There’s a dock for that.

Enjoy your daytime nap with your favorite tunes with your iPhone or iPod docked. Some features of this dock include a large auto-dimming display, four quick-set alarms, sleep and snooze timers (Because who wants to wake up?) and 15 DAB/FM presets.

Shure launches new iPhone/iPod headset with mic

Posted in Headphones by Shane McGlaun on October 22nd, 2009

shureiphone-sgIf you are a music fan that uses an iPhone for your mobile phone and music device you really need to get yourself a decent set of headphones. The problem is that most of the good sets of headphones on the market lack a mic for making voice calls. Shure has announced a new headset specifically for the iPhone and iPod that has a mic and great sound.

The headset is called the SE115m+ and it combines a noise-reducing headset with a mic and remote control for music. On the right earpiece cable the mic and three button remote is found. The remote allows full control over all music player functions.

Yamaha PDX-60 iPod dock

Posted in Yamaha by Conner Flynn on October 21st, 2009

Yamaha PDX-60 iPod dockYamaha has another iPod dock up their sleeves with the launch of the PDX-60 iPod Dock, which connects to your iPod or iPhone via Yamaha’s yAired wireless technology, using a small wireless transmitter attached to your iPhone or iPod.

It also comes with a cradle for your iPhone or iPod that will charge your device, and a small card type remote. It’s compatible with all models of the iPhone as well as the iPod Touch, iPod Classic and iPod Nano.

Verizon Motorola Droid promo goes after the iPhone

Posted in Verizon by Conner Flynn on October 18th, 2009

Verizon Motorola Droid promo goes after the iPhoneVerizon has launched a smack-talking offensive against the iPhone, with a new campaign called DroidDoes.com for their upcoming Motorola Droid Android smartphone. The handset, previously known by its codenames of Tao and Sholes, is being promoted as offering everything the iPhone can’t: an open development platform, the ability to run background processes, a flexible open App Store and replaceable batteries, etc. They really do some trash talking. Verizon has even set up a countdown timer showing that the Motorola Droid will arrive on October 30th 2009.

The teaser site starts off with some statements, all using the familiar i-prefix and in an Apple-style font. Stuff like “iDon’t run simultaneous apps”. Then a countdown page, with specs of the upcoming Motorola smartphone.

iPhone now has in-app purchases

Posted in iPhone by Conner Flynn on October 18th, 2009

iPhone now has in-app purchasesApple has announced that they will be allowing free apps to enable in-app purchases. With this update, developers will be able use their free apps as a method to get users to install it and then charge them for content like add-ons etc.

It will certainly be interesting to see how this affects the whole pricing structure of the App Store. It’s a new business model for the App Store. It’s great for developers, but will consumers like this? We will see. Things are likely to get more costly for everyone.

Speck unveils see thru protective one-piece case for iPhone 3G/3GS

Posted in Mobile Accessories by Shane McGlaun on October 14th, 2009

speckiphone3gs-sbSpeck is famous for its line of hard shell cases for the Apple line of MacBook computers. The cases add looks and protection to the notebooks without blocking the popular style of the computers. Speck has announced a new single piece see thru hard shell case for the iPhone 3G/3GS.

The case is translucent and form fitting and protects the phone from damage in the event of a drop. The case is also designed to improve grip with a grip ring around the bezel.

Start your car with your iPhone

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on October 13th, 2009

Start your car with your iPhoneCar keys are so last century. They’re only good for scratching other people’s cars out of revenge or scratching instant lottery tickets. We have the iPhone, who needs keys? More cars are starting with just the push of a button these days anyway. More will follow. Viper is creating a keyless future with their new iPhone app that unlocks and starts your car for you.

The app is free and connects to a Viper SmartStart hardware module inside of your car, letting you start your car, get the heat going, unlock doors or turn the alarm on or off. Also, you don’t need to be physically near your car to do those things since it works using cell networks.

Palm Pre starting stronger than the iPhone in the U.K

Posted in Palm by Conner Flynn on October 13th, 2009

Palm PreLooks like people in the UK are really digging the Palm Pre. The Palm Pre is more anticipated than the iPhone with 26% of mobile users having some interest in getting one. The iPhone scored just 16% of interest back in 2007.

Many users want to switch to O2 from another carrier just to get the Palm Pre. This is really saying something, because as we all know, the iPhone still has the upper-hand as far as marketing and awareness. Very interesting. We will have to watch and see what happens. Any predictions?

iBend uses Pringles man to hold up your iPhone

Posted in Mobile Accessories by Shane McGlaun on October 13th, 2009

ibend-sgI have been out and about several times, ended up with time to kill, and spent most of it watching video on my iPhone. The catch is if anyone else wants to watch with you it can be a pain to share such a small screen. iBend has announced a new line of designer iPhone stands that are cheap and very portable.

The stands are flat piece of flexible plastic that bend in a semi-circle and a lip catches on the iPhone to keep the iBend stand upright. The iPhone is then held in an upright position for watching video hands free.

TomTom Car Kit for iPhone ships in Europe

Posted in TomTom by Shane McGlaun on October 12th, 2009

tomtomcarkitOne of the big improvements of the iPhone 3G and 3GS compared to the original iPhone was the inclusion of GPS allowing for navigation capabilities in the device. The problem is that the iPhone GPS receiver is prone to having issues at times if you are near large trees or tall buildings.

TomTom has announced that its Car Kit for iPhone is now available for users to purchase in Europe. The kit includes a secure mount dock that charges and holds the iPhone while it works as a PND. The dock allows the iPhone to be in portrait or landscape mode.

Dark Horse GelaSkins for Apple products

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on October 12th, 2009

Dark Horse GelaSkins for Apple productsHere’s something that’s sure to make geeks everywhere happy. Dark Horse Comics and GelaSkins have teamed up for a line of products that will have geeks staring at their Apple devices more than they already do now.

Hellboy, Buffy and some other Dark Horse comic images are now available in GelaSkin form. If the likes of Buffy and Hellboy isn’t quite your taste, there’s even some Bettie Page. iPhone skins will cost you $15 while 13 and 15-inch Macbook/general laptop skins will cost $30.





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