Archive for category iPhone 3G

How to: Install MMS on your iPhone

Sep 25

Posted by Mike in AT&T Wireless, MMS, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS | 34 Comments

This morning, AT&T initiated their release of MMS after months of waiting. Though there was no official announcement by AT&T that the service was available, messages on AT&T’s Facebook wall indicated that the carrier update was now accessible in multiple markets.

How to Install MMS on the iPhone

Open iTunes and connect your iPhone. Click on your iPhone in the left sidebar in iTunes, then click the Summary tab. Click Check for Update.

You should see the following pop up:

After downloading the update, you’ll need to restart your iPhone (hold down the sleep button and power off) to see the MMS changes.

Launch the SMS app, and you’ll see a new small camera icon next to the text box.

From here you can select a photo or video on your iPhone to send to the world!

Enjoy your new iPhone capabilities, and cross your fingers that the millions of MMS messages don’t crash AT&T.

iPhone 3G Spring Cleaning for Apple and AT&T Wireless

Mar 27

Posted by Alan in AT&T Wireless, Apple Stores, Apple iPhone, No Contract iPhones, iPhone 3G, iPhone Bargains | No Comments

AppleInsider is reporting that AT&T Wireless stores are offering early upgrade pricing to existing AT&T customers stuck in 2-year contracts without iPhones. However, the details are vague.

The silent offer, which began this week, is being extended to customers on a case-by-case basis…..AT&T representatives have confirmed…that as of this week the company is waiving the upgrade clause for customers who are approximately 14 months into their two-year contract

The waiver isn’t bound to strict terms, however, meaning that retail employees are free to grant upgrade pricing for customers who may not be quite as far into their 2-year contract, but that determination is to be made by the employee after accessing and reviewing the customer’s account history. Other factors like long-term loyalty to AT&T may play into the decisions.

While this may sound like you can “sweet talk” your way into an upgrade, it’s more likely that the AT&T employee will check to see if your current subsidized phone has been paid off through your monthly fees. Still, it may be a good deal for those who are unhappy with their current phones and can’t wait the 10 months until their contract runs out to buy an iPhone.

Apple is also getting in on the act by offering contract-free iPhone 3Gs for $599 for the 8GB and $699 for the 16GB. Customers at Apple retail stores can buy an unlimited amount of “no commit” iPhone 3Gs, while AT&T Wireless is limiting it to a one-per-customer basis, also requiring that you be an AT&T Wireless customer.

Link: AppleInsider “AT&T stores now offering early upgrade pricing on iPhone 3G“

How to Activate a Used iPhone

Feb 10

Posted by Alan in AT&T Wireless, Used iPhones, Using iPhone As iPod Touch, Voice Plans, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G tips, iPhone Tips, iPhone Tricks, iPhone Troubleshooting, iPhone Unlocking | 82 Comments

If you want to activate a used iPhone, you have a few options. You can go the official route and go to an AT&T Wireless store and set up a new account, or you can use software to “unlock” the iPhone for use on another carrier (like T-Mobile). A third option is to “jailbreak” the iPhone and use it as an iPod Touch without any phone functionality.

Take the iPhone to AT&T Wireless

If a friend or loved one gives you their old iPhone, you can make it your own by taking it to an AT&T store and telling them you have an old iPhone and would like to use it as your own. You’ll have to sign up for AT&T service, and they’ll give you a new sim card. Once you install the SIM card, you can activate the iPhone at home using iTunes. This is by far the easiest way to activate and reuse an old iPhone.

Can I Use a Carrier Other Than AT&T?

The iPhone works best with AT&T, but it is possible to unlock the iPhone so that it works with other carriers (note that the iPhone only works on GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, it does not work on Verizon, which is a CDMA network). We don’t recommend unlocking, but if you want to do it, it is not illegal. An unlocked iPhone can be a hassle, however. For example, you won’t be able to take advantage of iPhone software updates until the people who created the unlocking software tell you it’s ok to update.

If you want to unlock your iPhone, this site is a good starting place.

Someone Wants to Give Me Their Old iPhone. What Do I Need to Do?

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Where Is the Best Place to Buy an iPhone?

Feb 8

Posted by Alan in Apple Stores, Apple iPhone, Refurbished iPhones, Retail, iPhone 3G, iPhone Tips | 3 Comments

There are currently five places where you can purchase an iPhone in the US: Apple, AT&T Wireless, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Sam’s Club. If you just want to run in and purchase the phone, any of these locations can offer a convenient shopping experience. However, if you have questions about voice or data plans or how to use the iPhone, you can get very different results. If you’re looking for a cheaper price on the iPhone, you have a few options.

Cost of the iPhone

Wal-Mart has the cheapest base price for the iPhone, but it’s only a savings of $2 ($197 for 8GB, $297 for 16GB) compared to other stores ($199, $299). The real bargains are found with refurbished iPhones.

The $99 iPhone

From December 28, 2008, to December 31, 2008, AT&T Wireless had a brief post-Christmas sale of refurbished 8GB iPhone 3Gs for $99. ~~The sale has not since returned~~. *Update 2/17/09* AT&T has brought back the $99 Refurbished iPhone 3G sale for a limited time .

Refurbished iPhones–$50 Off

Refurbished iPhones are the best deal for purchasing an iPhone. Refurbished 8GB iPhone 3Gs go for $149.00. They can be purchased at Apple.com, Best Buy Mobile brick-and-mortar stores, and AT&T Wireless. Refurbished 16GB iPhone 3Gs are $249.

The best place to purchase a refurbished iPhone is either from Apple or Best Buy as they both offer a 1-year warranty on the phone, which is the same warranty that a brand new iPhone has. AT&T Wireless only offers a 90-day warranty on refurbs.

Check Apple’s online stores first for refurbs, as Apple has the best quality-assurance program. Refurbs from Apple undergo a certification process. Also, I have heard nothing but good things about Apple refurbs. Best Buy also has quality-assurance testing for refurbs and should be the second place you look to buy a refurb from.

Because of the popularity of refurbs, it may by difficult to obtain them from Apple or Best Buy. Buyers can check Apple’s website and contact their local Best Buy and Apple stores. If you don’t care about their smaller warranty, AT&T Wireless refurbs are usually pretty plentiful on their website.

Customer Service

If you have questions about the iPhone, it’s recommended you go to either a AT&T Wireless or Apple Store. Voice plan and data plan questions (eg, corporate discounts, family plans, international rates, coverage, etc) are best answered at AT&T stores. If you’re looking for instruction on how to use the iPhone, Apple stores are the best to go to.

Apple also offers Genius Bars and free workshops on how to use the iPhone at their stores. Note that the Genius Bars are almost always busy, as they offer a terrific one-to-one customer service experience. You’ll need to make an appointment a few days ahead of time. Call your local Apple store to check their Genius Bar schedule.

Helpful Links:

Refurbished products at Apple.com.

Refurbished iPhones at Best Buy (info only, must buy in-store).

SoundClip Increases iPhone 3G Speaker Amplification

Jan 21

Posted by Alan in iPhone 3G, iPhone Accessories, iPhone Speakers | No Comments

SoundClip ($7.95) from One Touch Design offers acoustic amplification for the iPhone’s external speaker. It’s similar to the Griffin Aircurve dock in that increases sound by focusing the sound waves in a specific direction.

SoundClip claims to increase amplification levels by 10dB between 6kH and 20kHz, and it makes games “easier to play” by preventing your hand from blocking the iPhone speakers. This is one of my gripes when playing games without headphones.

SoundClip is available for the iPhone 3G only.

Link:

Official site for SoundClip from One Touch Design.

List of New iPhone 2.1 Features

Sep 13

Posted by Alan in Apple iPhone, Software Updates, iPhone 2.1 Software, iPhone 3G, iPhone Icons | 3 Comments

The iPhone 2.1 software introduced September 12, 2008, is jam packed with new features as well as some very nice bug fixes. Besides delivering a more stable OS, improved battery life, and better signal reception, the update had the following changes for iPhone 2.1:

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New Shure iPhone-Compatible Family of Headphones

Sep 13

Posted by Alan in Earphones, Headphones, iPhone 3G, iPhone Accessories | 1 Comment

Shure MPA SE102MPA iPhone Sound Isolating Headphones

Shure has introduced a new line of sound-isolating headphones that include a detachable microphone/control cord that is compatible with the iPhone.

Prices start at $119.00 with the Shure SE102MPA. (Note: A press release from Shure said this model would be selling for $99.00, but their own store tells a different story. Apparently, Shure has pulled a stunt like this before.)

The SE102MPA includes a drawstring pouch and three sets of ear tips for different size ears.

The MPA family of headphones include four models with a large range of prices.

It’s interesting to note that the $429.99 Shure’s have a dedicated tweeter and woofer, much like Apple’s new $79.99 in-ear headphones. If you’re wondering how these two headsets stack up on a specification basis, check out the following table.

	Shure SE420MPA	Apple In-Ear
Price	$429.99	$79.99
Sensitivity	109 dB SPL/mW	109 dB SPL/mW
Frequency Response	20Hz to 19kHz	5Hz to 21kHz
Impedance	22 ohms	23 ohms
Drivers	Tweeter and woofer (Dual TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers)	Tweeter and woofer (Custom two-way balanced armature)

I’m going to wait for the reviews on the upcoming Apple in-ear headphones, but you can see why I’m excited for them. At a price point of $79.99, they could do some serious profit margin damage to other third-party headset companies.

It still really bothers me that Shure is sticking to a detachable dongle for the microphone/control functionality. It shows a lack of dedication to the iPhone.

The Best iPhone 3G Case: SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel

Aug 15

Posted by Alan in iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G Cases, iPhone Accessories, iPhone Cases | No Comments

The SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel ($25) iPhone 3G case is currently the top-rated case on iLounge with an A- (iLounge’s review). In fact, it’s the only iPhone 3G case to grade higher than a B.

The protective case is made of two parts: a soft rubber covering that serves as an initial layer of protection, and a glossy hard plastic protective shell that goes on the outside. You can even buy different color plastics to give it a remixed zebra appearance.

Capsule Rebel Zebra Capsule Rebel Yellow and Black

What makes the case somewhat of a bargain is that it comes with “everything but the kitchen sink,” as SwitchEasy’s website puts it. Included are two anti-static screen guards, microfiber wipe, universal dock adapter, video dock stand, squeegee for screen guard application, and a power jack protector.

Check out iLounge’s review to see more on why they’ve got it as their top case.

Tags: iPhone 3G Accessories

Recently Added iPhone Apps 7/23-7/24

Jul 24

Posted by Alan in Apple iPhone, iPhone 2.0 Software, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G Native Apps, iPhone 3G Native Games, iPhone Applications, iPod, iPod Touch | No Comments

Another day, another batch of apps from the developer’s ovens.

Smart Sokoban

Posted: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:10

Category: Games
Released: Jul 24, 2008
Price: $4.99

Description:
The classical logic game with a complete new experience on the iPhone. It has never been more exciting and delightful to play one of the most popular logic games ever. With its innovative touch interface Smart Sokoban lets you enjoy this classic game on your iPhone or iPod touch. Smart Sokoban – a complete new Sokoban experience on the iPhone. Key features: * Three different touch modes. * Smart walking and pushing way finding. * Supports downloading of levels from the internet. * Enlargement and cross hair positioning. * and many more.
iAnswers

Posted: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:00:09

Category: Entertainment
Released: Jul 23, 2008
Price: $0.99

Description:
If you often have a decision to make that is a flip of the coin to you, stop wasting your pocket change and try out iAnswers. With this, you can ask your iPhone or iPod Touch yes or no questions, and shake it for a response. Good for impulsive decisions, or just showing off.
iDrink

Posted: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:00:09

Category: Lifestyle
Released: Jul 23, 2008
Price: $4.99

Description:
iDrink is your guide to more than 4500 high quality cocktail recipes. It includes both popular and lesser-known drinks, with 65 classics already set up as favorites for quick access. Simple (but powerful) editing capabilities allow you to add your own recipes or tweak ours to your liking. Search for and find drinks by name, or explore combinations of ingredients in our ingredients browser. For a bit of fun, try Random mode and see what you come up with! When you find a recipe you enjoy, mark it as a favorite, add some notes for future reference, or email it to your friends. Whether you pour in ounces or in centiliters, iDrink is the perfect resource for everyone from professional bartenders to amateur mixologists.

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Jott App Features Human Transcription for Your Voice Notes

Jul 24

Posted by Alan in Apple iPhone, Free iPhone Apps, Productivity Apps, iPhone 2.0 Software, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G Native Apps, iPhone Applications | No Comments

One of the features of the Jott iPhone app is the ability to record a 15-second voice note to yourself and have it transcribed into text. In order for this to happen, the sound file is uploaded to Jott’s servers. So what happens from there? I’ve read in various comments around the Internets that Jott outsources the work for human transcription to a company in India. Is it true? According to Jon Bell at Jott:

We use a blend of software and human-powered transcription techniques when we transcribe.”

I’ve noticed some tricky punctuation like colons being used in the transcriptions, and Jott asks you to spell out proper nouns, so some human transcription is definitely evident in some cases. Although, it makes me feel guilty to think someone half a world away is writing out my note to “Clean toilet.”

Jott is a free productivity app for the iPhone that helps you organize notes and to-do lists.

Name: Jott
Developer: Jott Networks Inc
Price: Free
Download: Click here

Tags: iPhone To-Do Apps

Editor's Picks:

Traffic Rush (free, iTunes link)

Tower Bloxx Deluxe ($0.99, review, iTunes link)

Dungeon Hunter ($4.99, review, iTunes link)

Need for Speed: Undercover ($4.99, review, iTunes Link)