The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Sega giving away Columns on iPhone for free all this weekendhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/sega-giving-away-columns-on-iphone-for-free-all-this-weekend/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/sega-giving-away-columns-on-iphone-for-free-all-this-weekend/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/sega-giving-away-columns-on-iphone-for-free-all-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Normally we'd just send out a tweet about this (that's usually what we do with free app deals, so if you're not one of the almost 40,000 people following us yet, you definitely should be), but this is a good one, and it's a holiday, so we wanted to make sure you knew. Sega is feeling particularly generous this weekend, so they're giving away free copies of their Columns Deluxe, a port of the old Genesis game, for the iPhone. The game is a pretty straightforward port -- it doesn't have any extras, and the accelerometer controls are a little tacked on from what we hear, but if you like the puzzler gameplay of Columns, and you should, it's a fun one to pull up for a few minutes at a time.

Plus, it's free -- from July 3rd to Monday, July 6th, Sega says it'll be on sale for the low price of nothing at all. Sounds good to us -- sit back, put a few brats and burgers on the grill, grab a Corona (and lime, of course), and enjoy some old-school dropping block gameplay for no money at all.

Sega giving away Columns on iPhone for free all this weekend originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Sega giving away Columns on iPhone for free all this weekend originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>columnsdownloadfreefree-stuffgaminggenesisholidayindependence-dayiphonesegaMike SchrammFri, 03 Jul 2009 19:30:00 ESTRoad Tested: AT&T Navigator for iPhonehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/road-tested-atandt-navigator/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/road-tested-atandt-navigator/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/road-tested-atandt-navigator/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Like my colleague Mel Martin, I've had a serious GPS jones for quite a while. When I was in much better shape, I rode the local trails on a mountain bike with a Garmin eTrex Summit. It didn't have any maps, nor did I really need any for what I was doing. My next GPS receiver was a Garmin GPSmap 60cs that I used for geocaching. It had a nice color screen and some limited maps, but really didn't do a very good job of helping me find my way around town.

The third GPS unit was another Garmin, and in this case it was my first real "navigator." I still have it; it's the Garmin nüvi 660, which is an awesome little unit that can help you find your way around the US or Europe (depending on the model you purchase), act as an MP3 player, or even work as a fairly serviceable hands-free unit for Bluetooth phones.
I've used mine with my iPhones since way back in 2007, and have enjoyed hearing the amplified voices of callers blasting out of the nüvi.

It's best capability, of course, is as a navigator. In this post, I'm going to compare the AT&T Navigator app [App Store] and service with the nüvi, and give you my take on how this free app works. Mel already filled you in on some of the details in his earlier post; we agreed that I'd give you the road test perspective.

Continue reading Road Tested: AT&T Navigator for iPhone

Road Tested: AT&T Navigator for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Road Tested: AT&T Navigator for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>attgpsiphonenavigationnavigatorroad testRoadTestSteven SandeFri, 03 Jul 2009 18:30:00 ESTRolando 2 out now on the App Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/rolando-2-out-now-on-the-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/rolando-2-out-now-on-the-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/rolando-2-out-now-on-the-app-store/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Just in case you haven't yet heard, ngmoco has released Rolando 2 out into the App Store for the premium price of $9.99. The game's subtitled Quest for the Golden Orchid (in this one, you're rescuing a relic rather than a prince), and though it's not cheap by App Store standards, but on the other hand, it's as quality a game as you'll find on the iPhone. We were big fans of the first one, and the second one ups the ante with a brand new 3D look (though still the same great 2D gameplay), and lots more types of Rolandos to roll and jump and fly and drive around the more than 45 new levels. It's fair to say that if you liked the first one, you'll love this one, and if you've never tried rolling a Rolando around, this is a perfect opportunity to start.

There, unfortunately, no lite version of the second game yet, but there is a version of the first one to try, and there are lots of movies to watch over on ngmoco's site, so you can probably get the idea from there. If you're interested in gaming on the iPhone at all, Rolando's on the short list no matter what your tastes are.

Rolando 2 out now on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Rolando 2 out now on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>3dapp-storeiphonengmocoquest-for-the-golden-orchidrolandorolando-2Mike SchrammFri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 ESTPocket Universe ups the astronomy app antehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/pocket-universe-ups-the-astronomy-app-ante/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/pocket-universe-ups-the-astronomy-app-ante/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/pocket-universe-ups-the-astronomy-app-ante/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When the fireworks stop and the smoke clears, it would be a great weekend to look at our beautiful summer skies. Pocket Universe [App Store] is a US$2.99 app that has been updated to make star finding easier for those that have a new iPhone 3GS.

The app uses the position sensors and the compass to orient your phone to match the real sky. As you turn or tilt the phone, the sky map changes to give you a very accurate picture of where you are pointing, with lots of labels and links to more information. This is one of the first examples of an augmented reality app to hit the platform since the introduction of the 3GS.

If you have an older iPhone or iPod touch running OS 3.0, you can tilt the phone to match where the real sky is, but you'll have to manually set the direction you're facing.

This changes everything for the novice astronomer. I tried the feature and it worked really well, even though I was near a large metal building. As I turned my phone the display of the sky changed very rapidly to keep up with my movement.

Other nice features from the last version are intact. You can tap the 'locate' button to find any object that is above the horizon. Select it and it centers on the map. Tap a pop-up for more info and you get a quick summary of the object. In the new version of the app a further tap gets you a Wikipedia entry.

You also get a list of meteor showers, lunar phases and a very nice 'tonight's sky' feature that tells you right away what's up and worth seeing.

Some things I'd like to see improved: The app could support finger-pointing to an object to identify it in addition to going to the locate menu, and the Virtual Sky feature is buried in an options menu. I'd like to see an onscreen button to turn it on and off.

The 3GS features are similar to a Celestron product called the Sky Scout that is a dedicated astronomical instrument. The Sky Scout has a lot more information, and audio tours of the skies, but it costs $200.00. If you're really serious about the stars and planets I'd give it a look.

Meanwhile, another favorite astronomy app, Distant Suns [App Store] has been updated recently, and is now on sale for US$3.99. It has added features to the wonderful tour guides and now includes more information about the objects displayed, including travel time at light speed to the planets. It also includes some breathtaking images from the Hubble Space Telescope.

This is the International Year of Astronomy, so it's a great time to get outdoors and look up. It's fun to do, and the iPhone apps really make it a more compelling and educational experience.

Here are some screen shots of Pocket Universe in operation:

Gallery: Pocket Universe screen shots

Pocket Universe ups the astronomy app ante originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Pocket Universe ups the astronomy app ante originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeastronomyaugmented realityAugmentedRealityDistant SunsiPhoneiPod touchPocket Universesky mapsSkyMapsstar chartsMel MartinFri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:00 ESTLatest iPhone TV ad highlights video editinghttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/latest-iphone-tv-ad-highlights-video-editing/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/latest-iphone-tv-ad-highlights-video-editing/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/latest-iphone-tv-ad-highlights-video-editing/#commentsFiled under:


If there's one thing Apple wants you to know about the iPhone 3GS, it's that this is the device to get for mobile video. Witness the latest TV ad for the new phone, "Skateboard": it could hardly look easier to shoot, trim and email your clips from the neigborhood skate park.

The ad is airing now, and continues the feature-focused ad series for the 3GS that started with Copy & Paste and Voice Control. It's a shame they can't do ads for Tethering & MMS, or Cooking An Egg.

Side note: does it seem weird to anyone else that the "Itchy" ad features a compass app (Tommy Westerberg's Compass Go) that came out prior to the release of the 3GS?

Thanks Chris F.

Latest iPhone TV ad highlights video editing originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Latest iPhone TV ad highlights video editing originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adscompassiphoneskateboardtvvideoMichael RoseFri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTDeveloper-to-developer: application sharing for the iPhone simulatorhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/developer-to-developer-simulator-application-sharing-for-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/developer-to-developer-simulator-application-sharing-for-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/developer-to-developer-simulator-application-sharing-for-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week, TUAW showed you how to sign iPhone applications for informal developer-to-developer distribution. That approach lets you share applications between members of the iPhone developer program by using your signing credentials to authorize the application for use on your development units.

iPhone applications compiled for the Intel-based simulator can also be shared between developers. And, since the free developer program offers access to the simulator, the apps can be distributed even more widely than with the re-signing approach.

Simulator testing does not offer the full suite of device-specific capabilities. You cannot simulate the onboard camera or retrieve proper accelerometer feedback. The simulator does not vibrate or provide general multitouch input. (You can pinch, but that's about it.)

The strength of simulator-based distribution is that it lets you send out applications for early testing and feedback. Sim-only tests strengthen the preliminary design process; this approach helps solicit feedback on user interface and general program layout before the main development push gets underway.

Simulator-based apps are easy to transfer and easy to use, cutting out a layer of overhead that's needed for when you go to a full ad-hoc beta.

To distribute a simulator application, go to the Library/Application Support/iPhone Simulator/User/Applications/ folder in your home directory. There you'll find the application sandbox folders that are currently installed for your simulator. Each folder is named with a unique id (i.e. 56E66CE5...DC028F) that does not reflect the folder's contents.

You'll have to peek inside to determine which folder is which.The folder contains the application, and three sandbox directories: tmp, Library, and Documents.

To share a simulator folder compiled for 2.2.1 and earlier, you must zip up both the folder with the application and the .sb (sandbox) file that shares the same name as the folder. 3.0 and later applications do not use a .sb file. Just zip up and share the folder.

Install the shared app by decompressing its sandbox folder (and, for 2.x, its .sb file). The recipient must have installed the iPhone SDK. Drop it into the simulator's Applications folder on another machine and launch the simulator. The app should appear in the simulator, ready for testing.

Developer-to-developer: application sharing for the iPhone simulator originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Developer-to-developer: application sharing for the iPhone simulator originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ad HocAdHocdeveloperDeveloper to DeveloperDeveloperToDevelopersdkSimulatorTestingErica SadunFri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTWant to BBQ with the iPhone? You don't even need an apphttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/want-to-bbq-with-the-iphone-you-dont-even-need-an-app/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/want-to-bbq-with-the-iphone-you-dont-even-need-an-app/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/want-to-bbq-with-the-iphone-you-dont-even-need-an-app/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Not really -- if you really are planning to grill up some meat (or mushrooms and pineapples, they're good too) today or this weekend, you'll need a little more heat than your iPhone will give. But it's true, Apple's little handheld can get nice and toasty when it's really working*, and illustrator Chad Covino made a little Fourth of July BBQ-themed sketch about that very subject. We love it -- very nice work!

My iPhone does get hot, but not so hot I can't pick it up -- usually when I'm running 3D for a longer stretch of time or when the phone is doing some serious calculating like audio or photo editing, I start to feel the heat coming off the back. Batteries are to blame for some of the more extreme problems, however, and that's not a huge surprise, given that batteries in any mobile device have their issues. The good news in that case, however, is that the phone is unlikely to actually explode -- the repair guy Wired talks to says that "a little bit of smoke eventually is probably the best bet." Not that a smoking iPhone is a good situation at all, but you can at least be sure that your iPhone is not quite as hot as the fire under your burgers this weekend.

[* Note that the Apple KB article referenced here about temperature warnings/"don't leave the iPhone in the glove compartment" for the iPhone 3G and 3GS is not a new post, nor is the temperature alert screen unique to the 3GS; the KB was simply updated to include the newer device. Jim Dalrymple at The Loop has a solid rundown. FoxNews incorrectly reported that the support article was specific to the 3GS, but then did cite PC World's Melissa Perenson and David Coursey with personal stories of wicked-hot 3GS units. If your 3GS is overheating, check in with Apple support or your local AT&T store. -Ed.]

Want to BBQ with the iPhone? You don't even need an app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Want to BBQ with the iPhone? You don't even need an app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>batterybbqchad-covinoextremefirefourth-of-julygrillingheatinghumorillustrationiphoneoverheatingwiredMike SchrammFri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTCruising with the AT&T Navigatorhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/cruising-with-the-atandt-navigator/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/cruising-with-the-atandt-navigator/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/cruising-with-the-atandt-navigator/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I love GPS. in the mid 1990s I had a Garmin unit that had no maps, just a bread crumb trail of where you were and where you'd been. I lived in England at the time, and thought I had a highly original idea to take it to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and walk across the Meridian line and watch the screen as the numbers dropped to zero longitude. When I got there, I was hardly alone. I was surrounded by other geeks doing exactly the same thing. Oh well.

GPS has come a long way, and AT&T has released their subscription based Navigator [App Store] for the iPhone. It requires OS version 3.0. It is fee based, and will set you back US$9.95 a month on your AT&T bill. It is loaded with features, and has voice guided turn by turn directions. It also offers:

  • Automatic rerouting
  • Updated maps with no additional charge
  • Real time traffic updates
  • Fuel Price searches and navigation to those locations
  • Point of interest searches in all the usual categories like ATM machines, hospitals, restaurants, airports

The map gives you a 3D view from a position just above and behind your vehicle. On the setup page you can chose flat maps if your prefer. I found the maps easy to read but would have preferred a landscape view instead of portrait (there is no option to change the orientation). I saw a little lag when driving, but generally the response was fast.

The app really needs a 3G connection. It works on the EDGE network, but was slow to load graphics. If you are somewhere where you have neither you are out of luck. No maps are contained on the app and nothing is cached. In essence, the app is only as good as the AT&T network, and if you do a lot of driving where the network is weak or absent, you'll be navigating on your own.

I found the voice very hard to hear. This is a limitation of the iPhone speaker. It just wasn't designed to be played at a loud volume. On the highway, with road noise, good luck hearing that warning to turn. Of course, the directions are on the map, but the whole purpose of voice instructions is to keep you from looking at the map.

Other features are a high altitude view of your entire trip from beginning to end, a list of your turns on a scrollable page, directions to the nearest AT&T WiFi hotspots (nice), and the ability to set your default navigation method like shortest, fastest, traffic optimized, prefer highways or streets, or pedestrian routing if you're not driving.

I found the voice alerts were too frequent. Frankly, the app is a blabbermouth, and it kept reminding me of a faraway turn too often for my taste. It would be nice to be able to set just how aggressive the voice warnings are.

The big question for most iPhone users will be whether to wait for other nav apps to appear. TomTom is imminent, as is an app from Navigon. They both download the maps to your phone, so you are not dependent on the AT&T network. You only need GPS, and that signal is everywhere. You could also buy an inexpensive dedicated unit; on the low end that will cost about the same as a year of the AT&T subscription, and will certainly have a better speaker. Of course, there will be fees to update the maps, but in my experience you can use a GPS for years without doing that. Points of interest change, but the iPhone provides other sources like Google for up to date info.

I also think it is a bloody shame that the AT&T app has no access to your address book. Apple has walled that data off from 3rd party apps, (Update: Apple provides the ability, the Navigator app hasn't implemented it) and it is just senseless to have you type everything in again. You can copy and paste the data, but it is a needless pain. The AT&T app has this access when it runs on other phones like the Blackberry.

In summary, the app works, and is feature laden. I'm not sure it is the best option for in-car navigation, and you might want to wait for other solutions to appear. Of course, you can always get the AT&T app and cancel. It's a month-by-month charge.

So how is it like to drive with this app? My colleague Steven Sande did just that, and his report will follow soon.

Before you go, here are some screen shots to give you a look at some of the features on AT&T Navigator:

Gallery: AT&T Navigator

Cruising with the AT&T Navigator originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Cruising with the AT&T Navigator originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeATT NavigatorAttNavigatorGPSiphoneNavigonTomTomturn by turn directionsMel MartinFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 ESTBecause you can never have enough iPhone news... three more storieshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/because-you-can-never-have-enough-iphone-news-three-more-stor/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/because-you-can-never-have-enough-iphone-news-three-more-stor/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/because-you-can-never-have-enough-iphone-news-three-more-stor/#commentsFiled under:

While most of us at TUAW (in the US, anyway) are staring out the window, running down the clock to hit the lake or ocean or pavement in some manner, the intrepid bloggers of Engadget never take a vacation. Here are three* iPhone stories they posted today:

Apple patent applications offer glimpses of haptic screens, RFID readers, fingerprint ID
Oh man, haptics on the iPhone would be so sweet, and finally give us a little more than annoying clicks when typing. RFID and fingerprints? Well, that I'm not so keen on.

Apple patching nasty iPhone SMS vulnerability
Good ol' security maven Charlie Miller poked into the soft underbelly of the iPhone and discovered a pretty gnarly SMS hack that could potentially have your phone activating GPS, the phone's mic, and other nastiness. Perfect setup for a Tom Clancy novel or totally scary vulnerability? Read the HotHardware piece and see for yourself.

iPhone facing potential trademark issues in China?
Yeah, who'd have thunk there would be a trademark dispute over the name iPhone in China, right? Funny thing is, Apple has a trademark on iPhone in China... just not on mobile phones. Oops.

[Thanks to the tipsters who sent these in a while ago, there's fresh beer in the fridge in the garage!]

*OK, four stories. MG Siegler over at TechCrunch has a linkalicious report on Facebook's upcoming new iPhone app featuring... video uploads! (gasp, applause, nausea, use as directed)

Because you can never have enough iPhone news... three more stories originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Because you can never have enough iPhone news... three more stories originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>iphonenewsroundupVictor Agreda, Jr.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:00 ESTiPhone is humongous for AT&Thttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/iphone-is-humongous-for-atandt/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/iphone-is-humongous-for-atandt/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/iphone-is-humongous-for-atandt/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mac Daily News and other sources are reporting today on a leaked AT&T memo that states that the company retail stores had their best day ever with the launch of the iPhone 3GS.

"iLaunch day 2009 was one for the record books, as AT&T customers scrambled to get their hands on the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet.

Here's a look at some of the milestones we achieved:

* Best-ever sales day in our retail stores
* Second-largest traffic day in our retail stores
* Most transactions processed via our IT systems in a single day
* Most upgrade eligibility checks in a single day
* Largest order day in att.com history
* Largest features sales day in att.com history

On this year's launch day, iPhone sales exceeded sales recorded on 2008's iPhone launch day, Black Friday 2008 and Dec. 26, 2008 - all heavy-volume sales days. In fact, this year we surpassed 2008's launch day sales at about noon Central time, and sustained our previous peak hour record, also set in 2008, for 11 straight hours."

If the numbers are accurate, the iPhone blew by most analyst predictions that the iPhone would not sell as well as the 3G iPhone released last summer.

Even better news, numbers like these should give Apple some leverage to force the wireless giant to improve what for many is a mediocre experience using the AT&T network. The iPhone exclusive is up next year, and rumors persist that Apple is talking to other carriers, most notably Verizon.

via Mac Daily News and TechCrunch

iPhone is humongous for AT&T originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iPhone is humongous for AT&T originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ATTATT retail storesiPhoneiphone 3gsIphone3gsleaked memosales recordsMel MartinThu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 ESTWWDC Demo: Zombies, a modern update of Daleks (preview)http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/wwdc-demo-zombies-a-modern-update-of-daleks-preview/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/wwdc-demo-zombies-a-modern-update-of-daleks-preview/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/wwdc-demo-zombies-a-modern-update-of-daleks-preview/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I can't count the number of hours I spent at the UT Music Library on a Performa or Quadra or Centris (I had a Centris 610 at the time) playing Daleks. Strangely addicting but incredibly simple, the game mechanic has been repeated often in the casual game universe, and Daleks was essentially a rip of Robots on UNIX. You try to get away from something, one step at a time, as those somethings inch ever closer, one step at a time. It's turn-based "tag." There's a terribly unsatisfying and buggy version called SuperDaleks for OS X here.

Zombies is a bit of an update for the venerable classic, although there's also a classic game called Zombies using the very same mechanic -- nothing new under the sun, eh? But intead of dusting off that old IIsi, you can play Zombies on your iPhone or iPod touch. The developer added spells, allowing you to do something out of the norm each round. So, for example, you could teleport (sometimes seen in variations of this game). You can also destroy zombies with a spell, handy when you're in a no-win position.

The preview you see here is the unfinished version, but it's shaping up to be a pleasant reimagining of a classic. We'll post on Twitter when it's available.

WWDC Demo: Zombies, a modern update of Daleks (preview) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)WWDC Demo: Zombies, a modern update of Daleks (preview) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeAppStoredaleksgameiphoneipod touchIpodTouchpreviewrobotsvideowwdcwwdc09zombiesVictor Agreda, Jr.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:00 ESTApp Store Rejections: Apple rejects iKaraoke app, patent <strike>filed</strike> published for a karaoke playerhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/app-store-rejections-apple-rejects-ikaraoke-app-then-files-a-p/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/app-store-rejections-apple-rejects-ikaraoke-app-then-files-a-p/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/app-store-rejections-apple-rejects-ikaraoke-app-then-files-a-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As if the waters surrounding the App Store approval process weren't murky enough, one developer has just hit an unprecedented wall. Apple rejected his app, iKaraoke, citing that it duplicated functionality of the iPod application. Of course, the "duplicate functionality" reason is nothing new, but Apple's next step is: just a few weeks after rejecting the application, they have filed a patent for including karaoke functionality into the iPod app.

A brief look at the demo iKaraoke's website will quickly tell you that, while the app does bear a light resemblance to some of the menus found in the iPod application, the actual interface that the user interacts with to select and download a song is far from duplicating the iPod's polished interface. Another key point is that the file format used by iKaraoke is known as the .kar format -- an unofficial extension of the MIDI specification that enables lyrics to appear in time with music. The lyrics are then displayed on the screen, and highlighted as the song is played. Does any of this sound like functionality found in the iPod app? We didn't think so.

So what exactly was duplicated then? According to apple, iKaraoke "duplicates the functionality of the built-in iPhone application, iPod, without providing sufficient differentiation or added functionality." But they didn't just stop there. The reviewer went on to say that the application "downloads media files that are not managed by the iTunes application, which also manages media files, we believe this would be confusing to the user." Now, hold on a minute here... it's fine for several other apps to stream and download media files that are supported by the iPod without being managed by iTunes, but it's not OK for an app to download media that isn't natively supported, and provide functionality that isn't natively provided by the iPod?

This wouldn't be much different from your typical app rejection if the story stopped there, but it doesn't. This morning, Apple filed a patent [application here] which details built-in Karaoke functionality being added as part of the iPod application, with some additional bells and whistles such as monitoring the pitch of the user's voice. So it seems the functionality that was duplicated is functionality that Apple has not yet released, and possibly not yet even begun to develop. Maybe the $99 iPhone Developer Program fee should include a crystal ball for testing apps before submitting them.

As with the many other patents Apple has filed, this feature may never see the light of day. But is it really acceptable to reject an application, based solely on what appears to be a duplication of a feature that may or may not even be released in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Update: As a few of you have pointed out in the comments, although the patent application was published today, it actually was originally filed back in April of 2008. While this does indicate that the patent was indeed filed long before the SDK was even released, questions still remain about whether or not Apple may choose to reject applications based on functionality found in unreleased features.

Similar rejections have occurred with apps that offered podcast downloads prior to the inclusion of podcasting functionality in iTunes, for example. Essentially, what needs to happen is that Apple needs to clear the air on what exactly is considered a duplication of functionality, and to be clear with the developer on exactly what aspects of their application are in violation of this requirement, rather than sending a vague form letter and ignoring inquiries for additional information from the developer.

App Store Rejections: Apple rejects iKaraoke app, patent filed published for a karaoke player originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)App Store Rejections: Apple rejects iKaraoke app, patent filed published for a karaoke player originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeapp store approvalapp store reviewAppStoreAppStoreApprovalAppStoreReviewiKaraokeiPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchkaraokepatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationpatentsrejectedrejectionrejection lettersRejectionLettersMichael JonesThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTiLaugh, therefore I existhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/ilaugh-therefore-i-exist/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/ilaugh-therefore-i-exist/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/ilaugh-therefore-i-exist/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jokes are relative. What's hysterically funny for one person may not even crack a smile on another person's face. iLaugh [App Store], a database of over 50,000 jokes for the iPhone and iPod touch from developer Azure Talon, uses sheer volume of bon mots to ensure that you'll be able to find a funny story for just about every taste.

You can pick from a variety of genres from Animals to Yo Mama!, and turn on/off sex or rude jokes as well as important categories such as Chuck Norris Facts. Each joke or story can receive a thumbs up or down from you and other iLaugh users, and the app allows you to filter out jokes that don't meet a certain minimum score.

Want to share a laugh with friends? iLaugh has Facebook and Twitter buttons that send the joke on to the rest of the world, and you can also use cut & paste on iPhone OS 3.0 devices to email the offending lines to your friends.

All of the chuckles are available for US$0.99, and iLaugh would be a smart purchase to make before those 4th of July picnics.

iLaugh, therefore I exist originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iLaugh, therefore I exist originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app reviewapp storeAppReviewAppStorehumoriphoneipod touchIpodTouchjokesSteven SandeThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTThe 88 song recorded on iPhone and released in iTunes Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/the-88-song-recorded-on-iphone-and-released-in-itunes-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/the-88-song-recorded-on-iphone-and-released-in-itunes-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/the-88-song-recorded-on-iphone-and-released-in-itunes-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember that time you were on tour with The B-52's and had a great idea for a song, but there was no recording equipment to be found? Oh wait, that was The 88. Well anyway, The 88 recently recorded their latest single with nothing but an iPhone and the Sonoma Wire Works Four Track application, according to The Loop.

The 88 recorded the song, Love is the Thing, with a few tricks: to make sure the drums didn't overpower the iPhone speaker, they covered the drums with a sheet and uses brushes instead of drumsticks to deaden the sound. Four Track records at 16 bits and 44.1 kHz and can make unlimited-length tracks. The band recorded 14 separate tracks, including various guitars, vocals, and effects, and combined them on a Mac for the final mix.

The band documented the process in more detail on their website. The song sounds great quality-wise and is now available in the iTunes Store for $0.99, and Four Track is in the App Store for $9.99.

The 88 song recorded on iPhone and released in iTunes Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)The 88 song recorded on iPhone and released in iTunes Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeappstoreaudiobandiphoneitunes storeItunesStoremusicrecordrecordingthe 88The88Casey JohnstonThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:30:00 ESTDunkin' Run lets you live in the future, Dunkin' Donuts stylehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/dunkin-run-lets-you-live-in-the-future-dunkin-donuts-style/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/dunkin-run-lets-you-live-in-the-future-dunkin-donuts-style/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/02/dunkin-run-lets-you-live-in-the-future-dunkin-donuts-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ever wanted to order a bunch of coffee and doughnuts along with your friends online, and then go and pick them up in the store? There is, in fact, an app for that. Dunkin' Donuts has released Dunkin' Run (iTunes link), an app that not only connects you and your friends together (through a strange love of pastries and java), but will allow you to set up an order and then go straight to the store and pick it up.

Sound unnecessary and lame? Maybe -- though it is free, even if it's adware as adware can possibly get. And apparently the app is really badly designed, not to mention that we do feel a little dirty telling you about it: you should probably eat something a little healthier, like a banana or even an (wait for it) apple.

But let's not forget where we started out here -- back in the day, we dreamed of ordering coffee on our iPhone, and now that day has basically come. Unfortunately, the best parts of the dream haven't yet materialized -- Dunkin' Runs only lets you tally up orders among your friends, not actually deliver them to the store. For that, you've still got to show the cashier your iPhone screen, and/or read them off the order. But it is a step closer to the dream. If companies are going to make apps that are actually useful for us, they have to start with apps like this, no? And if nothing else, it's an app that will tell you where Dunkin' Donuts is -- that's all I use my Bank of America app for anyway.

Dunkin' Run lets you live in the future, Dunkin' Donuts style originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Dunkin' Run lets you live in the future, Dunkin' Donuts style originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appapp-storebank-of-americacoffeedesigndunkin-donutsdunkin-runfreewareiphoneorderpastriessocial-mediasocial-networkingMike SchrammThu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTAsk TUAW: iTunes libraries, Mac data recovery, Snow Leopard on older Macs and morehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/ask-tuaw-itunes-libraries-mac-data-recovery-snow-leopard-on-o/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/ask-tuaw-itunes-libraries-mac-data-recovery-snow-leopard-on-o/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/ask-tuaw-itunes-libraries-mac-data-recovery-snow-leopard-on-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We're back with another edition of Ask TUAW. This time around we've answering questions about iTunes libraries, Mac data recovery, Snow Leopard on older Macs and more.

As always, your suggestions and questions are welcome. Questions for next week should be left in the comments. When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which version of Mac OS X (we'll assume you're running Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions.

Daneel asks:

I'm running OS X 10.5.7 and Windows Vista (via Bootcamp) on my iMac 24". I was wondering if there was any way in which I could make the iTunes apps in both Windows and Mac use the same iTunes library. File access is not a problem as I've got the ntfs-3g driver on the mac side and mac drive on the PC side.

I have my iTunes library on an external hard drive. To make iTunes use this particular folder, I create an alias of the folder on the external drive and replace my iTunes folder located in Users> "User Name" > Music with the alias. iTunes has no problem with this setup.

You should be able to do the same thing in both the Mac and Windows versions of iTunes. Just set an alias of the iTunes folder you want to use in Windows pointing to your Mac iTunes library and you should be good to go.


Continue reading Ask TUAW: iTunes libraries, Mac data recovery, Snow Leopard on older Macs and more

Ask TUAW: iTunes libraries, Mac data recovery, Snow Leopard on older Macs and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Ask TUAW: iTunes libraries, Mac data recovery, Snow Leopard on older Macs and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ask tuawAskTuawdata recoveryDataRecoverygamingiPhone3gsiTunesmonitormouseChris UllrichWed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 ESTUser friendliness, new features highlight Nike+ site redesignhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/user-friendliness-new-features-highlight-nike-site-redesign/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/user-friendliness-new-features-highlight-nike-site-redesign/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/user-friendliness-new-features-highlight-nike-site-redesign/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Since its introduction in May 2006, the look, feel and features of the Nike+ website have undergone relatively minor changes. Which makes the redesign (still in beta) of the site all the more noteworthy. By putting familiar faces in different places, as well as adding some new faces, Nike has added some polish on an already great and revolutionary fitness motivational tool.

Continue reading User friendliness, new features highlight Nike+ site redesign

User friendliness, new features highlight Nike+ site redesign originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)User friendliness, new features highlight Nike+ site redesign originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>exercisefitnessiphoneIphone3gSipod nanoipod touchIpodNanoIpodTouchnikenike plusNikePlusrunningsite redesignSiteRedesignSang TangWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 ESTWWDC Demo: Pix Remix for iPhone, iPod touch (preview)http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/wwdc-demo-pix-remix-for-iphone-ipod-touch-preview/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/wwdc-demo-pix-remix-for-iphone-ipod-touch-preview/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/wwdc-demo-pix-remix-for-iphone-ipod-touch-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Pix Remix isn't yet on the App Store, but I'm hoping it lands soon. If you've ever tried the Ken Burns effect in iPhoto to move photos around during a slideshow, you know how frustrating it is when the effect chops off the faces or other important parts of your photo while moving. Pix Remix does this better, plus more, all on your iPhone with your photos.

With Pix Remix you choose the photos you want (on your iPhone or iPod touch), put them in order, then create a slideshow using a path for the camera. You control the zoom as well, so instead of cutting off faces you can zoom into them instead. As you can see in the video, it's quite simple. This is the "pan and zoom" type of slideshow.

Pix Remix features a collage mode that reminds me of Microsoft's Surface technology -- a set of photos sit on a virtual table, and you can zoom, move and rotate them with your fingers. It looks like someone placing photos on a flat surface, except you can animate them.

Those are a couple of the slideshow options, and there's the option to add captions as well, or you can create a simple slideshow with nothing but transitions and captions. The final piece of the puzzle: export. You can send your slideshows to Twitter or Facebook or via email. I noticed the other day there were inactive links for a "reader" app, presumably to watch Remix slideshows on another iPhone without the full app, but that has been removed.

We'll keep an eye out for when Pix Remix hits the store, so check our Twitter feed for the latest updates.

WWDC Demo: Pix Remix for iPhone, iPod touch (preview) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)WWDC Demo: Pix Remix for iPhone, iPod touch (preview) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeAppStoreiphoneipod touchIpodTouchphotophotographypicturespix remixPixRemixslideshowvideoVictor Agreda, Jr.Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTIs this what's in the next iPhone update?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/is-this-whats-in-the-next-iphone-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/is-this-whats-in-the-next-iphone-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/01/is-this-whats-in-the-next-iphone-update/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The iPhone Blog is reporting what's purported to be in the next, and hopefully imminent iPhone update to version 3.1. As we've reported, developers were seeded with the beta Tuesday.

Here's the list:

  • Voice Control now works over Bluetooth
  • Updated AT&T profile to 4.2 (MMS is now enabled)
  • Improvements to OpenGL and Quartz.
  • iPhone vibrates when moving icons
  • Non-destructive video editing means trimming a clip no longer saves over the original video but gives you the option to "Save as copy..."
  • APIs to allow third party apps to access videos and edit them.
  • Updated modem firmware to 5.08.01

If true, it will put smiles on a lot of iPhone owners' faces. The omission of Bluetooth voice control seemed downright silly. Losing your original video after an edit seemed pretty counter-intuitive as well. It also appears MMS will appear in the update, but that only matters if AT&T turns it on.

No firm dates for the update of course, but if the above is accurate it will be a good one.

Thanks Brad for the tip

Is this what's in the next iPhone update? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Is this what's in the next iPhone update? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsiPhoneiphone os 3.1Iphone3.1iphoneosIphoneOs3.1MMSupdatevideo editingvoice controlMel MartinWed, 01 Jul 2009 07:30:00 ESTWWDC Demo: Master Jumperton and Battle of Pirate Bay (preview)http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/30/wwdc-demo-master-jumperton-and-battle-of-pirate-bay-preview/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/30/wwdc-demo-master-jumperton-and-battle-of-pirate-bay-preview/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/30/wwdc-demo-master-jumperton-and-battle-of-pirate-bay-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Master Jumperton is a simple game where you swipe to create platforms for Master Jumperton to continually jump higher and higher. There are some similar games on the store, but Jumperton is well-crafted and features a high scores board and basic options. Master Jumperton isn't yet available on the store.

The Battle of Pirate Bay will be available July 1, we are told, and it's a more involved game. That isn't to say it is complicated, as anyone familiar with Flight Control or Harbor Master's game mechanic will understand what to do. Battle goes one step beyond time and path management to add the element of battle with waves of enemies. You have to balance ammo and the health of your base in the bay plus the routing of faster or slower ships with different capabilities all while moving your finger around to direct traffic, as it were. Very fast-paced, and it looks like a lot of fun. We'll tweet when it lands in the store this week.

Both games are from veteran mobile developers Muteki, who developed Maze Finger and Topple 2 for ngmoco. Topple 2 won an Apple design award at this year's WWDC.

Gallery: Battle of Pirate Bay screenshots



Update: The Battle of Pirate Bay (iTunes link) is now available in the store.

WWDC Demo: Master Jumperton and Battle of Pirate Bay (preview) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)WWDC Demo: Master Jumperton and Battle of Pirate Bay (preview) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>battle of pirate bayBattleOfPirateBayiphoneiphone gameIphoneGameipod touchIpodTouchmaster jumpertonMasterJumpertonvideowwdcwwdc09Victor Agreda, Jr.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST