Ecamm have gone through many naming conventions for this neat little application. Previously MegaPhone, the newly named PhoneView adds some great functionality to your iPhone or iPod touch. You can finally access disk mode, so no need to carry around a separate USB stick anymore. Adding, editing and creating notes is also a real boon, and accessing your music, movies and synced photos. All this plus so much more, with a demo available and the full app costing just under $20. Head on over and check it out.
Case-Mate launches new Naked cases for iPhone and touch
Most cases for the iPhone and touch are open-faced, so that you can use the touch screen. This is OK, but does leave the screen open to scratches. Case-Mate have announced a new case today that sounds very promising.
The Naked Case, by Case-Mate, is the only case that provides full protection of the device, including the screen while at the same time allowing full touch-through access to the iPhone or iPod Touch.
The patent-pending electrostatic membrane on the front of the case passes electrical pulses through to the device's screen, insuring that touch controls work flawlessly while in the case. Precise cutouts allow access to all other controls. The solid acrylic protects the device while allowing its true beauty to shine through. In fact, it's as if the iPhone or iPod Touch was wearing nothing at all! The Naked Case is the only case that offers 360 degree protection of the iPhone and iPod Touch. The case is available for order here.
Giant iPhone Wi-Fi Problems
On a recent trip to Bluewater, I went to the Apple Store and found their iPhone displays to be prominent and well set up. There were about 15-20 iPhones on display and there was a steady stream of interested customers. At 9pm on a Monday night, altogether not to shabby.
Milling around the mall a bit further proved the stark contrast between Apple's and other retailers general strategies. The Apple Store (as most will know) is an uncluttered, clean shopping experience. Some issues with rude staff aside, I always have a good experience going there. This can not be said of Carphone Warehouse or even the O2 stores. Ubiquitous as they may be, they seem to fail because their lack of conviction is obvious. I don't know anyone who would buy an iPhone at one of those stores if there's an Apple Store nearby.
This picture proves it. This error message was displayed on their screen for over an hour (I checked back after taking the picture). The video was not playing and while its no "Blue Screen of Death", the non-playing video, the error message and the gaudy Christmas decorations made the contrast between Carphone Warehouse and the Apple Store very clear.
I say good on Apple for negotiating with a company that has over 1500 outlets, but they have some ways to go before they will sell as many phones as are sold through the Apple Store. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Apple's 12 UK stores likely sold more than all of O2's stores put together. Anecdotal evidence certainly seems to back up my assumption.
–Felix Kunze.
iPhone Launch Regent Street - The cold, the media & Phil Schiller
We arrived at Oxford Circus at about 5:25pm. My brother had already been in the queue since about 4:15pm so we were about 200 places down the line. I had a rather disheartening walk past all the hard-core 'queuers' to a somewhat sobering wait about 200th in line on Hanover Street.
Despite that, there were still plenty of things happening. TV crews seemed keen to document what we do best in Britain - queue. We were interviewed more than once while waiting and managed to get an interview with CNN while activating one of our iPhones. With offers of free stuff from Starbucks (Coffee and Mince Pies - already!), On Networks, The Cloud (24 hour free Trial), T3, ZDNet.com, Griffin (rain coats), O2 (water).
Once they threw open the doors (and you could hear that all the way down Hanover Street), the line moved very fast and within 5 minutes we were in. We had to line up again inside but at least we weren't freezing to death anymore. We snaked our way past all the media and checked out some of the iPhone cases (loads in stock at the ridiculous prices that they charge in the store). After purchase we elatedly went over to one of the desks (which were strangely devoid of people) and set up shop there. My brother had brought his Macbook Pro and started activating our phones. After about 1/2 hour, all three phones were activated and in use. While I was happily unpacking my phone in readiness for activation, a CNN camera crew came and started to film us activating our phones. Not surprising as we seemed to be the only people actually doing so in the store. They then moved on to filming my brother while he activated his iPhone, they pretty much filmed the entire process including his first phone call. They seemed happy with the result.
We then noticed that Phil Schiller (Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing) was hanging around doing interviews. We took some pics of that and then went up to him to ask him to pose for photos with us. He obliged and proceeded to have a chat. He was particularly interested in how our activation process went and how we liked O2 as a carrier. He also asked us about our experience with the iPhone so far and went so far as trying to show my brother some of the features! Very cool guy. Very genuine. We spoke with him for almost five minutes. We thanked him for bringing out another great product and then left the apple store to go home and play around some more with this great gadget.
On the way home, I was approached three times while using the iPhone. People asking 'is that the new iPhone?' is sure to be a constant part of my life for the next few months.
Having used the iPhone now for a couple of hours, I will say that I am more impressed with it than I thought I would be. I enjoy all the features and find the entire device extremely simple to use. You just have to think how something should work and that's how it works. The buzz in the store was tangible and Apple did another great job at PR on this launch. I am happy to have been there.
A few interesting points to note:
- Apple had up to 300 store employees on the floor for the Launch.
- at 5:55pm a store employee came down the queue telling all those in line that the iPhone could be bought in cash tonight only (see video link below). This seems to be a reversal of their previous policy.
- Phil Schiller seemed particularly interested/almost concerned, with the activation process.
- The store staff did NOT want us to activate our phones on one of their machines, but did allow us to set up our own laptop to activate it.
- The iPhone box is slightly larger than the US one to accommodate the larger power adaptor.
- Ships with Software version 1.1.2
Links:
YouTube videos from Regent Street iPhone Launch
Flickr Set of Regent Street iPhone Launch
–Felix Kunze.
iPhone Launch UK - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Having just got back from the UK iPhone Launch, here is the lowdown of my experience. In addition to the coverage we will bring you later from Regent Street, London, I headed on down to a local O2 Store. It was my endeavor to bring you some alternative coverage to the normal Apple type launch, so a local angle should give you an insight into how many people across the country view the iPhone.
Things got off to a bad start, with the Kent store due to open at 6:02pm (GMT), it was only 20 minutes to go and still not a sole to be seen. I had a quick chat to the store manager (through a closed door) and was told that they could not answer any questions (fair enough). Then, with about ten minutes to go, there were around six people milling around the front of the store, which extended to around eight by the opening time.
The Good… Once in the store I was greeted with great enthusiasm. The specialist that had travelled down for the launch was keen to talk to me, saying that it was a "fantastic device". I was allowed to take some photos and also advised I could talk to customers (after they had left the store). So I headed back out onto the cold street and tried to catch the first purchaser. He was in a rush and too busy to stop, so I hung around for the second person.
He was very happy about his purchase and had been waiting for the iPhone launch to replace his dodgy phone. When I asked if he would have bought an iPhone had his existing mobile been OK, he said "no, it was only because I need a new phone anyway". A PC user at work, but with a Mac at home and a MacBook Pro on the way, I think this represents the typical buyer. Apart from those who love their iPods and don't mind spending a bit more, this is a very serious purchase. Credit to the O2 Store for handling things in a very cheerful manner.
The bad... This award goes to a shop just around the corner. I popped into Carphone Warehouse who had also opened for the launch. I milled around listening to the specialist, who didn't even know the iPhone had a camera, and had to ask someone else how much memory the iPhone had. He also told customers that the iPhone would work only on O2 and if it was unlock it would be rendered useless as soon as it was plugged in. I suppose he had to say that, so I will forgive this comment. Poor show though, the lack of knowledge was not excusable.
The Ugly... Well, the same shop gets this award too. When I finally got the managers attention and handed my card over, it was greeted with a sneer. I asked if I could take a few photos and was told that I couldn't. Then when the lady in charge actually looked at my card, she mumbled something about not even being bothered that I was there. This is a shame, as my visit could have resulted in some good publicity and some nice photos.
All in all a mixed bag. For the ultimate buying experience, head on down to your local Apple Store. Rest assured though, wherever you buy, the iPhone is a superb piece of kit. Probably the best purchase you will make this year.
iPhone & iPod touch Accessories Coming to Geekanoids
We have been gradually introducing new items to the Geekanoids Shop, where you can already by the GeekPouch for all of the new iPods and the iPhone. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing some great value clear crystal cases for the iPod touch and the iPhone, along with some screen protectors to keep those greasy smudges and scratches away. This is our way of raising some funds to help pay for the hosting and associated costs of the Geekanoids website, so your support is really appreciated.
iPhone Launch Day for the UK
The big day has arrived, with the official launch of the iPhone in the UK. At 6pm tonight (or 6:02pm at O2 stores) you will be able to buy your iPhone for £269, rush home and get it working, and enjoy this superb device. Geekanoids will bring you two reports, one from the Apple Store in Regent Street, London and one from a local O2 store. We are looking forward to bringing you some insight into the excitement, along with some great photos.
Leopard Launch... so Leopard GeekPouch
It seems a bit obvious, but what with the Mac OS X Leopard launch and the slew of articles talking about it, we had to produce a GeekPouch in the same flavour. Head on over to the Geekanoids Shop and you can buy a fur effect pouch with Leopard design print for your iPhone, iPod touch, classic, 3rd gen Nano or 5th gen iPod. Same prices as before, starting at £5.99 for UK orders and £10.99 for international.
I should also mention that our tan pouch for the iPod touch is almost completely gone, we are down to the last few.
Third Party Applications will come to iPhone
Apple have announced a great piece of news for all iPhone owners, and prospective UK purchasers come November 9th. Up until now, many have been using various hacks to get third party applications to the iPhone. Either that or you have to stick to using web based apps to feed your addiction. Well, Apple have finally announced that they are working on a Software Developer's Kit (SDK) to allow development of applications for the iPhone. This will be available February next year, so we have a little wait on our hands. The full details can be read here.
GeekPouch - Tan for iPod touch - Limited Stock
In the run up to the holiday season it is very likely you will be filling your own stocking, or someone near to you, with a new iPod or perhaps even an iPhone. Our very own GeekPouches have been proving very popular, it is often hard to keep up with the orders.
For something a little different, we have a very limited stock of iPod touch pouches in tan faux suede. At the time of writing this, we literally have about 15 left, so if you want one of these tan pouches, head on over to the GeekPouch page now.
Apple launch Web Apps Portal for iPhone
If you own an iPhone or plan to get on in the UK on November 9th, then you should bookmark this one. Apple have opened up their Web Apps section of the website. Here you will find stacks of brilliant web applications and sites designed to work specifically on the iPhone. Everything from games, utilities and social networking tools. Well worth a look.
New iPhone Adverts
There are three new iPhone adverts for your perusal today. All are shot on plain black backgrounds, of actual users, explaining how the iPhone is the best device ever. They then zoom out to show the surroundings beyond the black screen. In my opinion, not Apple's best, but well worth a look anyway.