Mobiles reviews - application

Apple iPhone application “I Am Rich” video demo

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:05:33 +0000

What does a $1,000 iPhone application look like? While we’re not in the business of snatching up iPhone applications with four-figure (well, it’s $999, so the app is at the high-end of three-figures) price-tags, a YouTube user was kind enough to post a video demonstration of the now-infamous “I Am Rich” iPhone application that is famous [...]

Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:16:31 +0000

Sounds a bit Orwellian, doesn’t it? The idea that some corporate entity can monitor the applications installed on your iPhone and remotely disable blacklisted apps just seems wrong. But, newly discovered code within the iPhone 2.0 OS and the newer iPhone 2.0.1 OS has confirmed that Apple has built a blacklisting mechanism in to the [...]

iPhone controls iRobot PackBot remotely - no web access needed

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:03:30 +0000

Granted, controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle using the iPhone over a dedicated web-server is more a gimmick than a true use of the iPhone as a remote control. But, it's still cool. So, then, that would make this remote controlled iRobot truly trick. The iPhone you see in this video is being used to connect to, [...]

Microsoft mulls iPhone application development - MS Office and voice recognition for iPhone

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:47:28 +0000

Microsoft may not have cashed in on the initial iPhone hype, but that doesn't mean the behemoth tech company doesn't have plans to milk the cash cow from Cupertino. Upon reviewing the recently released Apple iPhone SDK and Apple's announced support for Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft says it is seriously considering a push into developing applications [...]

HTC patent application shows off unique dual-slider

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:00:33 +0000

Dual-sliders are great and all, but the price we pay for the convenience of having both a numeric keypad and QWERTY keyboard is usually a considerable amount of bulk. Even HTC is guilty of adding a bit of heft in the name of convenience. But, that could all change if our favorite Taiwanese WinMo manufacturer [...]

Apple patent application for wobbly iPhone homescreen icons; throwable icons

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:41:20 +0000

The world of tech-rumors is a “wobbly” one indeed (you see what we did there?). The juicier and longer the lead-time of a rumor, the more skepticism and doubt enshroud said rumor. But enough with the flowery rhetoric – the “leaked” iPhone v1.1.3 firmware from Gear Live has been the topic of hot debate as to whether or not the video is legit. We’re all hoping that the firmware-video is the real deal and not some fancy video editing, but we have to leave open the door for the possibility that the firmware “leak” is a hoax. So, here’s a bit of patent-application-goodness to help legitimize the v1.1.3 firmware video. It looks like Apple filed for a patent back in August of last year that details the now famous “wobbly” iPhone homescreen icon effect. The patent outlines a method by which a mobile device’s homescreen icons would vibrate/wiggle/wobble, whatever you want to call it, to indicate that the icons’ positions can be altered. The animated GIF below (put together from the patent application diagrams - props to Hrmpf !) matches up perfectly with what Gear Live showed us recently. However, the patent application also mentions a feature that Gear Live’s video did not demonstrate – the ability for the homescreen icons to be “thrown” across the screen. In moving the icons, the speed and direction of the icon-movement could be interpreted to move the icon to a position different from the point of release. The faster, or “harder,” the icon is thrown, the further it moves. Upon breaking contact with the touch-sensitive display, the respective icon may resume varying its position. In some embodiments, the respective icon can be “thrown,” so that the final position of the respective icon is different from the point at which the icon is released. In this embodiment, the final position can depend on a variety of factors, such as the speed of the “throw,” the parameters used in a simulated equation of motion for the “throw” (e.g., coefficient of friction), and/or the presence of a lay out grid with simulated attractive forces. Now, just because Gear Live didn’t’ demonstrate the “throwable” icon feature doesn’t invalidate their “leak.” Technologies mentioned in patent applications are by no means guaranteed to make it into production. Furthermore, it can be argued that since the patent application was published prior to Gear Live’s video, the legitimacy of the video should be held in question. Whatever the case, we’ll likely know more in a couple weeks. For the meantime, we’re looking forward to “wobbly” homescreen icons and “My Location” features on our iPhone. [Via: MacRumors ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Apple iPhone Commerical hints at unannounced iPhone Application - Mystery ApplicationApple iPhone announcement coming soon? Offline support for third-party web-apps?Customize your iPhone's background image!Apple has been quietly updating the iPhone's interface!Japanese man fabricates his own Apple iPhone dummy from scratch!

Apple files patent application to use iPhone to purchase "to-go" items - no more waiting in line

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:41:03 +0000

It seems Steve Jobs may be just as tired of waiting in long-lines at the local Starbucks as we are. Wouldn’t it be great if we could use our media player or cellphone to wirelessly order a cup of coffee ahead of time and simply stroll into the brick-and-mortor shop to pick up our cup of joe. Well, good, ole’ Stevie is on it. Apple just filed a patent application on December 20 for a method whereby a media player, PDA, or cellphone could be used to place a wireless-order at a particular store - doing away with the dreaded “queue.” iPhone users are already able to wirelessly download music from iTunes’ catalogue at all Starbucks locations, and this technolofy would take the Apple-Starbucks relationship to the next step. USPTO patent application #20070291710 outlines a system that is capable of logging orders and notifying the customer when the order is ready for pick-up. The system would also track customers’ shopping habits and purchases. Customers might tap a button to order their favorite drink, say a double-shot mocha, as they stroll up to the nearest coffee shop. When the drink is ready go to, the device–such as an iPhone–would chime or blink to let the thirsty one know it’s time to scoop up the order at the counter. The iPhone may be set to take on a new role - transitioning from a cellphone/media player phenom into a life-assistant for your daily activities. We’ll have to wait and see just what Apple does with this new technology. A patent application doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will be putting the new tech into their future lineup, but if it does pan out, we couldn’t be happier. There’s nothing worse than waiting in line (trust us, we know a thing or two about lines ). [Via: Forbes ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Into iPhone arrives at the 3rd Street Promenade Apple Store - waiting in line for the iPhone launchApple patent application hints at Apple iPhone Nano!Apple iPhone nano coming in this year: JP MorganApple files for second pressure-sensitive touch display patentApple patent application reveals iPod and iPhone as wireless remote controls with metadata [...]

Full YouTube comes to Helio Ocean

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:17:09 +0000

It seems YouTube is on everyone’s mind recently. Even gabber-extraordinaire Oprah had YouTube’s founding team featured on her show. So, it’s not surprising (well, it is a little surprising) to hear that Helio has rolled out full YouTube functionality for their flagship (and old) Helio Ocean handset. Unlike other limited YouTube applications, Helio’s YouTube offerings boasts the “most complete YouTube experience currently available on mobile.” What makes it so compete? Well, how does instant-uploading, geo-tagged videos (using the Ocean’s GPS capability), and a log-in feature sound? And, as another bonus, Helio is giving its Ocean-users free-access to the new YouTube application. All you Helio Ocean owners can look for the new application today. Read on for more pics. [Via: Engadget Mobile ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Helio Ocean coming on May 21?Helio Ocean video previewHelio Ocean now availableHelio offering refreshed Ocean for $99!Helio brings business-class power to the Helio Ocean

Apple files patent application for multi-tasking multi-touch gaming interface

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:31:49 +0000

We let this one slip through the cracks, but here it is - better late than never. Playing a mobile game usually means that you’ll have to put all other applications on hold (if not closed-out altogether for the sake of memory usage). The mobile game usually takes priority on most touch-based commands (and directional commands on phones without touchscreens), rendering the cellphone all but useless for anything but playing the game itself. Incoming calls interrupt game-play, and the game must be stopped in order to load a webpage. Well, Apple wants to change all that. Apple has filed a patent application for a multi-touch gaming interface that allows iPhone and iPod Touch owners to play mobile-games while simultaneously being able to control a secondary application. The application, titled “Techniques for interactive input to portable electronic devices,” outlines a method whereby the user would be able to input touch-based commands on any touch-based device. Depending on where the touch-input is registered, the underlying technology would determine which application the input was intended for. The “Input is directed to the appropriate application based on one or more locations (e.g., points, positions, regions, portions) of the input area effectively identified when input is received (e.g., when input is entered by a person by touching a particular position on a touch screen).” Furthermore, the inputs’ intentions can be derived from more intuitive motions, like “positional, directional, rotational, pressing and/or pushing type inputs (or movement),” in order to determine which application should process a particular input. News of the application filing comes just prior to Apple’s expected release of an iPhone SDK. The release of the official SDK should foster a flurry of mobile gaming development on the iPhone, and as such, Apple will want to give mobile gamers more control over their devices’ features. [Via: Apple Insider ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Apple files for second pressure-sensitive touch display patentApple considering multi-touch for Mac computer lineupApple files patent application for pressure-sensitive touchscreen technologyApple patent filed for tactile touchscreen - raised, indented keysMicrosoft Zune Phone - New Patent Application Hints At Zune Phone Tiled Interface

Sony Ericsson files patent application to bring gesture control to cameraphones

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:11:37 +0000

Now this is one interesting patent application. Sony Ericsson may be planning to up the ante on cameraphones if their newest patent application comes to fruition. High-end cameraphone offerings from the likes of Nokia and Sony Ericsson already boast impressive performance as far as point-and-shoot digi-cams are concerned, and Sony Ericsson seems to be brewing a unique feature for its cameraphone lineup. The USPTO has revealed a method by which simple hand-gestures could be used to control the cameraphone’s features - taking pictures, answering phone calls, and even controlling music playback with a not-so-proverbial flick of a finger. The patent involves the use of some clever software that would endow image-recognition powers to a Sony Ericsson cameraphone. The software would be used to recognize hand-gestures as a control-method for various phone features. As long as the phone is powered on and has a line-of-sight to your hand (from a table or a tripod), the user can issue a command to take a picture or start playing an MP3 track from afar. Furthermore, the phone can be connected to your DLNA home-network to control your TV, PC, audio system, etc. Imagine that - controlling your home-theater system by waving your hand through the air. As patent applications go, this one may or may not see the light of day, but we’re all crossing our fingers in hopes that it will make it into Sony Ericsson’s production line. [Via: Unwired View ] The ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Sony Ericsson files for patent on programmable touchscreen keypadSony Ericsson to route phone calls through TV; Aims to rule your homeSony Ericsson's patent application for dual-sliding QWERTY-keyboard and numeric keypadSony Ericsson patents universal remoteApple files for second pressure-sensitive touch display patent

iPhone gets native MMS!

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:30:24 +0000

It feels like we’re always complaining of the lack of MMS (that’s picture-messaging for the lay-folks) on our iPhones. But, we have to admit that we never really used picture messaging on any phone, or smartphone, in the past, and we don’t miss its absence on the iPhone. But hey, it’s fun to knock Cupertino for not including such a basic feature on the iPhone. So, this one goes out to all you iPhone owners that actually miss the MMS functionality on the iPhone. A celver third-party application developer/hacker over at ModMyiFone has released a natively-installed MMS application for the iPhone. Of course, you could have simply emailed all your pictures to your friends, but this method is just so much easier. We’re loving the truly Apple-esque look of the MMS application. Keep in mind, this is a beta application - so (1) only outbound MMS messages are working, (2) you’ll have to setup the application with your carrier’s MMSC info, and (3) you’ll have to enable MMS on your wireless plan. Oh, and as beta applications go, this one’s a bit buggy, so do what you will. Grab the MMS application from your Installer.app in the ModMyiFone repository. Add the MMI repository to your source list to get access to MMi’s iPhone software - here’s how . ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:All iPhone native applicationsApolloIM goes beta for native iPhone instant messagingFirst truly native iPhone gaming application - Lights OffNative iPhone chat application goes version 1.0 - Apollo IM is finally finalApple iPhone finally gets a native iChat application - kind of

Nokia files patent application for handset with fingerprint-scanning display

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:47:01 +0000

Here’s yet another novel patent application from Espoo. Finnish handset manufacturer, Nokia, has filed a patent application for a handset that uses a fingerprint scanner as a means of determining which user profile to display or verify security. But, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill fingerprint scanner. No, this patent application outlines a method to leverage a touch-sensitive display to pull double-duty as a fingerprint scanner. Nokia seems to be seting the stage to include more and more interesting features in its upcoming touch-based handsets . Nokia envisions a handset that would change its user interface depending on which user’s fingerprint was identified by the scanner - basically morphing the handset to a particular user’s preferences. Of course, the scanner could also be used to verify the user’s identity for security purposes. And, Nokia even makes provisions for the use of a “visual display cursor” to launch applications or features that are linked to a particular finger. Web browser? No problem, just scan your right middle-finger. Text messages? Simply scan your left ring-finger. Sounds pretty cool to us, we just hope Nokia has plans to implement this technology in future handsets. Oh, and sooner would be better than later. USPTO source [Via: CellPassion ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Apple files for second pressure-sensitive touch display patentSony Ericsson files for patent on programmable touchscreen keypadNokia appeals German courts dismissal of Qualcomm lawsuitKDDI to offer Hitachi phone with fingerprint sensorNokia files patent for side-sliding mobile phone with QWERTY keyboard

Nokia patent application hints at N-series slider with 8 megapixel camera

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:52:36 +0000

Patent applications, be they from Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Microsoft, etc., all have one thing in common - they employ hand-sketched, incredibly vague images that outline their ideas. Well, Nokia’s breaking rank with their newest patent application filing. The image you see below isn’t some poor-quality spy-shot of an N-series slider in Nokia’s pipeline, rather, it’s the image that was included in the patent application wherein Nokia outlines plans to incorporate a swiveling/rotating camera module - much like we saw used in the Nokia 5700 . The idea is that a swiveling camera-module will give users more control over the camera’s “imaging axis.” Right, that makes sense, but the swiveling camera isn’t what piques our interest here. A close look at the patent application’s included images shows what looks like a lower-resolution, grainy spy-shot of a real-life Nokia N-series slider that’s already in the works in Espoo. Even closer inspection reveals what looks like an “8 Megapixel” or “6 Megapixel” branding emblazoned on the camera module. Did someone take the time and effort to sketch a fairly-detailed, if grainy, image of a handset for the sole purpose of including an image in the patent application? We’d put our money on “no.” We’ll likely have to wait until next year, but we won’t be too surprised if Nokia drops an N-series slider with a rotating/swiveling camera module on us. FCC source [Via: Unwired View ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Apple patent application hints at theft-detecting, security-enabled power adaptors for iPhoneApple patent application hints at Apple iPhone Nano!Samsung E950 - 3 megapixel sliderSony Ericsson's patent application for dual-sliding QWERTY-keyboard and numeric keypadSamsung to launch G600 - handset with 5 MP camera

Sony Ericsson's patent application for dual-sliding QWERTY-keyboard and numeric keypad

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 01:37:03 +0000

Dual-sliders are nothing new . Having a dedicated numeric keypad in addition to a full-QWERTY keyboard is just so convenient. And, it seems, Sony Ericsson is giving some serious consideration to bringing that convenience to a future handset. In their patent application, entitled “Two-way sliding mobile terminal,” Sony Ericsson reveals plans to use what looks like a pop-out mechanism that features a full-QWERTY keyboard layout as well as a numeric keypad. The keyboard pops out lengthwise to become a keyboard. Holding the handset vertically, the keypad pops out widthwise. This actually looks like a way better alternative to the dual-sliding setup that we’re used to seeing . By combining the keyboard and keypad onto a single pop-out slab, Sony Ericsson’s future dual-sliding jobbies should be slimmer than the current dual-sliding offerings. We sure hope the Japanese-Swedish company will actually apply this concept to a handset in the near-term. Download the entire patent application PDF here (1.3MB). [Via: Unwired View ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Orange UK dumbing down HTC Touch Dual - numeric-only keypad variant of HTC Touch DualVideo: Pantech Duo tourPantech c810 dual-sliding Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphone to hit AT&TSony Ericsson files for patent on programmable touchscreen keypadNokia files patent for side-sliding mobile phone with QWERTY keyboard

Nokia files patent for side-sliding mobile phone with QWERTY keyboard

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:50:58 +0000

Here’s an interesting tidbit from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). We stumbled across this patent application, from none other than Nokia, that outlines a method to incorporate a “turn and slide” display that tilts upward to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. Now, there have been numerous sliding-screen designs in an effort to combine the full-face screen (touchscreen in some cases) with a full, comfortably-sized QWERTY keyboard - there’s the inimitable Sidekick flip-display (Motorola Sidekick Slide excepted), the HTC Kaiser ’s ( AT&T Tilt ) slide-up and tilting display, and the laterally opening design on the Nokia E90 and HTC Omni . With all that competition, you would think Nokia would want to design a unique way to combine the full-face display with a QWERTY keyboard - and you’d be right. The USPTO patent application reveals Nokia’s intention to use a rotating “knob” on one end of the device that, when rotated, will slide the display to the side and tilt it upward for convenient viewing - unveiling a full QWERTY keyboard underneath. Interestingly, Nokia’s design sketches seem to hint at a full-touchscreen setup - indicated by the lack of buttons on the front-face of the device. Could this be destined to be part of Nokia’s S60 Touch lineup? A touch-based S60 device with a sliding and tilting display and a full QWERTY keyboard? Be still our beating hearts. We’re not sure if this patent application will actually materialize in the real-world, but we sure hope it will. Maybe Nokia will see fit to include some Haptikos haptic feedback as well? Fingers crossed. [Via: Unwired View ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:First Chinese-Keyboard Touchscreen SmartphoneApple sued for patent infringement - SP Technologies claims patent over iPhone's virtual keyboardRumor: Sprint to get new QWERTY slider from LG?PDA / Cell Phone Combo Patent Application - Cell Phone Tucked Inside PDAAnother Chinese phone with QWERTY keyboard; Runs Windows Mobile 5!