Digital Cameras, iPhones, and Other Interfaces

The digital camera profoundly affects the way we perceive and represent the world around us on "film".

To start with, the user of the analog camera used to watch the world, however indirectly. All that stood between him and reality was the viewer of his apparatus. He recorded what he saw "out there".

In contrast, the user of the digital camera watches a representation of the world on a screen. He records what he sees on the screen of his gadget. He rarely glances up to gaze directly at his subject matter.

The digital camera is more forgiving and permissive. Errors can be instantly deleted. The whole experience is characterized by an urgency and immediacy that is absent from the analog equivalent. The digital camera allows its user to experiment with cost-free and, therefore, risk-free alternatives. It transforms the whole procedure of shooting pictures into a spontaneous, even irreverent, experience.

Environmental facts that used to serve as external constraints with the analog camera - the quantity and angle of light, for instance - are now compensated for by special settings in its digital successor. The typical gadget provides for preset "templates" that capture the moment in an optimal manner, removing obstacles and limitations posed by the photographer's physical surroundings.

The digital photo is never a finished product. It can be downloaded onto a storage device (a computer's hard disk, the Internet) and there edited with software applications. Reality is thus rendered tentative and negotiable, a declaration of intent rather than a final statement.

Note on the iPhone - Interview granted to san Jose Mercury Sun, June 2007

The iPhone is the culmination and reification of a few such trends and, to hazard a guess, will, indeed, be proven in hindsight to have been even more important than the iPod or even the Blackberry. But importance does not always translate to sales. In commercial terms, the iPhone is comparable to the Mac, not to the iPod. It is too geeky and nerdy to become a household staple. It will be supplanted by something simpler to operate, accessible, and less intimidating, not to mention less expensive and more universal (e.g., not pledged to one phone service provider, like AT&T).

So, why is it important?

Because, though severely limited by way of options and features, the iPhone embodies the seamless convergence of erstwhile separate appliances such as the digital camera, the MP player, the mobile phone, voicemail, and the PC. It is, therefore, the first true proponent of ubiquitous (anywhere) computing. Its connection to iTunes also makes it the first representative of a workable on-the-go infotainment center (though mobile phone are far from ideal venues as far as video goes).

Doubtlessly, it will be succeeded by far more versatile and feature-rich versions. Undoubtedly, it will face stiff competition. But, whether like iPod, it will maintain a first mover advantage remain to be seen. I doubt it.

The history of technology is the history of interfaces - their successes and failures. The GUI (the Graphic User Interface), which replaced cumbersome and unwieldy text-based interfaces (DOS), became an integral part of the astounding success of the PC.

Yet, all computer interfaces hitherto share the same growth-stunting problems. They are:

1.. Non-transparency - the workings of the hardware and software (the "plumbing") show through;

2.. Non-ubiquity - the interface is connected to a specific machine or application and, thus, is non-transportable and non-transferrable;

3.. Arcane user-unfriendliness (i.e., to operate, the interfaces require specific knowledge and the entry of sequences of commands using a specialized syntax).

Even the most "user-friendly" interface is way too complicated for the typical user. The average PC is hundreds of times more complex than your living-room TV. Even the VCR or DVD players - far less complex than the PC - are challenging. How many people use the full range of a VCR's options?

The ultimate interface should be:

1.. Self-assembling - it should reconstruct itself, from time to time, fluidly;

2.. Self-recursive - it should be able to observe and analyze its own behavior;

3.. Learning-capable - it should learn from its experience;

4.. Self-modifying - it should modify itself according to its accumulated experience;

5.. History-recording;

6.. Media indifferent (it should span and encompass your hard disk, movable media, network, and the Web).

The interface of the future must possess a "picture of the world" (a-la artificial intelligence), preferably including itself, the user, and their cumulative interactions.

It must regard all other "intelligent" machines in its "world" (the user being only one of them) as its "clients" and be able to communicate with them in a natural language.

Its universe must be seamless: the physical or virtual location of files or hardware or software or applets or servers or communication lines or information and so on must be irrelevant.

It will probably be peer-orientated (no hierarchy).

I call it "the intuitive universal interface".

The new media technologies were designed by engineers and programmers - not by marketing people and users. The interface of the future will reflect the needs, wishes, limitations, and skills of users. This is a revolutionary shift and a natural outcome of the takeover of the Internet by governments and bottom line orientated corporations. The interface of the future will seek to enhance usage and enrich the user's experience - not to win technological beauty contests. It is a welcome transition and long overdue.
source: http://www.afroarticles.com/
iphone news

iPhone UK launch: first details

Anybody with even a remote interest in technology will know that Friday saw the official UK release of Apple's iPhone. This means UK users will finally be able to see what all the fuss is about, and get their hands on the most-hyped technology product of 2007.

We've been tracking the progress of the iPhone since it was announced at Macworld Expo in January, and have had a number of chances to play with Apple's handset over the past few months. Usually, when a product is launched amid such high expectations, it fails to deliver on the hype. However, the iPhone is widely regarded by those who have used it as a major breakthrough for portable video, music, internet and telephony – all in one compact device.

Macworld UK has tested out the US version of the device, which we used to craft an in-depth review of what to expect before it launched for our UK-based readers. While there are differences between the US and UK versions of the iPhone, the fundamentals of the device remain the same making this the most in-depth review of the device currently available.

From today, you'll be able to get your hands on one for £269, with O2's monthly tariffs costing £35, £45 and £55. Many customers will also be required to pay a £100 deposit (which will be refunded against the account after three months) if they do not already have an contract with O2.

Installation is relatively painless, with the device activated via iTunes. Customers are required to enter their personal information, bank account details and credit/debit card information.

Initial thoughts are that the iPhone works much better than expected, although the limited functionality of the EDGE network remains a key concern to Macworld's testers. The relatively high-price may also prove to be a barrier to many of Macworld's readers. We have several iPhones undergoing testing and will place a comprehensive UK review online next week.
source: http://www.macworld.co.uk/
iphone news

Flyer purports Canadian iPhone in January

Rogers may be letting slip information of its own pointing to a set date for the release of the iPhone in Canada, according to a purported photo of a Rogers Wireless flyer submitted by Andrew Regalson. The allegedly untouched image points to Apple's "revolutionary" device on January 18th as an exclusive for the carrier. Though yet to be corroborated by additional reports, the date corresponds with Apple's practice of Friday iPhone launches in both Europe and the US as well as exclusive deals. The flyer is also consistent with Rogers' advertising themes.


Notably, unlike previous releases, Rogers is the only major carrier in Canada to rely on the GSM-based cellular service required for the iPhone. The alternative, Fido, is owned by Rogers and shares the same network.

The apparent leak follows a previous incident from the Canadian brewer Molson, which has been holding a contest which listed an iPhone as a prize and also claimed the iPhone would be released in January for the region. The company later removed the iPhone from the list but replaced it with an anonymous "portable telephone" that continues to resemble the product. Apple has not commented on either circumstance
source: http://www.macnn.com/
iphone news

The iPhone and the fair use cap caper

O2 has had a rethink about its iPhone fair use cap, and not a moment too soon as the iPhone goes on sale here this Friday. However, is the revised fair use policy really any better?

The reason I ask is that the new policy announced by the phone operator appears to be a mixture of very clear and definite no-nos (such as taking the SIM out of the iPhone for use in a data-intensive device like a GPRS modem card), sitting alongside new guidelines on acceptable use that no longer feature the ridiculously low cap of 200MB, but which confirm the ongoing existence of a fair use limit, only with no guidance at all on what it is, let alone whether and when a legitimate end user can expect to have their service cut-off, curtailed or otherwise limited for heavy use.

200MB was just plain stupid – I can do that in a day doing nothing more than receiving email and surfing the web – both of which are activities the iPhone is built for and neither can be claimed to be excessive or selfish use of bandwidth.

It is fair enough to place curbs on data modem use, peer-to-peer file sharing and even things like video streaming (but a bit daft as there is a YouTube client built-in to the iPhone), but when it comes to legitimate, non-commercial use of the device and the connection, what will pass for unfair use?

I had a chat earlier with O2 spokesman Nick Wilkins, who did have a very clear outline on how the revised fair use policy will work:

“As long as the heavy use in question is for personal use rather than commercial, and doesn’t break the other parts of the policy, like peer-to-peer file sharing, we are not going to limit a user”. So if you become one of the many who can and will push a good couple of gig through your iPhone every month just surfing the web and doing email, don’t panic.

As for O2, please – do us all a favour and for once write one of these fair use policies in English.
source: http://www.itpro.co.uk/blogs/editorial-blogs/chris-green/979791/the-iphone-and-the-fair-use-cap-caper.thtml
iPhone news

Apple Set to Disable iPhone Apps — Again

British reviewers who have tested the Apple (AAPL) iPhone that goes on sale in the U.K. Friday report that it comes pre-installed with a software update — 1.1.2 — that disables third-party applications.

According to the British gadget website T3, the update closes the so-called TIFF exploit — the software loophole used by hackers to “jailbreak” version 1.1.1. This loophole allowed iPhone owners to install dozens of third-party apps, including such popular add-ons as Navizon (a location finder), Voice Notes (a voice recorder) and instant-messaging programs like Apollo and Mobile Chat.

Thanks to one-click installations scripts like AppSnapp, these unauthorized iPhone add-ons have become almost mainstream. AppSnapp’s developers report that their software was downloaded 144,000 times in its first three days — which suggests that as many as 1 in 10 iPhone owners could be in for a rude surprise when they upgrade their software next weekend.

Some Apple bloggers — led by Quincy Pince-Nez at 9to5 Mac — advocate holding-off any iTunes and iPhone updates until programmers can find another way to install their apps. Apple would undoubtedly prefer that everybody wait until it releases its official iPhone software developers kit (SDK) in February, and Apple-sanctioned apps start to flow in.

The update is also likely to disable — and perhaps re-brick — iPhones unlocked to work with cellular providers other than Apple’s official carriers (AT&T in the U.S., O2 in the U.K., T-Mobile in Germany and Orange in France).
source: http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2007/11/04/apple-set-to-disable-iphone-apps-again/
iPhone news

Is Apple the new Microsoft? - iPhone customers begin backlash

With the iPhone about to hit Britain, it seems not everyone is entirely happy with Apple’s new approaches now that they are a mainstream player. Let the backlash begin…

The iPhone is released in the UK this week, with the hype surrounding the gadget at astronomical proportions after it was named as Time magazine’s ‘Invention of the Year’, but it seems that customers on both sides of the Atlantic are starting to express concerns over what they perceive as Apple’s lurch to the mainstream.

Apple devotees are a strange breed, with most being fiercely loyal to their brand and not letting a bad word go by without some sort of response, but now that the Apple brand has grown to huge proportions, and the company is making more money than at any time in it’s history, the consumers are starting to question some decisions by the company and it’s figurehead Steve Jobs.

Apple was always seen to be on the side of the consumer, the anti-Microsoft with money less of a concern than customer satisfaction and innovation. But that has recently been reversed, with Apple now being seen as much of a money grabbing beast as Microsoft has ever been.

1.4 million iPhones have been sold in America since it’s release in June, which are impressive figures. But the decision to cut the price by $200 just 10 weeks after launch meant a lot of early adopters, the lifeblood of a company such as Apple, were left out of pocket and mad at the company they have supported for years.

But that’s not the worst. As the Guardian are reporting, Wil Shipley, an Apple devotee thinks that Apple’s insistence on using closed systems for their products is their worst crime.

“Why is the iPhone locked to a single carrier, so I can’t travel internationally with it? There’s really only one viable reason: Apple wanted a share of the carrier’s profits, which meant giving AT&T an exclusive deal. Which meant, we get screwed so Apple can make more money. It’s that simple.”

“And the iPhone is a closed system, like the iPods before it, so third parties can only develop software for it if they are EXTREMELY close to Apple. This is an incredibly frightening trend. As Apple gets more and more of its revenue from non-Mac devices, they are also getting more and more of their revenue from devices that simply exclude third parties.”

Making the iPhone only work on one network (AT&T in the States, 02 in the UK) really does not serve the consumer well, and makes a lot of people wary of buying in to the Apple brand. There’s only one reason for doing it, and that is to try and wring every cent and penny out of the technology they can… does that remind anyone else of Microsoft?

Some companies worked out how to unlock the iPhones, and offered their services to consumers unwilling to be forced to go with AT&T in the States, but a software security update in September made some of these iPhones freeze up and erased some programs such as games and instant messaging. That’s just playing dirty.

The same is likely to happen in the UK, with some companies already offering to unlock your newly purchased iPhone, and Apple have already threatened people trying to use the service by warning “installing one of the unlocking programs could make the phone ‘permanently inoperable’ when future software updates are released.”

Whether the iPhone is as big a success in the UK as in America remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Apple have changed from being the consumer driven company you want to see succeed, to another establishment player, and a ruthless money making machine along with it.
source: http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2007/11/04/are-apple-the-new-microsoft-iphone-customers-begin-backlash/
iPhone

1,400 extra staff are called up for iPhone launch

One of the most eagerly awaited gadgets goes on sale on Friday - and mobile firm O2 has taken on 1,400 staff to help cope with demand for Apple's new iPhone.

The hi-tech handset works as a touch-screen mobile phone, internet browser and iPod and costs £269 plus an 18-month O2 contract at between £35 and £55 a month.

It will be available from Apple, O2 and Carphone Warehouse who will be opening stores until 11pm to meet demand.

The iPhone is sleeker than rivals such as the Blackberry and Treo, and the 8 gigabyte version of the gadget holds up to 1,825 songs.

Some 1.1million of the phones have been sold in the U.S. since the end of June and it is understood that "several hundred thousand" have already been ordered in Britain.

O2 fought off stiff competition from rivals in the UK to win the exclusive contract to offer iPhones on its network.

The deal is understood to have involved a unique arrangement where Apple will take a share of call income.

The iPhone is controlled entirely through a touchscreen and has been a hit with celebrities such as Demi Moore.
source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=491706&in_page_id=1965
iPhone

Apple Video iPods: It is an Amazing Gadget!

by Raina Kelsey
Yes, with the Apple video iPods the whole world is your theater, a more enchanting theater. Coming with a 30GB or 80GB iPod in hand, those movies and songs which were your favourite fits comfortably, efficiently next to TV shows, and new iPod games.

The Apple video ipod can store podcasts, and, of course, audiobooks, photo albums, an entire library of music -- up to 20,000 songs, in fact. Users of the phone would find that his or her iPod occupies the same size that of the size of the pocket. It is indeed amazing that the Apple ipod stores up to 20,000 songs, up to 25,000 photos, and up to 100 hours of video -- or any combination of each.

So, next time you can browse your favourite movies on the iTunes Store, download the ones you want (say Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl etc.), then sync it to your iPod. The same method applies for TV episodes.

Beside the song, movie and entertainment features. Users of the gadget would find, it can be customized with those accessories that special for you. Just the user has to pick up an iPod Universal Dock for more easy syncing.

And there is an iPod Hi-Fi for room-filling sound. Syncing of the photos on the go with an iPod Camera Connector is easy and efficient. Moreover, there is an attachment feature in the gadget where a voice recorder is used to take audio notes.

It might be a miracle that Apple iPhone comes with all these features. Otherwise, it's hard to explain explicitly exactly how 30GB of storage can easily fit into an iPod that's over thirty percent thinner than the previous fourth generation.

Interestingly, it is indeed a very tough job to search and hear among 20,000 songs. But the feature that is included in the iPod has enabled the users to find and search his or her favourite songs or video clips.
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Launching Of iPhone in UK

by Andrena Markley
Putting an end to the long waiting, the most talked Apple iPhone will finally make its entry in the UK market by the month of November. As expected the anticipated Apple iPhone will come with noted network service provider O2. As per the reports of theTimes, O2 have won the UK iPhone Deal, and of course the iPhone will be on sale for about £300. However, there is no much information about the version to be launched. Another source is also of the opinion that the UK iPhone will be launched for sale in the market on 9 November, and the 8GB version will cost around £269, which will be available with various plans, including unlimited data, costing £35, £45 and £55 per month. Further it is also assumed that the Apple iPhone will come with free Wi-Fi and access to more than 7000 Wi-Fi hotspots in and around the UK. And for availing all this opportunities a probable buyer have to sign up a contract for 18 months with a limitation of a fair usage agreement of 1,400 internet pages. As for O2 it is a remarkable success to acquire the exclusive rights to sell Apple's iPhone in the UK. Also with a most sought-after deal it marks a major opportunity for more than 18 million-customer group. As critics opine the iPhone which is to be on sale in the UK just few weeks before Christmas is expected to prove a great blessing for O2 which would ensure its sustenance in one of Europe's highly-competitive mobile market. However, it is a great news for the mobile phone aficionados, that very soon they would be able to use the Apple iPhone, which have been occupying the major part of the conversation of every Briton's coffee house gossips. Feature wise the phone is superb with latest technologies and advanced connectivity features, superlative Internet features and a better quality wide screen iPod capabilities. The most astounding feature of this phone is its iTune compatibility, a rich HTML email client and Safari which can automatically synchronise bookmarks from a users PC or Mac. With all its features, Apple iPhone is a revolutionary device specially designed to rule the mobiledom.
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Apple iPhone-A revolutionary new generation mobile phone

by Martin Dev
Born to be admired, Apple iPhone is a phone with magnificient features encompassed in a slim profile. A single glimpse of the Apple iPhone, can leave life long impression on those people who have slightest liking towards beauty. In an appealingly elegant body, Apple iPhone houses some of the brilliant attributes of sophistications which can be hardly found in any of its contemporaries.

Before the launching of the Apple iPhone, people had different types of expectations and if we are to observe from a neutral point of view, the Apple iPhone have no way demurred the expectations of the people. Especially when we talk about the rich HTML e-mail client and Safari - it is perhaps the most efficient Web browser ever implanted on a tiny device like mobile phone. And its functioning is also unparalleled--it can automatically synchronise bookmarks from the users PC or Mac. Further it is complemented with Google and Yahoo! Search.

Apple iPhone is a superb multi-functioning device. Unlike other gadgets, it doesnot rstrict two actions simultaneously. To make it more clear, in the iPhone users can peacefully read a Web page, while simultaneously downloading his e-mail in the background using Wi-Fi or EDGE.

As a music player too Apple iPhone has a distinctive position. Any users can listen to his favourite music tracks with the help of iTunes CoverFlow. And for storing one's music or videos of choice, too the phone has a massive store house of 4GB and 8GB, which comes with its different versions. With a magnanimous memory Apple iPhone offers abundant space to effortlessly save almost all data a person would like to carry along.

Now if we don't mention about its photography powers it would be biased to some extent. The integrated 2.0 MP camera in the iphone will never let you repent for not capturing those scenic beauty that you ardently desire to keep close to your eyes. So capture digital quality photography with its 2 mega pixel camera and cherish the magical moments of your life by taking amazing video clips. Bring alive your reminiscences with the help of its touchscreen video controls which would allow you to play, rewind, forward or pause your stored video files. Above all you can stay in constant touch touch with your loved ones by sharing photos and videos, sending e-mails, MMS and SMS whenever you want.

And when you feel bored you can download and play exciting games in this device. The big and high resolution display screen of the mobile makes viewing of videos and downloads distinct. With multiple functionalities entitles in a single entity, Apple iPhone is an all-in-one gadget with numerous possibilities of entertainment on the go.

To be more elaborate, Apple iPhone is a mystery in itself. The list of features of this keenly-awaited iPhone is much more than that could be expressed in words. From camera to Internet browsers, iPod to gaming applications, EDGE to Bluetooth what else can you expect in this tiny quad band GSM phone?

Apple iPhone is a revolutionary creation which allows users to make a call by simply tapping a name or number from the users phonebook, his favourite list or from the call history.

Operating on Mac OS X, it can make you feel excellent multimedia dreams all at your finger tips. It lacks a stylus or a keypad, but acelerometer and proximity sensor makes it an easy-to use device.

If we are to conclude in a few words, Apple iPhone can be best described as a high definition Internet computer, a remarkable iPod device, a highly-functional camera and an excellent communication device all perfectly mingled in a single entity.
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Does RIM have right tone to stall iPhone?

Chris Sorensen
Business Reporter

Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd., now has evidence to support his contention that Apple Inc.'s much-hyped iPhone is not the threat it was initially made out to be.

However, at least one analyst is warning that Apple's wireless ambitions are not to be underestimated over the long term.

A recent survey conducted by the NPD Group found U.S. buyers of the iPhone – essentially a cellphone, iPod and Web browser rolled into a touch-screen device – were 10 times more likely than other phone buyers to have previously owned a Palm Treo, and three times more likely to have owned a T-mobile-branded device such as the Sidekick, which also offers a full keyboard and large screen.

By contrast, the survey of more than 13,000 mobile-phone customers found that iPhone buyers were no more likely than the average buyer to have previously owned a BlackBerry, suggesting that the iPhone's snazzy interface and "lifestyle"-focused features have so far held less appeal for the business-oriented BlackBerry crowd.

Ross Rubin, the director of industry analysis at NPD, attributed the finding to the fact that many companies emphasize the need for secure wireless email, something that was not initially offered with the iPhone, and are likely to already be running the Microsoft Exchange server that is supported by the BlackBerry wireless email system.

"It may also have something to do with users being accustomed to, or preferring, a physical keyboard, although we saw an unusually large number of Treo users switching to the iPhone," Rubin said.

RIM's business has gone into overdrive in recent months and so far appears to have been unaffected by the June launch of the iPhone, which sold more than one million units in less than three months. Waterloo-based RIM is adding more than a million new subscribers each quarter as it muscles its way into the consumer market.

Nevertheless, some analysts warn that Apple, which has not yet struck a deal with a Canadian wireless carrier to offer the iPhone here, should not be counted as simply a niche player in the cellphone game.

Andrew Neff, an analyst at Bear Stearns, argued in a research note this week that CEO Steve Jobs has become increasingly focused on market leadership and anticipating where Apple is heading as opposed to what it offers today. He cited Apple's decision to partner with only one wireless carrier in each market – a move that was initially criticized for limiting the company's potential sales.

"In our view, it was a breakthrough move that has changed industry economics by shifting power away from the carriers," he wrote, referring to the arrangement Apple struck with AT&T Inc. that forces consumers to activate their phones via Apple's iTunes website and gives Apple a cut of monthly subscription fees.

As for RIM, Neff said his firm's most recent survey showed BlackBerry users were beginning to buy iPhones, which he said is actually better understood as a portable personal computer.
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Hackers Release Their Own iPhone SDK

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced Wednesday that his company will release a software-development kit for the iPhone in February, to allow programmers to produce third-party applications for the device. But hackers have already come up with their own software-development kit. It allows them to deliver any code they want to the iPhone, including viruses, Trojan horses and the ability to snoop on audio and video.

Developer H.D. Moore has added support for iPhone attacks to the Metasploit Framework. Metasploit is an open source hacking tool used by computer-security administrators and black hats alike to create security applications and exploits.

Moore posted sample exploits and detailed instructions this week on how to write and deliver code that can take complete control of an iPhone.

The move takes hackers one step closer to being able to remotely and surreptitiously take control of an iPhone and turn it into a surveillance device.

But it also makes it easier for white hats to develop and install custom software for their own iPhones.

Moore's tool and exploits take advantage of a vulnerability in the TIFF image-rendering library that's used by the iPhone's browser, mail and music software.

It's the same vulnerability that has allowed numerous Apple customers to unlock and customize their iPhones. But Moore's Metasploit Framework does much more, giving hackers remote shell access to iPhones that will allow them to run any code on the device.

"All you have to do is get somebody to open a TIFF image with an exploit in it ,and you've owned the phone," says Rik Farrow, a security consultant and corporate speaker who delivered a security talk to Apple employees last year.

Attackers could conceivably write code to hijack the contacts in an iPhone address book, access the list of received and sent calls and messages, turn the phone into a listening device, track the user's location, or instruct the phone to snap photos of the user's surroundings -- including any companions who may be in view of the camera lens.

Moore wrote on his blog that the iPhone is more vulnerable than other phones, because every application on the phone runs as "root." That means a bug in the calculator application, for example, could lead to full access privileges on the device.

Simply patching the TIFF vulnerability in the iPhone won't solve Apple's problem. The Metasploit Framework allows hackers to easily mix and match exploits and payloads. That means hackers can develop code for the iPhone independent of any particular security hole, then deliver by means of whatever vulnerability in the phones is known and still unpatched at the time.

Jobs said in his announcement that the company is moving slowly on releasing the official SDK because it wants to provide broad access to developers, while also protecting users from hackers and others who might have ill designs on cracking the phones. That suggests the company recognizes it made a blunder by allowing full system privileges for every application.

"Apple is savvy enough to realize that this is really terrible," says Farrow. "And it's going to take them until February to actually be able to release the SDK, because they're going to have to do basic things to the cellphone operating system itself to make it secure. So we're not just talking about a software-development kit, we're talking about fixing something that has major flaws in the security of it as it exists."

But Moore and Farrow say to fix the problem, the company will need to do more, such as create precise rules in the system to limit what a malicious application can do on the phone.

"From what I've seen of the design of the phone, it doesn't look like an easy task," Moore says.

So why didn't Apple do this before releasing the phone?

"Apple wants to sell really fancy, glitzy appliances that have great consumer appeal," Farrow says. "And security has never been one of those things that has great consumer appeal. So Apple is totally correct to ship out an insecure product, because people snap them up. But at the same time I'm sure that there were engineers at Apple saying, 'This is totally insane. We are going to get so hammered for this.'"

"There are some very clue-ful people there. But my impression is that they have to work very hard to make security a priority."

Apple did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
Link

Sprint, HTC Unveil Touch, The Latest IPhone Rival

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) and High Tech Computer Corp. ( 2498.TW) unveiled the Touch, a touchscreen smartphone they hope can take on the iPhone.

It's the latest in the wave of touchscreen phones unveiled in the aftermath of Apple Inc. (AAPL) and carrier partner AT&T Inc's (T) successful launch - Verizon Wireless also unveiled two phones utilizing the technology. For HTC, it marks an unusually splashy debut for a handset maker that typically leaves its logo off the product. The Touch, meanwhile, fills out Sprint's portfolio of smartphones.

"This device is for someone who can't live without either the (professional or personal) world," said Jason Cole, product manager at Sprint.

The Touch is positioned closer to the higher end of its range of smartphones with a $249 price tag with a two-year contract. Late last month, Sprint unveiled the Palm Inc. (PALM) Centro for $99, giving it a low-end offering. Research in Motion Ltd.'s (RIMM) Blackberry line and the older Palm Treos lie in the middle.

Sprint, which is among the most aggressive carriers in pushing data services, wants to get more smartphone and feature phone products in its line-up because it encourages the use of services beyond simple voice.

This is among the higher profile launches for Taiwan-based HTC, which has long provided smartphones that carried the brand of the carriers it supplies. It is the largest provider of smartphones using Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Windows Mobile operating system. The Touch, however, carries the HTC logo in its back, a signal that it wants to make a name for itself.

"We want to build some of HTC value over time," said Peter Chou, chief executive of HTC. "We want to show that the HTC brand mean a quality device."

While it's uncertain how well the Touch will do in the U.S. - it's interface isn't as elegant as the iPhone, despite Chou's assurances that they keyboard function is superior - the device has already done well in Asia and Europe. The Touch has already sold 800,000 units overseas since its debut in June.

The Touch actually came out overseas before the iPhone hit the market in the U.S. Both devices have pushed the focus on touchscreen technology as a user interface.

"I believe this will become quite a trend," Chou said of future phones.

Verizon Wireless, jointly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD), recently unveiled the Voyager and Venus by LG Electronics Inc. (066570.SE), which feature similar technology.

On the iPhone, Chou said it is an entertainment device with a phone. In comparison, he considers the Touch a high-end phone with entertainment capabilities, touching upon HTC's experience in creating cellphones.

While comparisons to the iPhone are inevitable, HTC said the phone has been in development for two years.
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Apple Promises Third-Party SDK for iPhone, iPod Touch

Apple on Oct. 17 announced that it will provide a software development kit for third parties to create applications for the company's popular iPhone and iPod Touch.
"We want native third-party applications on the iPhone, and we plan to have an SDK in developers' hands in February. We are excited about creating a vibrant third-party developer community around the iPhone and enabling hundreds of new applications for our users," read a posting signed by Apple CEO Steve Jobs on company's Web site.

Previously, Apple has limited non-Apple iPhone development to "Web 2.0" implementations for use only online, and in the iPhone's Safari Web browser.

That brought criticism that has caused some pushback from developers. Safari-encased Web applications cannot be used without a live Internet connection, and do not share prime application icon space in the iPhone's main window.

Some developers have relied on hacks that "unlock" or "jailbreak" iPhones, such as
The recent iPhone 1.1.1 update eliminated many of the bugs that enabled this. In response, some customers accused Apple of intentionally "bricking" modified iPhones and one class-action lawsuit about this was filed in California.
Apple did not respond to inquiries seeking more details on the upcoming SDK and asking why it took so long to respond to developer demands for an SDK, which could have prevented a lot of complaints and hard feelings in the market.

But the Apple's online Hot News letter stated that, "It will take until February to release an SDK because we're trying to do two diametrically opposed things at once—provide an advanced and open platform to developers while at the same time protect iPhone users from viruses, malware, privacy attacks, etc."


In addition, the letter gave the approving example of how Nokia requires potential phone applications to have an approved "digital signature" before it can be loaded onto a Nokia handset.

Calling it a "step in the right direction." the letter said that Apple is "working on an advanced system which will offer developers broad access to natively program the iPhone's amazing software platform while at the same time protecting users from malicious programs."
This does not ensure that developers will need to step through an approval and registration process with Apple, or AT&T, Apple's cell carrier partner for the iPhone, though this partnership is irrelevant with the iPod Touch.

It is worth noting, however, that one of the new features of Leopard, the new version of Apple's operating system due on Oct. 26, is signed applications.

This allows developers, including Apple and third parties, to include a digital signature with applications. According to Apple, this enables the OS to verify the identity of each application, ensuring that corrupted or hacked versions will not open.
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iPhone 1.1.1 full rundown including hidden features

by Chris Davies
With the tail end of Sunday in sight, I’d imagine quite a few iPhone owners have been spending the weekend getting to grips with Apple’s 1.1.1 firmware upgrade, downloading the 152.3mb file and bringing their shiny handset up to Steve-speed. The headline feature is of course the iTunes WiFi Store, but there are plenty of other tweaks and improvements that might not leap out at you instantly; should you have missed them, or if you’re wondering what a shop-fresh iPhone will come with, here’s the full run-down of the 1.1.1 handset including some of the features Apple hasn’t mentioned…
Obviously there’s Apple’s publicised list, the majority of which could hardly be described as earth-shattering:
iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store
Louder speakerphone and receiver volume
Home Button double-click shortcut to phone favorites or music controls
Space bar double-tap shortcut to intelligently insert period and space
Mail attachments are viewable in portrait and landscape
Stocks and cities in Stocks and Weather can be re-ordered
Apple Bluetooth Headset battery status in the Status Bar
Support for TV Out
Preference to turn off EDGE/GPRS when roaming internationally
New Passcode lock time intervals
Adjustable alert volume

What Apple didn’t mention was the following:
Ability to change voicemail password directly from the iPhone. Tap “Settings,” then “Phone,” then “Change Voicemail Password.”
You can now change the sound that is played when a new text message is received. Tap “Settings,” then “Sounds,” then “New Text Message.”
Mobile Safari “Debug console”, showing HTML errors encountered when rendering Web pages. Tap “Settings,” then “Safari,” then “Developer”
New video playback options, including selectable resume functionality to begin playing videos where they left off or from the beginning, as well as closed captioning support. Tap “Settings,” then “iPod.”

Finally, proving that nobody - even the Jesus phone - is perfect, there are a handful of security fixes and “refinements”:
Bluetooth
An attacker within Bluetooth range may be able to cause an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. “An input validation issue exists in the iPhone’s Bluetooth server. By sending maliciously-crafted Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) packets to an iPhone with Bluetooth enabled, an attacker may trigger the issue, which may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. This update addresses the issue by performing additional validation of SDP packets.”
Mail
Checking email over untrusted networks may lead to information disclosure via a man-in-the-middle attack “When Mail is configured to use SSL for incoming and outgoing connections, it does not warn the user when the identity of the mail server has changed or cannot be trusted. An attacker capable of intercepting the connection may be able to impersonate the user’s mail server and obtain the user’s email credentials or other sensitive information. This update addresses the issue by properly warning when the identity of the remote mail server has changed.”
Following a telephone (”tel:”) link in Mail will dial a phone number without confirmation “Mail supports telephone (”tel:”) links to dial phone numbers. By enticing a user to follow a telephone link in a mail message, an attacker can cause iPhone to place a call without user confirmation. This update addresses the issue by providing a confirmation window before dialing a phone number via a telephone link in Mail.”
Safari
Visiting a malicious website may lead to the disclosure of URL contents “A design issue in Safari allows a web page to read the URL that is currently being viewed in its parent window. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page, an attacker may be able to obtain the URL of an unrelated page. This update addresses the issue through an improved cross-domain security check.”
Visiting a malicious website may lead to unintended dialing or dialing a different number than expected “Safari supports telephone (”tel:”) links to dial phone numbers. When a telephone link is selected, Safari will confirm that the number should be dialed. A maliciously crafted telephone link may cause a different number to be displayed during confirmation than the one actually dialed. Exiting Safari during the confirmation process may result in unintentional confirmation. This update addresses the issue by properly displaying the number that will be dialed, and requiring confirmation for telephone links.”
Visiting a malicious website may lead to cross-site scripting “A cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in Safari that allows malicious websites to set JavaScript window properties of websites served from a different domain. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted website, an attacker can trigger the issue, resulting in getting or setting the window status and location of pages served from other websites. This update addresses the issue by providing improved access controls on these properties.”
Disabling JavaScript does not take effect until Safari is restarted “Safari can be configured to enable or disable JavaScript. This preference does not take effect until the next time Safari is restarted. This usually occurs when the iPhone is restarted. This may mislead users into believing that JavaScript is disabled when it is not. This update addresses the issue by applying the new preference prior to loading new web pages.”
Visiting a malicious website may result in cross-site scripting “A cross-site scripting issue in Safari allows a maliciously crafted website to bypass the same-origin policy using ‘frame’ tags. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page, an attacker can trigger the issue, which may lead to the execution of JavaScript in the context of another site. This update addresses the issue by disallowing JavaScript as an “iframe” source, and limiting JavaScript in frame tags to the same access as the site from which it was served.”
Visiting a malicious website may result in cross-site scripting “A cross-site scripting issue in Safari allows JavaScript events to be associated with the wrong frame. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page, an attacker may cause the execution of JavaScript in the context of another site. This update addresses the issue by associating JavaScript events to the correct source frame.”
JavaScript on websites may access or manipulate the contents of documents served over HTTPS “An issue in Safari allows content served over HTTP to alter or access content served over HTTPS in the same domain. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page, an attacker may cause the execution of JavaScript in the context of HTTPS web pages in that domain. This update addresses the issue by limiting access between JavaScript executing in HTTP and HTTPS frames.”

As with any security update, reading the worst-case-scenario description makes you fearful of ever using the device; in reality, I’m sure few people have been affected by any of these issues. Still, it’s good to know Apple have addressed them!

What’s more complicated is advising the large number of people who, having added third-party software to their iPhone, are wondering if it’s worth installing 1.1.1 and losing all that flexibility. At the end of the day, only you know exactly what you want from your iPhone, and while the hacking community is working on a compatible Jailbreak fix there’s no guarantee when (or even if) they’ll produce it. Speaking for myself (and you must remember I’m still waiting even for the option to buy an iPhone come launch day in the UK) the headline mobile iTunes store wouldn’t be enough for me to sacrifice all of the incredible mods being churned out.

To reiterate, if you’ve unlocked your iPhone then don’t perform the 1.1.1 firmware upgrade until you’ve replaced the AT&T SIM lock, else you could end up with a recalcitrant iPhone that won’t work at all.
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iPhone Human Interface Guidelines

Apple published an iPhone Human Interface Guideline document.

This document introduces you to the iPhone environment and how it shapes the user experience of iPhone content. Then, it explains how to design a superlative user interface for your web content so it displays and works well on iPhone. It does this by first examining different types of iPhone content and exploring how you can decide which type to create. It then discusses how to apply user interface design principles to iPhone content, and finally provides numerous metrics and guidelines to help you handle specific design issues. For the implementation details and guidance you need to write the code for your iPhone product, see the “See Also” section below.

Ars notes the suggestive wording that "Currently, developers create web applications for iPhone, not native applications." Regardless, it seems unlikely that this simple wording necessarily reflects any future corporate policy.
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Bricked iPhone users sought for class-action suit against Apple: what do you think?

by Russell Shaw
A just-posted article on the Information Week website cites a very recent but just deleted post on Apple’s iPhone Discussion Forums in which Member myndex appears to have called for those iPhone users who have unlocked their iphone and who are pissed off about Apple’s denial of under-warranty services to contact him about possibly joining up in a class-action lawsuit against Apple.

Myndex’s entreaty reads in part:

“To: iPhone Owners denied warranty service. Seeking respondents for possible class action lawsuit against Apple Inc. relating to refusal to service iPhones and related accessories under warranty…There are three potential classes in this case: 1) Persons who own an iPhone and used software to access the available flash drive space on the iPhone [iPhoneDrive]; 2) Persons who installed 3rd party software on the iPhone for the purpose of expanding its functionality; 3) Persons who unlocked their iPhone to allow for its use on networks other than AT&T.
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iNDependence Day: Ten steps (actually 11) to unlock your “bricked” iPhone

by Russell Shaw
If you’ve downloaded the latest iPhone firmware on to your previously unlocked iPhone, you have a course of action available to you that will unlock all your iPhone’s functionality except for your phone service.

The ticket is iNDependence, a Cocoa-based app for Mac OS X. This provides a UI for modifying your iPhone.

You can download it here. I guess that would be the first step.

Once you do just that, hackintOsh Member sparx writes that you should:
Make sure you have a copy of the 1.0.2 firmware handy in ipsw and decrypted form.
Reboot iPhone holding top (power) and home buttons *BUT* release the top button 10 seconds into it (right after the screen goes dark).
The iPhone screen will appear to be off, but start iTunes (latest version worked for me on the Mac).
Option+Click restore and select the 1.0.2 firmware ips.
The phone will restart and error out at the end with an unknown error 1013, this is expected.
Restart iTunes and let it get to the screen that says you have an invalid SIM
Launch the latest iNDpendence
Jailbreak the phone using a decrypted 1.0.2 (it will flash all sorts of error, but stick with it)
Activate the phone
It will show the SIM error but you should be able to get back in.
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Alas...What Has Led To The Disappearance Of My GPS iPhone?

by Roger Tavares
There are a ton of different features offered on the new Apple iPhone device, including calls, SMS, voicemail, photos, and ringtones. Notably, one of the least talked about and yet most technologically advanced and resourceful of all is the iPhone GPS feature.

What it is

Basically GPS satellites circle the Earth twice a day in a very precise orbit, during this time they transmit signal information back to the Earth. Anyone owning a GPS receiver - such as the iPhone GPS for instance - takes this given information and uses triangulation to properly calculate the user's exact location.

The iPhone GPS feature is great for a number of different reasons, but namely, if you ever lose your iPhone or stolen, then you can easily find it by using the GPS technology.

The GPS receivers that are used today are incredibly accurate, and the receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and more importantly are able to maintain strong locks, even in the event of dense foliage or urban settings where there are lots of buildings and other blockages.

There are a few reasons that there would be a problem with your iPhone GPS receiver or any other GPS receiver for that matter. These include: ionosphere and troposphere delays, signal multipath, receiver clock errors, orbital errors, number of satellites visible, satellite geometry and shading, and intentional degradation of the satellite signal itself.

Any one of these can result in causing a delay or other problem with your iPhone GPS receiver however these are problems that can usually be fixed quite easily.

Other Features

The GPS is not the only notable feature of the iPhone, in fact far from it. There are actually tons of other features that you are offered with the iPhone, one of particular importance being the SMS feature. SMS or text messaging as it is more commonly known as, is very popular among the general public, but is especially great on the iPhone.

One of the particular aspects on the iPhone that makes it just so great is the fact that all your text message conversations are shown to you in bubble formations on the screen when you go to write the next message, so you are shown the last things that were written between you and the sender.

This makes it easy to keep track of your various different text messaging conversations, which is especially when you are constantly messaging with a ton of different people at the same time.
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Listen to music or watch your favorite movie on your iPhone

by Worldwide Publishing
Unlock your iPhone! Bypass AT&T's contract and use the iPhone on any GSM Network - All over the World! No bandwidth limits. Download music, movies, games, software & more! Super fast unlimited downloads 24/7. No additional fees per download. The largest downloading network on the planet. With over 30 billion files, imagine all the music, movies, and games you can get! Listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite movie on your iPhone.

Comments:

Q: WILL THIS FULLY UNLOCK MY IPHONE? A: THIS IS CURRENTLY THE EASIEST AND SAFEST WAY TO FULLY UNLOCK THE PHONE.

Q: WILL IT WORK AFTER I HAVE RESTORED IT OR UPGRADED THE FIRMWARE? A: YES IT IS UPGRADE PROOF AND RESTORE PROOF.

Q: IM NOT IN THE US WILL IT WORK FOR ME? A: YES IT WILL WORK WITH ALL GSM NETWORKS ALL OVER THE WORLD

Q: DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL SOFTWARE OR HARWARE, TURBO SIM? A: NO EXTRA HARDWARE, OR SOFTWARE NEEDED!

Q: HOW MANY PHONES CAN I UNLOCK? A: YOU CAN UNLOCK UP TO 5 PHONES WITH EACH PURCHASE.

Q: WHEN WILL IT BE DELIVERED? A: YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR DOWNLOAD LINK IMMEDIATELY AFTER PAYMENT .
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