Hackers: unlock, jailbreak iPhone v1.1.2 [more]...

Less than 24 hours after it was first available, hackers claim to have found a way to unlock the latest iPhone v1.1.2 for use on any GSM-based mobile carrier network. The software/firmware update (for both the iPhone and iPod touch), which was placed on Apple's servers last night and shipped with iPhones in the UK and Germany, brought a number of changes, bug-fixes, and updates, but also broke previous 'jailbreak' methods that allowed access to the file system and enabled third-party applications to be installed. Update: One site has also posted preliminary instructions for jailbreaking v1.1.2 software for access to the file system and installing third-party applications and a full utility (with instructions) is available but requires users downgrade to v1.1.1 first.

Macally ships 7 new 3G iPod nano cases...

Macally recently unveiled new 3G iPod nano cases, some of which were given a small sneak peek at MacLive Expo. The cases come in a variety of materials – neoprene, rubber, leather, stainless steel – and styles. The offerings range from the mirrored Mirage, the striking IceSuitN3, the elegant Masquerade, and the handy Metro, among others. The manufacturer has said that the cases will be available in retailers all across the United States, and the starting price is listed at $20.

Target shopper burned in iPod scam...

One shopper at a Target store in Montgomery, Alabama says he was cheated yesterday after purchasing what he believed to be an 80GB iPod classic for his daughter. Upon returning home and opening the box, however, his daughter discovered a used and scratched 30GB iPod video in place of the shiny new 80GB iPod classic pictured on the box. "How could this happen?" asked George Mardre, a confused and frustrated customer. "Target will not refund our money. They will not allow us to exchange it." After speaking to several customer service representatives, Mardre was told Target would review a surveillance tape and get back to him. "Meanwhile, my daughter is out $275," Mardre told MacNN.

Fastmac unveils U-Connect dock adapter...

Fastmac today unveiled U-Connect, a universal dock connector adapter designed for Apple's iPod shuffle that supports hundreds of accessories by enabling them to work with the headphone connector port found on newer iPod shuffles. The new adapter features a headphone plug/connector on one end and a standard 30-pin dock connector on the other that can connect to numerous iPod accessories like FM transmitters and speaker systems. FastMac's U-Connect Adapter is scheduled to ship within 10 days, and is available for pre-order ($16) with a 1-year warranty.

PDO, Wrappers offer new cases for iPods...

PDO recently announced several new additions to its iPod case lineup, introducing several aluminum and silicone models for the iPod touch, Nano, and Classic; while Wrappers unveiled several new sleeves for the 3G Nano. After receiving iLounge.com's 2007 iPhone Case of the Year award for its TopSkin silicone case, PDO has introduced the TopSkin for the iPod touch and 3G Nano. Both cases include screen protection, and feature a 360° ratcheting belt clip and wrist strap. The TopSkin for iPod touch sells for $20, and $15 for the Nano, and are available through PDO's online store.

iTunes Wi-Fi store launches in Bay Area...

Apple and Starbucks this week launched the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store at around 360 Starbucks coffee shops in the California Bay Area. Starbucks customers can wirelessly connect for free with iTunes to shop for music as part of the plan announced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs during a special event in San Francisco on September 5th. The Bay Area launch includes stores spanning from Santa Rosa to Gilroy, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and Apple's vice president of iTunes Eddie Cue eluded to broad coverage with very few Starbucks stores lacking the service.

Unlocked French iPhones for UK customers?...

UK customers waiting to purchase Apple's iPhone today when the device hits store shelves are required to sign up for an 18-month contract with wireless carrier O2, but those looking for an unlocked version of Apple's handset might be able to wait and purchase an unlocked device in France. French telecommunications law states that all mobile phones must be offered to customers unlocked -- making every handset usable with any compatible wireless carrier. Apple is likely eying several options to discourage or prevent UK customers from traveling to France in the hopes of purchasing an unlocked iPhone, according to Telegraph.co.uk.

Glide brings iPhone collaboration...

Ahead of Apple's launch of the iPhone in the UK, Glide Mobile today released a service for iPhone, Smartphone, and Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, allowing users to store, edit and distribute documents where a data connection is available. Glide offers a free service, allowing four users to collaborate with 2GB of online storage, while a paid option is available, granting 10GB of storage for 24 users. The paid service has a monthly and yearly subscription, starting at $5 per month, with additional 10GB spaces available for $5.

10,000 iPhones sold in Germany on launch...

T-Mobile on Friday said that it has already sold more than 10,000 iPhones during the first day of sales in Germany, according to Reuters. Apple's multitouch cellular handset debuted yesterday in Cologne as shuttles ferried masses of eager customers to the retail store from Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich. One T-Mobile store opened at 12:01 a.m. local time to sell the devices at 400 € each, but Deutche Telekom CEO Rene Obermann already expects a potential shortage of iPhones this holiday season. T-Mobile today announced that "the company is well prepared to further meet high demand for the iPhones," despite Obermann's worry over ample iPhone supplies heading into the busiest shopping period of the year.

YouTube offers multi-video uploads...

YouTube today rolled out the Multifile Uploader, a new tool that lets users send multi-part videos or similar clips to the online video site without manually starting each download. A dedicated program available today for Windows and soon for Mac automatically queues the files without requiring a browser, the company says. No timetable has been given for the Mac software.

iPhone/iPod touch 1.1.2 jailbreak confirmed...

A new 'jailbreak' for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices was confirmed today after a screenshot surfaced depicting a jailbroken iPod touch. Despite Apple's v1.1.2 firmware update for its multitouch-enabled devices, which the company released yesterday, hackers have already managed to 'jailbreak' the devices and obtain read/write access to the filesystem. 'Jailbreaking' the iPhone and iPod touch paves the way for installing third-party applications. iPhone owners who jailbreak their handsets can proceed to 'unlock' the devices, removing Apple's requirement to use AT&T as the exclusive wireless carrier.

Job Manager 4.5 adds new billing system...

MetaCommunications has announced the availability of an upgrade to Job Manager, its financial management add-on for Workgroups 2007. Job Manager handles tasks such as estimates, costs, reporting and invoices; new to v4.5 is a completely rewritten automated billing system, which is now controlled via a web browser, with supported applications including Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer on both Mac and Windows systems. The interface has also been simplified, and automated invoicing intended for creative and prepress businesses now supports partial and progressive workflows.

Alleged photo of v1.1.2 jailbreak surfaces...

A photo surfaced today suggesting that a 'jailbreak' was already developed for Apple's new iPod touch firmware even before its official release yesterday. Apple on Thursday released its iPhone and iPod touch v1.1.2 update, bringing additional language support alongside several other features/fixes. The previous update from Apple, v1.1.1, essentially 'bricked' -- or rendered useless -- most hacked iPhones that made use of 'unlocking' techniques to make use of non-AT&T cellular service. Hackers flocked to the iPhone after the device launched in late June, developing clever ways to bypass the handset's built-in security to install third-party applications. [corrected]

Griffin intros new iTrip Auto, power gear...

Griffin has released three new accessories for iPods. Prominent among these is a new version of the iTrip Auto, the car variant of its famous FM transmitter attachment. Users plug one connector into their iPod, and another into their car's power adapter, which then charges both the iTrip and the iPod itself. New to the Auto is a feature called SmartScan, which automatically tracks down the three cleanest frequencies, and saves them as presets so they can be selected with a single button.

Miglia's TVMini2 digital TV tuner ships...

Miglia today launched the TVMini2, which the company claims is the smallest USB device of its kind made specifically for Macs. The TVMini2 provides access to portable digital TV tuning, and enables users to transfer recorded files directly onto an iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV. Miglia's Mac-only digital tuner is designed to allow access to all other ports, and allows users to pause live TV using a feature dubbed "Déjà vu." A "Timeshift" recording feature also enables users to pause, rewind, and record chosen TV programs. The TVMini2 is already available for $120, and requires any Mac with built-in USB 2.0 connectivity running Mac OS X 10.4 or later. HD resolutions require at least a dual G5 or Intel-based Mac.

Small Tree planning 2G 10Gb PCIe adapter...

Small Tree Communications is planning to launch its second generation 10Gb Ethernet PCIe adapter (site not updated) for Apple's Intel-based Mac desktop and servers running Mac OS X Leopard. The cards, which are available in single-port and dual-port configurations, are designed to provide greater flexibility for end users, according to the company. The optical 10GbE single-port and multi-port cards are priced at $2,250 and $3,350, respectively.

Photoshop Express beta due before 2008...

Adobe has announced that a beta version of Photoshop Express will be available by the end of the year, with a full version to follow sometime in 2008. Express is an online edition of the company's photo editing software, entirely controlled via web browsers. Somewhat like Photoshop Elements though, the program is not aimed at professional work, but rather at handling basic changes such as cropping, color balance and red-eye removal. Users can also perform minor retouching functions.

Burst v. Apple case avoids dismissal...

Apple has only partly succeeded with an attempt to have a lawsuit against it thrown out, reports indicate. The company in late September filed for a complete dismissal of an ongoing suit brought by Burst.com, which alleges that Apple stole patents for compressing, storing and sharing media over a network -- primarily as they relate to the iPod and iTunes. Apple however has steadfastly denied that it is using Burst patents, and petitioned for dismissal on the basis of a Supreme Court ruling which invalidated obvious or anticipated patent applications.

AirLive 802.11n router offers real-world speed...

AirLive today released the WN-5000R, its entry into the field of Draft 2.0-capable 802.11n wireless routers. Rather than tout a theoretical maximum speed, the company claims the network device produces a significant increase in real-world speed; the combination of multiple-in, multiple-out antennas and optimized transmitters produces 120Mbps of usable bandwidth. This is frequently six times the practical speed of 802.11g and offers longer range in the process, the company claims. In contrast to some newer routers, the 5000R is low-profile and more likely to fit in a tightly-packed setup.