Forums: Mobile Me web hosting, unstable iPhones

Forum roundup: Mobile Me web hosting questions are a recent topic of interest in the MacNN forums. A discussion about Lightroom 2 stability and performance compared to Aperture can be found in this thread. Mac Enthusiast lenox recently got their 20-inch iMac, noticed some graphical glitches and looks for advice from other forum goers. In this thread members discuss the differences between Dual-Core and Quad-Core Intel processors in the Mac Pro. Many forum members have been reporting that the iPhone is unstable with large contact lists and converge here to discuss possible solutions.

Microsoft, Sony, and Ford CEOs to keynote CES 2009...

The Consumer Electronics Association today announced the lineup of keynote address speakers for the 2009 CES tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas from January 8-11; Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, Sony's Sir Howard Stringer, and Ford's Alan Mulally.The change of Microsoft's representative speaker is symbolic of Gate's retirement, announced at his 11th and final keynote address at the 2008 CES. The torch has been officially handed to Ballmer as Gates continues his two year transition from full time participation.

DealNN: VisTablet Mini, Targus mouse, Mac Pro

Current deals at DealNN include the VisTablet Mini for $58 after mail in rebate from Amazon.com and the refurbished 16GB iPod touch for $269.99, which is $130 off the list price of $399, at Buy.com. The refurbished Apple wireless keyboard has been reduced to $69 at the Apple store and for today only (8/29/08) the Targus wireless rechargeable USB mouse can be purchased at Newegg.com for $10. PowerMax.com has the refurbished Mac Pro with dual 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors, 1GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive for $1,888.

Psystar calls Apple a 'monopoly' in filing...

In the ongoing Psystar-Apple legal drama, the clone manufacturer alleges that Apple holds a monopoly over the Mac OS hardware/software platform that artificially inflates the price of its equipment. ComputerWorld reports that Psystar is upset about kernel panics that Apple has purposefully strewn about the Mac OS to prevent it from being used on non-Apple hardware. These errors are usually reserved for when OS X experiences a fatal error.

LightUp brings lighting effects to SketchUp ...

A group of UK developers has produced LightUp, a plug-in for Google's SketchUp modeling tool. The software generates real-time lighting for models, and supports effects such as skyboxes, Fresnel reflections, area and point lighting, and normal and specular maps. Users do not have to wait for files or export them, and can do live walkthroughs of environments.

Epson intros 75,000:1 contrast projector, more...

Epson has introduced a trio of new projectors at the IFA show in Berlin on Friday, including a new top-end model. The new LCD home theater projector, the EH-TW5000, features a record 75,000:1 contrast ratio and uses a new iteration of 3LCD technology that compares well against DLP technology in some of its rivals. The new Epson projector features 1,600 ANSI lumens brightness and will deliver 1080p video, while its 12-bit HQV video processor is said to lift picture quality.

Artists avoid iTunes; singles discourage album sales...

Many artists and record labels are beginning to see a darker side to the success of iTunes, according to Wall Street Journal. Apple has maintained a strict policy of requiring each song to be available individually. Although the music might be reaching more customers, companies are beginning to notice record sales being cannibalized by singles. For the customer that just wants the song they heard on the radio, the only incentive to buy the album from iTunes is the possibility of a price cut.

First Look: BBEdit 9.0, text editor...

Many computer professionals need to work with text for writing, designing web pages using HTML code, or writing programs in a variety of languages such as C++, Ruby, or Python. While you could use a word processor, web page designer, or text editor to write code, many of these programs focus on helping you create text, but lack specific features for manipulating text. If you need to create, edit, and manipulate text, you need a professional text editor such as BBEdit 9.0.

TinyBooks 6.0.0 adds automation functions...

Developer Ken Winograd says he has released v6.0.0 of TinyBooks, a Mac-based accounting and bookkeeping program aimed at families and small businesses. In using the software the program only asks for incomes and expenses, and calculates everything else based on how this data is categorized. The sixth edition introduces extra automation features, such as Auto-Comment option for commonly-used entry descriptions, and a similar option for checks. Multi-country tax support has been improved with automatic tax calculations.

NVIDIA's GeForce 9 also hit by failures?...

NVIDIA's widely publicized video chip failures may also touch on the most recent GeForce 9 series as well as older models, if data leaked to The Inquirer are authentic. The documents allege that NVIDIA has ordered a change in conductor material to fix the problem not only for GeForce 8 cards made on a 65 nanometer process, such as the 8800 GT, but also many cards using the newer 55 nanometer technique for the same chips; this would expand the failures to include most GeForce 9 series parts

Kenbushi 7.4 update adds playlists, data limits, more...

Lava Software has released Kenbushi 7.4, an update to its digital media jukebox. Kenbushi plays and manages media on both Macs and PCs, and syncs media to non-Apple media players. Version 7.4 adds the ability to load numerous media devices with data, including mobile phones, USB memory sticks, flash cards and portable hard drives. Multiple playlists can be created for each device, and space limits can now be set to preserve room. Users of v7.4 can also limit which media types are assigned to a device, for instance by keeping video on one player and music on another.

Solver for Excel 2008 arrives ahead of schedule...

Solver for Excel 2008 has arrived ahead of its mid-September prediction, via Frontline systems, according to the Mac Business Unit blog, Mac Mojo. Solver for Excel 2008 brings linear programming to Excel 2008, allowing Solver users to finally move from the Excel 2004 versions they had to run to utilize the add-in's abilities. Solver allows businesses and schools to execute programs in Excel, determining capacities, minimums/maximums and scheduling loads.

PCalc 1.0.2 update for iPhone released, soon for Mac...

TLA Systems has released the latest version of its iPhone calculator app, PCalc 1.0.2. The major improvement for the iPhone edition is multiple undos and redos, initiated by flicking the LCD to the right for the former, and the left for the latter. An "HP style RPN" option has also been added to simulate old calculators, and the general appearance has been enhanced, with more visible keys and customizable LCD color.

T-Mobile to sell 500K+ Android phones in 2008?...

T-Mobile hopes to sell over half a million G1 Android phones before the end of the year, according to estimates reportedly supplied to AndroidGuys. The figures would have T-Mobile preparing to add about 200,000 new customers through selling the G1 as well as 40,000 incremental additions. As many as 278,000 of the buyers would be owners renewing their contracts to upgrade to the device, bringing the total to about 518,000 of the HTC-made devices.

ON Chapter 1: Obscura Nomen first look in September...

Brainstem Games will be exhibiting its first software title, ON Chapter 1: Obscura Nomen, at the 2008 Austin Game Developers' Conference. The game is a 3D, space-based shooter, and should be showcased at the conference, which is scheduled between September 15th and 17th at Texas' Austin Convention Center.

iPhone 3G supplies reach equilibrium across US...

Apple's constant iPhone shortages have finally eased after six weeks of supply problems, according to Lehman Brothers analyst Ben Reitzes. First reported by Apple Insider, Reitzes reveals that Apple has 16GB iPhone 3G (black and white) models available in all US retail Apple stores, a first since the launch on July 11. And 8GB models have reached 99 percent availability as well. Supply is finally improving, according to Reitzes.

Animated films by Shorts Int'l on iTunes...

Shorts International is now offering a collection of short animated movies through iTunes, including Peter and the Wolf, winner of an Oscar in 2008, and nominee Even Pigeons Go To Heaven. According to Distorted Loop, the offerings range across drama, comedy, and satire. Shorts International boasts the largest collection of short films, with over half of the catalogue receiving nominations or awards from various international film festivals.

BenQ ships budget MP513 projector...

BenQ is wrapping up its week with the addition of a new entry-level projector. The Taiwan-area company's MP513 DLP projector is being sold equally to home theater users as well as business users but centers primarily on its quietness. A mix of dampers and better airflow keep the device's noise output down to 26 decibels in its low-power mode and prevents its incidental sounds from overriding movies or presentations.

IceWarp 10 to add Exchange support...

IceWarp has announced that it will be debuting Exchange ActiveSync support for its self-titled server software this October, using its Advanced Messaging and Information Technology Conference as a venue. The most recent release of IceWarp Server introduced a new secure iPhone webmail skin, but with version 10, IceWarp says it is planning to add more functionality for the iPhone and other mobile devices.

Speed Download/Speed Download Lite updates ship...

Yazsoft has released an update to Speed Download, a download manager designed to operate as a "hub" for file transfer activities. The application can manage Safari and iTunes downloads, and additionally features an integrated FTP client. The v5.0.6 update fixes several bugs, and incorporates a new French translation. It also features enhanced Rapidshare compatibility. The upgrade is free for existing customers; new customers can buy a single license for $25.

Leather case protects iPhone without blocking speaker...

A new leather case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G has been released by Grantwood Technology. The QuickFlipCase is a horizontally designed case with a smooth leather exterior that has been designed to secure the iPhone on a belt. It uses a magnetic enclosure for the lid and features a center push-up hole to allow the device to be removed easily. When the iPhone is inside the case a user still has access to the head phone jack and sleep/wake button; also while in the case the iPhones speaker remains uncovered helping to ensure that phone calls are not missed. The QuickFlipCase can be purchased for $19.

Apple deals: refurb peripherals, iMacs, iPod touch...

Apple's online store is currently offering some great deals on its refurbished models. Apple TV in 40GB ($199) and 160GB ($279) configurations are available along with HD displays in 20-in. (1680 x 1050 resolution) for $499, and 23-in. (1920 x 1200 resolution) for $749. Also included are the wireless Mighty Mouse for $59, wireless keyboard for $69 and AirPort Express Base station for $79.

China Mobile ready to subsidize iPhones?...

China's largest cellphone carrier -- China Mobile -- may be ready to subsidize the iPhone in its home country, says JLM Pacific Epoch. The research firm cites China Communications, which in turns quotes a source close to China Mobile. The source claims that the carrier is close to finishing negotiations with Apple for the iPhone 3G, and as part of the deal, China Mobile would provide a significant subsidy for each unit.

Shades offer colorful protection for iPhone 3G...

ShadeCases Inc. has announced the release of Shade Cases for the iPhone 3G. The new cases feature the same thin look as the original iPhone cases, only 0.4mm thick; and come with a built-in screen protector. The cases are now also being coated with a new spray that prevents the case from sticking to the screen providing users with an enhanced viewing experience over previous models. In addition, each case has been built out of 100 percent recyclable materials. The cases are available in 11 different colors and cost $17.

Sony Ericsson pins XPERIA delay on Win Mobile...

Sony Ericsson today confirmed through talks with Engadget the existence of a delay for the XPERIA X1. A company spokesman at the IFA technology show indicates that the company's first primarily touch-driven phone has moved from its generic launch window in the second half of 2008 to December or potentially January 2009, delaying the launch to almost a year after it was first announced.

DRO taking iPhone 3G Carbon Fiber Case pre-orders...

DRO Concepts has started taking pre-orders on a new carbon fiber iPhone 3G case. The Carbon Fiber iPhone 3G Case is made with four layers of carbon fiber to provide a tough outer shell; the case also receives a scratch resistant high gloss finish to protect it from any drops. The inside of the case has been lined with neoprene which provides the iPhone with a snug fit that will help soften any impacts the phone might face. The case measures 1.8 mm thick and has been designed to allow full access to all of the iPhone 3G's controls.

Apple dominates as most-sought computer brand...

In terms of individual brands, the Mac is currently the most sought-after computer in the US, according to ChangeWave Research. The group conducted a survey of over 4,000 Americans earlier this month, and discovered that of those planning to buy a computer in the next three months, 32 percent wanted some form of Mac. Apple is in fact the only company to have grown demand in both the desktop and notebook realms since July, pushing the former from 27 percent to 30, and the latter from 30 percent to 32.

Altec Lansing intros 2.2-channel speakers at IFA...

Altec Lansing, a subsidiary of Plantronics, took the opportunity offered by Berlin's IFA 2008 show to unveil its FX3022 speaker system earlier this week. The system is labeled as a 2.2-channel set-up, meaning it has two 1.5-inch drivers to reproduce the mid- and high-sound frequencies and a couple of 4-inch down-firing subwoofers to deliver the low-tone bass frequencies.

New 802.11r Wi-Fi standard allows quick roaming...

The IEEE standards group has approved 802.11r, a new variant on Wi-Fi designed to support roaming between access points. Also called Fast Basic Service Set Transition, the technology is designed to keep a secure Wi-Fi connection active by anticipating the needed security settings at the next access point. The format can determine the security settings and quality of service info for the next access point before actually hopping to the next point and thus reduces the delay in switching networks to where time-sensitive apps will remain active.

Fox prepping 20 new Digital Copy DVDs...

20th Century Fox has announced a slate of new movies in its Digital Copy program. Digital Copy is a partnership with Apple, and bundles a digital version of a movie with its DVD counterpart; the file is pre-formatted for iTunes, making it convenient to sync with devices like iPhones and Apple TVs, although the file is not DRM-free, as with a normal DVD rip. Digital Copies can also be loaded onto Windows Media-compatible devices.

Harman Kardon intros pair of speaker systems at IFA...

Harman Kardon revealed a pair of new products on Friday, at the opening day of the IFA show in Berlin. Predominantly meant for Mac and iPod users, the GLA-55 speaker system does include a 3.5mm audio jack. It is powered by a 100 watt digital amplifier and sports a DSP equalizer. The audio set-up's name undoubtedly comes from its original plastic casing, which shows off the speakers' magnets and wiring quite elegantly.

New software syncs Sony & Nokia phones with iTunes...

Salling Software has announced the availability of a new application for synchronizing iTunes data with mobile devices from Sony, Nokia and Sony Ericcson. Salling Media Sync lets users with iTunes easily sync music, playlists and podcasts in iTunes onto a non-Apple device. When the phone is connected to a USB port a user can select specific playlists and music for. However, the application does more than just move the files over: it also recreates each actual playlist on the device and metadata -- for phones that support it -- is also synced in order to keep track of play counts. Media Sync works with all standard media files include MP3 and MP4 file types but does not transfer DRM protected files.

Apple looking to allow iPhone tethering?...

Apple may be looking to permit tethering iPhones to computers, at least in the United States, rumors suggest. Tethering enables people to treat cellphones as external modems, connecting where Ethernet or Wi-Fi is not an option. While the technology is increasingly popular in Europe and North America, AT&T has expressly forbidden the practice with the iPhone, even though other devices have permission, and the iPhone is offered with unlimited data plans.

BlackBerry Bold on AT&T pushed to October?...

AT&T's long-delayed BlackBerry Bold launch may not take place until October, according to a tip allegedly given to BGR by higher-placed sources at AT&T. RIM's first GSM-based smartphone with 3G is now said not to be due for the carrier's retail locations until October 2nd, or almost five months after the device was first promised as the American carrier's exclusive in May.

Samsung offers two fast 22-inch LCDs...

Samsung's presence at IFA continued today with a pair of new LCD displays designed to eliminate ghosting almost entirely from computer screens. Both the 2233Hz and 2243Hz claim 22-inch panels with a 5ms gray-to-gray response time but also improve the poorer black-to-white response time that many LCD makers often omit from their specifications; a new imaging engine cuts the full pixel response time from 27ms to 9ms and should similarly trim down the amount of visual artifacts in extreme color changes during movement.

Sony XPERIA X1 delayed until January?...

While Sony is expected to ship its XPERIA X1 touchscreen phone in October, new information seen on the UK Sony Style website hints that the release could be pushed back to January 2009. The Register reveals that a menu selection graphic contains a "January" tag, with the product page itself claiming the launch date is undecided. The information comes after conflicting news that Sony Ericsson already mistakenly delayed the device, and retailer Expansys claiming it had receive demonstration units of the phone already.

Comcast confirms 250GB cap to Internet service...

Comcast on Thursday revealed it would enact a 250GB download cap on users' Internet connections on October 1st as part of an effort to combat illegal peer-to-peer exchanges of software and rich media. Ars Technica reveals that Comcast is offering the "extremely large amount of data" to users, and would actively warn top downloaders who exceed the limit to cut back. The move comes after the FCC reprimanded Comcast for manipulating bandwidth or service availability for users running P2P software.

Ultrasone unveils PRO 900 headphones with S-Logic...

German headphone company Ultrasone has released its latest set, the PRO 900. This closed-back headphone features 40mm Titanium-plated drivers that incorporate magnetic shielding and "S-Logic Plus" technology claimed to enhance the listening experience. Two sets of velvet covered earpads are included, and a choice of spiral or straight cables. Regarding performance specs, the frequency range is 6Hz-42kHz, with 40 Ohm impedance, and sound pressure levels of 96 dB.

Apple ships ProRes QT decoder, Final Cut Express 4.01...

Apple has released ProRes QuickTime Decoder 1.0 for Mac and Windows, in addition to an update for Final Cut Express 4.0.1. The new decoder allows ProRes files to be played through QuickTime. Apple's ProRes "visually lossless" format was developed last year to be used in high definition footage post production. Either 1080p or 720p resolutions can be edited without the equipment required for uncompressed video, the signal rates are compressed to standard definition levels. With the addition of QuickTime compatibility, projects can be reviewed and approved outside of Final Cut Studio.

Rogers iPhone users don't use a lot of data...

After a great deal of public focus, Canada's Rogers Wireless has revealed that, despite the scrutiny the company's data plans see, 95-percent of iPhone customers have used less than 10-percent of their data plan. The news comes after Rogers was blasted for not including unlimited data like with AT&T in the US, according to The Globe and Mail. The figures surprise Rogers executives, who have said that the sold quantity of iPhones is "well into the six figures."

Apple promises Sept fix for iPhone 2.x security flaw...

Confirming the forthcoming iPhone 2.0x software update, Apple on Thursday promised it would deliver an security update for the recently publicized iPhone security flaw that could allow users to access some password-locked iPhones. First noted earlier this week, a simple series of keystrokes -- first the emergency button and then double tapping the home button --- could allow users in some cases to access private information on the device despite the screen lock.

Dell's profit plunges 17%, stock price drops...

Dell on Thursday posted a disappointing drop in quarterly earnings, citing slow IT spending in Asia and Western Europe, and increased spending to drive growth. The company's surprising 17 percent decline in quarterly profit sent the world's second largest PC maker's shares down more than 10 percent. Dell reported fiscal second quarter revenue of $16.4 billion, up 11 percent year-over-year and driven by a 19 percent increase in worldwide product shipments, but its $0.33 EPS, before one-time costs, was short of investors' expectations of $0.36 per share. After its one-time costs and amortization, Dell's profit fell to $616 million in the second quarter (ended August 1) or 31 cents per diluted share, from the restated year-ago net income of $746 million, or 33 cents per diluted share.

SugarSync: wireless cross-platform sync for iPhone...

Sharpcast says it has released the "first ever" commercial app allowing over-the-air push synchronization with between iPhones, Macs and PC's. SugarSync stores data in the company's "secure online digital vault," (or cloud) where it can then be shared across platforms. A unique feature turns the iPhone into a remote control, allowing users to transfer files between other computers without downloading to the iPhone itself.

Core Cases announces first iPhone 3G case...

Accessory maker Core Cases has announced its first self-titled case for the iPhone 3G. The case wraps only around the back and edges of an iPhone, allowing access to the touchscreen; special openings are also cut out for components like buttons, the camera, speakers, and the dock connector. The touchscreen opening extends to expose the Home button.

Philips intros thin HDTV, iPod/DVD sound system...

Philips introduced a suite of new electronics at the IFA 2008 consumer electronics show headlined by a new extremely thin HDTV thus far known only as the Essence. At less than 1.5 inches thick, the Essence features a 120Hz 42-inch LCD display with a response time of 2 milliseconds. Philips even includes a self-leveling mounting kit with the Essence, which moves the speakers, tuner and video and power connections to a separate hub in order to make the slim size possible.

Google unveils App Store-like Android Market...

Google today revealed fuller details of Android Market, its previously hinted at store for software for phones based on the Android mobile operating system. Similar to the iPhone's App Store, the portal is hosted by Google itself and is created to give third-party developers a common, easily accessible location to give away or sell their apps. Unlike Apple's screened content, however, the company plans an "open and unobstructed" environment where apps aren't banned for legal content or functions.

Daylite 3.7.6 fixes restarts on failed sync...

Marketcircle has released Daylite 3.7.6, an update to its productivity suite. The software claims to ease Windows-to-Mac transitions, particularly for small businesses, and in this latest version fixes a bug that caused the application to restart when a sync failed. The software has also seen a new feature added, one which schedules automatic database backups through Daylite Maintenance Preferences.

First Look: See2 Xtreme, USB video card...

Monitors keep getting bigger and bigger, but it seems that the more display space you have, the more you may want. While Leopard provides Spaces so you can flip through multiple virtual desktops, you may prefer connecting multiple monitors to your Mac instead. For a simple solution to plugging in additional monitors to any Mac, take a look at Tritton’s See2 Xtreme external video card.

BBEdit 9.0 adds Projects, better programming support...

Bare Bones has released v9.0 of BBEdit, its text and code editing software. The key addition to the software is said to be the addition of Projects, which replace file groups, and allow users to directly create, delete and rename files and folders. The contents of Projects can be searched, as well as processed through text factories.

ComChart offering free license for Mac users

ComChart Medical Software is attempting to promote the use of Apple computers within the medical community by offering a free license to use ComChart EMR for the remainder of 2008. ComChart EMR was designed in the office of a practicing physician and has been designed to be intuitive for other physicians. It allows the user to preform various tasks such as schedule appointments and keep medical records. It has been made in a way that allows users to customize almost every feature meaning a user can adapt the program to help with their specific needs. The application has most recently been updated to work with the iPhone, adding specific support for iPhone users accessing EMR's web interface.

XChange updates Sonar Bookend XTensions...

XChange International has released an upgrade to its Sonar Bookends line of XTensions. Xref, Sequence, Fnote and QkLink have all been updated to work with QuarkXPress 8. Xref is a cross-reference generator that embeds reference items such as tables, appendices, chapters and figures. It utilizes a tagging system, which allows cross-references to be inserted whether a document is active or complete. The plug-in is also capable of updating cross-references across multiple files by opening all of the related files in advance.

Sanyo unveils 720p PC/HD hybrid projector...

Sanyo has introduced a new home theater projector also built with PCs in mind. The projector's 3LCD system is unusually sharp among mainstream projectors with a 720p resolution and produces output closer to HDTVs, with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,200 lumens of brightness. An optical zoom out to 2x allows the unit to present a 100" picture from 9.8 feet to 20 feet away. The exact position of the image can be adjusted horizontally or vertically. When the unit is not being used, a servo-controlled shutter covers the lens.

BeFit helps track nutrition patterns...

A new application for tracking nutritional intake has been released for the Mac, BeFit. The software helps users track several different factors, such as calories, fat and sugar. Users can define explicitly what they want to track, and in turn access graphs and other analyses based on the food they record. The software has a food list with over 7,000 items from the USDA database, and additionally supports custom food lists and recipes. Spotlight support allows faster searches for food items.

Amazon dismisses Kindle update rumors...

Amazon has no plans to revamp the Kindle e-book reader before the end of the year, the online retailer's key spokesman Craig Berman told the New York Times on Thursday. The official doesn't deny the potential for a refresh but can say "for sure" that there will be no new versions of the device before the end of the year. He also declines to say when an update is likely but alludes to an update launching sometime during 2009 "at the earliest," pointing to a sequel still in mid-development.

Samsung vows "lighter than air" notebook...

Samsung used IFA to claim the limelight with its X360 notebook. The system is consciously pitted against the MacBook Air and is described as "lighter than air," carrying the same 13.3-inch screen as its Apple counterpart but weighing a slightly lighter 2.8 pounds. Samsung reaches the goal by using a slower, ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo processor which sacrifices performance in return for smaller, cooler components and battery life between six to 10 hours.

Comcast to implement 250GB cap in October?...

Cable Internet provider Comcast may be implementing a 250GB transfer cap as soon as October 1st, anonymous sources claim. The company has been moving towards more neutral bandwidth-limiting techniques, following an FCC ruling that sabotaging BitTorrent traffic violates net neutrality policies. Although BitTorrent seeds are frequently used to share pirated material, they are also used for legitimate peer-to-peer distribution, and the FCC has noted that blocking BitTorrent unnecessarily favors some forms of Internet traffic over others.

Logitech preps Squeezebox Boom, wireless speakers...

Logitech on Thursday turned its attention to wireless audio courtesy of both a wholly independent Internet radio and speakers built just for notebooks. One of the first fruits of Logitech's buyout of Squeezebox, the Squeezebox Boom can pull and play unprotected music from any recent Mac or Windows PC on a local 802.11g Wi-Fi network but also picks up Internet streaming radio services entirely on its own, including largely free services such as Last.FM, Pandora or Slacker as well as a user's memberships to primarily for-pay services such as Rhapsody and Sirius' Internet streams.

Steve Jobs obituary accidentally published online...

An obituary for Apple CEO Steve Jobs was recently published accidentally through Bloomberg's financial newswire, reports say. The article, though several pages long, is incomplete, with gaps for Jobs' age and means of death. It also suggests a number of important people to interview for quotes, including Steve Wozniak, the other founder of Apple; Heidi Roizen, an ex-girlfriend of Jobs; and Jon Rubinstein, former head of Apple's iPod division. The obituary was quickly retracted, but not before a copy began to circulate online.

Apple patent would allow full Mac tablet...

Apple has been developing interface technology that would allow for a multi-touch handheld with full Mac OS X rather than a streamlined interface, the company has revealed through a US patent filing published today. Showing an example device which is clearly portable, the patent for a gesture system would adapt many of the basic control scheme elements familiar to Mac OS X to an environment where touch input is assumed but which is larger than an iPhone or iPod touch-class device.

Source: 3G problems a mix of software, networking...

Ongoing 3G connection problems with the iPhone are actually a mix of software and networking issues, a new account indicates. The report from Roughly Drafted cites "an inside source from AT&T," who explains that the trouble originates with how UMTS-based cellular networks function. All devices tapping into a UMTS node demand a certain amount of power, and once a certain threshold is reached, the node can run out of power to share. At this stage a node will begin dropping calls, and graphs are said to demonstrate this exact event coinciding with the release of the iPhone 3G.

USBfever announces iPhone power, SIM accessories...

USBfever has announced two new products for the iPhone 3G: an external battery, and a replacement SIM tray. The Portable Power Station attaches to an iPhone through the dock connector, and wraps around the back of the device. It features LED lights to indicate power levels, as well as a built-in speaker to compensate for covering the iPhone's own. The battery casing also has a slot for the camera, allowing its full use even when the battery is attached. The replacement SIM tray fits seamlessly into the iPhone 3G's SIM slot, and is available in both black and white.

Belfast, San Mateo Apple Stores under works...

Apple is nearing the launch of its first retail store in Northern Ireland, according to multiple accounts. The company's Belfast store, as hinted at in March, is said by The Irish News to be "on the verge of opening" in Victoria Square, although the paper claims that Apple is keeping even the store's existence under wraps. The store is definitely known to exist however, as photos (see below) clearly show the construction of Apple's typical glass facade, complete with a hollowed-out space for an Apple logo.

Sony upgrades Walkmen with auto playlists...

Sony today followed through on recent leaks with a significant overhaul of its Walkman music players. Apart from a new design that slims the device down to under 0.3 inches and harmonizes the look among all video-capable Sony players, the S730 series are the first to simplify smart playlists with a fully automatic feature known as SensMe. The addition gauges the tempo, rhythm, and other factors of songs and creates as many as 11 playlists of its own to match a given mood.