Yesterday, at Google I/O, Google announced the latest extension of its empire, Google TV.

This technology could potentially revolutionize television, as it opens the door to many possibilities by  implementing the web into your TV screen with just a simple “Box.”

For a myriad of information on this new technology, make sure to stop by here.

We’ve been pretty slow on keeping you all up-to-date recently, so a quick apology for that. There are some big things in the works for later on this year and I’m working hard to get these new features up-and-running. Now back to the news:

• Apple updated its desktop line today, bring hardware updates to the Mac mini (long overdue), iMac, and Mac Pro. Most of these updates deal with detailed specifications on hardware (processor, hard drive, graphics, etc), so check out Apple.com for all the details.
• Amazon launched the “Kindle for iPhone” application yesterday, bringing almost all the features of a $359 device for FREE. Users cannot purchase books directly from the app and subscriptions are not automatically updated, but users can get their full Kindle library on the device and purchase books via the Safari Mobile browser on the phone and get them directly on the device. Basically, users have a fully loaded Kindle (without subscriptions and the controversial text-to-speech features) on the iPhone, something almost everyone has been waiting for.

So that’s the news everybody. Again, apologies for being pretty slow recently, but we’re working on big things, so stay tuned.

The next generation iPhone will have a matte-black metal finish according to some recent leaked photos. Do we trust those recent leaked photos? Not really. Sure, we’re not gonna immediately deny these photos’ legitimacy, but a big signal that these are fake: the case uses metal. Why would we immediately say metal means its not real? Because metal is a complete failure when dealing with cell and WiFi signals, so that’s why we’re gonna give this rumor a big “iffy” stamp. MacRumors and iPodObserver both received the images earlier today, and iPodObserver did post the first pics of the iPhone 3G’s glossy back months before the release, but we’re still doubtful. Check out some more pictures at MacRumors.

Sling Media announced that they will submit an iPhone version of the popular SlingPlayer application  to Apple for certification sometime this quarter. The application will have the same features known to the SlingPlayer application. Incase you are unaware, Sling Media has products that allow users to stream content from their TV (along with a DVR like TiVo) over the internet to any computer worldwide. Sling Media has added a dedicated iPhone page to its website, featuring an overview video explaining the software.

Enjoy!

via Engadget

What?!!?!?!?!?! COPY AND PASTE ON THE IPHONE!!!!!!! If that was your immediate reaction, maybe you should calm down a bit. First off, it’s only via Safari to Mail (not the other way around). Second, it requires opening a bookmark. Those are the negatives. Now you can get back to jumping and screaming. The positives: it’s completely legal, not software or jailbreaking necessary. You don’t even need to download an app from the App Store. Here’s the deal: a service called Pastebud, launching this Friday (December 12), operates via two bookmarks. The user navigates to web page and decides they want to copy and paste something. Next, open your “Copy” bookmark and a new page will open with the ability to select text. Select your text and then at the top of the page, select either send to Mail or copy to clipboard. If sent to Mail, a new Email will open with the text as the message. If sent to clipboard, you can then paste the next by opening your “Paste” bookmark. Seems pretty simple and hopefully it works well. If only Apple would get on this, then we’d be in heaven. Because seriously, more than a year and a half of an iPhone with no copy-and-paste, it’s a bit ridiculous. Check out a video over at Gizmodo.

via Engadget

I’ve been testing these applications for a little over a week now and they definitely have their niche markets.

First off is SplashShopper, an ultimate shopping list application. The style of the application is relatively simple, open the application and view a list of categories: books, gifts, groceries, music, office supplies, etc. You can reorder the categories or add new ones. Touch a category to open it and inside you can see tons of items. Inside office supplies, for example, are included pre made items like “Address Labels” and “Calculators.” You can then go inside each item and specify custom info like price, quantity, etc.  The application uses a needed/unneeded style of sorting also, which could be improved. Next to each item is an open box which when tapped places an icon symbolizing it is needed. However, when switching into Need view (showing only those needed items) that box becomes empty again and is confusing to some. Instead of losing its icon when switching to Need view, items should simply retain the icon and if tapped move back to unneeded. Even simpler would be to simply have a generic Needed/Unneeded icon instead of images that don’t portray that message. The application also offers a synchronization companion for the desktop. Syncing to the desktop software requires being on the same network and is very quick. The desktop interface is simple and is relatively easy to use. Deal breaker on the desktop software however, after the 30 day trial is up, you’re gonna have to drop another $19.99 for a full time license. Here’s the verdict on SplashShopper: If you are a very detailed list maker that likes desktop synchronization and categories, this application is exactly what you are looking for. If you are the average marketer that can simply use the Notes application or can handle the free list applications, this is a waste of $9.99 and gives you too many features you won’t use.

Next up is SplashID, an application used to store all of your personal or business information (credit cards, email accounts, locker combinations, bank information, etc.) It does exactly what it is meant to do and it does it really well. It is basically a storage locker for your life. A virtual password box that saves all of your information. The application is slightly more confusing than SplashShopper, but is aimed at a more tech savvy crowd.  Yet in a way, the application would be useful for everyone. If you are one of those people that forget passwords a lot or like to have your information with you everywhere, this application is exactly what you are looking for. You can divide your accounts among categories, basics like Personal and Business are included. Among the accounts you can add are bank accounts, web usernames/passwords, credit cards, email accounts, insurance numbers, and more. All of your information is saved and can be synched to its own desktop companion software similar to SplashShopper and works in a similar way. Of course, number one question you should be asking is how would my information be protected? Well, a password protects SplashShopper and a simple lock button on the bottom of the iPhone screen locks the application from intruders. So, is the application simple and easy to use, pretty much, yes. Adding accounts is as easy as pushing the + button on the bottom of the screen and the search button is right next door. Here’s the verdict on SplashID: If you want your information with you wherever you go, this application is for you. The desktop companion software might be a bit steep though at $19.99.

Check out some screenshots of the applications after the break.

• Decrease in call set-up failures and dropped calls
• Significantly better battery life for most users
• Dramatically reduced time to backup to iTunes
• Improved email reliability, notably fetching email from POP and Exchange accounts
• Faster installation of 3rd party applications
• Fixed bugs causing hangs and crashes for users with lots of third party applications
• Improved performance in text messaging
• Faster loading and searching of contacts
• Improved accuracy of the 3G signal strength display
• Repeat alert up to two additional times for incoming text messages
• Option to wipe data after ten failed passcode attempts
• Genius playlist creation

After releasing iPhone firmware 2.0.1 just two weeks ago, Apple has released another firmware update: 2.0.2. Keeping the simple description of “bug fixes” from Apple, hopefully at least some bugs will be fixed on the phone. The update weighs in at a hefty 248.7 MB, so get to downloading at let us know how it goes and if it helps.

Rumors have been spreading out around numerous websites that the iPhone 3G will get a (RED) makeover just in time for the holidays.  Could it also be joined by a 32GB upgrade for the iPhone 3G and a 64GB upgrade for the iPod Touch?

Photo Courtesy of http://www.macblogz.com

The iPhone Dev Team has released the PwnageTool for iPhone firmware 2.0, which allows users to install a custom firmware that is jailbroken and can be unlocked. Unlike previous jailbreaks, this version uses Cydia, an alternative to the Installer.app that most users would be used to. The PwnageTool has a great graphical interface and is very easy to use. Original iPhone users can unlock the phone, but iPhone 3G users can’t yet. The Dev Team is hard at work to provide a 3G unlock, so let’s keep our fingers crossed. Download it from the Dev Team itself or from this mirror.

The iPhone Dev Team announced last week that it had officially unlocked and jailbroken iPhone and iPod touch firmware 2.0, and now they have done the same with iPhone 3G. The team posted a video of the jailbreak in action, but it works and users wanting to unlock their new iPhone 3G can finally do it. Or if you’ve upgraded to a new iPhone 3G and have an old iPhone, go wild and crazy with the old one while keeping your new one in pristine ‘Apple-approved’ condition. iPhone Atlas hears that the updated PwnageTool will be available this week.

Apple has had some big days this past week with MobileMe’s launch (no matter how inconsistent it was), iPhone 2.0 and the App Store going live early, and of course iPhone 3G’s launch (even with those pesky activation problems). Apple’s announcement today proves how big this weekend really was: they sold 1 million iPhone 3Gs this past weekend (Friday to Sunday) and over 10 million applications were downloaded from the App Store (now containing over 800 applications). Apple only sold 250,000 phones for the original iPhone’s launch, however that was only in the US and this was in 21 countries. But it took Apple a total of 74 days to sell 1 million iPhones the first time around, so there could be arguments about which launch sold more (we’ll need US statistics to make a true comparison). Considering some stores still have lines now, iPhone 3G must be doing fantastically well.

Apple has dropped the price of their bluetooth headset to $99, from its original $129. The catch, however, is that they took out the dock for both the phone and the headset which retails for $49. So they dropped the price by $30, but they took out $50 worth. You’re now paying more if you want to buy both. Apple – you’ve already got loads of people buying new iPhone 3G’s without docks, now your taking away the docks from the headset – tisk, tisk, tisk.

After releasing iTunes 7.7 earlier this morning, the iTunes App Store is now live. You can download, purchase, and browse the catalogues. Now all we need is a device to load the apps onto. iPhone 2.0, you are all we need.

• Both David Pogue and Stuff.tv added video reviews of iPhone 3G today, now offering a total of 4 video reviews of the latest iPhone. Also, The Boy Genius Report added an unboxing video of the phone after releasing a set of pictures yesterday.
• Both the NY Times and USA Today released articles about the App Store tonight, giving us new numbers and apps to look at. Both papers spoke to Steve Jobs and according to him, the App Store will launch with 500 applications on Thursday (coinciding with New Zealand’s iPhone 3G) and 25% of those apps will be free, while a third of the apps are games. Also confirmed through the articles and images are applications from MySpace, Facebook, AOL, eBay, Pandora, and more will be available. For some pictures and videos of the apps, check out NY Times and USA Today. Apps like Tap Tap Revenge and Twinkle should look familiar as they are based off of apps from the Installer.app.
• A video of AT&T employees bring iPhone 3G boxes from the trucks to the store shelves and locking them up reveals to facts: the white iPhone 3G will be available at AT&T stores, contrary to previous rumors, and the white version will come in a white box.

With Friday’s iPhone 3G launch coming around soon, more news about the phone roams the web.

• The reviews are in – David Pogue (NY Times), Walt Mossberg (WSJ), and Ed Baig (USA Today) all published their iPhone 3G reviews today, with most talking about the drastic speed improvements, but that it’s not a need-to-buy due to iPhone 2.0 being available for all iPhone users. Mossberg and Baig have video and written reviews, while Pogue sticks with the classic written review.

• Hands-on pictures - With this release less secretive and more like a normal phone, getting pictures of iPhone 3G before launch day was bound to happen. Early today, a Portuguese site posted some unboxing photo’s of the phone. Around the net, other users posted pictures of seeing the phone in stores. Recently, the Boy Genius Report posted some high quality unboxing pictures of the phone. BGR’s server isn’t doing to well, so check out Gizmodo’s mirror gallery. Also, some AT&T stores apparently have demo units out to look at, so call your local AT&T store at let us know in the comments what happened.

• Activation details from Apple exec  - Senior VP of Retail, Ron Johnson, told Bloomberg that activation should only take 10-15 minutes and store employees will take about 30 customers at a time from the lines. We also learned that you will need to have your credit card, social security number, and ID in order to buy the phone. Online purchases will NOT be available due to the in-store only activation.

Apple just updated their Retail site to show an 8 am launch time for iPhone 3G, coinciding with AT&T’s launch time. People have already started lining up for iPhone 3G at the New York cube store and it is expected others will line up early at other stores as well.

via MacRumors

Gizmodo posted a short video of the iPhone 2.0 firmware today, showing off some of the new features. Besides the short video, they gave some screenshots of iTunes 7.7 (the version required for iPhone 3G) which show MobileMe support and more evidence of iPhone and iPod touch remotes with an option to look for remotes.

With iPhone 3G launch date getting closer, AT&T decided to give us even more information to chew on. Not only have they given us the plan information (detailed after the break, but we now know that AT&T’s doors will swing open at 8:00 am on July 11th for iPhone 3G customers. Besides that nice tidbit of information, the plans shown below show a definite price hike up since iPhone original. Information to note: plans do NOT include SMS messages, so look at the SMS plans for pricing (they raised the price of the 1500 SMS messages a month plan by $5). Besides the full voice and data plans listed below, AT&T will offer a $30 data plan similar to the current $20 plan offered. SMS messages will not be included in that plan as well. Also, to access the full capability of Exchange service, users must have the Enterprise Data plan which is an extra $15 a month. Besides announcing the plans, AT&T gave details on upgrades, pricing, and related details. Those eligible for an upgrade pricing ($199 and $299) include: “new customers, current postpaid iPhone customers in good standing prior to July 11, and AT&T non-iPhone customers who are currently eligible for an upgrade discount.” Those ineligible for upgrade pricing will put up $399 and $499 for the 8GB and 16GB models, respectively. Activation fees for upgrades are $18, while activation fees for non-AT&T customers will be the normal $36. Lastly, those looking for a unlocked, no contract iPhone will pay $599 and $699. Apparently, that unlocked pricing is more expensive than just buying the phone with the cheapest service, paying the upgrade fee, and then canceling the service. Click the read more link to view the plan pricing.

Apple posted an iPhone 3G Guided Tour this morning, coinciding with AT&T’s iPhone plan announcements. The familiar face of Bob brings you the same type of Guided Tour as the ones before. Alongside the Guided Tour, they released a “What’s New” video showing off some of the new features in iPhone 2.0 and new hardware in iPhone 3G. Bob even demoes some iPhone 2.0 games and applications, in the What’s New video.

iPhone turned one today. June 29, 2007: the day iPhone was released to the public. In less than a year, iPhone has received multiple software updates, had a price drop now and then, increased storage space, and launched in multiple countries. iPhone has even become one of the top phones in the country. So a year has passed since we first touched an iPhone and Apple is throwing away the old model for a new one. iPhone 3G will mark the next generation of iPhone and will launch on July 11th. Bringing in all of the hardware features the first model missed, hopefully we’ll like this new one just as much, or more, than the first.

Happy Birthday, iPhone!