Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Activate Your iPhone Without Contract Using iActivator

Gizmodo made a really useful post today about a program called iActivator, a graphic program for Mac OS X that will activate the iPhone just by clicking a simple button.

iActivator is a program that allows you to use some of the functions of Jailbreak, iASign, and iphoneinterface using buttons instead of text commands. Activation will not unlock the phone, however, just allow to use all its functions except calling without any contract. [Mod My iPhone]

Iactivator6.png

OLPC Turns Their Backs On Their Young Porn Addicts

It seems the One Laptop Per Child Foundation didn't like that all children in Africa were interested in using their new free laptops for was for hunting down the best porn on the net. OLPC told Reuters they're considering selling their XO laptop in stores for $350-$525 this coming holiday season. [Reuters]

Just yesterday it was reported by Reuters (and Cafe Mignon, of course) that, "Nigerian schoolchildren who received laptops from a U.S. aid organization have used them to explore pornographic sites on the internet." It seems the OLPC doesn't want to fund 10,000 pornos per child project. Can you blame them? More importantly, will anyone actually buy this wind-up PC for regular use and not just to resell to idiots on ebay?

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Apple Patents Rolling In One After Another

Is it just me, or has there been a lot of talk about Apple patents in the blogosphere? Well, here's a quick overview of all the latest Apple patents that have hit the Cafe Mignon radar:

First off, Gizmodo's claims of an iPhone Nano....

It sounds crazy, so soon after launch, but the iPhone nano could be coming out before Xmas. Kasper at Apple Insider claims:
• "The second iteration of the handset is presumed to marry iPod functionality with rudimentary cellular capabilities."
•"More resource-heavy internet browsing and email capabilities are not expected of the device."
•"Pricing of the new handset is expected to fall significantly below the $500+ asking cost of today's iPhone models, these sources say, but not so much so as to pinch sales of an upcoming revision to the iPod nano."

He also makes reference to the same clickwheel dialpad patent JP Morgan did in their statement and retraction.

apple-iphone-simple.jpg

Why isn't this filed under the Department of Duh? Kasper's track record has been better than good lately, and when he quotes extremely reputable sources, he's not screwing around. (Last time he was this adamant, if my memory serves me right, it was in reference to the iPod HiFi.) Kind of makes sense if Apple wants to hit those market share targets. Like with the full-sized and nano iPod, there's always a bigger market for lower end gear. [Apple Insider]


TUAW tells of another Apple patent, but this time it's a wireless iPod. Hmmmm.


applepatent%5B1%5D.jpg



Ryan from Cybernet (thanks!) dropped a note about his find of a new Apple patent. These things spring up faster than mushrooms (or rabbits, depending on your preference for down home expressions), but sometimes they are a good indication of what Apple is at least considering producing in the future.

This one's all about the iPod, by the looks of it, and giving it the ability to "wirelessly control and access a media server." Ryan speculates that means iTunes, which would mean that you could listen to streaming music from your iTunes install, through your iPod. But I think he's thinking small on this one-- what if Apple wanted to create an iPod that actually hooked up to AppleTV. You could sit in your bedroom watching the latest Daily Show, streaming from the AppleTV in the other room, while someone else watched the latest episode of Lost on the television. The possibilities there are very interesting-- combine a widescreen iPod with a wireless function like this (and we might as well throw in MobileSafari, right?), and you're looking at a very droolworthy multimedia gadget.

Of course, as with all Apple patents, this is total and complete speculation-- this patent may never actually be built, and even if it is, we might be looking at something planned years from now. But it's always fun to guess at what Apple's doing next.

And finally, Giz talks of and iPod Karaoke patent, bleh.

kraoke-ipod-iphone-as-karaoke-machine.jpg

Some may call this latest iPod/iPhone patent from Apple "dynamics lyrics display for portable media devices," but we call this Karaoke City. The patent details a scheme to activate "karaoke style lyrics," which then grabs lyrics and displays the lyrics in time and in sync with the music that's playing. This way, the right words are highlighted at the right time, automagically, thanks to the software that supposedly detects and matches vocals to lyrics. If they can make ANY song a karaoke song, it'll make driving to the supermarket infinitely more fun than it is now. [UnwiredView]

Booby Trap: Kids Use US-Donated Laptops To Surf The Porn, Of Course

OLPC_Bikini.jpg


It appears kids in the third world aren't very interested in learning at all. According to Reuters, "Nigerian schoolchildren who received laptops from a U.S. aid organization have used them to explore pornographic sites on the internet." The article says that the Nigerian government, who released the statement, felt the educational program had "gone awry" on account of the boobies, but did not say whether government officials were angry at the schoolchildren, angry with the US-based providers of laptops, or angry that they themselves did not have the necessary laptoppage to do some "exploring" of their own.

Although the laptops were not the celebrated OLPCs that will soon be manufactured for distribution throughout the developing world, OLPC officials were asked about the porn-savviness of the upcoming $180 laptop.

A representative of the One Laptop Per Child aid group was quoted as saying that the computers, part of a pilot scheme, would now be fitted with filters.
Yeah, like that's going to help sales. [Reuters]

from Gizmodo by Wilson Rothman

Friday, July 13, 2007

Yahoo! adds search suggestions to front page

yahoosuggest.png

Yahoo's front page search box now offers search suggestions as you type. Google has a similar service, but only in Google Labs. Yahoo! is the first search engine to really incorporate this feature in their website and not just in their toolbar or Firefox extension. Also, keep in mind that Yahoo! now offers unlimited email inboxes and is quickly developing one service after another to keep its head in the game. With the great strides they've been making so far this year, I think they stand a good chance of capturing some more market share.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Having trouble picking a new domain name?

Hey kids, there's a new web service in town. Just enter a couple keywords and Bust-a-Name suggests a bunch of possible and available domain names for you. This is by far the easiest way to find a great domain name. If you already have a domain name in mind, you can check if it's available right there on the site.

Bust-a-Name lets you search through thousands of domains and see which are available. This is definitely a site you want to remember for the next time you're looking to start a new website.


Zoho Now On Facebook

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Online office suite, Zoho, is now available for integration with Facebook:
You can now create documents, spreadsheets and presentations from within Facebook. You can also view and edit all your existing documents, spreadsheets and presentations (both personal and shared) from Zoho Writer, Sheet and Show.

via Gizmodo

Some of Zoho's features.


Zoho Writer
Online word processor with collaboration features.
No download, No install, just sign up to create documents. 100% free Online word processor with collaboration features.

Zoho Sheet
Online spreadsheet application to create and share spreadsheets on the web. 100% free

Zoho Show
Online presentation tool to create, edit, publish, and show presentations. 100% free

Zoho Wiki
Wiki that is as easy to use as a word processor
with group concept, versions, sub-pages and more ...
100% free

Zoho Notebook (beta)
Create, Aggregate and Collaborate on multiple types of content online.

Zoho Meeting (beta)
Web conferencing - Quick and easy Web meeting, Desktop sharing, Remote assistance

Zoho Creator
Create Online Database Applications in minutes.
Build Forms, Collect Data and Manage. 100% free

Zoho Planner
Online organizer to maintain your todo’s, reminders, notes, attachments etc.
100% free

Zoho Chat
Unique and intuitive way to make group decisions faster.
100% free

Zoho Mail (private beta)
A web-based collaboration groupware that includes Email Client, Documents, Calendar and more.
On-Demand - Free for individuals.

Site 24x7
Website Monitoring Service.
Free for 2 websites. For more, price starts at $0.5

and so much more...

"Mac or PC" Rap Music Video

"I'm a right clicka, I'm a iBook flippa. Macs or Pc's, no fight gets bigga!

Friday, July 06, 2007

Rumor: iLife '07 Ready To Go



According to MacScoop and (TUAW), the long awaited 2007 edition of Apple's applications suite, iLife, is almost ready for shipping! Despite no mention of an iLife 07 at Macworlk '07, some believe iLife 2007 could be released before Leopard in October. This is no more than a rumor at this point, MacScoop seems to think that iLife could ship this summer. Some have also speculated that iLife will be a part of the OS from here on out, and no longer as a stand alone purchase. If this is true, then MacScoop can't be accurate. As TUAW said, we aren't any closer to iPhoto '07 than we were yesterday.


Note: Keep in mind that this is just a rumor, don't get too excited and the picture here on the left isn't for real.

eBuddy Mobile is Cool & Works on the iPhone


eBuddy Mobile is a beta feature of the eBuddy web based messenger service. Like meebo, eBuddy is a web-based IM client from which you can get started logging in to your existing MSN, Yahoo, and AIM accounts right away.

eBuddy support for IM services is limited to: AIM, MSN/Windows Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. However, this should suffice for the average user. eBuddy Mobile offers the same capabilities on your phone. You have two choices when adopting the eBuddy service, either download a small program onto your phone or simply use a web based eBuddy in your phone's browser that has been specially made for mobile access.

eBuddy Mobile Messenger Beta

Download & install for the full experience.

Download the new eBuddy Mobile Messenger to your Mobile Ph

one to get the best user experience. And it is Multi-network: all buddies from MSN, Yahoo! and AIM in one single list.

eBuddy Mobile Messenger Beta

Features

  • Rich interface
  • Fast response
  • Minimal data usage
  • Easy to use
  • Sound & Vibration
  • Group-chat

Download »


eBuddy Mobile Internet

Chat directy from your mobile browser.

Surf to mob.ebuddy.com with the browser of your Mobile Phone, PDA, Sony PSP or Nintendo DS and find the basic functionalities to chat with your buddies.


eBuddy Mobile on Internet

Features

  • Runs in your browser
  • Basic chat functionalities
  • Fast response
  • No download required
  • Easy to use
  • Also works on older phones

Learn more »


Further more, Gizmodo has reported that eBuddy works on the iPhone.



All the AT&T calling plans on the iPhone include 200 SMS messages, but if you're pushing that limit where you'll have to start paying per message, eBuddy gives you access to regular old AIM on your iPhone. Go to this URL and you can use AIM without paying a per-message charge. It's not perfect, though.
Click Here to read the rest of this post on Gizmodo

FlyGesture Now Free

FlyGesture, a great service that enables your Mac with the power to open files, run Automator apps/AppleScripts, type text and more - all with the gesture of your mouse over FlyGesture's guided layer that you can toggle like Exposé and Dashboard. Who freed this marvelous service? It was Gus Mueller of Flying Meat software, maker of popular apps like VoodooPad and FlySketch, has decided to reduce FlyGesture's price to free. First Google frees Feedburner and now this, is capitalism going out of style? Make ebay free, then I'll really get excited.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

FeedBurner Frees Pro Features

FeedBurner now offer TotalStats and MyBrand for free thanks to the deep pockets of their new owner, Google.

Existing PRO customers will not be charged as of June 2007, and those that sign up for new Feedburner accounts will instantly get the services for free.

found on UNEASYsilence

Google Acquires GrandCentral

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Google today has snapped up “anywhere phone number” company Grand Central. GrandCentral combines multiple phone numbers, to one phone number that you can set to ring all, some, or none of your phones, based on who’s calling. This way, your phone number is tied to you, and not your location or job.

GrandCentral is joining Google. We’re excited about this. Being part of Google will helps us make our vision of improved voice communications one step closer to reality and bring innovative communications services to millions of users around the world. This will also ensure that your GrandCentral number is here for the long run, and that no matter how often you move, change jobs or phone providers, everyone can still reach you through the same phone number.

Read More

Google Phone Is a Collection of Apps

After having a dedicated application on Apple's iPhone, YouTube made a deal with LG and, by the end of this year, we'll see LG phones that let you upload, view and share YouTube videos. "LG Electronics will unveil a mobile handset that fully supports the YouTube service for the first time in Europe in the second half of this year," said an LG representative.

LG has already launched LG-KU580, a phone preloaded with Google mobile apps (Gmail, Google Maps) and shortcuts to Google's sites. "We know Google services are not good for all cell phones due to screens being too small in comparison to a PC monitor, and mobile data transmission is too expensive. However, Google provides a mobile-specific service lineup. As a result, handset users will be able to enjoy a decent service," was honest to admit an LG official.

As phones start to feel more like real computers and mobile browsers like iPhone's Safari, Opera Mini or Nokia S60 Browser render the web pages closer to a desktop browser, the Java applications that emulate web sites will become unnecessary. So maybe Google should focus on creating a smart mobile browser instead of service-specific applications.

"Becoming an equipment manufacturer is pretty far from our business model On the other hand, we're very interested in the platforms that other people are building. We are quite eager to be part of the mobile revolution," said Vinton Cerf, Google's chief internet evangelist, in March. And Google's list of mobile-optimized services grows every day, but there's nothing revolutionary in the lite version of a site.

Did you know: iTunes Capacity Bar Is Interactive

According to (TUAW): Many iTunes users are unaware that the capacity presentation for iPods and iPhones actually is interactive. Tap on the bar to switch from between views. These views include the default view (space occupied), an item-count view (number of items for each category) and a duration view (the length of playback for the items loaded onto the device). It's just one more sweet little Apple feature.

Is That A Theater In Your Pocket: Cellphone Projectors on the Way?

iljin_phone_projector.jpg

South Korean company, Iljin Display, has been crowing about its coin-sized laser projector module for more than a year, but with no real proof of their existence. The company is now saying it's inked a deal with South Korea Telecom (SK Telecom) to mass produce the projector for use inside cellphones. Is this Nano Projector finally for real?

Iljin says the diminutive projector will be installed in SK Telecom's cellphones beginning this September, and those pocket theater-toting cellphones will be for sale both in Korea and perhaps even in the U.S. soon thereafter.

The company is also claiming that the future of its of its pint-sized projectors is in tiny stand-alone units that'll let you set up an 800 milligram-ish guerrilla theater with a 20-inch screen virtually anywhere you want. Only time will tell if there's any truth to their claims.

Iljin Display to Commercialize Nano Projector [Far East Gizmos, via Digital Tokyo]

found on Gizmodo

Monday, July 02, 2007

FonePorn: Your Chance to Fondle the iPhone Without Spending A Dime

iphone_3danimation.jpg

Lack of an iPhone getting you down? Well, how'd you like to simulate having an iPhone for a while? With this 3D animated model by Thomas Milvaux, you can! Play, turn, twist, fondle, and manipulate the coveted communicator in simulated 3D space. You might have to download the 3D XML or 3D Life player, but it's well worth it for you desperate folks.

found on Gizmodo

5 Things You Might Not Know About an Unactivated iPhone

Are you one of the lucky lads or lasses who already managed to swoop up an iPhone? If so, you may be waiting around waiting for it to start working. Thanks to (TUAW), there are a couple of things you can do with your unactivated phone to keep from going insane with eagerness to play with your new $500 puppy.

1. The SIM number is listed on the box. You'll find both the SIM number (the subscriber identity module or ICCID) and the associated IMEI (the international mobile equipment identity) on the bottom of your iPhone box. They are the bottom-most two barcodes, left and right. The IMEI consists of 15 numbers that uniquely identifies your mobile phone. The SIM number is a 20-digit identity that allows you to access the AT&T network.

2. You can display your SIM and IMEI numbers on the un-activated iPhone. Press the little "i" button on the main screen.

3. Attaching peripherals to the unactivated iPhone's dock connector may produce odd effects. I attached speakers and it offered to put my iPhone in Airplane mode (not a good idea, by the way). TUAW reader Tim O. connected a Kensington Pico FM Transmitter and was able to access the iPod application.

4. You can turn the iPhone off and on--but you probably don't want to. The press the sleep/wake and menu button trick works in terms of turning your iPhone off but it may have unpredictable results. Doing this (under instructions from the AT&T tech) apparently (but not provably) wiped my first SIM card.

5. Tapping the screen keeps it awake before you can adjust those activation-required settings. This is particularly helpful when you're trying to read the ICCID and IMEI numbers off your screen to the AT&T tech.