iLounge

Takeshi Natsuno, developer of Japan’s first Internet cell phone service, i-mode, has praised the iPhone in an interview with the AP, saying that his country’s cellular manufacturers could “never” produce such a device. “This is a great device,” Natsuno said while holding his iPhone 3G. “This kind of device cannot be produced by Japanese manufacturers. Never.” Natsuno, who left Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo three months ago, described current Japanese cellular executives as conservative, and lacking the creative sensibilities of Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “They have to take a risk,” he said. “To do that, clear direction, clear vision, clear leadership are necessary.” Although Natsuno is obviously enthusiastic about the iPhone’s ease of use and multi-touch interface, he admits to carrying a DoCoMo handset as well, because the iPhone lacks some Japan-centric features such as wallet phone capability.

Audi has announced the release of a new iPhone game and an iPhone-optimized website as a promotion for its upcoming 2009 model A4 car. Audi A4 Driving Challenge, available as a free download from the App Store, is an overhead-view racing title that uses accelerometer- and screen-based controls to let the user drive the new A4 through a series of five progressively more challenging courses. Alongside the game, Audi has also launched an iPhone-formatted website for the A4, offering users content on the A4, specialized videos, wallpapers, an exterior color customizer, and a dealer locator.

Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) and Apple have reached an agreement on the sale of iPhones in Russia, according to a Reuters report. Citing an anonymous market source, the report states that retail sales of the phone will begin in October. “MTS has made an agreement with Apple on the sale of iPhones,” the source said. “Sales are likely to begin in October.” Apple CEO Steve Jobs has previously said that he expected a Russian carrier agreement to “happen later this year,” and MTS has confirmed that it has held talks with Apple about offering the iPhone. It is currently unknown whether the agreement would be exclusive.

Bose has introduced its new SoundDock Series II digital music system for the iPod and iPhone. As Bose’s first “Works With iPhone” certified system, the SoundDock Series II features a new auxiliary input, and a body that more closely resembles the company’s SoundDock Portable system, measuring 6 5/8” high by 12” wide and 6 1/2” deep. An included infrared remote offers control of the system and basic iPod and iPhone functions, including playlist navigation. The Bose SoundDock Series II will be available in Gloss Black for $299 starting in early September. The company’s original SoundDock system is now priced at $229.

Apple has been sued for failure to live up to its iPhone 3G performance claims. Plaintiff Jessica Alena Smith filed a federal lawsuit against the company in U.S. District Court in Alabama, alleging that despite Apple’s claims that the device is “twice as fast,” it is slower than advertised and prone to dropping calls. “Apple sold these devices on the promise that they were twice as fast as the pre-existing phones and that they would function suitably, or properly, on the 3G network. But, thus far, Apple and the phone have failed to deliver on this promise,” said Jonathan Kudulis, an attorney with the Trimmier Law Firm that is representing Smith. In her filing, Smith seeks class action certification to represent additional iPhone 3G purchasers.

Casio has announced two new pocket-sized digital cameras which record iTunes-compatible H.264 video. The EX-Z300 and EX-Z250 also offer 4x optical zoom lenses, 10.1 and 9.1 megapixel sensors, and will be available in October for $300 and $250, respectively. For more information on Casio’s iTunes-compatible cameras, see our review of the Casio Exilim EX-S10.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that some users attempting to access the iTunes Store from locations in China are being blocked by the country’s government-run firewall. The report suggests that the blockage may have been related to Olympic athletes downloading and listening to the pro-Tibet album Songs for Tibet, which was made available on the iTunes Store three days prior to the start of the games. However, it is against the iTunes Store’s sales policy to “use or attempt to use the iTunes Store from outside of the available territory.”

Apple did try to improve 3G performance with iPhone Software 2.0.2, according to a new report from USA Today. Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock told the paper, “[t]he software update improves communication with 3G networks,” although some users have reported decreased reception and other problems after installing the update.

A Mac Rumors forum member has reportedly found a number of photos on his new iPhone from inside the factory in which it was made. UK-based Mark claims that one of the four pictures found on the phone was set as the background once he activated the device. This is at least the second report of an iPhone user finding photos from inside the factory on his/her new phone.

Both Vodafone in India and SingTel in Singapore have announced their pricing for the iPhone 3G, which will launch in both countries on August 22. Vodafone will charge Rs 31,000 (~$709) for the 8GB iPhone 3G and Rs 36,100 (~$826) for 16GB models. Customers who pre-registered for the iPhone 3G with Vodafone will be able to visit a select Vodafone Store on August 20 or 21 and confirm their booking by paying Rs 10000 as a deposit. The customer will then be given an appointment date on the 22, at which they can pay the remaining balance, receive their phone, and get a full demonstration. iPhone-specific service rates and pricing have yet to be announced; however, initial reports suggest that the high hardware prices will likely keep most potential Indian users from being able to afford the device in the first place.

SingTel will offer the phone on a tiered pricing scale, with prices for the 8GB model ranging from free to S$348 (~$247), and the 16GB models priced between free and S$508 (~$361). Three iFlexi plans will be offered with the handset, priced between S$56 (~$40) and S$205 (~$145) per month and including between 1GB and 3GB of bundled data per month. For more information on SingTel’s pricing and service plans, visit the carrier’s iPhone page.

Update: Bharti Airtel has also announced its pricing for the iPhone 3G in India, and will offer the handest for the same prices as Vodafone: Rs 31,000 for the 8GB model and Rs 36,100 for 16GB models.

According to another supposed email from Apple CEO Steve Jobs to a concerned customer, Apple is aware of the problem with third-party iPhone and iPod touch applications crashing, and is working on a fix for the next firmware update. “This is a known iPhone bug that is being fixed in the next software update in September,” Jobs allegedly said in the email to an AppleInsider reader. Since the release of iPhone Software 2.0, and continuing through the releases of 2.0.1 and 2.0.2, iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod touch owners have reported problems with third-party applications failing to load, and simply returning the user to the home screen. The report speculates that the problem may stem from improperly set permissions.

This week’s featured photo is from our iPods Around the World gallery, and shows a fifth-generation iPod near a moai statue on Easter Island. To share your photos and to be considered for our Photo of the Week, you simply need to submit your own photo to one of our galleries. So get out there, take some pictures with your iPod or iPhone, and maybe your submission will be our next Photo of the Week!

Following new reports of first-generation iPod nanos catching fire in Japan, Apple has released a statement on the matter, blaming the issue on faulty batteries and promising a replacement for any customers experiencing battery overheating. The statement reads: “Apple has determined that in very rare cases batteries in first generation iPod nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 can overheat causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model. Any first generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare.” In March, Japan launched an investigation into a possible battery defect in the same iPod nano model after earlier reports of battery overheating issues.

A gallery of screenshots (Translated Link) supposedly from the upcoming Nike+ application for iPhone and iPod touch has appeared on a French iPhone blog. The screenshots show the main menu screen, a Google Maps view called “Find Your Way,” and individual pages for goal progress monitoring and management, workout management and status, and more. A Nike spokesperson said in April that the company was planning to expand its Nike+ program to include the iPhone and iPod touch. It is unknown whether the new app will require the current Nike+iPod Sport Kit or a new peripheral, or whether it will leverage the devices’ built-in accelerometers. [via Ubergizmo]

Update: AppleInsider has posted claims that “people familiar with Nike+ initiative” say the images are not authentic. Instead, the report claims the screenshots are “believed to be the product of a third party or individual developer who conceptualized a semi-functional application.” Without official word from Nike, the status of the screenshots is unclear; iLounge has requested comment from Nike and will update this article as appropriate.

Programming from the Smithsonian Channel, DIY Network and WE tv has been added to the iTunes Store. Initial offerings from the Smithsonian Channel include “Stories from the Vaults,” “Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25,” “Day of the Kamikaze,” and “Nature Tech,” DIY shows currently available include “Indoors Out,” and “Yard Crashers,” while WE tv’s offerings include “High School Confidential,” and “Bridezillas.” Individual shows from all three networks sell for $1.99 each.

A Mac Rumors reader claims to have received an email response from Apple CEO Steve Jobs regarding the ongoing iPhone 3G reception problems. According to the report, Jobs, who is known to personally respond to customer emails on occasion, said, “We are working on some bugs which affect around 2% of the iPhones shipped, and hope to have a software update soon.” Apple released an update to the iPhone Software yesterday evening, but initial reports indicate that it does not fix the problem.

Brando has released its Mobile Phone Telescope for iPhone 3G, a 6x zoom lens that attaches to the phone via a clear plastic case. The Mobile Phone Telescope also includes a neckstrap, and sells for $20.

Mercury Software has introduced its iTabi case for the iPhone 3G, iPod touch, and iPod classic. Handcrafted in Japan, the pouch-style fabric case offers a front pouch for storing headphones or other small items, nylon interior padding, and two straps — one short and one adjustable shoulder-length strap. Available in a variety of designs, it sells for $20.

Telkom Kenya will begin offering the iPhone in Kenya next month under the Orange brand, according to a new report. The carrier, in which Orange parent France Telecom owns a majority stake, is currently undergoing a transition that will see its mobile offerings marketed under the Orange brand. Njeri Rionge, chief commercial and marketing officer with Telkom Kenya, said sales of the iPhone will begin once the Orange service is rolled out.

Apple has sent out an email to MobileMe members announcing a 60-day extension to their subscriptions, which will be added to previously announced 30-day extensions. The email reads: “We have already made many improvements to MobileMe, but we still have many more to make. To recognize our users’ patience, we are giving every MobileMe subscriber as of today a free 60 day extension. This is in addition to the one month extension most subscribers have already received. We are working very hard to make MobileMe a great service we can all be proud of. We know that MobileMe’s launch has not been our finest hour, and we truly appreciate your patience as we turn this around.” The extension applies to all MobileMe subscribers whose account was active as of midnight Pacific Time, August 19.

Apple has released iPhone Software 2.0.2, the latest update to the iPhone and iPod touch software. As with software version 2.0.1, Apple describes the new software as containing simply “bug fixes.” It is currently unclear whether this update will address the reception problems currently being experienced by some iPhone 3G users. The download is 248.7MB in size for the iPhone 3G and 241.9MB for the iPhone, and is available now for the iPhone, the iPhone 3G, and iPod touch units running software version 2.0 or later through the update feature in iTunes.

Update: The “Update All” button has been removed from the mobile App Store’s Update section. 

H2O Audio has introduced its new Surge Bass Amplified Waterproof Headphones. Acoustically engineered for greater clarity and bass and waterproof to 12 feet, Surge features an in-ear design, 8mm neodymium drivers, and a MotionFlex connector for cord strain relief. Each pair also includes five sets of sound-isolating, watertight earplugs for an individual fit and proper seal, and a H2O Audio carrying case. H2O Audio’s Surge Bass Amplified Waterproof Headphones are available now and sell for $60.

Turkcell, Turkey’s largest wireless provider with 35.4 million customers, has announced that it will begin offering the iPhone 3G in Turkey later this year. Vodafone previously announced that it will offer the iPhone in Turkey, making Turkcell Apple’s second carrier partner for the country. Turkcell said the iPhone will be available to both subscription and prepaid customers, but did not provide a release date or pricing information.

Speck Products has announced that it is now shipping its SeeThru case for the iPhone 3G. Originally announced in June, SeeThru for iPhone 3G is a hard shell case with built-in rubberized side strips for extra grip and a specially designed bottom that slides off for docking and conveniently doubles as a horizontal stand. It also offers full access to all ports and controls. Speck’s SeeThru case for the iPhone 3G is available now in purple, pink, red, clear, or black, and sells for $30. For more information on the SeeThru for iPhone 3G, check out our First Look article. 

iPhone Software 2.1 beta 4 has been released to select iPhone developers, surprisingly stripped of the push notification service support seen in earlier beta releases of 2.1. According to Apple, the feature — designed to let applications such as instant messaging services continue to provide updates even when not active — has been pulled “for further development.” Apple has previously said the feature would be ready by September; it is unclear whether its removal is indicative of a delay.

Following up on its impressive Horizon Duo-i dual alarm clock radio for iPods, Boston Acoustics has announced the release of iDS2 ($180), a slightly less expensive and smaller version. iDS2 continues to include dual 3.5” speakers, a 60-Watt amplifier, composite video output, USB and audio inputs, plus an Infrared remote control, as well as offering user-customizable colored metal front grilles that attach to a glossy white or black cabinet; however, it has been stripped of its predecessor’s bright LCD screen, clock radio functionality, and bass/treble controls. iDS2 is available now through the company’s online store.

With over 3,300 votes from iLounge readers, our latest iLounge poll — “Which one possible Fall 2008 Apple product has the best chance of winning your dollars?” — has ended. Readers were given a variety of options, including current-styled but upgraded iPods, a dramatically different iPod or iPhone, a new Mac, current offerings, or not buying anything.

A large number of our readers (29%) said they would only buy an iPod or iPhone if Apple released a dramatically different version in time for the holidays, followed closely by readers who were most interested in purchasing a new Mac (25%). 19% of readers said they would consider buying a current-styled iPod if all Apple changed was the storage capacity, while 3% wanted to see changes in battery life, and only 2% said they would buy a current-styled iPod is all Apple changed was the color scheme or other cosmetics. Finally, 17% of readers said they were satisfied with Apple’s current offerings but weren’t planning on buying anything, and only 5% said they were satisfied with the current options and were planning to make a purchase.

The new poll focuses on the iPhone and iPod touch App Store. We’d like to know: Which category of applications do you feel is most important? Are you most concerned with entertainment and games? Business or productivity apps? Lifestyle/social networking? Photography or other creative apps? Perhaps news and reference apps, travel and other location-aware apps, or music apps? Or do you not own an iPhone or iPod touch? Our latest poll, “Which category of iPhone applications do you consider to be the most important?” lets you answer that question. As always, the iLounge Poll is on the left hand column of the main iLounge.com home page. Cast your vote today!