iPhone Savior

John Mayer Uncovers New iPhone Language

The Urban Dictionary is about to have some unexpected competition from the infamous John Mayer, rock star and serial iPhone twitterer. In a recent tweet heard around the world, Mayer admits to unlocking a world of new words through typos using the iPhone's touch-only keyboard.

With over 1,714,685 Twitsciples hanging on every one of Mayer's 140 characters, it's just a matter of time before an official online 'iPhone Typos Dictionary' is born. Though many of the user-generated typos may be employed at first only by Mayer's close fanatical followers, I'm convinced that a word like 'e-maul', which perfectly describes getting a hateful tongue-lashing via email, is destined to take its rightful place in pop culture.

John Mayer has quickly become a Twitter phenom known for his demented tweets (below) that seem to resonate deeply with his fan base in a way that no singer-songwriter has ever done before. The idea of 'dream-tweeting' did not exist before Mayer made the eccentric practice popular.

It's easy to imagine thousands of original iPhone typos being uploaded into global circulation via Mayer's own Twitizen network. Like heading out to a 'testaurant', a phrase that could refer to trying out a new restaurant for the first time.

Armed with the wildly popular Twittelator app, John Mayer is uniquely positioned to launch a new iPhone language revolution one tweet at a time. I'll be there on the front lines to report about it! Just remember that you heard it here first. Now which one of you twittards wants to be the first one to tweet that?

[Follow John C. Mayer]

Obama Pajama iPhone Case Is A National Disaster

STYLE GUIDE: Cut from genuine fail cloth, this handmade Obama iPhone case qualifies as a national disaster worthy of federal aid. The idea of turning what looks like retarded Obama pajamas into a tragic iPhone cozy is a painful reminder that long exposure to craft glues may cause brain damage.

This one-of-a-kind Presidential embarrassment comes lined with soft red fleece to absorb shocks while creating shock and awe in public places. The designer even included a "transparent back pocket" for stashing your credit cards, earbuds and poor self-esteem. A round brass clip that rotates 360 degrees allows you to conveniently attach your fail pouch to any belt loop. Forever cementing your status as a clueless ass clown with zero fashion sense.

 

While you would expect the creator of this grand hackery to pay you to flaunt her designer iPhone sleepware, she is shamelessly requiring a hostage fee of $14.00 plus shipping for her American made masterpiece. Grab this commemorative Obama classic before it's gone!

[Chauchaumamar via Etsy]

Steve Jobs Immortalized In Black Velvet Painting

With so much depressing news taking center stage lately, it's good to know that true art doth prevail, never ceasing to bring joy and gladness. Black velvet paintings came into popular fashion from the 1950s to the 1970s with the most recognizable being Velvet Elvis, always symbolizing the ultimate in bad taste.

Not be left out, Apple's beloved CEO, Steve Jobs, has now been brilliantly immortalized in god-like style on authentic black velvet. For me it was love at first sight, though I was a bit sad the artist didn't choose the garish fluorescent colors typically used to paint a velvet masterpiece.

The likeness of Jobs created here by Angela Wells, is a fitting reminder that some subjects are best left to memory. Though his eyes do follow you around the room in a very creepy way. What a unique way of saying... welcome back Steve.

[photo by Angela Wells]

Google Enters Netbook Race With "Chrome" OS

Google has officially announced their full throttle entry into the race for netbook superiority with their Google Chrome Operating System. Expected to be ready for serious web junkies in the second half of 2010, the key aspects of Google Chrome OS will be speed, simplicity and security. Unlike Microsoft, Google is convinced that "computers need to get better" and they plan to design their OS with the proper horse power required to make that impossible dream a reality.

"Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems."

"The operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web." 

The netbook category offers a huge opportunity and Google hopes to get into the race early enough to establish themselves as the dominant leader of internet browsing on devices with tiny keyboards and minuscule memory. It's clear from the press release that the search engine giant also intends to target cloud computing as a key feature.

Mac Classic iPhone Case Delivers Instant iDrool

STYLE GUIDE: It was bound to happen, in the felt iPhone pouch war for design superiority, the "Macintosh Classic" has trumped all the cases with an epic nod to the beige days of Apple. Designer vanMourik, chose to combine cream and gray colored felts with gray lining, along with adding a man-tastic black stitching around the edges to avoid any girlish flair in his ultra-retro design.

The tiny embroidered rainbow Apple logo shows the designer's commitment to authentic style, creating instant iDrool for any true Mac enthusiast. Expect to pay $25 for this handmade work of art that's certain to gain you bragging rights as the big Mac Daddy in the room. I suggest jumping on this one fast to beat the rush.

Though this Happy Mac case would be a cute accessory for the ladies, it truly belongs firmly gripped inside the hairy meat hooks of some shaved ape with a dangerous lust for iPhone. That's what I'm talking about! It's the one iPhone case to rule them all.

[vanMourik via Etsy]

Warning: This Book Is Not An iPhone Buyer's Guide

When self-published author Dottie Randazzo, decided to pen her first road to riches book entitled, "How To Shit Money To Get An iPhone" ($22.95), she thought using iPhone in her title was a brilliant idea. That's where her brilliance came to an abrupt end as Dottie careened off the highway of good sense, plowing head-on into an epic fail by also choosing to include "shit money" in her title. Who shits money?

While I was riveted by Miss Randazzo's ultra-hip insight on unblocking mental cash flow, I'm actually looking forward to her next obvious book, "How To Properly Wash Money Covered In Shit", which seems like a necessary follow-up if you buy into her unique strategy. Or even this title that could become a certified best-seller, "Laundering A Shit Load of Cash To Remove The Stink".

Everyone knows that Apple stores don't accept cash for iPhone purchases. They usually require a credit card or gift card for the transaction. They really don't give a crap how much cash you bring to the party, especially the kind Miss Dottie will be passing around.

But if she has a method for shitting credit cards, then I'm all ears.

[Macenstein]

Alcohol Said To Remove White iPhone 3GS Discoloration

A new report coming from FrenchiPhone.com claims that the discoloration affecting some white iPhone 3GS devices is not the result of overheating as many websites reported early last week. Blame for the pinkish hue is being aimed at contact with some third-party cases according to the French iPhone blog. Removing the discoloration is said to be easily accomplished by using basic rubbing alcohol.

- After numerous calls to Apple technical service and maintenance of contact with a level 3 (engineer) the problem seems to come not from a hot 3GS but contact with some covers! This was evident by ourselves on a device with a small sticker (a warning not to listen to music too loud) remained stuck, part of the hull below remained white.

 - A simple solution to the problem is to clean the back of the iPhone with alcohol, tested by myself I can confirm that it works and reassure you it is safe for your precious.

I would choose a soft, lint-free cloth using the alcohol sparingly on one small section of the device until you can confirm that the discoloration is actually being removed.

The original report of overheating causing white iPhone 3GS devices to become discolored came from another french blog Nowhere Else which has been known to mislead with bogus posts in the past. Which is the reason why we chose not to run what sounded like grand speculation when the story first surfaced.

The brand of third-party cases allegedly responsible for causing a discoloration problem has not yet been identified. Apple has also not issued an official statement on this issue.

[MacRumors]

Game Boy iPhone Pouch Won't Make You Cooler

STYLE GUIDE: An iPhone fashion revolution is officially under way, with designer felt pouches quickly becoming all the rage as the ultra-fashionable alternative to boring plastic cases. This custom-made Game Boy slip-cover creation is no exception to that trend, though the detailing here is a tad under done compared to some.

"You will love it, and your friends will be jealous because you are so much cooler." said German designer Toastkawaii wildly exaggerating in her product description.

While many die hard iPhone owners insist on barebacking without any device protection at all, this nod to old school gaming may be the perfect solution for keeping your iPhone or iPod touch scratch-free without adding too much pocket bulk.

You'll pay $15.00 for this all felt pouch design finished off with a soft black fabric lining, carefully machine sewn for her pleasure.

[Toastkawaii via Etsy]

BeautyMeter App Pulled After Teen Girls Bare All

 

The latest nudie drama coming from the iTunes App Store centers around a vicious free app called BeautyMeter which mirrors the concept behind the popular online website "Hot or Not". The app produced by developers Funnymals, allows people desperate for any kind of attention to upload photos of themselves to be rated by a community of gawkers. Photos are rated by giving stars based on three criteria: face, body and clothes. With the latter criteria being of lesser importance.

A wildfire of controversy was set off on Wednesday when Krapps.com, uncovered several sexually explicit pictures of some girls who list their age as 16. One photo features a 15-year old flasher posing topless, including a deliberate pantie dip as she poses for the camera. The app was quickly pulled from the App Store and sent directly to developer hell with the Baby Shaker app.

If you recall, it was also Krapps.com that first exposed "Baby Shaker", the farcical baby killing simulator app that sparked a shit storm of controversy in the media. This latest full-throttle, underage, nudie thrill ride marks the second public relations disaster for Apple exposed inside of a week. Last week the app, Hottest Girls steamed up bathroom mirrors with its own displays of topless ladies that just happened to slip past Apple screeners. The app lasted less than 24 hours before being banished.

While I could wax on about this subject for another few paragraphs, I think it's best you absorb the entire shiteree over at Krapps. The wildly popular app review site has earned the spotlight on this ginormous discovery. When the smoke clears I would look for another public apology from Apple who've managed to be caught with their pants down once again as the App Store approval machine grinds onward. How do you spell fail?

[Screenshots courtesy of Krapps]

New iPhone 3GS Ad 'Skateboard' Focuses On Video

The third spot in a fresh trilogy of iPhone 3GS commercials "Skateboard", places Apple's video capture, on board editing and sharing features center stage. While the company's formula remains in tact, including a new music bed entitled "Mr. Pitiful" performed by Matt Costa, the latest ad focuses on video sharing as the hook. Honestly, what good is any video feature if you're not able to share the content?

This would be an ideal time for AT&T to enter from stage left with an official announcement about the start of their wildly anticipated MMS service. The company still has not delivered up a launch date. I'll share videos via email for now... but that thrill is bound to be fading fast. Send that in an email!

"Video on the iPhone 3GS. The most powerful iPhone yet."

iPhone PlayStation Case Gives Me Warm Fuzzies

STYLE GUIDE: The idea of a PlayStation Console case for iPhone with matching controller key chain is one fantastical work of genius that instantly restored a feeling of childlike wonder for me at first glance. Hand tooled with a felt outside and black felt lining, this magical sheath is hand embroidered with great detail certain to spark epic conversations about the glory days of video gaming.

Notice the Sony and PlayStation logos and geek-tastic detailing put into designing the controller. It's like buying an iPhone case and plush toy all in one. Dimensions are 5" by 3" making it capable of fitting an iPod touch or gadget of similar size.

Expect to pay $20.00 for the case and an optional $7.00 for lusting after the felt PS1 Controller. An ultra-fashionable iPhone accessory worth twice the price.

[Rabbitrampage via Etsy]  [Game Boy Pouch]

iPhone OS 3.1 Screenshots Reveal Video Update

The latest beta release of iPhone OS 3.1 features a few small but necessary updates aimed at iPhone 3GS devices that both developers and users will welcome as happy, happy, joy, joy items of interest. One of those features include new APIs to that will enable third party apps to access videos along with the edit function. Expect a fresh crop of apps that will include iPhone video access.

Another useful feature beyond faster boot times is also focused on video. In the current 3.0 version once a video clip is trimmed, the original version is overwritten and lost. This update offers the option of either saving the newly trimmed version as a copy or you can choose to overwrite the original. The latter option will burn storage space quicker for the iPhone video geeks.

Here's a list of some changes revealed in iPhone OS 3.1 :

• Video editing on iPhone 3GS won't overwrite the original when trimming a clip.
• iPhone will now vibrate when arranging home screen icons.
• “Fraud Protection” toggle has been added to settings under Safari.
• iPhone boot time is now faster.
• Voice Control over Bluetooth.
• New APIs to enable third party apps to access videos and edit them.

Also of note is that MMS support is included again for AT&T users, though as experienced with early iPhone 3.0 betas, the buttons are non-functional on standard devices. Twitter user 'ohjoey' reports that tethering over Bluetooth is working as well. Is Apple sending us a hopeful sign?

Apple has not yet announced when the update will drop. The current OS 3.1 firmware and the iPhone SDK 3.1 for developers is meant for testing purposes only. The rest of us will have to hurry up and wait.

[Redmond Pie via The iPhone Blog]

Apple Pimps iPhone 3GS In Latest TV Ads

The opening copy in Apple's two brand new TV commercials starts with what has become its summer blockbuster theme for the third consecutive year, "This is the new iPhone". A profound sentence that's forever changed the mobile phone industry. In the latest adverts, the company focuses all of the attention on one long overdue feature "Copy and Paste" and on a newcomer known as "Voice Control".

While I'm still in shock over how long Apple has taken to finally deliver iPhone users the gift of Copy & Paste, it's Voice Control that has been capturing my mindshare of late. It's one epic feature I love using along with the in-line remote found on Apple's earbud headset. 

PowerMac G3 Lamp Is One Steaming Pile of Art

STYLE GUIDE: Here's a hunk of artistic Apple hackery that should be featured as the main attraction in a trailer park Mac museum. Made from what looks like the combined parts of an old iMac and PowerMac G3, this brilliantly awkward lamp creation is sure to add epic flair to any room in the double-wide.

The "Blueberry Wave" is classic junk yard chic that still manages to offer a proper homage to Dr. Frankenstein. It's painfully difficult to remember what it actually looked liked in a former life. One of the lamp's best features is its locking hatch on top which allows easy access to the bulb inside. That's where the magical feelings end.

 

If you're looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for the committed Mac enthusiast in your life, you may not want to pass up this opportunity to let your lovelight shine.

How much would you pay to cast various shades of Apple blueberry blue around the room? Expect to pay $45 dollars plus $15 dollars shipping in the US.

The buyers remorse is priceless! [close-up photo after break]

[Bitwerk on Etsy]

iPhone 3GS Graphics Performance Gets Tested

Compared to Apple's iPhone 3G device in OpenGL benchmark testing, the graphical abilities on iPhone 3GS have received a considerable upgrade according to the results posted on GLBenchmark. Exactly how much of an upgrade?

• CPU performance is Faster by 40-70%
• The fillrate* is 3x to 4x higher
• Texture effects and filters are about 10x faster 

The benchmark test was running OpenGL ES 1.X which means that even more impressive 3D graphics can be expected in the near future since iPhone 3GS is capable of running OpenGL 2.X, as identified in a great post by Ubergizmo. The two other devices compared in the test were iPhone 2G and Nokia N95 8GB.

While claims of better iPhone graphics and faster CPU performance get tossed around like ecstasy at a Lady Gaga concert, it's good to finally see some intelligent data. I'm anxious to experience the reality of the epic 3D game titles developed for iPhone 3GS that are still to come. The future of iPhone gaming is getting brighter by the moment. The "S" stands for speed. Tweet that broseph!

"Understand how far forward graphics power on the iPhone has moved. You will be shocked by the second generation of iPhone 3GS titles." Ubergizmo

[Ubergizmo]

Contour Case Makes Sturdy iPhone Tripod Mount

Here's a simple modification for turning any Contour brand case ($30) into a sturdy iPhone tripod mount. This do-it-yourself design by Scott Patrick is a fairly cheap solution for the serious video geek. I like the idea of using an iPhone case that adds extra protection should some duck-footed, wonder-klutz kick the tripod while your device is mounted.

The only objection I have is that I prefer to shoot video in landscape perspective rather than portrait. Which appears to be an easy adjustment with Scott's mod seen here. I guess you can always use the tripod for the landscape tilt. Even so I have little use for video in portrait mode.

       Here's what you'll need:

• iPhone Contour Case
• Angled aluminum
• 1-1/2" x (quarter twenty) 1/4-20" bolt
• Lock washer
• 1" nylon sleeve
• (quarter twenty) 1/4-20" coupling nut

See Bracketron Dock-It Tripod Mount Mod

iPhone 3GS Availability Checker Updated Hourly

Before you rush out to an Apple retail store fully armed with your Master Card aimed at a new iPhone 3GS, you may want to check online first. Apple has re-launched its wildly popular iPhone availability checker online allowing a detailed stock check before you pounce on your local store.

Apple promises that iPhone 3GS availability is updated hourly online and that fresh stock arrives most days. Simply select your state and a list of Apple retail stores will appear with either the dreaded "red square of instant death" or the "green circle of joy". Green means go while red means hell awaits you. You can always save the hassle and order online.

I noticed that Oregon, Utah and Alabama stores are already "sold out" of all iPhone 3GS models, though most of the other 200 Apple retail locations are not. Happy hunting!  

 

[Art by Joy of Tech]

iPhone 3GS Launches To Wild Cheers In Sydney

SYDNEY - iPhone 3GS launched in Australia to bursts of cheers whipped up mostly by anxious Apple store staffers awaiting doors to open at 8:00 a.m. inside the George Street Apple store location. Hundreds of iPhone faithful waiting in line were clapped into the store by a wall of gawking employees. Who's excited? It became obvious in the video that Aussies are not about to be swept up in the fabricated hype delivered by those wild-eyed Apple-bots in the blue and orange tee shirts.

Calvin Park, who stood in a massive Apple store line last year for the launch of iPhone 3G, knew it was only a rehearsal since Park chose not to purchase a phone in 2008. This year would be totally different.

"I can't think of any other word to describe it - it just feels great. I've been waiting for this one for a year." Park told The Sydney Morning Herald as he choked back tears of pure joy and exhilaration. 

Across town at an Optus store location, filmmaker Derek Steen purchased his new iPhone 3GS then quickly exited the store and began capturing video using his new device to document the moment. He immediately uploaded the movie directly to his YouTube account, a new feature offered with iPhone 3GS now armed with a 3.2 megapixel camera and the ability to shoot and trim video on board. (Optus video after break)

'Hottest Girls' App Fails, Developer Claims Hack

Close to 5:00 p.m. PST the Hottest Girls ($1.99) app we downloaded in the early hours of June 25th is now loading with a message from the developer indicating that their "servers are being hacked." The app which was originally released on May 6th featuring mostly Asian girls in lingerie, was just updated to include a new grouping of topless women in uncomfortable poses.

Shortly after news broke that this R-Rated nudie app was Apple-approved for download, reports surfaced that the app was pulled from the US iTunes stores by Apple. TechCrunch quickly refuted that report claiming the app was actually pulled down by the developer sending word that it was "sold out". The app is currently useless with a message that reads;

"Our servers are being hacked and overloaded. We will be back when the hackers stop, or when our new server ships to us."

The "Allen The Geek" website, hosted by the developer of Hottest Girls, Allen Leung, contains a message informing readers of server overload. So what's the real deal here? Did Leung pull the app himself, unprepared for the server load as a result of rabid demand for iBoobs? Or did Apple shut him down?

Fake Steve Jobs Serves Up Roasted Rubinstein For Breakfast

 

For those of you who've been sleep navigating the interwebs lately, you may not have noticed that Fake Steve Jobs has reclaimed his blogging throne and he's back with a vengeance. His latest skewering is trademark brilliance entitled, "Jon Rubinstein now says he'll get a new liver, too". The great fake one mercilessly lampoons Palm's CEO in classic Jobsian style while reducing the Pre device to a polished turd.

"Jon Rubinstein, is planning to receive a liver transplant. No official date -- they just say it will happen sometime in the next 12 to 18 months. Palm says Rubinstein's liver will have features that my liver lacks, though they won't say what those features are." The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs

El Jobso goes on to congratulate Rubinstein's team of ex-Apple traitors with a huge bat as he freely serves up laugh outloud, backhanded compliments about the Pre like breath mints at Gilroy's annual garlic festival. Lavishing on the device the kind of copy-cat praise it truly deserves.

DIY iPhone Tripod Mount Is Useful Overkill

 

Only a few days after I ordered myself a lightweight, table-top tripod from Hong Kong to capture video reviews with my new iPhone 3GS, videophile Eddie Breen, burst onto the scene with a simple tripod mount mod made from a Bracketron Dock-It cupholder mount kit. Breen became obsessed with creating a real tripod solution for his iPhone 3GS that would match his "exceedingly high photographic expectations."

Carving out the plastic tripod screw from a broken Nikon Coolpix he had lying around, Breen attached it in a crude but workable fashion to the baseplate of his Bracketron dock. The results of his do-it-yourself franken-pod mount are impressive, requiring no modding to the phone's body at all.

"Maybe someone already offers this tripod mount for sale somewhere - I don’t know." Breen wrote on his blog, "I did an exhaustive search for about an hour, and couldn’t find anything, so I just made one myself."

Though Eddie's modification may be glorious overkill for an iPhone mount, the idea is still slick and useful, providing ample shock absorption should he decide to produce a high-impact, action thriller video for YouTube.

Until my epic iPhone steady-cam mount is finished, I'll stick with the table-top tripod I bought on Ebay for $2.99. Check out the entire do-it-yourself process on Eddie's blog.

First Apple-Approved iPorn App Gets Unveiled

Oh dear God... it has begun! Hottest Girls ($1.99), an app which was released on May 29th featuring mostly Asian chicks in lingerie, has now been infused with an update to include topless women in uncomfortable poses. Be certain that the R-Rated content updated on this app is deliberately explicit and approved by Apple, signaling the start of a wicked new era in mobile iPorn. Yep, now there's an app for that too!

While the rating implies you must be 17+ years old to download this app, that idea is null and void without manually engaging the restrictions settings in iTunes preferences or directly on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Make Any Dictator The Target In 'Boss Attack'

If you haven't given the app Boss Attack a proper eyeballing yet, here's your big chance broseph. This $.99 cent app is simple, stupid fun for anyone with half a brain. I could actually feel myself getting dumber after playing Boss Attack for almost ten minutes.

The idea of turning anyone's face into a moving target makes this app my current favorite. Choose a photo from your iPhone library or snap one to use on the fly.

I chose Iran's President Ahmadinejad, pop icon Susan Boyle and Steve Jobs as my victims. Pelting Susan Boyle with pies to the head over and over was just too wicked to resist. See it all played out in my iPhone 3GS video review after the break.

Jobs Confirmed 'Back In The House' At Apple

CUPERTINO, CA - Steve Jobs has officially returned to Apple's Cupertino campus according to a report by Jim Goldman, the Silicon Valley Bureau Chief for CNBC. While Apple is still not commenting on the news with an official statement, ol' Jimbo seems certain because employees are confirming that Jobs was there on Monday.

"The news is solid. Jobs is back in the house, at least for today." Jim Goldman wrote in his post for CNBC.

Meanwhile, Reuters is reporting that "the diety" himself was spotted leaving Apple's Cupertino headquarters in a black car along with with "two men in black suits". a sighting that sounds suspiciously like it could have been Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones filming a super-secretive scene from a new "Men In Black" film where aliens attempt to kidnap Mr. Jobs.

iPhone 3GS Hits One Million Sold In Three Days

CUPERTINO, CA - It took only three days for Apple to sell one million iPhone 3GS devices according to a press release issued by the company on Monday. The sales figures being reported do not yet include the newly-priced $99 8GB iPhone 3G, once tallied into the totals this past weekend could represent Apple's most successful product launch to date. News that's certain to deal a crippling blow to the Palm Pre hacks.

Analysts like Piper Jaffray, estimated roughly 500,000 iPhone 3GS handsets would be sold over the first weekend, but the results were far more robust than anyone had originally anticipated.

“Customers are voting and the iPhone is winning,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “With over 50,000 applications available from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, iPhone momentum is stronger than ever.”

The Best Case for iPhone Second to None

STYLE GUIDE: If you're searching for an epic case to protect your new iPhone 3G S, look no further than the Incase Slider. Most longtime iPhone fanatics will tell you that a low profile case is most ideal. No one wants to add extra girth to their handset when buying a case, which is why a Slider by Incase makes such an ideal choice for its thin profile, excellent drop protection and a ginormous amount of styles to choose from.

The Slider can be found at any Apple store, especially if you like a simple matte black finish. But be certain that the best variety will be found online if you order direct from Goincase.com. The Metallic series are some of my personal favorites.

I have my eye on the new "Hunter Gatherer" design which will be released on June 23rd (pictured right), it has the kind of wicked flair I'm looking for. I'm expecting this fresh find covered in wood grain goodness to become an instant classic among iPhone faithful. Expect to pay $34.95 for any Incase Slider, but you should also expect to not be disappointed.

[Incase]

Using Your Earbud Remote with iPhone 3G S

Another small but very useful change Apple has delivered with iPhone 3G S is the wide range of device control accessed through an integrated remote button and mic found in-line on their stereo earbuds. The ability to trigger calls with the new Voice Control app is fun even if not always spot on. I found this upgrade to be a welcomed addition to the mix of new features I've been slowly uncovering with my new device.

 Here's a brief review of what you can do using Apple's earbud remote:

• Adjust device volume by pressing the + and - buttons.
• Control music and video — play/pause by clicking the center button.
• Answer and end calls by clicking the center button.
• Control next track or audiobook chapter by double-clicking the center button.
• Control previous track or audiobook chapter by triple-clicking center button
  
• Activate Voice Control feature for calls, dialing, and song selection by holding down the center button to launch app.

For those who use a hands-free Bluetooth earpiece, these earbuds may not mean much, but for everyone else Apple has brought some great functionality here that I've found useful on my daily walks.

I've posted a click-by-click user guide for the earbud remote button [here]. I think you'll be surprised how much this tiny button can control with one finger clicks. This is not just any ordinary stereo headset.

Note: Apple's integrated earbuds work with limited functionality on iPhone 3G

[Apple]

iPhone 3G S Hysteria Hits Small Seattle Suburb

                        Pictured from L to R: Phil, Zeke, James, Ian, Jesse and Brian

ISSAQUAH, WA - A fiercely loyal duo of iPhone fanatics wasted no time starting the line for the launch of Apple's new iPhone 3G S at a small AT&T location out in the suburbs some twenty five minutes east of downtown Seattle. The town that spawned indie rock band Modest Mouse in 1993 is where I chose to line up for my own iPhone 3G S purchase.

The line began at 3:30 pm on Thursday afternoon with Ian and Jesse, who grabbed the number one and two spots without the benefit of pre-ordering with AT&T. A small hoard of iPhone faithful joined the party after dark to brave the rain soaked night, hoping to push through the glass doors of AT&T shortly after 7:00 am once a minor number of pre-orders were filled. Just minutes before 7:00, the AT&T staff broke the bad news, confirming that anyone who did not pre-order a device will have to wait until 9:00 am for purchases. Fail. After what felt like an eternity, the line started to move into the store.