iPhone Savior

Apple Settles iPhone 4 Antennagate Lawsuit

 

A settlement has been reached in a 2010 class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of 25 million iPhone 4 buyers claiming that a "substantial degradation in signal quality and dropped calls when the phone is used in a normal and foreseeable fashion by users."

Residents who bought Apple's iPhone 4 in the U.S. will be entitled to $15 in cash or a bumper case provided by Apple according to co-lead counsel Ira Rothken.

An iPhone4Settlement.com website is expected to go live in a few weeks instructing customers on how make a claim. Part of the arrangement will include e-mails issued before April 30, 2012 alerting original buyers of the settlement. There will be a 120-day claim period after the notice.

"This settlement relates to a small number of customers who indicated that they experienced antenna or reception issues with their iPhone 4, and didn't want to take advantage of a free case from Apple when it was being offered in 2010." Apple told CNET.

Apple's original suggestion that users were simply "holding the phone wrong" did not hold up in the "antennagate" lawsuit. The suit has not yet indicated if the settlement applies to those who've already accepted a free bumper case from Apple in 2010.

I chose to return my iPhone 4 at the time for a full refund, after not only experiencing wonky calling issues — but also battling a faulty proximity sensor that took months for Apple to finally correct with a software update.

[via CNET]

Phone Club Case Makes iPhone Dudes Look Tough

Yep — now there's finally a Fight Club for iPhone users. They call it Phone Club and there's even an official members only case for that. But remember the first rule of Phone Club  — You do not talk about Phone Club!

Schreer Delights, the same gang of brand rebels who created the wildly popular line of retro Macintosh iPhone cases have unleashed a new set of case designs glorifying an iconic film, smoked bacon and the desire to RAGE all night long.

It will cost you $45 bucks to join the custom case club of your lucid dreams. Feelings of intense anger, rage and self destruction come free upon delivery.

     

[Schreer Delights]

Retro 2 Go Gives Geeks That Gunslinger Swagger

 

I like the idea of using an old school handset with my iPhone, but walking around with the look of a modern gunslinger makes it a whole lot cooler. 

Retro 2 Go was created for those like Lenny Kravitz who rock a Retro Pop or Why You Busy? (YUBZ) handset extension for their smartphone.

It's a belt clip cradle that finally gives your handset the kind of useful and fashionable dangle it truly deserves.

This helpful hunk of geek wear is hand-cast with sturdy urethane resin — priced at $25 and offered in black or clear. The YUBZ handset is not included — that baby will cost you extra.

Expect to see this cool clip-on hanging off the hips of models at Silicon Valley Fashion Week this year. It's ultra-geek chic for the rest of us — city or country dwellers alike.

[Freeland Studios]

I Want This Retro iOS Look For My iPhone!

 

Anton Repponen has imagined a Mac Plus inspired look for his iPhone with iOS '86. This retro classic design concept laid atop the ultra modern iPhone is definitely a must-have for me!

What do you think? — Are you ready for iOS 86?

[repponen live journal]  [wallpaper PNG]

iPhone Dock Hits $1 Million Kickstarter Milestone

 

If you haven't heard of The Elevation Dock just yet or a little Portland-based operation called Elevation Labs, you should know that the company is the first ever to collect over $1 million from Kickstarter and go on to become the largest project in its history.

When Casey Hopkins showcased his aircraft-grade aluminum iPhone charging dock back in December, he hauled in over $165,000 in pledges from some 1,784 enthusiastic Kickstarter backers overnight — all anxious to fund his docking station concept starting at $59 a pop.

Hopkins just collected his epic $1,464,706 in Kickstarter funds, setting a new milestone for the website as he prepares to put in motion production for producing some 15,000 Elevation Docks shipping off to a legion of loyal backers across the globe.

Star Wars iPhone Cases for Victorian Era Geeks

This Victorian era Star Wars portrait collection was imagined by illustrator Terry Fan, then quickly transformed into functional art to become iPhone 4 cases. These detailed portraits take an iconic Sci-fi saga backwards into the past — to a simpler place and time far far away.

The series includes the cultured, steam-powered gentleman Baron Von C3PO, General Fett, a perfectly Victorian Darth Vader and the dapper Sir Yoda. The full size prints are remarkable pieces of art in their original form.

Expect to plunk down $35 for an iPhone case or $15 for iPod or iPhone skin. I'm a huge fan of Terry's earlier work — but this current Star Wars inspired collection is equally brilliant.

[via Society 6]

Retro Apple Case Maker Overwhelmed By Orders

It only took 48 hours for Schreer Delights to halt sales of their Apple inspired iPhone cases. When the $45 cases which included a click wheel iPod, retro Macintosh, original iMacs and Graphite G4 tower, were posted across several blogs — it instantly triggered a buying frenzy from a legion of iPhone faithful.

"Thanks again to all who ordered the Apple inspired iPhone cases. The response was overwhelming." said Don Schreer on the company's website.

"There was so much interest in the last 48 hours that we were concerned that we would be unable to keep up with demand. Because of the response, we took those items off the blog so that we could figure out some production issues."

There's absolutely no doubt that Schreer has tapped into what appears to be a huge demand for nostalgic Apple branded iPhone cases. His clever "Macintosh iPhone" design is well thought out as well as the company's concept for the 2001 click wheel iPod case.

While Apple may ultimately create legal pressure to shut down sales on these inspired retro designs, it does not erase the fact that a tremendous demand still remains. Creating a product that's too popular is an excellent problem to have.

Schreer Designs expects to fill all orders received in the order they were placed. A date for case sales to resume has not yet been announced.

 

       

[Schreer Delights]

Nothing Is More Romantic Than Dinner By iPhone Candlelight

 

Adding romantic lighting to your homemade Valentine's dinner can be instantly turned into an epic geekfest with the Wood Shop Candlestick Charger. Got wood?

David Stark has designed a $175 all-in-one iPhone charger for the ultra-hipster. Nothing says I love you more than lighting up her trendy life with your iPhone. It's the ideal way to keep your phone at the table without being totally obvious.

Even if you don't use David's wood shop wonder dock, you can still download the ultra-realistic Free Candle app in the iTunes App Store for any occasion.

For those about to romance — we salute you.

[Haus Interior]

Instagram Update Adds Epic Fill Lighting Feature

 

There is already so much to love about the Instagram app for iPhone, but creators of the photo sharing phenom have just added a powerful new image enhancement with Lux. Instagram has delivered a real god send with this magic fill light and rapid photo correction option wrapped into one click.

Lux is a standout feature that transforms underexposed images with a single tap by instantly balancing exposure, adding contrast, detail, and a color boost to photos with the greatest of ease. The effect is most useful for landscapes and cityscapes where shadows can prevail.

Instagram version 2.1 also introduces a simplified user interface and new Sierra effect filter to the app. While some might initially struggle with the improved interface, I could appreciate the changes after spending only a few minutes tooling around on the new version.

I'm confident that the community of over 15 million active users will quickly find these revisions to be a welcomed upgrade.

There is a brief article entitled "Using Lux" posted on the Instagram blog that I think most will find useful.

I'm a full fledged Instagram junkie and can't keep myself from using the app on a daily basis. There's really no downside to joining Instagram's wildly popular lo-fi iPhoneography parade, especially since the price of admission is free.

[Instagram]

Jay and Silent Bob Want To Eat Your Brains

 

Because I'm a huge closet fan of hetero life-mates Jay and Slient Bob, these iconic iPhone cases matter. Kevin Smith is all about pimping merchandise — so why not add iPhone 4 cases to the mix.

You can expect to pay $40 for my favorite comic book inspired "Eat Brains" case, or any other one of the 9 different designs on Kevin's Smodcast website. All of these SModCo iPhone 4 cases are Case-Mate brand so you can be sure they will make a quality fit.

I'm hoping that "Bluntman and Chronic" iPhone cases won't be too far behind. What do you say Kevin?

[Smodcast]

Apple Warns Developers About Manipulating App Store Chart Rankings

 

Apple posted an announcement on Monday warning developers that anyone involved in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews will end up losing membership in the Developer Program.

Adhering to Guidelines on Third-Party Marketing Services

"Once you build a great app, you want everyone to know about it. However, when you promote your app, you should avoid using services that advertise or guarantee top placement in App Store charts." said Apple.

"Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews, employing services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your Apple Developer Program membership." Apple added.

The company suggested that developers use the App Store Resource Center in order to "Get helpful tips and resources on marketing your apps the right way."

The warning immediately followed Apple's removal of the embattled "Temple Jump", along with a large number of other alleged "clone apps" that were yanked down from the App Store. The practice capitalizes on iTunes users mistaking iOS lookalike games for the popular versions, only to find they've been duped when experiencing inferior gameplay after downloading.

Clones pull huge sales away from the originals in order to dubiously rise in chart rankings with the greatest of ease.

Developer Anton Sinelnikov had only 9 of his original 68 apps left populating the App Store after being targeted by Apple. His alleged lookalike apps including Tiny Birds, Numbers With Friends, Plants vs. Zombie and Temple Jump were just four of the apps tagged in Apple's clean sweep.

Manipulating App Store rankings is nothing new for iPhone devs, Molinker Inc., became the unwitting poster child of an alleged App Store ratings scam in late 2009, having over 1,100 apps banished by Apple for fabricating 5 star reviews.

Some companies have approached iOS developers with a surefire scheme designed to land their apps in the Top 25 rankings for a $5,000 fee, according to a post by PocketGamer.

It appears Apple is already wise to the scheme which might explain why a Top 25 graphic was also included next to its posted warning to developers.

[iClarified]

Shark vs Gorilla iPhone Case Is Brilliantly Wicked

 

What may appear to be just another iPhone case on the surface is actually part of a series of remarkable illustrations called "Atrocities" — created by emerging Toronto artist Brad Pickard.

"Shark vs Gorilla" is quickly becoming a popular iconic image that makes one wicked cool iPhone case and has already sold out as a skateboard deck.

I was taken by Pickard's body of work which includes brilliantly disturbing images like "Octogirl" and "Lobsterboy", but his wildly original "Atrocities" series is a force to be reckoned with — featured in both New York and Toronto art galleries.

These Artsprojekt iPhone cases use a Speck brand fitted hard shell plastic covered with an easy-to-grip fabric. Expect to pay $46.70 for Pickard's epic Shark vs Gorilla design. Overwhelming feelings of artistic superiority come free upon delivery.

[Artspriojekt]

iVictrola Gramophone Rocks iPhone Like It's 1929

Here's a fresh way to toot your own horn. Schreer Design has crafted a 3D printed analog iPhone speaker inspired by those old tabletop Victrolas sold in huge numbers until the end of the 1920's.

The iVictrola Gramophone seamlessly merges antiquated turn-of-the-century technology with the most sought after smartphone on planet earth.

It comes in two parts, including a sound magnifier horn that adjusts up and down inside of a hallow base. There are several color options, but the basic white model is priced at around $83 dollars.

Even though there are several variations of this same concept on the market, the iVictrola Gramophone has a slick retro appeal with a small footprint that's perfect for bringing a little tabletop wow to any part of the house. For those about to rock — we salute you!

 

[via Shapeways]

iPhone Nightstand Speaker Kills Bedside Clutter

It seems like iPhone speaker docks just keep getting bigger. JVC's new N-BX3 nightstand speaker pushes right past extra large and moves into ginormous — with the biggest docking station of them all. This ultra-modern marvel weighs in at a hefty 44 pounds.

The N-BX3 integrates a set of 30-watt speakers featuring SRS StudioSound HD into an iconic piece of beside furniture with a retractable iPhone dock, glass top and FM tuner on board.

The minimalist design makes a giant leap towards replacing those space-hogging nightstand alarm clock docks. But you'll have to give up the drawer space.

Even though iPhone charging is integrated here, I'd want to know that Bluetooth connectivity was included in the design for dialing in the right song at a moment's notice without having to flop over the side of the bed on those not so lonely nights.

JVC's iStand bedside table of the future is available in Japan for approximately $525 US and it's offered in black or white finish. That could be a tad expensive if you have to buy one for your side of the bed and a matching nightstand for wifey.

 

[Gizmodo via Akihabara News]

What Angry Birds Look Like After The Game Ends

 

I never gave much thought to what those Angry Birds might look like once the game is over. Deviant Artist Scooterek has given us his perfectly twisted vision behind the scenes of the Angry Birds gameplay — once the popular flock of fowl have finished wreaking havoc on a gang of pigs.

The end result is not a pretty picture — but the artwork is wicked cool.

I'm unofficially calling Scooterek's epic collection of illustrations "Battered Birds". The artist has said that Mighty Eagle and a group of pummeled Pigs are soon to follow.

I can't wait!

   

[see the entire Scooterek set @ DeviantART]

Dark Side of the Forest iPhone Case Doth Rule

If you've not yet discovered the amazing artwork of Terry Fan, here's your big chance. While I chose to feature his epic "Dark Side of the Forest" iPhone case, the fun doesn't end there.

I have two more favorites like his other Star Wars inspired "Yodalution" and the whimsical "Everyone Gets Cold" illustration of Bigfoot.

Dark Side of the Forest includes Terry Fan's signature leafing design work, but it was the glowing Empire moon in the background that had me sold. Expect to pay $35 for a snap-on case or $15 for the iPhone skin — all fitted for iPhone 4/4S or 3G models.

[via Society 6]

Thousands line up for Foxconn jobs in Zhengzhou

 

The Chinese city of Zhengzhou was flooded with thousands of applicants on Monday who gathered outside a labor agency to apply for iPhone plant jobs as electronics giant Foxconn begins to ramp up its huge hiring efforts. The crowd continued to grow throughout the day despite recent controversy over a New York Times report highlighting difficult working conditions at Foxxconn.

Lines dominated by mostly male workers stretched more than 200 meters along the road, as Foxconn expects to recruit an additional 100,000 employees to work at their Science Park plant in Zhengzhou. The workforce expansion is aimed at doubling daily production of iPhones to 400,000 per day — up from the current 200,000 mark.

The $1.1 billion expansion — expected to bring $20 billion in sales revenue in 2012, would position the factory as the largest smartphone production facility in the world.

Foxconn advertised that basic salaries for new hires would include a food and housing allowance which attracted thousands of young job seekers including many experienced workers previously employed by the company in southern China’s Shenzhen province, according to a report by M.I.C. Gadget. As night began to fall, applicants could still be seen waiting to apply for jobs.

"The long lines at the labor agency may have surprised some, considering the harsh working conditions at Foxconn’s factories," said M.I.C. Gadget blogger Chris Chang.

"No matter how poor the working conditions are, we can still see lots of Chinese willing to work at the hell factory to assemble the tech gadgets we’re using today. God bless them." Chang added.

It's believed that increased production efforts are being initiated to support production for the highly anticipated iPhone 5 expected to launch later this year.

[photo credit M.I.C. Gadget]

This Mr. Spock Inspired iPhone Case Is All Ears

 

The original detachable ear, which began as a design school project by Daniela Gilsanz, has now become a new iPhone 4S case series called "All Ears", re-imagined by Worldwide Fred.

All Ears delivers one snap-on, hard-shell plastic case for iPhone 4 or 4S along with 6 full color inserts that include two of my favorite designs, the Mr. Spock Vulcan ear and blood spattered Zombie. I'm hoping for the inevitable zombie Spock ear that could spark a protest from committed Star Trek geeks.

Even though this novelty case will cause more shocks than it will ever be able to absorb, it's definitely a legit gag worth the $12 investment. The reusable case inserts are printed on waterproof plastic ”paper” to ensure extended use.  

All Ears is expected to go on sale through Perpetual Kid sometime in early April, including bi-sexual sets of both His and Hers versions.

You can still grab the original Earonic Case designs for $20 via the CollabCubed shop, but they don't include the must-have Vulcan or zombie kind.

iPro Lens System Helps Your iPhone Go Pro

 

Schneider Optics has launched a series of professional-quality lenses designed especially for iPhone 4 and 4S in hopes of raising the bar on iPhoneography.

The iPro Lens System works with a rugged snap-on case which utilizes a bayonet mount to quickly attach fisheye and wide-angle lenses for capturing professional-grade photos.

The wide-angle lens provides 35% more coverage of the area in front of you while the fisheye lens captures a 165-degree field of view. One of the more clever attachments is the iPro handle that serves as a dual tripod mount, but it also neatly stores the lenses inside.

This three-piece system costs $199 and is available for purchase now at the company's website. Schneider Optics is also planning the release of their iPro Tele Lens. The 2X telephoto narrows the iPhone’s field of view by 50% and is expected to arrive sometime in April for an additional $100.

Although Schneider Optics is not the first to offer attachable photo lenses for iPhone, the company has refined an innovative and handy pro grade kit that should make shooting on the go hassle free. Of course, the proof is in the image quality which is all that truly matters in my opinion.

[Schneider Optics]

Super Mario Bros. Wallpaper for iPhone and iPad

 

Everything retro is cool again — especially this free set of Super Mario Bros. wallpaper created for iPhone and iPad by designer Louie Mantia. Last week I showed you Louie's Lego brick wallpapers that caused quite a massive firestorm of interest.

When you get to the page on Mantia.me select your desired device download, tap the screen and hit Save Image to download the large version directly to your iPhone or iPad camera role.

You'll find over 60 well thought out designs tooled by Mantia for his website including the expanded Super Mario Bros. desktop wallpaper which is perfectly awesome. Did I mention that these are all free?

[via Mantia.me]