iPhone Savior

Photos Confirm Autofocus and Compass Features In Next-Generation iPhone

 

Images verified as coming from Chinese blog UMPCFever, confirm three previously rumored features of the next-generation iPhone in action. An added autofocus feature, video recording and a digital compass application.

According to the reports, the new iPhone contains an autofocus feature which uses a blue on-screen square enabling users to move the focus area with finger gestures. The image above shows the ability to select video camera or the still camera in the right hand corner. The image in the lower left is reportedly a thumbnail of the previous video or photo.

Also pictured in epic blur-vision, is a previously unseen magnetic compass application rumored to be a key part of the next-generation iPhone, which provides a digital readout and a full rotating analog compass seen on the screen.

There's no way to verify if these Hong Kong-based images are truly authentic. Though the source chose to take photos of the iPhone's screen rather than publishing screen shots, aimed at increasing believability. The features shown are consistent with circulating rumors, but the report indicates showing next gen hardware operating inside a 3G case. Additionally the site posted photos of MMS, a CPU activity screen and voice recording in action.

[Gizmodo via The iPhone Blog]

New iPhone Enclosure Finds Apple All Aglow

If rumors of the next-gen iPhone are true, the enclosure will be delivered in a matte black finish with a natural grip rubber texture designed to fend off constant finger smudges and frequent scratches. This current image put in circulation by MacRumors, places the fabled new iPhone casing alongside Apple's 3G in order to better highlight the differences.

Another rumor running rampant is the idea that the Apple logo on the back of the new iPhone will emit an epic glow. I would expect that if true, Apple will provide users with a preference to turn the glow off as they choose. I'm strongly in favor a glowing Apple logo, it would be a simple upgrade to iPhone's case design adding a tremendous amount of flair.

A relatively obscure website calling themselves AppleiPhoneApps.com claimed to be in contact with a source "closely connected to Apple’s hardware development team", revealing a July 17th launch date for the new iPhone. Why not July 10th? The following specs are being passed around as dozens of Apple aficionados speculate on what the new hardware will reveal.

• 32 GB of storage (up from 16 GB)
• 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera
• 600 MHz CPU (up from 400 MHz)
• 256 MB of RAM (up from 128MB)
• a digital compass and FM receiver.

It's expected that Apple will announce their new iPhone model at the WWDC on June 8th with an official public launch coming weeks later. Though Apple has announced that Phil Schiller, senior vice president of world marketing will deliver this year's WWDC (World Wide Developers Conference) keynote, Mac faithful are hoping that Steve Jobs will still make a guest appearance at the big event. The recent news of Jobs' stealthy visit to Apple's Cupertino campus has only fueled the burning flames of wishful thinkers.

'Slide To Unlock' iPanties Helps You Make Friends In Low Places

STYLE GUIDE: After realizing that these 'Slide To Unlock' iPanties are being sold online by the dozen, Cult of iPhone fanatics will either be filled with feelings of classic "happy, happy, joy, joy" or they'll want to stab themselves in the eye to release the pressure from a massive brain hemorrhage.

What started out as a casual joke on the wildly popular tech blog Gizmodo, has now spawned into a low fashion frenzy some designers are calling "The first full throttle blockbuster hit of the summer!" While the slide to unlock doormat welcomes guests into your home, the iPanty makes you 'think different'.

iPanties come in three naughty sizes for her, small, medium and damn that girl is thick. They're made from high-quality, heat absorbing cotton and trimmed with comfy elastic to ensure a feel-good fit. iPanties are 100% machine washable, but you may want to hand wash these with gentle care.

I'm certain this homage to proper iPhone entry will be irresistible to any certified Mac chick looking to add some secret flair to her southern resort area. I would expect this iPhone geekware to be a huge hit at bachelorette parties and guys poker night. I've already sent a pair of iPanties to Steve Jobs for him to autograph and return.

If you know iPhone, you'll get the joke. If you don't... then you won't!

$12 each via iPanties

New Yorker Cover Triggers Payday for Brushes App

When The New Yorker announced their plans to feature the epic work of iPhone impressionist artist Jorge Colombo, on the cover of their June issue, it instantly triggered an unexpected payday for Brushes app developer Steve Sprang. A $13,373 dollar payday to be exact, as the iPhone gold rush delivered another impressive pay out to an independent developer overnight.

On May 25th, the day the New Yorker broke the story that Colombo's iPhone art would grace their cover, Sprang's wildly popular iPhone painting application hauled in the highest one day sales since it was first released back in August of 2008. Reaching over 2,700 downloads at $4.99 a click. Gaining the kind of free advertising that creates instant iDrool for most developers.

That amounts to almost $10,000 in one day for Steve Sprang after Apple shaves off their thirty percent share. Not exactly chump change for an iPhone developer bent on making a full-time living from his handy work.

In all fairness, Mr. Sprang says he's thrilled to see an artistic community flourishing around his own creation, admitting that's he's still a ways off from pulling down the six-figure numbers that other developers have enjoyed. To date, his Brushes application has sold around 40,000 copies, which many of his peers would consider a grand success.

“Some developers are able to make hundreds of thousands of dollars doing this,” Sprang told the New York Times. “I’m not at their level. But I am able to make a living and support myself doing this, which is what I wanted to do.” Source: NYT

Brushes is on sale now at $3.99 for a limited time.

Steve Jobs Makes Stealthy Visit To Apple Campus

Coming from way out in left field, Italian website SetteB.IT (7Bit) is reporting that Steve Jobs himself was seen back at Apple's Cupertino headquarters at One infinite Loop. The 7Bit writer claims confirmation from more than one source. As if that somehow matters.

The nature of Jobs' visit is unknown, though some are speculating that his stealthy May 27th romp involved a meeting with Apple's board of directors. Others insist that Mr. Jobs scheduled time with key members of the company's top brass as part of a directional meeting. I know, big whoop right?

A photo of Job's Mercedes SL55 AMG was being tossed around by some websites claiming it was proof of his recent visit to headquarters. Evidenced by the infamous Jobsmobile seen parked in the handicapped spot on Apple's campus. It turns out the shot was actually an old photo we first ran on iPhone Savior back in October of 2008. SetteB.IT made it clear the photo was not current, joking about the choice of parking stalls. Apple's CEO is known for his blue parking habit.

Jobs is scheduled to return from his six month medical leave at the end of June as stated by Apple in a January press release. Some have hinted that an appearance by Jobs at the 2009 WWDC is possible, though Apple has remained mute on the subject. Call it wishful thinking.

Recently Apple's co-founder Steve Wozniak, described El Jobso as sounding "healthy" and "energetic" based on a recent phone call he had with Apple's wildly popular CEO. Another "big whoop" is in order.

Mr. Jobs “doesn’t sound like he’s sick,” nor did he seem to be in a health crisis. Mr. Wozniak said, however, he has never directly asked Mr. Jobs how he is.  Source: WSJ

Does the brief return by Jobs to Apple signal the start of planning sessions for the launch of the company's next-generation iPhone? I certainly hope it does! Because that's all I really care about.

[MacNN]   [Jobsmobile photos by Lode Vermeiren]

iPhone Screenshot Means Sirius XM App Debut Now Imminent

A confirmed sighting of the elusive Bigfoot of iPhone apps has surfaced, bringing fresh hope to cult of iPhone faithful that an official Sirius XM iPhone app launch is now dangerously close.

A slide published by the SEC on Wednesday taken from Mel Karmazin's PowerPoint presentation at Sirius XM's shareholder summit, reveals what's said to be the first screenshot of the long rumored satellite radio streaming app promised for iPhone by the media giant back in March.

The slide simply reads "Launching Apple iPhone/iPod Touch and Smart Phone Applications" which clearly points to development for other platforms beyond just Apple devices.

The screenshot reveals the ability to browse categories, channels and favorites with the addition of a "shopping" tab which is expected to tie into Apple's iTune Store and hopefully Amazon for direct music downloading.

According to The Business Insider, the Sirius XM app will be offered as a free download, but you'll need to be signed on as a "streaming" subscriber through Sirius to enjoy the service, either through a $3 a month fee on top of your in-car subscription, or a standalone, $13 a month streaming subscription if you don't currently subscribe to Sirius via an actual radio. There's no word yet if the company plans to include advertising on their free app.

"The SIRIUS XM app will deliver an expanded programming lineup that includes SIRIUS XM's exclusive sports talk, news, comedy, and 100% commercial free music channel, as well as new talk, comedy, and music showcase channels." Source: The Business Insider

Though the company failed to reveal a specific launch date for their mysterious iPhone app, we would expect it to drop within the next few weeks. A guess that lines up closely with a claim made by the Wall Street Journal back on May 6, stating; "The new Sirius iPhone application, which Sirius XM Radio Inc. has promised to launch in the next few weeks." The publication offered nothing to substantiate that time line or a source to confirm such a claim.

It's appears that frustrated Howard Stern fans can expect a launch of the first official Sirius XM iPhone app to be imminent. Though hurry up and wait still remains their only option.

Nothing Says 'I Love You' Like An iPod Meatcake

Rather than rolling out another retarded Costco sheet cake this year, why not say happy birthday with a one of a kind iPod meatcake? This iPod meatloaf masterpiece was built with a layer of seasoned ground beef, a creamy mashed potato frosting and then neatly trimmed in green peas. The mashed potato ear buds were thrown in to add authenticity and epic flair.

There's no need for any other gift, because a do-it-yourself beefy iPod meatcake is totally awesome and delicious. Plus it easily serves 6 to 8 people for one Mac-tastic meal.

Happy Birthday meathead!

photo by Nichole

Suicide Girls App Gets One Butt-Ugly Update

When the "Suicide Girls - Flip Strip" app first debuted, it came loaded with a lame number of girly photos on board, three to be exact. Now seven more half-naked notties have joined the fug parade. Flip your iPhone upside down and watch your favorite alt chick strip down to her panties. The LA Times accurately tagged this grouping of partially-nude, anti supermodels as a "Nationwide art sleaze phenomenon".

The recent update of seven more twisted hotties (notties by most standards), drags along one tattooed hillbilly chick named Rigel, dressed for some kind of countrified, heavy metal picnic. How is that hot? The fact that this app is free takes a bit of the sting out of it. Though it makes one dangerous download for young boys longing to run off to join the Suicide Circus.

These slightly skanky, post-modern pin-up girls are definitely an acquired taste. Kind of like eating oysters, you have to like 'em raw. Unfortunately it will cost you $4 bucks to gain membership to the Suicide Girls Club, which offers up an adult themed thrill ride into thousands of alternative female nudey picts. One iPhone reviewer summed up the experience of the iPhone Suicide Girls app quite nicely.

Are u guys blind? - kavinnguyen
"These girls are mediocre at best. What's up with Coley? She's busted."

My thoughts exactly!

Power Mac G4 Clock Makes Time Move Slower

STYLE GUIDE: Here's a fantastical idea that transforms the side cover of a Power Mac G4 into stunning wall clock art for the ultra Mac geek. It's amazing how artists continue to re-imagine outdated Apple hardware by offering the relics a brand new life, form and function beyond a proper paperweight.

The original Apple Power Mac G4, appropriately code named Yikes!, was introduced at the Seybold conference in San Francisco on August 31, 1999, boasting 400 MHz, 450 MHz and 500 MHz configurations. Which makes this G4 clock a sure bet for helping time to pass much slower. Expect to pay $59.00 US with a shipping fee of $13.00 for this pre-millennium flashback. If you can get your hands on one.

[via Pixelthis on Etsy.com]

iPhone Artist Makes Cover of The New Yorker

NEW YORK - Portuguese illustrator Jorge Colombo, has graced the June 1st cover of The New Yorker Magazine with art he produced entirely on his iPhone. The original finger painting Colombo created in about an hour standing outside Madame Tussuad's’s Wax Museum in Times Square, has helped the magazine make a quantum leap forward from it's first issue released on February 17, 1925. Colombo's work brings fresh cultural relevance to a tired relic desperately in need of reinventing itself.

Jorge uses the iPhone app Brushes to create works of art he calls iSketches, focused on the city of New York which he now sells online as limited edition prints. Though Colombo has worked for many years as a professional Illustrator, graphic designer and photographer, it's his ultra-modern iPhone paintings that have delivered him into a period of personal renaissance. Colombo's iPhone paintings carry a distinct impressionist style, passionately romanticizing New York City landscapes and architecture like a possessed lover.