iPhone Savior

iPhone Rubs Designer Jeans The Wrong Way

STYLE GUIDE: With designer jeans costing victims of popular fashion upwards of $200 a pair, the thought of "iPhone fade" is not exactly a welcomed outcome for many that choose to cradle Apple's mobile juggernaut inside their front pockets.

Although mobile technology is rapidly evolving, it seems that denim makers have done little to address what's quickly becoming a reality for iPhone users who must endure unsightly wear on the front side of their expensive designer jeans. A subject that most iPhone owners are reluctant to openly talk about in fear of appearing shallow and narcissistic.

Longtime iPhone fanatic Elam Nikserof, insists that denim makers should already be designing specially reinforced pockets to support extended iPhone storage. An idea that rings especially true when it comes to the tight fitting, high-end denim lines produced by several manufacturers. 

"I'm not willing to pay huge money for jeans that leave iPhone rub marks like I'm advertising 'Insert iPhone here'," said Elam Nikserof. "How is that cool or fashionable? It looks freakish and makes me feel totally self conscious in public."

Skype Pushes iPhone 3G Voice Fees Until 2011

In what appears to be a stealthy maneuver, Skype has pushed the date for charging a monthly subscription fee on Skype-to-Skype voice calls over iPhone 3G until 2011. The free calling trial for 3G was originally set for the end of August 2010.

The move comes a few days after Skype finally delivered iPhone users the ability to move past Wi-Fi only calling limitations using their wildly popular application with the 2.0 update.

It's uncertain if public outcry from longtime mobile Skype users prompted the company to wobble on its monthly fees game plan, but the end result is still being cheered by iPhone faithful none the less.

After downloading update 2.0, our team reported noticeably improved quality on Skype-to-Skype calls. The Skype meisters promised near CD-quality sound when making Skype-to-Skype calls with 2.0, which utilizes a wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 3GS and on 2nd generation iPod touch devices.

[via TUAW]

Bus Stop iPad Ad Gets Spoofed By The Real Thing

This outdoor Apple iPad advertisement was wickedly spoofed by an authentic woman's maxi pad stuck to the sign at bus stop in Toronto, Canada.

Brenda Chawner, noticed the laugh out loud, "culture jamming" product placement and then quickly captured a snapshot for the rest of us to gawk at with glee.

"Look closely in the upper right hand corner. Particularly appropriate because it's across the road from the entrance to Women's College Hospital in Toronto." Brenda Chawner wrote in her caption.

Nope, that familiar iPad joke is just not gonna die easily. 

[Photo by Brenda Chawner]

iPhone Obituaries App Is Dead Serious Fun

Scanning random news about dead people in HD was probably not the kind of thing Apple had in mind when they created their revolutionary iPad. But the developers over at 40 Foot Robot, have still decided to make it simple for anyone to find the deceased on the go with their debut app release.

Obituaries ($.99), for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, lets users view obituary postings from hundreds of cities across the United States and the United Kingdom. Listed among the dead, are specialized obit categories including Famous People, Fascinating Deaths and even Horror Film Legends. 

Many listings on the app are linked to the online newspapers where they originated from, offering in depth back stories that make this app such a delicious treat to behold. Like the death of 1970's Chicago mobster Harry 'Hammer' Aleman, who died at Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg, Illinois. I'm certain that Aleman never imagined being immortalized on an iPhone.

"He was the hammer of the Chicago mob,'' said Lee Flosi, a former FBI agent who headed the Chicago office's organized crime section in the 1990s. "You never want him sitting in the back seat of your car.'' Source - The Miami Herald

Although this first release lacks an abundance of major cities, I expect developers will expand their listings if they want this app to become a serious contender.

Obituaries is an ideal app for experiencing iPad HD in a way that was never meant to be. Including grave site photos of famous people and notorious criminals with future updates would be a welcomed feature in time for Halloween.

There's no denying that having instant access to hundreds of obits is a gruesome time suck that's worth the price of admission.

Death has always been fascinating reading among the living. Which should make this app debut a killer hit with iPhone and iPad fanatics alike. But I wouldn't be willing to bet my life on that prediction.

[Obituaries iTunes Link]

Skype 2.0 Update Enables iPhone 3G Voice Calling

In what seems to have taken the better part of forever, Skype has finally enabled their wildly popular app to make iPhone voice calls using your 3G connection. But the upgrade comes with an unexpected surprise.

Making and receiving Skype-to-Skype calls over your mobile network will eventually include a monthly subscription fee. The update includes a free 3G calling trial that's in effect until the end of August. Whatever the " small monthly fee" will be, has not yet been published.

The 2.0 update, available now, also promises near CD-quality sound when making Skype-to-Skype calls using wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 3GS and 2nd generation iPod touch. Another long overdue upgrade.

The quality of my Skype-to-Skype calling test was noticeably improved, but my call using Skype to iPhone 3G direct was painfully mediocre at best.

I'm still hung up on the whole monthly fee thing. My next Skype call may be to the FCC.

Fine Crystal iPhone Dock Is The Picture of Wealth

STYLE GUIDE: Our crack team of cool hunters have emerged from their gadget lab to uncover the latest in opulent iPhone accessories. The kind of original art that's certain to draw the discerning eyeballs of the rich and famous.

This hand crafted, crystal glass iPhone dock is a true artistic marvel that will be passed down to multiple generations as a highly coveted family heirloom.

"It takes days and more than fifteen pairs of hands to produce a single CrystalDock." Calypso Crystal wrote in their description.

Which really means that 30 individual man-hands are involved in creating these hand-cut works of modern art, if you don't count the hands in pairs. Expect to pay $199 for the Beau, Celestia or Dune designs that will arrive to you in an epic gift box, suspended in protective foam and wired for instant charging.

The craft meisters at Calypso Crystal, have also created a top of line $349 Aurora CrystalDock, that's deep sandblasted, finely polished and then hand-painted with platinum. This completely unique dock of ages was produced as a Limited Edition of only 999 pieces.

If you're a grown up geek that despises those do-it-yourself iPhone docks made from Lego's or carved out of some kids dinosaur toy, then this CrystalDock throne may be the perfect alternative.

There's just no better way of pimping your insane wealthiness, than doing it with fine crystal. Lavish excess has never looked so good.

[CalypsoCrystal]

Steve Jobs Bashing Most Obvious Using Google Autocomplete

Some hysterical results can be unearthed on Google.com when the company's autocomplete feature kicks in while searching any given topic. Try typing in "why won't" in the search bar and you'll get my point.

In light of Google's recent verbal jousts at Apple and Steve Jobs, I searched "Steve Jobs is" on Google just to see what happened. The results were laugh out loud (lol) funny. While the first autocomplete result that came up was Steve Jobs Is Your New Bicycle, a website that generates random statements about Steve Jobs with each click, it was the second result, "Steve Jobs is a douche" that caught my attention.

The remainder of Google search terms make up a long list of disparaging statements that make autocomplete seem like a vicious drunk hurling personal insults at Apple's CEO after guzzling several beers.

Is Google using the power of their wildly popular search engine to launch hidden insults at Steve Jobs? Probably not, but this should still keep avid Googlers debating on this subject for awhile.

Apple's Next-Gen iPhone Commercials To Pimp Video Chat Feature

Reports have confirmed that Apple plans to highlight the power of video chat in their next-generation iPhone commercials with American Beauty director Sam Mendes taking on the creative duties.

At least one ad in a new planned series for the 4G iPhone, codenamed Mammonth/N90 by Apple, will feature a mother and daughter videoconferencing with the next-gen device.

"A trusted source has confirmed to us that the ads will feature at least one spot where a mother and daughter are having a video chat conversation using the new front-facing camera that's been spied on the face of that iPhone floating around." - Joshua Topolsky wrote for Engadget.

A Twitter message picked up by Engadget, seemingly from an actress auditioning for a role in the ad, speaks directly to the new Apple commercial, ""f***ing apple commercial" in New York, and another fellow who is auditioning for spots in California."

Apple typically premieres their lead-off iPhone commercial at the company's World Wide Developers Conference which will take place on June 7th. The keynote address will be given by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who promises "You won't be disappointed" by WWDC.

iChat. You chat. We all chat with video soon.

The First Turtleneck Sweater Case for iPad

iPad protection has never looked so cozy. This ultra-fashionable turtleneck iPad case was made to fondle, neatly crafted from refashioned and felted wool sweaters. It offers all of the protection you deserve without that old thrift store smell.

There's even a handy kangaroo pouch in front to keep your connector safe. Although summer is just around the corner, your iPad still needs a warm sweater for those cool nights along the Jersey shore.

Expect to pay $15 for the kind of pullover goodness only a Mother could love. Don't sweat the small stuff... just sweater up your iPad.

[Mtodonnel via Etsy]   [for iPhone and iPod]

Scoopertino Duo Uncovers Real Fake Apple News

One visit to the Scoopertino.com website is all that's required to bask in the kind of extravagant lampooning of Apple news that will make anybody's day a whole lot brighter. The Scoopertino news team promise all of the "Unreal Apple News" that's "fit to fabricate".

Their lead post on May 18th heralds the brilliant launch of Apple's new Prototype Store (pictured above) and then there's a recent post where the dynamic duo unveil their solution for Flash with iPad XL.

"Beginning immediately, the online Apple Store will feature a new Prototype Store where customers can do their prototype shopping from home — without having to search through bars, cafés and restaurants."

The site is the Vulcan mind meld of Michael Rylander and Ken Segall, the dynamic duo from TBWA\Chiat\Day responsible for creating Apple's Think Different campaign back in 1997.

It's the kind of biting faux Apple news I've been secretly hoping for.

[Read the delicious details at Scoopertino.com]