iPhone OS 3.2 — What Do You Want and When Do You Want It?

via The iPhone Blog by Rene Ritchie on 9/22/09

Apple is no doubt already hard at work on iPhone OS 3.2, the second minor update to the third major release of their mobile platform. Sure, we got iPhone 3.1 just over two weeks ago on Sept. 9, but looking back, we should expect to see the first beta versions of 3.2 sooner rather than later.

By way of comparison, iPhone 2.1 was released on Sept. 12, 2008. iPhone 2.2 Beta 1 was released on Sept. 25, with some tweaks to App Store and Safari's UI. iPhone 2.1 Beta 2 dropped on Oct. 24, with Google Street View, SDK support for line-in audio, and direct podcast downloads and streaming. The final iPhone 2.2 firmware was released on Nov. 21, and both Google Street View and the ability to get podcasts on-device were great enhancements.

So, it's not unreasonable to imagine 3.2 Beta 1 could show up before the end of the month, with a final release before the holidays.

Since we've already gotten direct TV and Movie downloads (over Wi-Fi), there may not be an analogous improvement to iPod and iTunes this time around. Subscribing to podcasts on device, however, where a push notification alerts you when a new episode is available and you're on Wi-Fi to download it, is something we'd adore. iTunes LP and iTunes Extras support would also be dandy give their introduction in iTunes 9.

Likewise, Google Voice and Google Latitude having been rejected/held-for-study by the App Store, we may not get a Maps app update either (though Apple baking Latitude into the existing Maps app, Google-willing, could be a great compromise solution). We won't hold our breath for push Gmail either (not GoogleSync, we mean built-in, doesn't use up your only ActiveSync slot, genuine push email like MobileMe and Yahoo!)…

Enabling 720p TV-out from the iPhone 3GS and iPod touch G3 would be a great, and competitive addition, especially with a souped up dock-to-HDMI video cable to go with it.

We have our ongoing (though admittedly greatly reduced since 3.0) wish-list: better support for Bluetooth controls (AVRCP), APIs to allow apps to interact with the calendar, some form of background support for streaming audio, turn-by-turn, and other apps that cry out for it, Mobile iChat, remote backup and restore, iTunes music and video streaming, file system access for document handling, etc.

(Yes, we left out bug fixes, as we hope Apple sees those as urgent enough to address in an iPhone 3.1.1 release much, much sooner).

But what do you want to see Apple prioritize for iPhone 3.2?

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

iPhone OS 3.2 — What Do You Want and When Do You Want It?

Apple Releases iTunes 9.0.1 Update

via The iPhone Blog by Rene Ritchie on 9/22/09

Apple today released iTunes 9.0.1, a minor point update to their iTunes 9 media hub and sync solution. Weighing in at 89.8MB, as befits its .0.1 nature, the changes read like a who's who of bug fixes, including:

• Resolves issues browsing the iTunes Store.
• Addresses a performance issue where iTunes may become unresponsive.
• Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit.
• Fixes a problem syncing Podcasts in playlists to iPod or iPhone.
• Fixes a problem sorting albums with multiple discs.
• Addresses an issue with the Zoom button not switching to Mini Player.
• Improves application syncing for iPod touch and iPhone.
• Genius is now automatically updated to show Genius Mixes.

Hit up Apple Software Update to grab it and when you do, let us know if it fixes what's been ailing you…

(And let's hope iPhone 3.1.1 is on its way soon to do likewise!)

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Releases iTunes 9.0.1 Update

Rogers/Fido SMS Says: Update to OS 3.1

via iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users by iPhone Fan on 9/22/09

Usually we get the occasional Roger/Fido spam in our email inboxes, but it's not uncommon to get a text message too. The latest Rogers/Fido text that Canadian iPhone users have been receiving from coast to coast involves updating to OS 3.1.

Should I Update My iPhone to OS 3.1?

Now this may seem repetitive, but you should only update to OS 3.1 if you don't care about jailbreaking your iPhone. For those who want to update to 3.1 using an iPhone 2G/3G, you can now do so using the latest PwnageTool 3.1.

For iPhone 3GS users that want to jailbreak, we are still stuck on 3.0/3.0.1. Instructions from the iPhone Dev Team are to NOT update to 3.1 directly via iTunes (you should know this by now for all firmware updates; make sure your ECID SHSH is backed up) until PwnageTool is released for the iPhone 3GS.

Anyways, I received the following SMS from Rogers the other day; my buddy Greg received the one from Fido:

Anyone else receive their "update to OS 3.1″ text message from Rogers/Fido? For those without texting plans, I hope it didn't cost you money to receive!

Canadian Apple Stores Receive iPhone Activation Centers

via iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users by X1Zero on 9/22/09

Apple Stores across Canada will finally be receiving the much talked about "iPhone Activation Centers" that have been popping up across USA-based Apple Stores.

iPhone Activation Center

These new activation centers will be a dedicated zone in which Apple customers or just strictly iPhone buyers can discuss, purchase and activate an iPhone just as you would at a typical Rogers/Fido store. The only difference, and it's a big difference, is this point of sale will have the legendary Apple pizazz attached to it.

The new iPhone Activation Centers will include 2 – 5 computer stations depending on the size of the store and will be located at the front right side of the store entrance. A new class of employee, called "iPhone Experts", will be managing this area and speaking with customers. This new employee position will have different colored shirts and lanyards from the other store employees so to ensure customers can easily spot the "iPhone Expert".

The experience provided at these activation centers will be similar to the one provided to customers that have purchased Apples "One-to-One" program. In other words, the experience will be personal and laid back, especially considering that people will be dealing with contract commitments and personal identification information.

Apple is announcing the iPhone Activation Center as being "the best place to buy an iPhone".

The Process

The process works on a reservation system in which you reserve your iPhone online, visit your chosen Apple Store and complete the activation. The core process is similar to what a customer would receive from a Rogers/Fido store except there will be no hard sell or pressure.

The process behind the new activation centers have one key component; the inventory level of the specific Apple Store is directly integrated into the ordering process. This means that when you are reserving the iPhone model online, it is guaranteed to be in the store. Out of stock models will not be selectable through the online portal, so you will know exactly what is and what is not in stock.

The system is also intelligent enough to set aside a number of iPhone models that will be available in-store exclusively for those customers who happen to walk in and want an iPhone.

Reservations

When you begin the reservation process at Apple.ca, you will go through four steps:

1.) Select the type of plan or just the device alone

2.) Choose the carrier (Rogers or Fido)

3.) Choose the Apple Store, date and time for your personal shopping session (if contract plan chosen) or choose the date and time for when you will pick up just the decide (no personal shopping session involved)

4.) Sign in with (or create) your AppleID

Note: Date and time choice will not be same day. You must choose the next day from a 3-day list.

After you complete the reservation, you will receive an email summarizing your details and also a list of what personal identification is required to set up the plan (if the contract plan option was chosen instead of just the device).

The summary email will also have a free trial of Apple's MobileMe service. Customers who opt for the service can have their iPhone potential completely setup with notes, calendar events and contacts when they leave the store. This experience is something not offered by Rogers or Fido.

The Best Place to Buy an iPhone

The move to these dedication in-store iPhone centers is focused on Apple's retail goals of selling more iPhones than Mac computers. The iPhone is their most successful platform and these activation centers is a push toward that goal.

While buying an iPhone at an Apple Store and experiencing the unique personal customer service is fantastic, the unfortunate part is that there are only 13 Apple Stores in Canada. In Vancouver there will be two stores, Pacific Centre and Oakridge malls, which makes travel to an Apple Store relatively easy from all over Vancouver, the lower mainland and cities well outside Vancouver. However some provinces, like Manitoba for example, have only one Apple Store. This makes getting to the location very difficult unless you live near by.

So while the new iPhone Activation Centers are a great move for both Apple and customers alike, there is only a fraction of Apple Stores in Canada when compared to Rogers/Fido points of sale. However, if you are looking for a guaranteed iPhone with a great customer service experience, the trip to your local, or distant Apple Store, could be worth it.

For Vancouver, it is believed that the iPhone Activation Center will be available starting October 1 at the Vancouver Pacific Centre store and available on opening day of the new Oakridge mall location.

Look for the iPhone Activation Center coming soon to your Apple Store.

Enable MMS on iPhone 3.1 via AT&T

via Redmond Pie by Taimur Asad on 9/21/09

MMS functionality for AT&T customers of iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS running iPhone firmware 3.1 is set to launch officially on September 25th. Aaron Krill has posted a nice little trick to enable this functionality right now before the official launch on 25th.

The following step-by-step guide will help you enable MMS functionality on iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS running firmware 3.1 on AT&T network:

Step 1: Download and install the latest version of iTunes if you haven't already.

Step 2: Make sure iTunes is closed before following the steps below:

Windows 7 & Windows Vista:

• Click on "Start" and type "Command Prompt" in search and then press enter.
• Goto \Program Files\iTunes\ directory by typing "cd C:\Program Files\iTunes\" in Command prompt and press enter. For those of you who are on x64 version of Windows should type this instead: "cd C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\"
• Now type "iTunes.exe /setPrefInt carrier-testing 1" in the Command Prompt and press enter.

Mac OS X:

• Start the "Terminal" app by navigation to Applications –> Utilities. Or just type "Terminal" in spotlight search and hit enter.
• Now type this command and press enter: "defaults write com.apple.iTunes carrier-testing -bool TRUE"

Step 3: Download the modified .IPCC file (ATT_US.ipcc). Download link given below.

Step 4: Now connect your iPhone with your computer and start iTunes.

Step 5: Now press and hold left "alt" button ("Shift" button on Windows) on the keyboard and then click on "Check for Update" in iTunes and then release the "Shift" button.

Step 6: Select the .IPCC file which you downloaded in Step 3 and update your iPhone.

Step 7: Once the update is done, reboot your iPhone.

You should now have fully working MMS on your iPhone 3G and 3GS with visual voicemail.

Disclaimer: This guide is for testing & educational purposes only. I'm not responsible for any loss of important data or malfunctioning of your iPhone.

Download iTunes
Download .IPCC file to enable MMS