You’re going overseas right? Using your iPhone internationally may incur some serious charges if you’re not careful, and how do you trust connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot all willy nilly? Deciding to go off the grid, you’re still gonna need some excellent resources on hand to get you through Paris, and the first place you look is Wikitravel. But you’re not surfing the interwebs for this valuable data – it’s already stored offline. On your phone. How you might ask? Tourist for the iPhone.
Google Docs with Viewer for Mobile Devices
This morning, Google has released a mobile version of the Google Docs viewer for mobile browsers you might be familiar with on your desktop – allowing you to easily fly through PDFs and documents on your iPhone or iPad (Android too). Switch quickly between pages, zoom in and out, and view your documents in the cloud without the need to download.
No iOS 4 for iPad Until November?
The iPad is speculated to get an iOS 4 update this fall, but when exactly? App Advice believes they know the answer via some juicy info from Advertising Age.
Classic Bookshelf for iPad, AudioBookShelf in Text
When we reviewed AudioBookShelf a little while ago, we thought it was a great way to introduce readers to the world of audio books. If you’re just not diggin’ it, we understand – you want all eyes on those lavish, digital pages. Though you’re probably still interested in the classics, so let me redirect your attention to Classic Bookshelf, a portrait only reader for the iPad.
Germany Wants Data Transparency from Apple
Just like Google is from their Android platform, Apple is collecting various bits of data from your iPhone 4 – the issue is ever pressing as it’s location based data in particular that have some users concerned. Though the biggest outcry seems to be coming from Germany consumer protection ministry, demanding that Apple make their data transparent to users.
Google Chrome Surpasses Safari in US Browser Market
With Google Chrome being advertised on the front page of Google itself, I’m not terribly suprised that Google Chrome has surpassed Safari in the US browser market. On June 21st, Chrome exceeded Safari with an 8.97% hold against Safari’s 8.88% But neither of these can still come close to Internet Explorer, which sadly still has 52% of the US market compared to Firefox’s 28.5%.
The iPhone 4 Costs $188 in Parts
So how much does an iPhone 4 really cost? Market research firm iSuppli suggests that it’s as little as $187.51.
The retina display alone costs $28.50, which is presumed to be developed by LG. But that A4 processor from Samsung? Only $10.75 for that 1 GHz goodness. The new gyroscope is estimated to be around $2.60 (courtesy of STMicroelectronics), with the accelerometer costing only a measly 65 cents to produce.
All of the important pieces inside the new iPhone really don’t cost too much, and suppliers refused to comment on their participation and pricing for Apple’s device. The iPhone 4, however, is Apple’s most expensive model yet, costing roughly ten dollars more than the iPhone 3GS (which could be produced at around $179 when it first launched).
[iSuppli via BusinessWeek via MobileCrunch]
Bought a Black iPhone but Still Want White? Just Return within 30 Days
So you’re not happy with that piano black iPhone you just cancelled your previous contract for? Fear not you picky color-picker person you, for there’s a white future in store. Simply return your black iPhone 4 to the Apple Store, and get it replaced by a white one. App Advice has confirmed this with Apple, and it’s honored as a store policy:
“If you are not satisfied with your iPhone purchase, please visit online Order Status or call 1-800-676-2775 to request a return. The iPhone must be returned to our warehouse within 30 calendar days from shipment to avoid an $175 early termination fee. The iPhone must be returned in the original packaging, including any accessories, manuals, and documentation.”
Though White iPhone 4 handsets aren’t expected until mid-July, so early adopters may not have the chance to reach that deadline if shipments are late – yet another reason you shouldn’t wait in line for the first day, “Just because.”
App Advice does provide a disclaimer that Apple may charge a 10% restocking fee for opened iPhones, but that isn’t clear quite yet.
[via App Advice]
Jobs says to ‘Stay Tuned’ Concerning iPhone 4 Signal Loss
While the iPhone 4 might just be the most advanced smartphone on the planet, it has an uncanny knack of losing reception depending on how you hold it. But the issue isn’t as transparent as, “If you hold it this way… it will break.” While some individuals have been able to replicate the issue, others haven’t been able to, and there is much discussion on whether the problem is accentuated by where you live, bodily fluids (sweat), or other environmental factors. Then again this hasn’t exactly been a major issue for other smartphones, so then the issue has to be debated about whether this was possible all along, or if this should even be occurring in the first place. Either way, it’s a problem that’s quite odd for the folks in Cuptertino, who consider it a, “non-issue.”