iPhone OS 3.0 preview + release date and iPhone OS 4.0 preview + release date?

On March 17th, 2009, Apple unveiled details about iPhone OS 3.0 software and released the new iPhone Software Development Kit for developers. The actual release was June 17th 2009, 3 months after the first preview version.

On April 8th, 2010, Apple unveils details about iPhone OS 4.0 software and releases the new iPhone Software Development Kit for developers. The actual release will be July 8th 2010, 3 months after the preview version ....
(the last date is just a guesstimate)

iBike Rider motorbike handsfree kit

Today the iBike Rider kit arrived. The package came in a rather small box, somehow I expected more.
After unwrapping the plastics the box unvealed two small speakers with velcro and a mic plus play/pause button (also used for accepting calls)
Additionally theres an extension cord with volume control.
Installing was easy although it took me a few times to position the speakers correctly.
The wires can be a problem but that was easily solved by routing them behind the helmet lining.
Volume is on the low side, even on max volume and loudness on the iphone. The volume control on the extension wire probably be at max all the time.
The mic seems pretty good although I haven't checked it during a ride with wind and surrounding noise. Tomorrow I'll use it during my commute and put a post about my experiences with it.

Nice touch: the mic and button attach to the helmet with a velcro self- adhesive strip. The kit includes two of these so you can use it with 2 helmets without too much trouble. Good because I have two helmets, one for freezing weather (fully closed) the other one (pictured) is a Jet helmet. More open.

To be continued.

iPhone: the only non-disposable phone so far?

The iPhone is not unique in its featureset. Lots of phones have about the same, some even better specs.
Where the iPhone still stands out is the user experience and second that it is the only non-disposable phone.
Just like Macs, iPhones seem to be designed for longevity. Even the first gen iPhone can enjoy most of the OS3.x features. Look at HTC and other brands, they keep pumping out new models every 4-6 months or so. Making the previous models redundant, even the support is minimal.
Unlike Apple, those brands regard mobile devices as disposable items, so they do not even try to get users tied into their system.
Some say this is freedom for the user, but I think it is missing the point.
With respect to user experience, I don't think an open system will work. Look at Linux, very open, lots of choices, but none of them is any good from a user experience point of view.
Instead of thinking "what feature can this thing do", companies should rather have the "what feature does the user want to use" viewpoint.

Apple got it. After 1.5 yrs with my iPhone I still don't have the urge to buy a new phone. With all my Nokias and Sony Ericssons I wanted a new one after a month.

Yup, I'm locked into the Apple world. But I like it :-)

iMovie 8.0.5: iFrame standard - not new, just other name. But new device opportunity.

 

Yesterday the iMovie 8.0.5 update introduced the new "iFrame" (knowledgebase) format which is 960x540 pixels (quarter of a full-HD resolution).

However, iMovie has been exporting to this resolution since the introduction its new architecture in iMovie 08. It is actually the maximum size which you can use to export for sharing, unfortunately (see screenshot from mobileMe gallery).

However, it will probably mean that:

  • the iPod nano will be updated to record in iFrame mode (firmware!)
  • the same will apply to the iPhone 3GS (firmware!)
  • the to be introduced (I guess) iPod Touch will record in iFrame natively

Still, I'd prefer a real 720p resolution option instead of this halfbaked approach. But Apple probably has something up it's sleeve we don't know about :-)