Isn't it interesting that of the top paid and free apps for the iPhone and iPod touch, more than two-thirds of them are games or other forms of entertainment? But never fear, if you want your iPhone or iPod touch to make your real life easier, a few actually useful apps are available.
Mark/Space brings their synchronization tool to Symbian-based smartphones, adding Bluetooth-based syncing whenever the phone is within range of the Mac.
Is your iPod touch beeping constantly after being upgraded to 2.0? Adam explains the problem and passes on two somewhat unsatisfactory solutions.
California, Washington, and other U.S. states have instituted bans on having a conversation on a cell phone while holding it; a hands-free approach is de rigeur (and de jure). Rick Fay tried out several hands-free options for his iPhone.
Rich Mogull braved the lines on Friday to get a new iPhone 3G. After a weekend of testing (and driving), he shares his impressions of Apple's new toy.
So who was crazy enough to wait in line on the first day of iPhone 3G availability? Jeff Carlson, who reports on the experience of hanging out with 400 other close personal friends while Apple's servers imploded.
Feeling gouged by the absurd pricing of SMS text messaging? Using the AIM application under the iPhone 2.0 operating system, you can send text messages for free.
iTunes 7.7 is now available, bringing support for the upcoming iPhone 2.0 software and a new Remote application for the iPhone and iPod touch.
Apple and AT&T will both start selling the iPhone 3G at 8am local time at their respective U.S. retail stores, and Apple has provided a list of what to bring with you. Mark also warns of a scam that can see buyers of used iPhones paying twice.
If you were dreading camping out all day next Friday for an iPhone 3G, you may or may not be glad to hear AT&T will start selling the highly anticipated phone at 8am at each store's local time. Meantime, don't get confused: a no-contract iPhone is not an unlocked iPhone.
Sell or give away your 2G iPhone, and the new owner can still get a 2G pricing plan. They won't have to pay the higher rate for 3G service without being able to use the higher speed.
Nokia buys out its partners in Symbian, by far the world's most popular smartphone platform, and may change the whole nature of competition for these intelligent communicators by making it even more accessible to more handset makers. It's a shot across the bow to Apple, RIM, Microsoft, and Google, but it won't reach fruition til 2010.
Own a Slingbox? Want to watch your TV on an iPhone? It could be possible with a proof-of-concept version of SlingPlayer Mobile from Sling Media. The only problem? Apple hasn't accepted the company's iPhone developer application yet.
Apple claims that the iPhone 3G is "Twice as fast. Half the price." But that's just the initial cost of the phone. By the time you factor in the increased price of AT&T's 3G data plan and the need to add a SMS text messaging plan, the iPhone 3G could end up costing $160 more than the original 8 GB iPhone. Adam runs down all the gory pricing details.
The iPhone 3G has a few extras lurking beneath its improved exterior, including a better charging plug and geotagging of photos.