Photoforge - software for the iPhone / iPod

There is always a need for using software for the iPhone / iPod, and PhotoForge is one of them. Getting good software that works on such devices can be pretty challenging. Learn more at this link.

PhotoForge is a highly optimized editing and painting application designed for the iPhone and iPod touch. It can be used for image manipulation, retouching, effects, and color correction, as well as a painter’s tool. It is indispensable for creating original artwork, or editing photos on your mobile device.
PhotoForge is a superb photographer’s tool, providing digital darkroom capabilities that are second to none. It is also a tool for creating incredible works of art and illustrations. PhotoForge allows you to put together an image, combining filters, brushes, and effects. They may be hand-painted, or a composite of photographic images mixed with painting. The filters and effects can be layered to produce even more dynamic results.

junaio - A new mobile app on the iPhone AppStore

A new app available, both on the iPhone platform, as well as otherwise for normal users. What does junaio (link) promise ?

junaio is a mobile and online augmented reality platform that allows you to create, explore and share information in a completely new way. You will be able to see any kind of location-based content – images, websites or notes – on your personal junaio homepage and through the display of your mobile phone. junaio is bringing the Internet to the real world around you… Now!

Apple responds to FCC enquiry about rejection of Google Voice

The Apple iPhone is such a popular device that it has encouraged a huge number of 3rd party developers to write applications for the iPhone, and Apple makes a large number of them available on the iTunes store (Apple claims that around 20% of the 500 apps that it receives per week are not approved - either directly rejected, or they need some modifications). However, it is apparent that one area where Apple is most concerned about is apps that either affect Apple's or AT&T's data plans or the money they make from voice calls. There was a lot of controversy in the month of July when Apple rejected the Google Voice (learn more) application, a software that could enable people to save money in making calls (even if Google Voice is not a VOIP application). The FCC was concerned about this apparent rejection, since it would seem that customers were being denied an alternative, and asked Apple for an explanation.
Apple has finally replied to the FCC, giving multiple reasons for the rejection, including privacy issues, and an apparent change of the basic call making flow inside the app (link to article):

"The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone's distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone's core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail," Apple said in a statement posted on its Web site. Apple also said Google Voice's importation of the Contacts database represented a privacy concern. "[T]he iPhone user's entire Contacts database is transferred to Google's servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways," Apple said.
Separately, Apple acknowledged that its agreement with AT&T obligates it "not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T's cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T's permission.

However, Apple is stating that the application is still under review, and not rejected; an apparent subterfuge to ensure more time, and maybe hope that back-channel contacts ensure that the issue goes away.
At some time in the future however, Apple will find that the platform that it has built in the form of the iPhone and the app store will be broken open, that Apple will find that the rights it has to deny an application will need more openness. This could happen through a mix of consumer reaction and pressure from regulators.

Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

The iPod touch has always been an amazing iPod. And with its groundbreaking technologies--including a Multi-Touch screen, the accelerometer, and 3D graphics--and access to hundreds of games, iPod touch puts an amazing gaming experience in the palm of your hand. It comes in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB models with new volume controls and a built-in speaker. Play hours of music. Create a Genius Playlist of songs that go great together. Watch a movie. Surf the web. View rich HTML email. Find your location and get directions with Google Maps. Browse YouTube videos. And shop the App Store for games and applications.

Technical Details :
* This player is the iPod touch, not the Apple iPhone.
* 16 GB capacity for 3,500 songs, 10,000 photos, or 20 hours of video.
* Up to 36 hours of music playback or 6 hours of video playback when fully charged.
* 3.5-inch widescreen multi-touch display with 480-by-320-pixel resolution.
* Supported audio formats: AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV; supported video formats: H.264, MPEG-4; supported image file types: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG.



Apple iPod Touch Highlights :
- Music : Music on iPod touch not only sounds amazing, it looks amazing, too.
* Touch your music : Just turn iPod touch on its side and flick through your music to find the album you want to hear. Tap the cover to flip it over and display a track list. Tap again to start the music. Even view the lyrics while you're listening.
* A Musical Genius : The new Genius feature finds the songs in your library that go great together and makes a Genius Playlist for you. You can listen to the playlist right away, save it for later, or even refresh it and give it another go.
* Fill It Up : Fill up your iPod touch with audio and video from your iTunes library.
- Movies and TV Shows : Movies and TV shows have never looked this good on a portable device.
- Games : With its groundbreaking technologies, iPod touch puts an amazing gaming experience in the palm of your hand.
* Get in the game.
* Fingertip control.
* Tilt, Turn, and Go.
* The App Store.
- iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store : Discover new music anywhere.
* Buy on the fly.
* Sync it back.
* iPod touch at Starbucks.
- Home Screen : Get instant access to whatever you need on your iPod touch.
* Customize Your Home Screen.
* Go Home.
* Add Apps, Web Clips, and More.
- Safari : iPod touch features Safari, the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device.
* Browse Anywhere.
* Search and Find.
* Zoom with a View.
* Clip it.
- Mail : Email on iPod touch looks and works just like email on your computer.
* See it all.
* Access it all.
* Send Fast.
* Type Smart.
- Maps : When you're connected via Wi-Fi, you can get directions, find local businesses, and check traffic.
* Find Yourself.
* Get Directions.
* Enjoy the View.
* See Traffic.
- YouTube : Love to watch the latest YouTube videos? iPod touch gives you all the fun of the web's best videos--pocket-size.
* Share from Anywhere.
* Watch What You Want.
- Photos : Carry up to 25,000 of your favorite photos everywhere.
- Calendar : With iPod touch, it's easy to make plans and stay on schedule.
- Contacts : Put names, email addresses, phone numbers, and more at your fingertips.
- Stocks, Weather, and Notes.
- Calculator : iPod touch's calculator helps you settle the restaurant bill or keep track of your budget.
- Multi-Touch : iPod touch features the same revolutionary interface as iPhone.
- Accelerometer : iPod touch responds to motion using a built-in accelerometer.
- Wireless : Connect iPod touch to the Internet anywhere there's a wireless network.

Hits :
+ great display
+ good audio
+ gesture-based interface
+ accelerometer for controls
+ great integration with your music library (via iTunes)
+ long battery life
+ wireless music store
+ wireless App store (killer feature)
+ Speaker for gaming
+ Mail, Calendar and Address book with Push
+ WiFi Internet (killer feature)
+ Remote App (free) for your PC/Mac's iTunes/AppleTV
+ SDK freely available for anyone
+ Microphone and remote support
+ Nike + iPod without dongle

Misses :
- incompatibility with 'made for iPod' devices (bad, bad, bad)
- stainless steel backplate (fingerprints and scratches easily)
- no wireless synching
- no wireless playback of streamed iTunes content (an Appstore application can stream unprotected content, though)
- no visualizer
- no search function
- no playlist groups
- no GPS nor FM radio
- Notes not synched with MobileMe
- no hard drive mode
- no synching documents (except third party Apps)
- downsampling of photos
- currently tops out at 32GB (would have preferred 64)
- no bluetooth