iPhone News Updated

Apple Lawyers Using Jailbroken iPhones?

Someone discovered that an image displayed within the iPhone biometric security patent application shows a jailbroken iPhone menu. Shame shame.

Was it a slip-up, or a full-fledged disregard to Steve Jobs’ insistence that jailbreaking the iPhone and iPod Touch is nothing more than illegally cracking the devices? That’s the question to ask Apple attorneys–Kramer, Levin Naftalis & Frankel–when loading up the iPhone Biometric Security Patent Application, or rather, question the person who created the diagram within the patent. After all, jailbreaking has been a hot topic as of late, and frankly, shouldn’t be an issue at all. Why? Because consumers should have the right to install whatever applications they want on a device they personally own. Then again, the iPhone and iPod touch aren’t the only devices that feature consumer lockdowns.

For the uninitiated, jailbreaking the iPhone operating system means that consumers can install whatever they please on the device–anything unauthorized to be more specific–whether it’s a ported PC game, a cool theme, or applications not available on Apple App Store. There’s some speculation about whether jailbreaking is illegal or not, with Apple saying it violates the DMCA and others saying that jailbreaking is protected under fair-use doctrines. Supposedly, jailbreaking the devices will not cause any physical harm, however doing so voids the warranty, especially if 3rd party apps perform malicious actions.

Still, whether jailbreaking is legal or not, the iPhone Biometric Security Patent Application illustration does indeed show non-Apple icons. Both the Intaller.app and SMBPrefs (SummerBoard website, example image) icons are clearly illustrated on the menu along with a theme displayed in the background (speculated to be the iWood Realize theme from iSpazio although the background looks nothing like wood). Unfortunately, jailbreaking has nothing to do with the filed patent, so it’s safe to assume that someone illustrated the diagram using a not-so-official Apple device, and not intentionally doing so for the sake of the patent.

Ultimately, this may become a problem, and it may be that the patent image will disappear once Apple catches wind of the “mistake.” The illustration only goes to show that consumers want flexibility and the freedom to customize both the iPhone and iPod Touch, something that jailbroken devices are capable of providing. It’s highly likely that Apple will release the reigns, but from the looks of the patent illustration, even Apple attorneys want a little freedom.

[Thanks: http://www.tomsguide.com]

Pivotal Podium iPhone Stand: iPhone 3G Accessory Review

Have you ever propped up an iPhone to watch a video while sitting at your computer? Or have you ever placed your iPhone on a table at a certain angle to watch a video because you’re just too lazy to hold it? Or maybe you just want an iPhone stand as cool as your iMac or Apple LCD monitor (sorry, PC users).

If you fall into any of the above categories, the Podium from Pivotal may be your solution. The Podium is one beautiful, heavy, expensive, over-engineered one-trick pony of a product. But I gotta tell you, it does this trick really well. Snap your iPhone 3G into the scratch-proof rubberized handles and your iPhone is now receiving the pampering it deserves. You can adjust it to any angle you wish, vertically or horizontally. And the weight of the Podium helps prevent the need to hold it in place with the other hand. The bearing that allows the pivoting is smooth, easy and it holds tight at any angle you leave it in. As I’ve told you it was over-engineered.

You can slip a USB cable through a hole in the back of the stand to keep it out of the way, just like the iMac. In fact, it looks just like the iMac stand, except that its either chrome or pearl, not brushed aluminum. So if you have Apple gear, it’s going to fit right in.

Aside from the price being a bit high, my only caveat is that the clasps are not adjustable, which means you have to remove your iPhone from its case (if you use one) to ‘snap‘ it in. I actually use it with my case left on, but it only rests on the bottom clasps. Even then it only works if it’s left horizontal. Then I plug my phone/mic earphones into it for hands-free talking while I work at my computer.

All in all, you can’t say a whole lot about such a simple concept, except that if you appreciate well built – if expensive – items, you may actually enjoy the Podium. It will most definitely last a lot longer than your iPhone.

[Thanks: http://www.iphoneworld.ca]