Hijinks Inc.

Category: iPhone

  • Improve Google Maps on the iPod touch/iPhone

    This mostly applies to the iPod touch seeing as the iPhone also has cell towers to rely on, but apparently Skyhook has setup a page for users to submit their access points. No word on how quickly they’re added to the database, or if they even actually make it in, but it at least makes me feel like I’m contributing.

    You will need the MAC address for your router in order to complete the submission.

    [ Submit your AP to Skyhook ]

    I live in the middle of no where, which currently yields “Your location could not be determined” on both my iPhone and iPod touch, so I’ll let you know if Skyhook ever adds my AP to their database.

  • iPhone SDK Beta 3

    Apple just released the third beta for the iPhone SDK, the only notable difference right off the bat is the file size, the SDK is now only 1.4 GB instead of the original 2.1 GB.

    I don’t have anything of a more technical nature to offer since Apple still has my MacBook Pro and I can’t actually run the SDK right now.

    You can download the latest version here.

  • 1.1.5 Firmware Coming Soon?

    Word on the street is that Apple may be preparing to release version 1.1.5 of the iPhone/iPod touch firmware, no word on an exact time frame, however, some time in the next few weeks seems likely.

  • Troubleshooting iPhone Reception Problems

    When I first started using my iPhone I was having some major problems with getting consistent cell reception, I ended up having to send it back to Apple for repairs, but there are a few things you can try before that.

    Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings (Confirm prompts to reset).
    Turn Airplane Mode on and then off: Settings -> Turn Airplane Mode on -> Turn Airplane Mode off.
    Restoring the iPhone: Open iTunes with your iPhone connected and hit Restore (mainly if you’re having problems with a jailbroken iPhone).
    Eject your SIM card: Eject the SIM card using a paperclip and then reinsert the card (the idea is that the card isn’t making proper contact).
    Add some tape:     Eject your SIM card and remove it from the tray, next add a small piece of scotch tape to the tray (under where you place the SIM card), reinsert the SIM card in the tray and load it into the phone. Again, the idea is this forces it to make a better connection.
    Swap your SIM card:     You might just have a bad SIM card, swing by AT&T and have them swap it out for a new one.

    And if all that fails, it’s time for a call to Apple iPhone Support @ 1-800-MY-IPHONE (1-800-694-7466).

  • Apple Announces SDK – And it doesn’t suck

    Apple just announced the release of the iPhone SDK, and the good news is it isn’t anywhere near as lame as I thought it was going to be.

    Random pieces of info:

    • Major plus, applications will be available from “App Store” right on your iPhone.
    • Free applications will be allowed at no cost to the developers, otherwise Apple will be pocketing a clean 30% of revenue from application sales.
    • Costs $99 to get access to the SDK. Not cool, but certainly could be worse. SDK available today.
    • Software upgrade (2.0) won’t be release until June it looks like. Lame.
    • Update will be iPod touch compatible, only once again there will be a “nominal fee” charged for the upgrade. Lamer.
    • With Microsoft Exchange support the iPhone is actually shaping up to be a decent enterprise level offering.
    • VC Firm KPCB is setting up an “iFund” to the tune of $100m to support “new ventures”.

    Apps that were demoed:

    • EA demoed a toned down version of Spore for the iPhone, looks pretty sweet.
    • AOL is releasing AIM for the iPhone and I could care less, hopefully Google with follow quickly with GoogleTalk.
    • SalesForce.com demoed an application that had no meaning whatsoever to me, looked cool though.
    • Sega (I guess they still make games :P) showed a preview of Super Monkey Ball for the iPhone, looks like a major acid trip.