Abby and Win’s Blog

Posts Tagged ‘iPhone’

I recently jailbroke my iPhone 3G running OS 3.1.2. Then I installed MyWi to check out the tethering capabilities for the iPhone. With this app you can tether using USB, bluetooth and wifi.

Here is the speed test results.

The latency is pretty high but the connection seems consistent. I used to run a Verizon V740 internet card and was getting higher speeds – close to 2x faster download. I’m also getting a full signal on AT&T 3G – surprisingly.

Anyways, my Verizon contract is up and I terminated the service. I hardly found use for it. With MyWi, $10 seems like a good deal. Hopefully, AT&T doesn’t pull a “switch” to somehow disable this app.

I got a message this morning from my cousin Kuya Ronald asking if the iPhone 3.0 software update was available today. I didn’t hear anything these past weeks so I wasn’t sure. I got to work and plugged in my iPhone 3G on my MBP and as soon as iTunes loaded, I get this message.

So plug in your iPhones and update them to get the new goodies.

Today Apple announced new products: the iPhone 3G S and a 13″ version of the Macbook Pro. First, the new iPhone 3G S. I’m not too excited about this one. Most of my excitement has been sucked dry by AT&T’s lack of coverage area. It’s supposedly 2x faster, has video capture support, 32GB model, voice activated controls, and better battery life – it’s still doesn’t help get a better reception with AT&T. My iPhone is a cell phone first before any other goodies that it can do and unfortunately, it doesn’t do a good job of being a cell phone. I just can’t wait until AT&T’s exclusive deal is over and hope that a better and a more reasonable monthly cost provider gets the deal.

The second new hardware announced today is the 13″ version of the Macbook Pro line. After reading the headline and initial stats, I was excited and glad I didn’t get a new laptop to replace my old MBP yet. This is basically the black Macbook with added power and ports. There are 2 models, one with 2.26GHz and 2GB ram and the 2.53GHz and 4GB ram. I almost decided on getting the 4GB ram model until I did a comparison between all the models. Now the prices have decreased but here’s where I get disappointed. Both 13″ model have Firewire 800 support – great! But how many devices do I own or reasonably priced devices that support this connection? Nowhere did I see a listing for Firewire 400 support excep the 12″ Macbook model. The video card is also shared memory, unless you go for the high end 15″ model or the 17″ model. Another missing port is the ExpressCard / 34 slot. This is only available on the 17″ MBP model. Currently, I am using this slot for my Verizon V70 internet card. They did however, gain a SD card slot. Haha, I’d trade that slot in for any of the other missing ports I mentioned in a heartbeat any day!

I really do want a new laptop and a smaller one. I’d have to look at what I’ll be using it for and if the lacking hardware will be an issue. Either way, I’m looking into getting one in a few months.

Today, Apple held a preview of their upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 and SDK. A lot of my wants will be coming. I may keep my iPhone 3G longer than planned – even though AT&T’s coverage is garbage. Here are a few that I’ve read about so far.

• MMS support (Finally! Welcome to half a decade ago, if not more.)
• Copy and paste (The pics during the demo looked promising and easy to use.)
• Spotlight search (Though I don’t use it enough on Leopard, it’s a great tool to search across multiple locations.)
• Peer to peer connection via Bonjour
• Multiple players for games
• CalDAV support
• Voice memos
• Sync notes
• Turn by turn map
• Modem tethering was mentioned but not demo’d ( I wonder once this capability is available, how much will AT&T charge extra? )

Those are just some of the new features that will be released sometime this summer (damn, that long?). Beta is available for developers today. I may look into the SDK more this time and maybe develop some stuff too – not sure yet though.

You can read the play by play on Engadget’s website – http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/live-from-apples-iphone-os-3-0-preview-event/. Thanks Apple, I’m a little excited about my iPhone again.

I just got my first bill with our iPhone 3G and was surprised to find $260 for a week’s worth of use. So I called AT&T up so I can get an explanation of the bill. I was informed that I was charged for what I’ve used the initial month, plus next month’s bill, and $72 for activation (2 iPhones). The customer service rep offered to remove the activation fee for the inconvenience. I was shocked but happily accepted. I didn’t sound upset or anything, I just need clarification on the bill. Thanks AT&T! Even though you charge a lot for the iPhone services and provide little to no service at my house, you have so far exceeded my expectations with your customer service.