Recently active ideas in Apple

Just got my 3g iPhone. While out and about today, I tried to send a video from my Nokia E70 via Bluetooth, but Nokia can't see the iPhone, even though Bluetooth is clearly on and iPhone says 'Now Discoverable'. The iPhone sees the Nokia, but refuses to pair with it. When I got home, I tried connecting to my laptop via Bluetooth. That can't see the iPhone either. Is this some kind of insane Jobsian device lockdown OR do I have a faulty handset OR is it a software problem that will will be fixed with a forthcoming update (I hope a swift one)? Just seen a similar thread about the original iPhone that would suggest the answer is (a). I do hope not.

If it is, then how else can I connect my Nokia to the iPhone locally to transfer data between them. One of my main reasons for getting an iPhone DESPITE its (current) lack of video was because I thought I could use my exisitng phone to shoot video and transfer it across via Bluetooth while on the move.

And, again, if it is locked down in this way, then what on earth is the rationale behind preventing users from doing something like this that harms no commercial interests whatsoever?

The iPhone should offer the opportunity to create an event from the contacts application and allow the selection of one or more contacts for a calendar event.

For example, if I have a doctor's appointment, I could click on the calendar event, then click on the contact to see the phone number of the doctor. Or on the calendar event, I would be able to click on the address of my contact to be sent to Google Maps (just like the contact app does already).

Also, on my contact page, I would see a recent history of calendar events I have attended with that person.

We have a number of short (eg 5 or 10min) videos or TV shows for the kids. It would be great to be able to create a Video playlist that could sequence a few of these to plan in succession. Same as audio playlists.

When will authentication for Flickr be available on Apple TV. At the moment we cannot see a large number of photos from our library or contacts as they are private to friends and family. Allowing ability to sign into Flickr (like YouTube) would make this more useful.

This should be a no-brainer, except that iPhone forces me to view text messages as a chat. What if it's a message (address, event details) that I want to forward to others?

It would be great to have the ability to set distinct text message tones in the same way that a user can set distinctive ringtones for people in the contact list.

Apple's Address Book supports smart folders (folders that hold contacts based on certain search characteristics). For instance, if I want to keep track of all the employees for one company in my address book, I would simply make sure I have the "Company" field filled out on each contact. I don't have to drag the contact over every time I create a new one.

There is no such functionality on the iPhone and there should be.

I use a Mac at home and a PC at work. I would love to be able to control my Mac easily from the PC at work.

Set up a way to explicitly remove a group from the "All Contacts" (or make another "Default" metagroup where I can remove groups from showing); so that way I can keep those contacts in Address Book for reference; but not have them clutter up my list day-to-day in Mail's autocomplete, iPhone phonebook, etc.

Using a Smart List with exclusions in the conditions doesn't really work; it doesn't get exported, and there's no way to set apps to look in it instead of in All Contacts.

iPhone sms interface should show time stamp when you put your finger on a msg..

I'd love to have a way to have calendar subscriptions on my iPod touch. Whether those subscriptions get synced through iCal/iTunes to my iPod when I sync it, or over-the-air with MobileMe.

I'd really love the functionality of having calendar subscriptions in the MobileMe web interface as well, but that isn't as important to me personally than having it on my iPod touch.

I really think they should make the keyboard rotate for the Mail App. it's a must :/

One of the great features of the new 2.0 iPhone OS is the ability to rotate the iPhone 90 degrees and the keyboard and screen also rotates. This functionality should be exactly the same for the SMS client.

Nothing is perfect, except maybe chocolate and LOTR trilogy. Thusly, the inevitable complaint list about the iPhone at Macenstein has begun:

http://macenstein.com/default/archive...

The standouts include copy & pasting (a big WTF), an inability to store a keychain password for safari, and an SMS time stamp.

What do you think is missing?

The iPhone: Love it? Yes, I do. But, these headphones: I'm not completely sold on them.

The headphones that ship with the iPhone are not bad, but a lot of people have discovered that you can't use just any old set of headphones with the iPhone. Apple has been quiet on exactly why they configured the headphone jack of the iPhone the way they did. It is "recessed", which means that most headphones won't work with the iPhone. Specially made headphone plugs will fit into the iPhone. Did Apple do this to sell oodles of proprietary headphones or third-party versions in their store? It is hard to say.

Why does it matter? Your typical headphone plug won't fit into the iPhone because the tip of the plug probably won't reach the receptor inside the iPhone. You could break out a kitchen knife and cut away the plastic on your headphone's plug and make your iPhone play nice, but most people don't feel comfortable cutting pieces off of an electronic accessory they paid good money for. If you are comfortable with this minor surgery approach, go for it. If not, you'll want to know what to buy. You have two choices: an adapter or a new set of headphones. This is my collection of buying advice and tips for anyone out there who also have iPhone headphone selection problems, sorted from priciest to most affordable.

Adapters



If you have a pair of Shure headphones, you can buy a $40 adapter to receive crystal clear calls. But, it's quite expensive. If you're a Shure fanatic, you probably already don't mind overpaying for your equipment.



Belkin makes an adapter that costs $11, but it is rigid and protrudes out of the iPhone too far for my liking.



Griffin, known for their sleek Apple accessories that more closely match Apple's design sensibilities, sells an adapter that is a little more flexible than the Belkin adapter. And, at $10, it's a dollar less. This is a good choice if you must have an adapter.



RadTech sells an even lighter weight one, and it comes in 3-inch or 4-inch lengths. It's only $8. Also recommended.



If you are a cheapskate (like me), you'll want to consider Helium Digital's' HD-005. At the rock-bottom price of $4, this adapter wins the price wars.

Headphones and Sets



Bang & Olufsen raises the bar with their Earset 2. In fact, the bar is now so high that only the yuppiest executives who light cigars with dollar bills can afford it. If you pay $350 (!) for this headset -- almost the price of the iPhone itself -- you are the winner. I concede defeat.



Ultimate Ears' super.fi 4vi earphones are quite attractive, and I love the fact that they are extremely lightweight, which is the biggest selling point for me. But, I can't pay $150 for a pair of headphones. I wouldn't object if they found their way into my Christmas stocking.



If you have the bucks and love everything Apple, Bluetooth headset is awesome. But, this is still a $130 earpiece. Hope it doesn't fall out when you're strolling down the street -- while you're stepping over a sewer grate.



If military-grade technology turns your crank, then the Aliph Jawbone is your best bet, soldier. At $120, it's a bargain for those pulling down combat pay. It's still too expensive for this conscientious price objector. Wish I could afford it, though, because it is unique and looks very durable. And, the noise-cancelling features are compelling.



The V-MODA VIBE Duo is great for listening to music. It offers high-quality sound and comes with flexible silicon cups of different sizes. But, it's $100, and it comes with all those cups and a carrying pouch. That's a lot to carry around, but if you like these kind of earbuds and can afford it, they'll sound great. This set has received great reviews, although I am critical because they don't have a remote control button or way to answer a phone call without using the iPhone's screen. But, if you can afford it, these are a very good choice.



Plantronics makes the Discovery665 BT Bluetooth headset. It looks like a small electric razor -- or the Terminator's broken-off finger. If you love futuristic-looking things and don't mind spending $100, look no further. I hear it's so comfortable you may forget you have it on. But, I bet no one else will forget it if they see you wearing this thing. I will give it props for weighing only 3 ounces.



If you're accustomed to the typical Bluetooth headset that fits over your ear, the Plantronics MX510 might just be for you. It's only $35, which is very reasonable. I personally don't like the Star Trek Borg look, so I won't be buying these. But, if you've used something similar in the past, this is probably your best bet.



The Apple iPhone headset is the same one that comes with your iPhone. With so many overpriced options out there, I think I'll just stick with these $29 ones for now. Besides, I really like the microphone built in to the cord, and I don't see any attractive alternatives that have this key capability. If you read media reports lately that say these headphones contain phthalates, which are materials in plastic to make it more pliable, be assured that an astounding number of plastic products do contain this chemical compound. I wouldn't let it color your buying decision. It's my opinion that consumer advocacy groups are highlighting Apple's use of phthalates because they are so high profile.



The least expensive option I found for a headset is the Jabra BT150 Bluetooth headset. You can't beat the price, but I actually start to worry if a headset is too inexpensive. For $20, will I get what I pay for? Anyone out there have experience with these?

How about you? Have you seen any iPhone headphones or adapters that people should know about? Know any hacks or modifications that allow you to use non-approved headphones with the iPhone? Have you seen something I've missed during my own research into finding the perfect set of iPhone headphones? Pray tell. I'm sticking with the headphones that came with my iPhone until I can find a suitable replacement.

It would be great if Apple TV could just "watch tv", record things and timeshift shows, like in Media Center. Does Apple haves a project like that?

I write messages in English or French, depending who I am writing to. The word auto completion works pretty well, until I want to write in the other language. There should be a way to *easily* switch from one language to another, *or* that the iPhone automatically recognizes which language I am typing in. And also it should stop suggesting words that are just never used, or words that have the same probability of being used (example: why does it suggest "sûr" in French when I type "sur", or "toute" when I typed "route". It should only display suggestions to help me type faster long words, or fix obvious mistakes, not try to get in my way all the time!)

PLEASE...PLEASE "EVERYONE"...PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO APPLE RE: THE iPHONE'S DESPERATE NEEDS HERE...

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone....

LET THEM KNOW...IT SHOULD BE A "FREE" SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE iPHONE 3G FOR THE FOLLOWING...ASAP!!

- Bluetooth connectivity to every device (no locked down garbage that is on there now, not compatible with anything)
- voice dialing & recording
- voice activated & instructed turn-by-turn GPS navigation w/ real-time tracking (not just Google maps)
- MMS
- cut & paste ability
- longer battery life

The phone already has the capability, it's Apple locking these features up!!! What isn't already there is a simple code writing exercise and can be a simple software upgrade in NO TIME!!!

Samsung Instinct offers ALL of this and Sprint is cheaper and offers more.

Other basic phones offer most all of this, come on Apple!!! :(

first mobile social community - for iphone

These guys get nutty after being there for a few hours.

I want a refreshed and hydrated genius to be pleasant and attentive to my concerns.

When's the best time to book an appointment, ensuring the most pleasant geeks?