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  • iPhone 3GS battery swells to absurd size [Update]

    by 
    Mike Wehner
    Mike Wehner
    01.31.2014

    We've heard plenty of stories of exploding smartphone batteries, but this might be the first time we've seen a battery right on the brink of actually blowing up. A writer over at the Czech website Letem Svetem Applem recently noticed his iPhone 3GS splitting at the seams thanks to a battery on the verge of bursting. As you can see from the photos, the battery has more than doubled in size, looking more like a plump water balloon than a reliable power source. As the owner notes in the post, the iPhone had shown no previous signs of trauma and has served well since 2009. He doesn't reveal what he plans to do with the device, other than hopefully dispose of the faulty battery, but it seems that this particular long-serving 3GS may have sent its last Czech message. He also noted that Apple's European office has reached out to him. Update: It looks like this isn't the first time this has happened. Upon seeing these photos, Tim Beljavskis contacted me on Twitter to let me know the same thing happened to his own 3GS. Check out his remarkably similar battery balloon below. Thanks to Roman for the tip!

  • Newest version of ultrasn0w unlocks iPhone 4, 3GS on iOS 5.1.1, RedSn0w 0.9.12b1 also released

    by 
    Edgar Alvarez
    Edgar Alvarez
    06.04.2012

    Are you one of those folks who depends heavily on an iPhone 4 / 3GS unlock, but made the unsafe trip toward iOS 5.1.1 territory? Worry no more, as the hard-working Dev-Team's come through yet again, delivering its newest version of ultrasn0w to help alleviate your carrier lockdown problems. Version 1.2.7 of the unlocking method is friendly with iPhone 4s (nope, not the 4S) on baseband 01.59.00, while the older 3G / 3GS slabs will have to be on 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01, 05.13.04 or 06.15.00. To go along with the latest ultrasn0w release, the Dev-Team also outed a fresh copy of RedSn0w (0.9.12b1) for both Windows and Mac, making it easier for devices sporting Cupertino's A4 chip -- and other earlier ones -- to adopt and restore using an untethered solution. All in all, we'd say it's a pretty good day for the jailbreak scene. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

  • Max Payne to rampage on iOS April 12th, Android April 26th

    by 
    Andrew Munchbach
    Andrew Munchbach
    04.08.2012

    Are you a smartphone user with an itchy trigger finger? Listen up. Rockstar Games has announced that the one and only Max Payne will begin terrorizing your iOS and Android devices in the very near future. The wares will be available for Apple-branded gear (iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S, along with the iPod touch 4 and all iPad iterations) on April 12th, and Google's implements two weeks later on the 26th. Max Payne Mobile is promising to deliver HD graphics, high resolution textures and exclusive content via the company's Social Club service to your miniaturized screen. Rockstar did not elaborate on which Android sets would be supported, but promised to publish a full list "in the coming weeks." Limber up those thumbs, charge up that handset and get ready to lay waste to... pretty much anything that moves.

  • Poll: Have you upgraded to iOS 5?

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    10.12.2011

    We've heard plenty of you are receiving various error messages while attempting to install iOS 5, and some of us haven't had much luck either. But have you been able to upgrade? Let us know in the poll below, and jump past the break to sound off in the comments.%Poll-69801%

  • iOS 5 review

    by 
    Dante Cesa
    Dante Cesa
    10.12.2011

    Snow Leopard review Apple: Six million copies of OS X Lion downloaded since launch Auto-suggestion keyboard found hiding inside iOS 5 Now well into its fifth year of life, iOS has always been known for its exceptional polish -- and also, its glaring feature holes. But, just like clockwork, each year since its 2007 debut, those shortcomings have been addressed one by one in a sweeping annual update. In 2008, the platform was opened up to developers giving us the App Store, 2009 saw the introduction of copy and paste -- which we'd argue is still the best implementation to date -- and last year "multitasking" finally made a presence. So what has Apple chosen to rectify in 2011? Well, for starters, notifications gets a complete overhaul with Notification Center, tethered syncing dies at the hands of iCloud and messaging gets a do-over with the birth of iMessage. If you recall, we first got acquainted with iOS 5 in May after downloading the developer preview, but how does the final release stack up? And does it have the chops to compete with the latest from Mountain View and Redmond? After drudging through seven betas, we're ready to conquer all that the final release has to offer, so join us, if you would, past the break.

  • AT&T misses another iPhone opportunity

    by 
    TJ Luoma
    TJ Luoma
    10.09.2011

    This week, Apple announced that for the first time you will be able to get a free iPhone with a 2-year contract. The "catch"? The iPhone is the 3GS (not the 4 or 4s). Now if you are someone who regularly reads tech websites and who thinks it's perfectly logical to stand in line for hours to get the newest iPhone (or to get up in the middle of the night to order one online), then the iPhone 3GS might seem like a relic to you. But for the millions of cell phone users who don't have smartphones, the iPhone 3GS would be a great purchase. The hardware is excellent, and it supports AT&T's 3G network. No, it doesn't do "4G" -- but for most Americans, we don't live anywhere with 4G coverage anyway; people looking for a free smartphone probably aren't going to care about 4G, if they even know what it is. Subjectively speaking, my wife actually prefers the 3GS because she says the curved back fits better in her hand. The iPhone 3GS has a bigger App Store than Android or Windows Phone alternatives. When Apple releases iOS 5 in a few days, the 3GS users will be able to upgrade to it, free of charge. All told, it's a great phone, and in the USA it is only available on AT&T because Verizon didn't have the iPhone until version 4. It is now available for free (with the same 2 year contract you're going to be stuck with anywhere). You might think that AT&T would want to grab this opportunity to let people know about this great offer. You might think that, assuming that you haven't watched AT&T bungle nearly every opportunity the iPhone has given it. The latest example arrived today: an email from AT&T with the Subject: "Huge online selections of free phones from AT&T!" Because I am, at heart, an optimist, I thought "Oh, they are going to start promoting the free iPhone deal." I was wrong. Inside the email, there are 3 phones shown (see screenshot above). The first two have tiny, hardware keyboards, and the third (in the background) shows something that looks like an iPhone knockoff but with rounded sides. No picture of the iPhone 3GS. No mention of the iPhone 3GS. They mention "Apple" as one of the manufacturers, but they don't use the name "iPhone" at all. The best-known smartphone brand in the world, and AT&T doesn't even mention it. They can make a "free iPhone" offer that no one else in the USA can make, and they didn't make it. If you wanted to be extremely generous, maybe you would want to say that the email had a limited amount of space for the image, so they couldn't fit the iPhone into the picture. But even if you click through to the "shop now and save" link, the resulting page doesn't show the iPhone 3GS at all. Frankly, I don't know if AT&T is purposefully downplaying the iPhone, or whether they want to push people towards the iPhone 4 or 4S if they want "an iPhone" or if they just plain blew an opportunity to promote an advantage that they have over Verizon and Sprint. But I know which one I'd go with if I had to guess.

  • Apple drops iPhone prices: 8GB 3GS free, iPhone 4 now $99

    by 
    Christopher Trout
    Christopher Trout
    10.04.2011

    No big surprises here, but the iPhone 4S' older siblings are getting drastic price reductions. An 8GB 3GS is now free on contract, while the iPhone 4 is now only $99 with a carrier agreement -- that one bill gets you an 8GB iPhone 4. We've received no indication of cuts for other flavors of the old guard, but we suppose congratulations are in order for bargain hunters with limited iTunes libraries. Update: According to the Apple Store, the iPhone 4 is also "coming soon" to Sprint.

  • Dear Aunt TUAW: What is this cheap iPhone data plan you speak of?

    by 
    Erica Sadun
    Erica Sadun
    08.10.2011

    Dear Aunt TUAW, What is this "cheap" AT&T SIM with data for the iPhone that you often speak of? You've written about it numerous times. Please dish. Fondest regards always, Mister Humann Dear Humann, Auntie is talking about AT&T's standard PAYG plans. She usually buys the US$100 cards which offer a full year of air time -- that is, the balance will not expire for a year, regardless of how much of the balance is used. Plus, dear Auntie can use that airtime balance to buy data. That's sweeter than a bowl full of Werther's Original. You may want to start out with a $25 airtime investment (won't expire for 3 months) to make sure that the set-up does, in fact, work on your iPhone. Auntie is currently using this approach with her 3GS. The model is important because pre-iPhone 3G units won't accept a SIM as-is. They must be jailbroken and activated first. Auntie's 3GS, however, is not currently jailbroken and it's working fine with her AT&T SIM. Here's what she did. Setting up a PAYG iPhone Account You can purchase air time for any SIM by visiting an AT&T retail or calling AT&T at 1-800-331-0500. Unlike the Best Buy $10 no-data SIMs ($5 of air time, expires after 90 days) that you can buy, activate with a phone call and pop into your iPhone, PAYG SIMs cannot be set up anonymously. You need that PAYG account to load affordable data onto your iPhone and, much like Auntie on Pinochle night, AT&T is a little more buttoned-up. To get started, you'll need a home address, a credit card, and a non-iPhone AT&T phone with a valid IMEI identifier and, of course, the SIM number. These allow you to register an account with AT&T. You will not have to leave that credit card on file, however. This will be a one-time payment of $25 or $100 (or however much you want to use to get started). Now you're pre-paid, baby! When your money and time run out, your account dies and you're never charged again unless or until you choose to add more money and time. If you're planning to use the account primarily for data, make sure to choose the per-minute plan ($0.10/minute, $0.20/text), not the per-day plan. (Your other option is a $2/day unlimited plan, which allows you to pay only on those days you talk on the phone.) Once your account is charged and you're given a new phone number, head on home (if you didn't do this all by phone, like Auntie does) and put the SIM into your iPhone. It should be recognized immediately and you'll be able to place and receive phone calls. Adding data Next you'll want to add data. Auntie recommends starting with a $15 100 MB data package. As you'll see, her recommendations change once you get all the kinks worked out, but starting with 100 MB for 30 days at $15 lets you buy in and test the system for under $25. Plus, that leaves you $10 with which you can call Mom and tell her you love her every day, approximately 3 times per day over that 30 day period. If Auntie has her math right. And she usually does. To add your data package, call the irritating robot at 611 from your iPhone. This is a free call, which is small recompense for having to interact with the unpleasant, robotic beastie. Make sure to turn on the speaker and flip to the number pad. When you're allowed to speak, say "Buy features" and then "Data Packages." Work your way through the robotic menu to select the 100MB plan for $15. The 'bot will helpfully tell you when your data package expires and how it rolls over. That roll over bit is the good part. Take note of that. Also take note of how you check your data balance (Call 611 and say "Check my feature packages"). Configuring Your iPhone for 3G Data Next, you need to update your iPhone to work with prepaid data. Auntie's favorite how-to write up can be found over at amirnaor.com. Here are the steps you need to take. Download Apple's iPhone Configuration Utility and run the installer. The application is placed into your /Applications/Utilities folder. Launch the application with your iPhone connected. Create a new configuration profile (File > New, Command-N). Edit the name to AT&T PAYG (arbitrary) and add an identifier, e.g. com.sadun.payg (also arbitrary). In the Advanced settings (scroll down), click configure and set the following fields: APN: wap.cingular User Name: wap@cingulargprs.com Password: CINGULAR1 Proxy wireless.cingular.com port: 80 Locate your device on the left source list column. Click it. Click Install next to the profile you just created. On your iPhone, the Settings app launches. Tap Install on the profile. Disconnect the iPhone, disable WiFi, and test the data connection in Safari. Annual Data Planning Leaving aside the $25 airtime proof-of-concept, here's how you can think about budgeting airtime purchases for inexpensive data over a year. AT&T's feature plan buckets currently go for $25 for 500 MB / $15 for 100 / $5 for 10. Best of all those feature package balance rolls over if renewed before expiration date. That means if you refill the feature plan before the end of the month (i.e. 28 or 29 days -- you can set your iPhone to alarm you), the data rolls over, so you can keep adding $5 for another 10 MB so about a total of $25 + 5 * 11 = $80 for a years data, with $20 left over for the occasional phone call and a budget of 610 MB for the year. 610 MB. Total cost $100. You can always add more during the year for $25 for another 500 MB, taking away the $5 you would have spent for 10 MB. So let us say that you use 100/month and need at least 1.2 GB of data for the year. You could buy, say, all that data at the start of the year, or (more likely) start with a $25 buy-in of 500 MB and then go for 3 months at $5 for 10 MB each. That means each four month period (approximately, since the "months" are going to be 4 weeks...say 28 days), you will pay $40 for 4 months, for a budget of 530 MB. That fits comfortably into the 100/month data budget. If you find you have lots of data left over, you can even skip one of the three $25 payments for a $10 one. Auntie uses the savings for new doilies, but that's up to you. 1.59 GB. Total cost $120 Assume you go with the $25/5/5/5 plan. You'll need to re-fund your account about 8 months in, assuming you haven't made lots of phone calls and need to refund sooner. At that point, let's say you add about $50. Month 1 $40 Month 5 $40 Month 9 Add $50, spend $40 (Month 13, new year -- Add in at least $100 so you're guaranteed a full year) You will have spent $150 for the year total, including about $30 of airtime available. If you want, you can use $25 of that for another 500 MB data bump if you really don't talk much; less if you talk & text. Auntie's Downside: You must remember to refill on time. Using a 4-week schedule, and a calendar reminder program, helps. It means you always refill on the same day of the week -- and keep in mind you will have to refill 13 times for the year, not 12, which throws off the math a tiny bit. Auntie is, honestly, really bad at this. Scheduled calendar reminders help. Auntie's Upside: Compare and contrast that cost with *normal* iPhone talk and data plans. Outside of the fact that you have a contract with a $375 cancellation penalty, it will cost you $55-ish or more per month for standard service. This provides data and voice for about $10/month. Discussion: This kind of data is *not* explicitly approved by AT&T (big surprise, but also no big deal) and, no, this isn't the old style Pick Your Plan that AT&T cracked down on, forcing people to move to standard contracts (Auntie was on a PYP on her original iPhone and it was a really good deal with rollover credits for unused airtime), but you're using it with an out-of-contract unit, so why should it matter if you're doing so on an iPhone versus, say, a cheap Nokia? Who is this for? Anyone who wants to be able to Google on the go, check e-mail and do very light web surfing. The 100 MB/month calculation is similar to iPad plans. But even if you end up using, say, double the data, for approximately $200/year (that's because the 3 times at $25 doubles to $50, but not the $5 maintenance costs), it's still very affordable. Here are a few purchase scenarios you might consider. 3 $25 buckets, 9 $5 buckets: $120 + $30 airtime: 1.6 GB costing $150 6 $25 buckets, 6 $5 buckets: $180 + $20 airtime: 3 GB costing $200 9 $25 buckets, 3 $5 buckets: $240 + $10 airtime: 4.5 GB costing $250 12 $25 buckets: $300 + $25 airtime: 6 GB costing $325 For comparison, the expected per-year cost for really basic iPhone service at $55 per month: $660 (Auntie thinks that's the lowest available, you might want to check). So that's how you get cheap iPhone data plans. Best of all, you can keep adjusting your bucket purchases over the year to match your usage. Hugs, Auntie T.

  • Apple releases iOS 4.3.5, inches towards iOS 5

    by 
    Dante Cesa
    Dante Cesa
    07.25.2011

    Less than ten days after iOS 4.3.4 parachuted in to fix that nasty PDF exploit, Apple's gone and dropped another. So what'll Cupertino's latest fix today? Build 8L1 -- or 8E600 on 4.2.10 if you're rocking CDMA -- apparently nixes a vulnerability with "certificate validation," or you know, Apple's just really fond of keeping all you hackers on your toes. Either way, time to fire up iTunes, unless of course, you're already living in the future. Update: Turns out you can still (tether) jailbreak with redSn0w. Peep the more coverage link below. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

  • iPhone 3GS falls to free in Canada (now that you're over it)

    by 
    Zachary Lutz
    Zachary Lutz
    04.03.2011

    Canadian citizens suffering from iPhone envy are in for a sweet treat this weekend. Mobile carriers Bell and Telus recently introduced competing promotions, offering the iPhone 3GS 8GB for precisely nothing with a three-year commitment. This presents an enticing opportunity for those willing to saddle up with Apple's last-gen phone for the long (long) haul, but really, is anyone still interested in actually doing so? With Telus, only refurbished models are available, and it appears to be an online exclusive for now. Meanwhile, Bell's promo features new (as in unused) 3GS', and should be available in stores. Nothing like watching a race to the bottom, eh?

  • Best Buy makes iPhone 3GS free on contract tomorrow, December 10th

    by 
    Sean Hollister
    Sean Hollister
    12.09.2010

    Only a few days after Radio Shack unveiled the first iPhone sale in recorded history, Best Buy's done one better -- it's offering up the 8GB iPhone 3GS "to qualified customers" without charging a cent for the handset. Yes, that's a free iPhone, not counting the AT&T ball and chain, for the likely-far-less-than-one-day supplies will last, and so we imagine a fair number of you will start queuing up right now to get in on the action. Not a bad way to move surplus inventory and head off perennially rumored CDMA juggernauts at the pass -- promise them the free iPhone, then lock them into those two-year contracts. It's hard to resist! [Thanks, The Crusher]

  • iPhone 3G, 3GS get iOS 4.2.1 unlock, using risky ultrasn0w workaround

    by 
    Sean Hollister
    Sean Hollister
    11.28.2010

    Can't wait another minute for your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS to be carrier-unlocked once more? If and only if you're already running the latest firmware, you can actually pilfer a bit of iPad code to pick the requisite locks -- though there are some serious risks in doing so. The iPhone Dev Team has a new version of PwnageTool that uses the 6.15.00 baseband from iPad firmware 3.2.2, which just so happens to run perfectly on the iPhone 3G and 3GS since both phones and tablets of that era use the same Infineon radio chip. If you know your way around an IPSW and regularly bench-press SHSH blobs, you can download all the software you need right now -- but if you don't, you might want to steer clear of the proceedings for the time being. We spoke about risks a moment ago, and in this case there are quite a few -- like the inability to downgrade from baseband 6.15 or ever do a full restore unless Apple relations improve, and it's fairly likely that Cupertino won't look kindly on your warranty if they find you running iPad software. Them's the breaks, kid.

  • John Carmack talks about Rage SD and HD, iOS, and what's next for iOS gaming

    by 
    Mike Schramm
    Mike Schramm
    11.19.2010

    We've all seen the potential of what a demo like Epic Citadel can do, but while work continues on Infinity Blade, John Carmack's id Software has released Rage, an iOS-exclusive tie-in to the big FPS console and PC title scheduled to come out next year. The game is a pretty incredible feat in and of itself, with realistic graphics set in Rage's post-apocalyptic world and an on-rails shooting experience that feels extremely dynamic. It also has a fun reloading mechanic, a dodge button, a constant flow of mutants to shoot, and power-ups and bonuses to grab. At just one or two dollars for the SD or HD versions, Rage is a steal, and if you can play the game in full HD on the iPhone or the iPad, there's no question you should. I got the chance to chat with Carmack himself earlier today about this game and what he thinks of the iOS platform, and you can read the results of our interview after the break below. The good news: he says he's more focused on this kind of mobile development than ever before, and as a result, he's hoping we'll see at least two more mobile games from id before the full version of Rage comes out next year.

  • FaceIt-3GS brings FaceTime to your jailbroken 3GS

    by 
    Paul Miller
    Paul Miller
    11.09.2010

    Ah, the beautiful, ever-useful jailbreak and the developers that make it worthwhile. It's already unlocked the magic of FaceTime over 3G, and now it's making FaceTime capable with any old iPhone 3GS handset (thanks to the iPhoneIslam Team, who did the heavy lifting). Of course, lacking a front facing camera, the resulting video chat might be a little short on faces, but the functionality certainly isn't hurting anybody. Right, Apple? Hit up the app on Cydia and start streaming to your heart's content, and if you're wary there's a demo video after the break. [Thanks, Moe]

  • Target offering iPhone 4, 3GS starting November 7th

    by 
    Chris Ziegler
    Chris Ziegler
    11.01.2010

    See, you were hoping this would end with something like "...and they'll be the exclusive retailers of the white iPhone 4." Yeah, no -- just the standard-issue iPhone 3GS and black iPhone 4 here, coming to Target Mobile locations nestled within some 846 Targets across the country starting on November 7 with the same pricing as everywhere else. Guess we can officially declare shortages totally, completely dead, huh? Well, except for that white model, of course. Follow the break for the press release.

  • iOS 4.1 glitch lets you bypass lock screen to access Phone app, photo album (video)

    by 
    Ross Miller
    Ross Miller
    10.25.2010

    Your iPhone's passcode entry can't block everything, it seems -- at least not with iOS 4.1. We're hearing various reports that simply inputting a random number in the emergency call field, pressing call, and then promptly hitting the hardware lock button will take you to the Phone app, thereby granting you access to the call history, voicemail, and address book. We've tried this with iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4, all with the same result. We can't get out of the field without trying to place a call, and after that we're still stuck back at the passcode screen. Additionally, selecting "share contact" and then the camera icon will give you access to the photo album. Pay mind that your particularly paranoid pals could probably use this to see if you really did stop calling your ex and delete all his or her pictures. We won't judge, but they will. Video proof of concept after the break. Update: Feel free to hold down the menu button to access voice control and play some locally-stored tunes while you're at it. And if you've got 4.2 beta like some of our staffers do, this "trick" should work just the same. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

  • China Unicom getting WiFi-enabled iPhone 3GS next week, iPhone 4 on September 1?

    by 
    Chris Ziegler
    Chris Ziegler
    08.06.2010

    Remember that WAPI-compliant version of the iPhone approved back in May? Yeah, well, China Unicom is just now getting around to rolling it out, promising it'll be available next week in the form of an 8GB 3GS for an incredible 4,999 yuan (about $739). As far as we can tell, the phone will be compatible both with straight WiFi and WAPI wireless networks, which is a big step for the country -- traditionally, the Chinese iPhone has been WiFi-free while the iPod touch has gone unfettered, the result of bureaucracy, product categorization, and strange laws that don't fly in many other locales. On a related note, rumor has it that the iPhone 4 -- presumably also with WiFi / WAPI -- is on track for a September 1 release, so if the 3GS is feeling a little too 2009 for you, you may not have long to wait.

  • Apple discussed Verizon switch 'at least half a dozen times,' and other stories about its AT&T relationship

    by 
    Ross Miller
    Ross Miller
    07.19.2010

    "An iPhone, an iPhone, my carrier's reputation for an iPhone." Grab a cup of coffee and get yourself comfortable, fans of behind-the-scenes industry drama. Wired has published an exhaustive and fascinating expose on the "loveless celebrity marriage" that is Apple and AT&T -- all from sources familiar with the matters but who cannot (or will not) be named, of course. In other words, don't take this as gospel, but frankly, none of this sounds too crazy or outside the realm of what we've already surmised ourselves. In brief, the two companies have been contentious towards one another since just after the iPhone was unveiled. For AT&T's part, the carrier was reportedly taken aback when its requests (delivered by Senior VP Kris Rinne) to restrict YouTube's bandwidth usage (or make it WiFi-only) while the network infrastructure was built up fell on deaf ears in Cupertino. Word has it Apple also refused to allow its devices to be used in campaigns to combat Verizon's Map for That ads: "It was [effective] because of AT&T's network. We would have been letting them use the iPhone to put lipstick on a pig," remarked one anonymous Apple exec. What's most interesting to us here is the ongoing reported discussion to drop AT&T in favor for Verizon. That chapter apparently begins just months after the original's launch, with an investigative team (including Scott Forstall) ultimately concluding that Qualcomm's CDMA (or CDMA / GSM hybrid) chips would require a complete redesign of the device, not to mention a nasty lawsuit with AT&T over its exclusive contract (perhaps a minor issue, knowing Apple). Back then, Verizon wasn't seen as a guaranteed improvement, and according to one executive privy to such meetings, the carrier switch has been discussed at least a half dozen times, with the general consensus always being that it would "cause as many problems as it solved." We can't imagine this is gonna help stem the perpetual VZW iPhone rumor mill. Hit up the source link for the full tale, which does hit on a fundamental issue of the mobile industry going forward: as smartphone makers continue to push their devices' capabilities, bandwidth concerns will continue to grow and carriers are likely to take the majority of the blame. If you ask us, David Fincher has just found his ideal follow-up to The Social Network -- we'd especially love to see someone film the part where AT&T asks Steve Jobs to ditch the turtleneck and wear a suit when meeting with its board of directors.

  • New iPhone 3GS 8GB features redesigned box with iOS 4

    by 
    Chris Ziegler
    Chris Ziegler
    06.22.2010

    Couldn't very well have an iPhone for sale showing an outdated version of the operating system, now, could you? Just wouldn't be civilized. [Thanks, anonymous tipster]

  • iPhone 3G, iOS 4, and you -- what's missing (spoiler: multitasking)

    by 
    Ross Miller
    Ross Miller
    06.21.2010

    While iOS 4 is delivering on every promise for the iPhone 3GS users out there, as we were all told up front, the iPhone 3G would be missing some of those touted new features. Granted, we knew such disparities would exist but were never given the finer details. Now that the final build is percolating through the internet, we decided to take a look at what features are and aren't working on the earlier year's model. What's there Folders Threaded mail iTunes playlist creation / editing 5x digital zoom: just tap on the display near the capture button, but be warned, it doesn't paint a pretty picture iBooks: we were having issues with the earlier build, but it seems to be running fine after today's official download -- PDFs work, too. Photos: you can now sort by albums, events, faces, and places Game Center: the icon is present, but as of this writing we're unable to connect to the servers. (Update: a number of readers saying it didn't come with today's download. We nabbed ours as a gold build, which might explain the discrepancy despite still being considered "up to date" by iTunes.) Spell check has been updated Spotlight search: you can search the web and Wikipedia from the home screen search bar. That said, not all our queries -- "Engadget," for example -- weren't offering the option. [Thanks, jkane08] What isn't Multitasking: this is the big one. Double-tapping the home button doesn't give you the handy menu, there's no fast app switching, and background use is missing in action. Screen lock: normally in the multitasking menu (which isn't available on 3G), it's nowhere to be found, even under Settings. Bummer. Home screen wallpaper: you'd think this simple addition would make the cut, but sadly no. The dock has been given a visual upgrade, though. Bluetooth Keyboard support: we haven't tried this ourselves, but an influx of reports from Twitter suggest this is also a no-go. We'll keep testing, but be sure to let us know your own discoveries below!