Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Skype for iPhone


First, let's talk about the interface. In short, it's about as close to the PC/Mac client in style and utility as it can possibly get. Contacts, instant messenger, dialing pad, call history and profile can all be accessed at any time via the navigation bar at the bottom. Here's some more of the primary features:

  • Contacts can be listed alphabetically or by who is online.
  • You can see all ongoing chats or just new chat messages.
  • When calling out, there is a button that links to the iPhone address book.
  • Call history can be switched from everything to missed calls.
  • The info page lets you update your status (even with a photo!), access your profile, change your status, buy more credit and check your voicemail.

Rest assured the interface is slick and the app works as promised. But, I think the real reason why we are all so excited about this release over other Skype-enabled iPhone apps like Fring or Truphone is simply how much it works like its desktop-bound big brother that we know and love. Instant messaging chats just work. Group chats just work. Getting at-a-glance status on your Skype friends just works. The bottom line is, other apps may get the job done, but due to bad interface design, a critical missing feature, or trying to do too much, are not a pleasure to use. This client actually is a pleasure.


With all that said, it's still not perfect. It's better than everything else Skype-related on the iPhone, yes, but optimally it could support Skype SMS (though the carriers would probably never allow it), notification of new IMs when the app isn't in use (hopefully coming shortly after the iPhone 3.0 firmware hits), and.. well, support for video. Why not? People were recording MMS videos with their cellphones in 2004. The Japanese have had dual-camera phones with live video streaming for quite a while now.

And yes, I do realize the camera is on the back of the iPhone, making it hard to use the screen and the cam at the same time. I don't care. It's time Apple realized people are willing to trade some battery life for the ability to record a short video and start allowing apps that support it. But, until that day comes, Skype for the iPhone is highly recommended. I have already put it up on the first page next to Tweetie and DVR Remote. You can find the link to Skype in the iTunes app store here.

Resource: http://readwwriteweb.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Maxis Affordable iPhone 3G Plans



Check out these brand new affordable iPhone 3G plans, specially customised for you and your iPhone.




Rate Plan Terms & Conditions
1 Port-in customers are not eligible to sign up for the iValue Plans with a 24 month contract.
2 The minutes of usage included in iValue Plans applies to domestic voice calls only.
3 Data included in iValue Plans applies to mobile Internet usage only and excludes SMS, and other subscription based services. Data bundle is for local usage only. The maximum charge for local usage is up to RM250. While roaming overseas, the prevailing data roaming charges will apply.
4 Advance payment is waived for existing Maxis Postpaid customers with tenure of more than 6 months AND current monthly commitment usage of RM250 and above. Advance payment will be refunded from the 1st month onwards over the next 5 months. The account must be active at the time of refund.
• Customer may sign up for Extra SMS at RM8 per month to send 500 SMS to Maxis numbers.
• Non-Malaysians without an existing Maxis service will have to pay an additional RM1000 refundable deposit. Existing non-Malaysian customer will have to top up to a RM1000 refundable deposit.
• Purchase of iPhone 3G must be accompanied with any of the above contracted rate plans. Maxis reserves the right to rescind some of the privileges of the rate plans should the registered line not be used with the purchased iPhone 3G.
• Downgrade of rate plans will be subjected to penalty.
• Customer needs to ensure that their line is active at all times in order to receive the free data in the Value Plus plans (6 month contract).
• Use of the iPhone constitutes acceptance of the iPhone terms and conditions and other third party terms and conditions found in the iPhone box.
• If your Maxis mobile service is in contract and you choose to recontract and purchase an iPhone 3G your existing Maxis contract will stand and you will have another contract running concurrently starting from the date you collect your iPhone 3G. You will only pay the monthly subscription of your new plan, but should you have a temporary suspension of service, downgrading of price plan and termination of line pre-termination and/or liquidated damages charges for both contracts apply.
• For Value Added Services, respective Terms and Conditions applies.
• Other Terms and Conditions apply.

For Details please visit http://maxis.com.my/personal/iphone/index.asp

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Some Of The Articles From 2008 About iPhone After Launch

Things to Consider Before Purchasing an iPhone
The new iPhone from Apple is the latest cell phone product to have. Before making your final decision, be sure to read up on the details before executing your purchase. Link

IPhone 3G, Buy or No Buy?
Apple's new phone now being launched is a highly controversial issue. Is it worth the money? This is an especially critical question for previous iPhone holders who have to pay extra for their phone. In this article I clarify some major points in making your decision.
Link

IPhone G3 Benefits and Hidden Costs
The new iPhone G3 will be available this Friday but read carefully about the benefits and hidden costs of this latest offering from Apple.
Link

Iphone Downloads and What to Look For? a Review
The Iphone downloads vendors are all over the internet. What do you want?
You want a huge selection to fill your every need and wish!
You want to get your Iphone downloads fast so you want fast download times and speed!
Link

Apple IPod Vs. Apple IPhone: Which was the Bigger Innovation?
Apple iPod vs. iPhone...who wins?
Link

IPhone Complaints
Though the iPhone is a cutting-edge product, Apple still has room for improvement.
Link

The Low Down on the IPhone
The iPhone has been hyped more than nearly any other cell phone in history. With a hefty price tag, and small storage, is it worth the weight?
Link

Why the IPhone May Be Not All You Want it to Be?
With all the hype about the newly release high tech gadget iPhone by Apple there has been little time to objectively assess its convenience for the consumer. Here are some compalins about the iPhone....
Link

Monday, March 23, 2009

Replay: iPhone Keynote January 10th 2007

For those from Malaysia who miss the iPhone Keynote address when it was launch on 10th January 2009 by Steve Jobs.

This is the one of the best ever product presentation by Apple Inc.





















Saturday, March 21, 2009

Malaysia Prime Minister Thrown Challenge to iPhone App Fans


"I want Malaysian to show off their talents and creativity. At the same time, companies should not be reluctant to develop communication facilities and infrastructure because investment made in this field will certainly come back to you."-Prime Minister Malaysia Datuk Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.


He was speaking at the launching of Maxis iPhone 3G yesterday. He also express is happiness with the arrival of iPhone 3G in Malaysia which was awaited for nearly 2 years. Another great news was several local content developers had made best debut created made-in-Malaysia application for the App Store By Apple.-"I am proud of the local content development and hope this will push them to attain success"-he added.

Awarded Companies:

iPhone Application Developers Award
1. Infindo Technology Sdn Bhd.
2. Manga Blackbox
3. Pxing Game Studio

iPhone Most Promissing Application Award
1. Terato Tech
2. Murasu System Sdn Bhd

While Maxis CEO Sandip Das said "Malaysia are among the higest Internet and data users in the world and the iPhone 3G will further enliven their mobile experiences with Maxis".

The mobile phone app gold rush is on - and if you're quick, you can get a massive piece of it for yourself! Come on Malaysia iPhone Fan...Malaysia Boleh!

link