App Store is Open! (For devs… :P)

The App Store is open, for developers only. Developers are asked to get their final versions of their apps ready for distribution through App Store. We all remember, of course, that Apple has the final say on what Apps are put on the store. No pr0n, bandwidth hogs, etc. Sources also speculate that larger app developers may get preferential treatment on how fast their app gets put on the store (duh).

Something new for App Store, devs get to choose a price for their app at units of $0.99. So $0.99, $5.99, $183483593.99, and so on. Yes, free apps can still be put on the store. Devs will also utilize the same route that musicians use, iTunes Connect. Here they can monitor their app sales and such.

Here’s a fun fact: Apple will withhold any payments until the app reaches the $250 threshold or the region’s equivalent. There’s no information on how much Apple will pay after crossing that threshold.

Kinda bollocks eh?

Free apps ftw!

[Read at TUAW]

iPhone 3G Activation Procedure: Two Steps?

An Italian site has claimed that the activation for Apple’s iPhone 3G will be a two-step process. First will be activating the phone for respective carriers and getting contracts setup. The next step is supposedly to involve the App Store and iTunes and your billing information.

The site also claims that Apple is “frustrated” with losing revenue to unlocked iPhones. Honestly, they didn’t lose anything through the first revenue sharing plan. They got most, if not all, of the revenue from the iPhone sale so they really didn’t care. Honestly, if anything, it created higher demand for the coveted phone. Now, with the subsidy, I think they are trying to take the right precautions to make sure unlocked iPhones don’t hit the market.

Thanks Mike for the tweet!

[Read via MacNN]

Q&A Procedure for AT&T and Apple Retail Stores

According to AppleInsider, Apple has sent out a memo to Apple Store and AT&T employees on how to answer questions about the iPhone 3G from here on out. Basically, here are the answers to use.

•       Pre-order iPhones?

o   Nope

•       What’s better, iPhone or iPod touch?

o   iPhone has a two year contract

•       Activation process

o   Uhhh… idk dude

Check out TUAW for the full (boring) memo.

 

[Read at TUAW]

iPhone 2.0 Software Allows Full Erase

I’m very glad to hear this.

iPhone 2.0’s firmware includes, what looks like, a full erase of data and settings. Before, manual workarounds such as filling up the iPhone with playlists and MP3’s, then manually deleting then, had to be used. Now, similar to Leopard’s secure erase trash feature, iPhone will remove all data and settings and write them over with blank bits for a better, more secure format. This should be good news for most of us. I know I have a lot sensitive information in my email and texts that I don’t need going anywhere else.

[Read at Engadget]

Stylish iPhone 2G/iPhone 3G Cases

 

I used to think that I HAD to have a case for my iPhone. Then I found out how awesome the screen is and how much better it felt to use a naked iPhone. Also, cases add a huge amount of bulk to the iPhone. I did make a sacrifice, though, for Incase’s White Slider Case because it matched my sexy MacBook.

Anyway, I digress. Fabrix has some awesome, and stylish, iPhone “socks” that fit the iPhone 2G/3G. For only $21.50 (which isn’t bad since you ARE dropping to $150 for those who qualify) you can put your shazzy new iPhone 3G in one of these.

 

[Read at Gizmodo]

DIY iPhone Interference Shield

I have to hand it to this resourceful individual, great DIY solution to blocking that annoying iPhone buzz on speakers. I also love how it’s also a Red Bull Sugar-Free can. DIY solution + being healthy ftw! Remember that this could interfere with your signal, but then again if you’re in a EDGE area you should be alright. I think I’d personally go for the Cherry Coke Zero… I just really love Cherry Coke Zero.

 

[Read at Engadget]