Wednesday September 12, 2007

- iPhoneSimFree: A Huge Swindling? - Lionel - 23:11:36

Since the official announcement of the free SIM unlocking application, iUnlock which should be available soon as a fully integrated solution, it is impossible to reach members of the iPhonesimfree team.
It seems that many resellers or companies might be affected, and become the victims of a huge internet-based and -driven swindling. Some known websites which have been promoting iPhonesimfree might have to "think different" in the future before supporting (voluntary or not) such weird business. We were a bit annoyed by the behavior of iPhonesimfree team members, but it seems that they decided to avoid facing their responsibility.
The figures remain unknowns, but some resellers and companies might have invested substantial amount of money, and legal actions might be launched in a near future.

[translation by Linathael]

- Apple: Say Hello to Logic Studio - Lionel - 23:01:02

Apple released the ultimate (audio) box: Logic Studio. It includes all you need to create, perform and record your music:
- Logic Pro 8
- Mainstage
- Soundtrack Pro 2
- Studio Instruments
- Studio Effects
- Studio Sound Library

The most impressive thing might be the price: US$499. Equivalent solution from third-parties are all priced over US$1000. In addition, Apple learned from the iPhone price cut, and if you purchased Logic Pro 7 on or after August 1, 2007, you are eligible for a free upgrade to Logic Studio (US$9.95 shipping & handling). Upgrading from Logic Pro or Logic Platinum/Gold 5 or 6 will cost you only US$199.00, and US$299 if you own Logic Express.
Apple reduce its Pro-orinted audio solution to a single package, probably to simplify the offer.
For additional information: http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/

[translation by Linathael]

- US and Canadian Apple Stores Closed! - Lionel - 14:03:49

The US and Canadian Apple Stores are closed and being updated. It is quite unusual timing for a maintenance operation, so should we expect something new?

[translation by Linathael]

- Apple Finalized Ringtone Support on iTunes Store - Lionel - 10:46:28

As expected with the recent incomplete updates of iTunes 7.4/7.4.1, Apple now offers full ringtone support on iTunes Store. When purchasing a music track, the following message is displayed:



Only, tracks purchased from the iTunes Store can be turned into ringtones, but it will cost you an additional US$0.99. This offer might not attract many customers, but it is probably linked to broader agreement between Apple and Music Majors which earned lot of money buy selling ringtones, via dedicated websites, or mobile phone carriers. It could be interesting to ask artists what they are thinking about such policies... not even sure they receive part of the huge profit generated by ringtone sales...
In addition, many applications already allow you to generate ringtones from your iTunes library, so this offer really appears to satisfy Majors than to bring additional financial input for Apple.


[translation by Linathael]

- Compatibility Update for QuickTime 7.2 - Lionel - 10:24:09

Apple released an update for Quicktime 7.2:

This update delivers increased compatibility with iLife

Direct link: http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/compatibilityupdateforquicktime72.html.

[translation by Linathael]

- Keyboard Software Update 1.2 Released - Lionel - 10:21:33

Apple released a new update for the recently launched Aluminum-based Apple keyboard:

Install this software to take advantage of your aluminum Apple Keyboard's special features.

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/keyboardsoftwareupdate12.html

[translation by Linathael]

- 30-days Movie Renting on iTunes Store? - Lionel - 10:18:06

Source : CNN

We have now the proof that the iTunes Store is ready to offer a movie renting service.
According to the Financial Times, Apple is on track to launch this offer next winter. The target price would be US$2.99 for renting a movie for 30 days.
The price as well as the time frame allowed for watching the movie should attract many customers. But, one would have to expect Apple to improve resolution quality of the video currently offered on iTunes Store, in order to get a DVD-equivalent quality level, and why not HD video 720p. It could also boost Apple TV sales.

[translation by Linathael]

- Free iPhone SIM Unlocking software Released: iUnlock - Eric - 10:17:25

Source : Hackint0sh

Members from Hackint0sh Forum have successfully developed a solution to modify the iPhone EEPROM in order to software-based unlock the SIM.
Of course, many websites, including some renowned ones, have tried to compile information from different sources, but the original information will be found only at one place: http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1315.
It remains unclear if members from Hackint0sh have been analyzing the procedure used by iPhoneSimFree to build their own solution, or if they independently obtained the same result. The name of this free iPhone SIM unlocking solution is already known: iUnlock.

Additional information are available from iPhone wiki, as well as numerous links to mirror sites for downloading the small application required to modify the EEPROM and unlock the SIM.
The entire procedure still requires to enter lines of codes and to use a PC to complete the hack. A GUI version of iUnlock is expected soon.
For additional information: http://www.freeiphoneunlock.com/guide/ in english.