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Okay, right off the bat I’ll say you will need to take this one with an extremely large dose of salt, but apparently recent marketing materials for the big Red seem to indicate that an iPhone 4G is on its way to the United States largest carrier, or it could be that someone has simply made a typing error on the packaging.

According to an article over on TechnoBuffalo, one of their eagle-eyed readers spotted a Verizon box of marketing materials that were apparently sent to a Verizon affiliate in Louisiana, and on said box it stated…”iPhone Better 4G Smartphone.”

Like the article says, this is probably the work of some overzealous employee who is so used to typing 4G made the mistake and thus associated the iPhone as either being a 4G enabled smartphone, which of course it isn’t, or an iPhone 4G.

Have to say that is probably the case with this package, so you shouldn’t read too much into it, on the other hand it could possibly not be a mistake or typo and Verizon could be shipping out marketing materials for an iPhone 4G, perhaps they know something we don’t?

On the other side of the coin, one could look on it as the big Red is pushing out marketing materials ahead of the iPhone 5 release and is privy to the knowledge that the iPhone 5 will be able to play nice on their 4G LTE network, especially as the word is Verizon is rumoured to be discounting iPhone 4 accessories in the assumption the iPhone 5 will release soon.

There was also a rumour some time ago that Apple would deliver an iPhone 5 4G smartphone to China Mobile, while other rumours have said the next generation isn’t likely to support 4G, while over numerous months there have been many rumours concerning the iPhone 4G.

And that’s about your lot on this little piece of speculation, so what do you think, is this purely the work of some inept employee making a simple mistake, or does Verizon have the inside scoop that the iPhone will soon be 4G enabled? Feel free to voice your opinions to our comments area below.

Apple Patches iPhone PDF Security Flaw with iOS 4.3.4 Update

Apple released iOS 4.3.4 and iOS 4.2.9 on Friday for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. the updates patch a PDF rendering security flaw that’s currently used to install the JailbreakMe jailbreak hack through Mobile Safari.

iOS 4.3.4, now with less hack-ness

iOS 4.3.4 is available for the iPod touch, iPad, iPad 2 and GSM iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. GSM is the cell network technology used by many mobile phone providers around the world in including AT&T in the U.S. CDMA is used by Verizon and isn’t compatible with GSM networks, requiring Apple to release a special iPhone 4 model just for their network.

The security flaw could potentially be used to install software without user authorization, although the only in-the-wild use of the threat is the JailbreakMe hack. JailbreakMe lets users jailbreak their iOS devices without requiring a connection to a computer. Jailbreaking is a process that hacks the device so third-party apps that aren’t available through Apple’s App Store can be installed and run.

The iOS 4.3.4 update and iOS 4.2.9 update are available as free downloads. Users can install the updates by connecting their device to iTunes.

Create a custom iPhone case for $34.95

Which would you rather have protecting youriPhone: a boring black shell, or a beautiful color photo of your kids, dog, significant other, etc.?

Uncommon turns any uploaded photo into an attractive, durable case for your iPhone oriPod Touch. (Custom cases for iPads are coming soon.)

The service offers four case options for the iPhone 4 and one each for the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch (third- and fourth-gen). most are priced at $34.95, though the Capsule model for iPhone 4 and 3GS runs $39.95.

I ordered the $34.95 Deflector for iPhone 4, an ultraslim wraparound case that’s compatible with both AT&T and Verizon versions. using a simple, stylish photo tool, I uploaded a snapshot of my kids, fiddled with the zoom and orientation, and placed my order. The whole process took all of five minutes.

You can upload any photo you want, so long as you own it or have license to use it. Uncommon also offers a gallery of designs from “the world’s top progressive artists”–and, indeed, there’s some snazzy stuff in there. But obviously the appeal here lies in using your own photo, design, company logo, or whatever.

Turnaround was fast: I placed my order on a Wednesday and received the case the following Monday. and it looked great: smooth, glossy, and colorful. This isn’t just a photo pasted onto a case; it’s embedded into the plastic, so it won’t rip or peel.

The fit is tight, which is good–though getting my iPhone out of the Deflector was something of a challenge.

Ultimately, I think this is a great way to customize–and protect–your iDevice. why spend $34.95 on something like the basic-black Incase Snap Case when you can get a case adorned with your favorite photo for the same price?

Apple iPhone 5 Features: A Roundup of Rumors

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The advertisement was posted by the Gekko recruitment agency, which has worked with Apple on previous projects.

Added to this, Apple’s projection of selling 25 million iPhones by the end of 2011 coincides with the expectation that the release is around the corner.

However, speculations of new iPhone 5 features — both hardware and software upgrades — are certain to entice any smartphone buyer.

Take a look at the most-rumored iPhone 5 features:

iCloud

Apple’s iPhone 5 is expected to feature the new iCloud service in operating iTunes for wireless remote access of music from all computers and mobile devices.

The iCloud will also store photos, apps, calendars and documents without storing them onto the phone’s memory storage. Apple also placed itself in top position of the cloud war by inking deals with top music label companies to license songs for the iCloud service.

Added to that, there are rumors that Apple is stepping into the movie scene by attempting to license deals for films with movie studios.

iOS 5

iOS, known as iPhone OS before June 2010, is Apple’s mobile operating system. the user interface of iOS is based on the concept of direct manipulation, using multi-touch gestures. Interface control elements consist of sliders, switches, and buttons.

Apple’s iOS 5.0, which is the newest of the OS versions, was announced on June 6 at the WWDC 2011 keynote address. the new iOS 5 is expected to come with 200 new features that will include Improved Notifications System, News Stand and iMessage.

Apple’s iOS 5 will introduce the iCloud service and the Notification Center, as well as improvements to native apps such as Camera. the operating system also features new applications, such as the Reminders app and Newsstand, an application resembling Folders and iBooks.

Unlike other applications, Newsstand is the first native application to actually run on the homescreen. iMessage is an application that allows iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad users to communicate, much like a chat service only used between these devices. the iMessage feature has been integrated into the SMS/MMS application used originally on the iPhone models.

Flash Camera

Another obvious conclusion is that iPhone 5 will have a rear-facing 8MP dual-LED flash camera. Apple’s iPhone 5 will catch up big time with its myriad Android rivals — this suggestion infuriates Apple fans, for they believe iPhone is THE device and Android tribe are impostors.

But truth to say, many Android OS-based smartphones already sport an 8MP camera. Hence the rumor mills effortlessly churn out one proof after the other for the next iPhone featuring an 8MP camera. At this point an 8MP camera on the iPhone 5 looks like a foregone conclusion.

Recently, a CNET report says iPhone 5 will have an improved flash unit for its camera. Citing industry sources, the report says Apple has reduced orders for iPhone 4’s current LED flash.

Along with the rear-facing, iPhone 5 is also expected to have a front-facing camera for video chatting. It is expected to include a dual LED flash with rumors that the flash unit will be separated from the camera sensor.

It is also reported that new panoramic imaging features will allow instant panoramic shots with Apple’s stock photo app and have the ability to record 1080p high definition videos.

Another speculation indicated that iPhone 5 will have a 3D camera. Apple has filed a patent application related to 3D picture taking to the US Patent and Trademark Office later in March, according to an AppleInsider report. the filing described a system that would be capable of capturing, processing and rendering 3D images with the additional dual-camera hardware.

Design

Apple products are known for their beautiful design. Design will be a huge element for the iPhone 5 with rumors swirling that the new case will have a new radical design.

The phone will adopt a teardrop design that is supposed to be slimmer and lighter than past iPhone models. the iPhone 5 is expected to come with an aluminum plate casing rather than the current glass backing.

Rumors suggest a more uniformed design across all of Apple’s mobile devices as aluminum may be the consistent material used in the upcoming iPad 3 and iPod lineups as well.

Display

The iPhone 5 is anticipated to have an edge-to-edge 3.7-inch to 4-inch retina display. a curved glass display screen is also rumored that may offer more privacy while viewing in public areas.

According to rumors, Apple and Samsung were collaborating to introduce the AMOLED screen technology onto the device. but recent legal battle between the companies have dimmed that hopeful speculation.

The Quantum Dot LED technology could be a possible delivery for the iPhone 5. the new technology needs less power consumption while delivering the same quality of an OLED screen. It does not degrade the quality like OLED thanks to how its nanoparticles emit light.

Rumors of a curved glass display on iPhone 5 have been doing the rounds ever since DigiTimes reported in may that Apple had placed an order for glass cutting machines which are capable of making curved glass covers.

Hardware

The iPhone 5 will integrate a faster 1.2 to 1.5 GHz dual core A5 processor chip, which powers the iPad 2, with probably a 1GB RAM. with upgraded hardware, the iPhone 5 will be equipped with speed in processing information and apps besides obtaining lighter hardware parts to decrease the device’s weight.

In addition to a new processor, new elements such as a SIM-less design or an embedded SIM could help in reducing the iPhone 5’s physical thickness. Among other chipsets, a Broadcom BCM4330 could be integrated for its WiFi and Bluetooth.

Memory

Apple iPhone 4 comes in 16GB and 32GB. but it is expected that iPhone 5 will have 16/32/64 GB internal storage.

More Carriers

With new chipsets that the iPhone 5 may integrate, the ability for the smatphone to work across more carriers is becoming a higher probability. the Qualcomm MDM6600 chipset would allow the iPhone 5 to have compatibility with both Verizon and AT&T’s 4G and 3G networks.

Apple has already begun testing iPhones for T-Mobile, in particular the next iPhone, accord to BGR. other additional upgrades include extra internal antennas that can serve as an international phone for both CDMA and GSM.

According to Piper Jaffray, via CNET, the “most noteworthy” change to Apple’s next-generation iPhone is that it’ll be offered by Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile, on top of existing carriers AT&T and Verizon.

4G LTE iPhone 5

AT&T documents leaked by the hacking group LulzSec suggest that Apple iPhone 5 will offer 4G and will be LTE network compatible. LTE, or Long Term Evolution, is the latest standard in the mobile network technology and is a project of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Most mobile carriers in the world have plans to convert their networks into LTE, or 4G as it is often called. the current generation of mobile telecommunication networks are known as 3G or third generation.

In addition, speculation also expected the Qualcomm LTE chips to be integrated into the iPhone 5, allowing for compatibility with carriers offering 4G speeds.

iPhone NFC Payment

There have been reports since early this year that Apple is testing iPhone which incorporates near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Users can simply pay for goods by simply waving their iPhone in front of a contactless payment scanner. Mobile-payment services using NFC will be a hot segment in the future.

The near Field Communication (NFC) technology can transform the device into a convenient way for payment and device communication. NFC has potential to do more than just money transaction. the technology could offer features that allow multiple mobile devices to sync for speedier information exchange and gaming.

World Phone with SIM-less Design

It is rumored that the iPhone 5 will feature a new SIM-less design with 2 to 3 internal antennas for CDMA and GSM compatibility which will make it a worldphone.

The purported world phone will make iPhone 5 available on a variety of networks across the world. In all likelihood, iPhone 5 will have an improved flash unit for its camera.

Fire-proof iPhone

Another rumor is that the next iPhone will be a fire-proof phone. Apple has filed a patent application for an advanced halogen-free flame retardant material which could be used in future Apple products.

Apple reported that the new material will be integrated into the manufacturing of Apple products like keyboards, mice, iPods, the iPad, cabling and more.

Model

It is expected that iPhone 5 will be coming in Black as well as White model.

Gaming

New highly-probable rumors that float around suggest the iPhone will have strong gaming capabilities supported by multi-core A5 processor and Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR Series6 mobile graphics processing architecture.

Earlier in April, it was reported that Apple allowed select developers play around with an iPhone 4 which is implanted with an A5 chip rather than the A4 in order that they can bring out the full gaming prowess on the upcoming iPhone 5.

Apple gave developers from gaming bigwigs a pre-taste of the gaming prowess of the iPhone 5, with a view to incorporating smashing gaming capabilities in the next generation iPhone.

Social Network

Social networking is the flavor of the times and Apple wouldn’t want to give it a slip. according to the rumor mill, the iPhone 5 is going to become your portable social network. the novelty of the new model of social networking is that unlike in Twitter and Facebook, people don’t need to know each other to become friends.

The phone analyses your habits, tastes, lifestyle, aptitudes, travels and the like and finds people who share the same bandwidth. and then it tells you if a potential friend is in the vicinity. Conversely it allows you to be found and befriended by other iPhone 5 users.

Wireless Charging

A revolutionary way of charging mobile devices may see iPhone 5 gain mass appeal. the inductive wireless charging technology for the iPhone could juice up its battery without the use of cables and plugs. by utilizing a charging dock, the iPhone can charge its battery as well as share, sync, or backup data at the same time.

MUST READ: Motorola Droid Bionic Release: Verizon, Best Buy Tease Consumers 

Must Read: Apple’s iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S2: how Do They Stack Up?

Also Read: Apple’s iPhone 5 still Aiming for September Launch?

UPDATE: Skype for iPad now available with support for video calls via WiFi and 3G

Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. he is one of three hosts on the MobileTechRoundup podcast and runs the Nokia Experts website. Matthew started using mobile devices in 1997 with a US Robotics Pilot 1000 and has owned over 90 different devices running Palm, Linux, Symbian, Newton, BlackBerry, Mac OS X (iPhone), Google Android, and Windows Mobile operating systems. his current collection includes a Nokia N85, Nokia E71, Nokia 5800, Nokia N810, Apple iPhone, HTC Advantage, T-Mobile G1, Palm Treo Pro, HTC Fuze, MSI Wind, MacBook Pro, and many more, along with tons of accessories and classic devices like the Apple Newton MessagePad 2100 and Sony CLIE UX50. Matthew co-authored Master Visually Windows Mobile 2003, was a member of the Nokia Nseries Blogger relations program, and is a member of the invite-only Microsoft Mobius mobile device evangelist group. he can be found on various discussion forums under the user name of “palmsolo”.

New iPhone App Provides a Glimpse of the Moments Before a Photo is Taken

Ina Fried, On Thursday August 4, 2011, 11:45 am EDT

Though there are plenty of apps for sharing still pictures taken on an iPhone, a three-person start-up is hoping to carve a niche with a program that captures not only a still picture, but the several seconds of video that preceded the picture’s taking.

The company and its namesake app are both dubbed GLMPS (pronounced “glimpse”). the app, which is headed to the iTunes App Store on Thursday, is the brainchild of Nick Long, Paul Robinett and Esther Crawford. the three met over YouTube, where all were frequent posters and have built a virtual company to develop and market the app.

“For now we are trying to capture a glimpse of a photo moment,” Robinett said in an interview. in order to capture the video that precedes a picture being taken, GLMPS records video from the moment the app’s camera is engaged. the app’s benefit is the ability to capture the serendipitous moments that lead up to a photo being taken.

Once a scene is captured, it can then be saved to the company’s Web site and shared via Twitter or Facebook. Users can also us their GLMPS to check in to Foursquare. to alternate between viewing a still or video, one simply clicks on the smaller of the two windows. the scenes can also be embedded into a Web page, as done here.

“You can shoot video, but most people won’t check in with video, and photo is lacking to tell the whole story,” Robinett said.

The idea is a compelling one. It’s actually a product I have been wanting for some time. I had an idea several years ago that it would make for a cool photo exhibition to have still photos displayed alongside monitors showing the moments before and after the photo was taken — since those often add context and life to a moment.

Sony actually had a hybrid still/video camera a few years back that had such a feature. however, it seemed like not necessarily enough to justify buying several hundred dollars worth of hardware.

GLMPS, on the other hand, brings the idea to anyone with an iPhone, makes it easy to share and hits the magic price — free.

While phone-based photo networks like Instagram and PicPlz tend to feature a lot of scenic stills, GLMPS is more geared toward things in motion, particularly people and pets. the app has been in beta with a few dozen active testers. among the interesting users so far: a married couple in which the husband is in Afghanistan and the wife is at home with a new baby. the couple use the app to send short snippets of their day to one another.

GLMPS has evolved since it was first envisioned. the original idea, Long said, was to bring to life short looped videos of a scene, similar to the way the Daily Prophet newspaper works in “Harry Potter.” the company also toyed with capturing the scene after a picture was taken, but ultimately decided to go with a hybrid approach that captures a still image and the five seconds that precede it.

The still itself is a low-resolution square image. the trio says they opted for lower-quality stills and video in order to make the glimpses easy to capture and share.

Although definitely accessible, there are some caveats with GLMPS. First of all, the program can be a battery hog. in part, that’s a necessity, given that the app is always recording.

Also, the video moments recorded by the app can only really be saved by posting them to the GLMPS site, where they are available for anyone to see. There is no “private” option, which may make you think twice about, say, capturing that adorable moment of your loved one snoring, or of the kids doing something embarrassing.

It also should make people think twice before turning on the optional geolocation feature.

The GLMPS trio says there are a number of features it hopes to add, including an option to keep moments private, or share them with only a select group of friends.

For now, GLMPS remains a work in progress. the business model, the company said, is “evolving” and the product is currently bootstrapped, though they are seeking investors.

“We’ve met with investors,” Crawford said. “We just haven’t found the right partner.”

Tango Announces Its Free Video Service on the PC Bringing the Mobile Experience to the Desktop

Press Release Source: Tango On Wednesday July 20, 2011, 12:00 pm EDT

ASPEN, CO–(Marketwire – 07/20/11) – FORTUNE BRAINSTORM TECH — Tango, the leader in mobile video communications, today announced that its free video calling service will be available for PCs later this summer.

This is the third major platform launch for the company in nine months and will accelerate its already massive growth. Currently, Tango has 18 million members in 190 countries using the service to connect with their family and friends over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. the first public demo of Tango for the PC also took place at the FORTUNE Brainstorm TECH conference in Aspen, Colo. earlier today.

“We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us and we are growing at an unprecedented rate,” said Uri Raz, cofounder and CEO of Tango. “There are 1.5 billion PCs in use worldwide and 95 percent of the world’s computers run Windows. with this launch, we are well positioned to reach our goal of 100 million customers by this time next year.”

People will be able to Tango between Windows PC, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch, iPad, and hundreds of Android phones and tablets. the new PC product is mobile-centric with the same look and feel as Tango on the phone. It’s simple to register. there is no log in or password, simply enter a phone number to create an account. Tango will automatically find friends for people to Tango, and makes inviting more friends and family a breeze.

“Introducing a free video communication service for a large number of mobile devices, along with a PC version, in under a year speaks to the dedication of our team of more than 50 engineers in the U.S. and China who continue to deliver products that our users demand,” said Eric Setton, cofounder and CTO of Tango. “Our goal is to offer a video communications service that’s available on as many devices and platforms as possible, with more to come in the following weeks.”

Tango Raises $42 Million Series B RoundTango also announced that it has closed $42 million in its Series B round of funding, which will enable the company to deliver faster on its product roadmap. the investment was led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, the first investors in Skype, and a venture capital vehicle led by noted investors Len Blavatnik and Alex Zubillaga. these investors have a deep understanding of the communications space and how to build and maintain great consumer brands that appeal to a mass audience internationally. they will help Tango continue its trajectory as the leader in mobile video communications.

“As one of the first investors in Skype, we see the enormous opportunity in front of Tango,” said Timothy Draper, founder and managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. “Mobile is the new frontier and Tango simply has the best technology and product to allow people to make free video calls on their smartphones, tablets, and now the PC. we were so impressed with their team, technology, and aggressive product roadmap. Mobile video calling is the big trend of the year and we’re excited to see where Tango will take it.”

“Tango is exceptional not only because it marries a significant technological evolution with real market demand, but also because it is powered by the kind of authentic entrepreneurial drive that is required to succeed as a business,” said Alex Zubillaga. “Uri and Eric have built Tango on a real-world vision of what it takes for a start-up to achieve its greatest goals — and the Tango team has the capability to get it done.”

Tango has seen explosive growth since its launch on September 30, 2010, adding one million new people to the service every two weeks. Eighteen million people in 190 countries currently use Tango to make free mobile video calls wherever they are. Tango leads the mobile video calling industry, supporting hundreds of phones and tablets today and moving quickly to make the service available on all platforms.

Tango for the PC will be available as a free download later this summer at tango.me.

About TangoFounded in September 2009, Tango is the leading mobile video communication service that enables people to connect with friends and family around the world in a way that is fun, easy, and spontaneous. Tango allows you to make free video calls and free phone calls on iPhones, iPod touch, and hundreds of Android phones and tablets, and provides high quality experience over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. Tango lets people share everyday and special moments as they happen. with Tango you never miss a smile.

Over 18 million people in 190 countries already use the service. Tango delivers millions of minutes of voice and video calls each day, of which approximately 80 percent are video. Tango has raised over $47 million from leading venture capital firms and individual investors.

About FORTUNEFORTUNE magazine is a global leader in business journalism with a domestic circulation of over 850,000 and a global readership of nearly 5 million, which include major franchises such as the FORTUNE 500 and the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For. FORTUNE Live Media extends the brand’s mission into live events, hosting a wide range of annual conferences, including FORTUNE’s most Powerful Women and the FORTUNE Global Forum. FORTUNE publishes English-language editions in Europe and Asia, and local-language editions in Middle East, China, Turkey, South Korea, Indonesia, India and Greece.

Learn more at tango.me/Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/tango_meLike us on Facebook at facebook.com/tangomeWatch us on YouTube at youtube.com/tangome

iPhones, iPads drive Softbank's huge Q1 profits

Being a carrier partner of Apple can help drive your bottom line. as reported on The Apple Blog, Japanese cellular carrier Softbank’s fiscal first quarter results showed an almost 500 percent increase in net income over the same quarter in 2010. To what did Softbank attribute the spectacular jump in income? Intense demand for the iPad and iPhone.

Softbank still has an exclusive deal to sell the iPhone in Japan, and with Apple currently the leading smartphone in the country, sales of the iPad and iPhone helped to drive net income in the quarter ending June 30 from ¥19.44 billion to ¥94.79 billion.

Japan was previously the land of text messaging, but it’s obvious that the smartphone revolution being driven by Apple’s products is increasing data use dramatically. Softbank reported that the average revenue per user (ARPU) for their customers is now at an all-time high of ¥2,440 per subscriber per month. That puts Softbank at the top of the heap among mobile operators worldwide when it comes to the ratio of data to traditional cellular services ARPU.

Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son had nothing but good words to say about the iPhone, stating that “the iPhone’s strength is standing out the more people come to use smartphones.” It’s certain that Softbank will do what it can to remain the sole source for Apple’s 3G products in Japan.

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The Week in iOS Accessories: Stop. Look. Listen.

Stop. Look. Listen. this week’s roundup of iOS accessories allows you to do all those things—and more. here are some of the new accessories that have popped up on our radar recently.

Arexit: the $48 A-Fold stand for the iPad and iPad 2 displays your tablet on an aluminum base that can be tilted at four different angles for optimal viewing. Easy access to the tablet’s ports and connectors makes it easy to attach speakers or a dock-connector cable.

Bowers & Wilkins: the British audio company has unveiled its new $180 C5 noise-isolating in-ear headphones. the C5 includes an Apple-style inline remote/microphone module for controlling playback and taking calls on the go, and the company claims the C5 includes a number of innovations for ear fit and sound quality. the C5 should begin shipping this month.

HyperShield: if you’ve got too many doodads stuck in your breast pocket, HyperShield’s new $20 3-in-1 Smart Pen for iPad 2 can help cut the clutter. this writing instrument includes a capacitative stylus for use on the iPad’s touchscreen; a built-in magnet that uses the iPad 2’s magnetic sleep/wake feature to wake up the iPad by simply stroking the right-hand side of the screen; and a ballpoint pen, just in case you have to actually use paper on occasion. the Smart Pen is available in six colors.

IK Multimedia: iPhone-loving musicians have another tool at their disposal: the $40 iKlip Mini makes it possible to attach every generation of iPhone and iPod touch to your mic stand, letting you use the iOS device for sheet music, sound effects, and more. the iKlip Mini includes a detachable iRig bracket for AmpliTube and other guitar-effects apps.

iLuv: the $130 iMM727 stereo speaker dock turns your iPad into the centerpiece of a sound system, although it’s compatible with other iOS devices, as well. the system includes a multi-directional arm that lets you rotate and tilt the iPad for the best viewing angle, plus a remote control, a sync cable, and an AC adapter. You can also connect the iMM727 to your computer to sync your iPad with iTunes.

iPad Butler: this German vendor is bringing its line of tablet accessories to the United States. but unlike most add-ons, these products are designed with institutions in mind. the accessories include the Carbon Deluxe Stand ($63 and up), which includes a suction cup and a wall bracket for attaching the adapter and iPad to any household or vehicle surface; a Floor Stand ($125 and up), available in aluminum or plastic, that includes a flexible gooseneck for an adjustable display; and a Security Lock system ($63 and up) to secure the tablet for public use, such as at trade shows. the products are intended mostly for business users, and prices vary according to the number of units purchased.

JVC: lately, JVC seems to come out with a new iPhone- or iPad-compatible sound system every other week. this time around it’s the new UX-VJ, a dual-dock alarm clock that features side-by-side rotating that accommodate an iPhone and an iPad, simultaneously, each in landscape or portrait orientation. the $200 system includes surround-sound effects, a video output for television connections, and a remote control. the UX-VJ is available in black or white, and the detachable speakers can be wall-mounted or positioned next to the main unit.

Klipsch: the new Gallery G-17 Air AirPlay Speaker takes advantage of Apple’s AirPlay technology to let users stream audio from iTunes and iOS devices to the speaker system. the G-17 features four drivers and sports a high-gloss black finish; the front grille is magnetic for easy removal and replacement. the system’s removable base allows for mounting on a wall, ceiling, or desk, and you can also connect USB and analog audio sources. the $530 system is expected to be released in the fall.

Michael Cornelissen: this $13 CableGuy is an inexpensive accessory that stores your iPhone or iPod’s white earbuds while keeping the cables untangled. the CableGuy comes in three colors, and includes a clip to let you snap it onto your shirt or other clothing.

nClosures: for salesmen and other professionals who use their tablets in a public setting, nClosures has introduced the iPad Kiosk enclosures and mounts. the wall-mountable aluminum frames include a locking screw to make sure that iPads don’t wander off. Each accessory is available in two stock colors, though additional options are available for custom order. Price and shipping information aren’t yet available.

Photojojo: this camera-accessory company has introduced the $250 iPhone SLR Mount, which lets you mount a Canon EOS or Nikon SLR lens to your iPhone 4, allowing for better lenses and manual focus. the mount includes two loopholes to attach a camera strap, so a lens-equipped iPhone can be slung around the neck like a real camera. the mount should ship at the end of August.

Scosche: this vendor has launched the $75 SneakPeek Auto (a.k.a., the Composite A/V Cable for Mobile Video Systems), which lets you connect your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to any car-entertainment system with RCA inputs the SneakPeek Auto also charges your device while connected.

Thoughtoutbiz: Longtime stand maker Thoughtoutbiz has introduced a new pivoting viewing stand for iPads, the $85 Stabile Pro. It includes a steel-ball pivoting cradle that lets you rotate your tablet across an 80-degree range of motion. the four-pound steel stand comes in three colors, includes non-skid feet, and is pitched at iPad owners who like to use their tablet in conjunction with a Bluetooth keyboard.

USBFever: for many of us, video viewing on the iPhone 4 often means holding the device in our hand, or propping it on our stomach. the $9 Magic Ped provides a portable alternative: a rubberized accessory, available in three colors, that you can carry in your pocket or on your keychain. When you want to view video, just set the device on a flat surface and slide the iPhone right in. USBFever has also launched several other products recently: the $50 Super Mobile Power Pack, which has two USB-power ports for the iPhone and iPad; the $13 AAA Battery Emergency Charger for iPhones and iPods; and the $17 High Power Dual USB Car Charger for all iOS devices.

Zero1: the long list of companies that want to turn your iPhone into a remote-control device has been joined by Zero1, whose $99 VooMote One attaches to your phone. in cooperation with the free VooMote app, the VooMote One’s infrared transmitter can control hundreds of TV, DVR, and audio systems. the VooMote One will go on sale this month.

HTC to Appeal U.S. Agency Ruling on Apple Patent Infringements

July 15, 2011, 11:43 PM EDT

by William McQuillen and Yu-huay Sun

July 16 (Bloomberg) — HTC Corp. will appeal a U.S. International Trade Commission ruling that it infringed two patents of Apple Inc. in producing Android-based mobile phones.

HTC, Asia’s second-largest maker of smartphones, said it was found to have infringed two of 10 Apple patents originally asserted in the case. Administrative Law Judge Carl Charneski’s finding yesterday is subject to review by the full six-member commission in Washington.

HTC will “vigorously fight these two remaining patents through an appeal before the ITC commissioners who make the final decision,” Grace Lei, general counsel for the Taoyuan, Taiwan-based company, said in an e-mail. HTC will use “all means possible” to defend itself, it said in a separate statement.

should the commission uphold the finding, the ITC may ban U.S. imports of some HTC phones that run on Google Inc.’s Android, the most popular smartphone operating system in the U.S. the HTC decision may serve as a barometer for other cases Cupertino, California-based Apple has against makers of Android devices, including Samsung Electronics Co. and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc.

“this isn’t the worst-case scenario for HTC, which was found not to violate the other eight patents,” said Michael On, president of Taipei-based Beyond Asset Management Co., who doesn’t own the company’s shares. “they will probably resolve the issue by paying royalties, which will raise costs.” he declined to disclose the size of his assets.

‘Alternate Solutions’

the ITC is a quasi-judicial arbiter of trade complaints that has become the venue of choice for resolving patent disputes. Nokia Oyj, which had been targeted in the same ITC complaint, reached a settlement with Apple last month. Mountain View, California-based Google wasn’t a party in the case.

An Apple spokeswoman, Kristin Huguet, declined to comment on the HTC findings.

HTC believes it has “alternate solutions” for issues raised by Apple, according to today’s statement. “We look forward to resolving this case.”

HTC shares fell 2.4 percent to close at NT$907 in Taipei trading yesterday before the ruling. the stock has risen 0.8 percent this year, compared with a 4.4 percent decline in the benchmark Taiex index.

one of the patents in the HTC case involved data-detection technology used in e-mail and text messages, while another related to a data-transmission system.

Apple earlier this month accused HTC in a separate complaint of infringing five patents related to software architecture and user interfaces, hardware for touch screens and movement sensors. Apple is seeking to block U.S. imports of the Taiwanese company’s new Flyer tablet computers as well as its Droid incredible, Wildfire, EVO 4G and Desire phones.

HTC released the Flyer, its first tablet device, in the U.S. in March, competing against Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. the Flyer has a 7-inch screen and uses Android.

Android is the most popular smartphone operating system in the U.S., accounting for 38 percent of the market in the three months ended may, according to Reston, Virginia-based researcher ComScore Inc. Apple’s iOS, used in devices including the iPhone, made up 27 percent of the market.

S3 Graphics Acquired

HTC agreed last week to buy S3 Graphics Co. for $300 million after the maker of video-game graphics chips won an infringement ruling at the trade agency against Apple. HTC also has its own patent complaint against Apple at the commission, with findings scheduled to be released Sept. 16.

HTC and Apple more than doubled revenue from mobile phones from a year earlier in the March quarter as they race to offer their products in more markets around the globe. Apple, once best known for its Mac computers, now relies on its iPhone for about 50 percent of sales and the iPad tablet for 12 percent, according to first-quarter figures compiled by Bloomberg.

the case is in the Matter Of Certain Personal Data and Mobile Communications Devices and Related Software, 337-710, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington).

–With assistance from Susan Decker in Washington and Adam Satariano in San Francisco. Editors: James Regan, Jim McDonald

To contact the reporter on this story: William McQuillen in Washington at To contact the reporter on the story: Yu-huay Sun in Taipei .

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Tighe at Allan Holmes at