Thursday November 05, 2009 06:14 PM
Multiple reports have come in that Apple is researching RFID integration into the iPhone, but some may still be wondering what such functionality would bring to the table for consumers.
Firstly, we should note that RFID is a catch-all term that describes a vast array of technologies and standards. RFID tags can be relatively large and battery-powered, such as ones used in toll collection, to small "passive" tags that can be embedded into credit cards, drivers licenses (called "Enhanced Drivers Licenses" in the U.S.), passports, or stuck onto a piece of merchandise.
Currently, cell-phone usage of RFID technology is centered around Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC has three main usage scenarios: a phone acting as an RFID tag; a phone acting as an RFID reader; and peer to peer communication (P2P).
In RFID tag mode, a phone could be used as a payment device (like a credit card), an identity card, or act as a car key. In RFID reader mode the phone would be able to interact with tags in its vicinity. This article and video (below) demonstrates how an iPhone with RFID could use physical objects to control media playback. And in P2P mode, Bluetooth pairing can be streamlined.
iPhone RFID: object-based media from timo on Vimeo.
[ 47 comments ]
Tuesday November 03, 2009 09:37 AM
Several U.S. MacRumors readers have reported that Apple has begun shipping the TomTom iPhone car kit, which finally appeared in the company's U.S. online store several weeks ago. The kit, which is priced at $119.95 and does not include the navigation application, offers an iPhone mount with integrated GPS receiver for improved performance, hands-free calling, and a built-in speaker for clearer spoken directions.
A few European customers had been able to get their hands on the kit at Apple's brick-and-mortar stores, although supplies there now appear to be tight with shipping windows currently set at 4-6 weeks compared to the 2-3 week window in the U.S. for new orders.
[ 48 comments ]
Monday November 02, 2009 04:52 PM
Apple restricts use of technologies required by products like Flash Player. Until Apple eliminates these restrictions, Adobe cannot provide Flash Player for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
Adobe recently launched a Flash Player initiative to facilitate the integration of Flash across platforms, including smartphones. Apple, however, was been notably absent from the list of companies participating in the initiative.[ 146 comments ]
Friday October 30, 2009 11:55 AM
Macworld reports that the developers of three iPhone comics applications have struck deals to bring Marvel Comics to the iPhone via in-app purchasing. Comics [App Store], iVerse Comics [App Store], and Panelfly Comics [App Store] are all participating in the releases.
The Marvel comics available initially from Comixology are Joss Whedon's 24-issue run on Astonishing X-Men, Robert Kirkman's five-issue Marvel Zombies miniseries, Ed Brubaker's first 30 issues of Captain America, and two other X-Men-related books, X-23 and X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, each six issues long.
Initial pricing is set at $1.99 per issue for Comics and iVerse Comics, with Panelfly Comics apparently offering a promotional price of $0.99 per issue. Marvel Comics are currently limited to U.S. users only.[ 26 comments ]
Thursday October 29, 2009 04:19 PM
- Watch over 40 LIVE NBA games a week
- View full game replays for up to 48 hours after the game Local market, national blackout and other restrictions apply to all live and replay games in NBA LEAGUE PASS MOBILE.)
- Daily highlights from around the league
- Live player stats for every game
- Live scores for every game
- Set "Remind Me" alerts for favorite teams or key games
- Send game and stats updates through Email, Facebook and Twitter.
Currently there is not added benefit if customers are already subcribers to the NBA's League Pass TV package. But bundling the two is something the league is looking at for the future, said Bryan Perez, senior vice president and general manager of NBA Digital.
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