The iPhone Dev Team, the developers of the PwnageTool and QuickPwn applications used for unlocking and jailbreaking iPhones and iPod Touches, have announced that they have successfully unlocked the iPhone 3G and will release the unlocking application on New Year's Eve.
About a week ago, we reported on iPhone 2.2 SDK's inclusion of TV out features. Looking to test the possibilities, ArsTechnica commissioned game-maker Freeverse to port their Moto Chaser game to the big screen. The result is a psuedo Wii-like experience using the iPhone connected to an HDTV. Sure the frame rates are slow, but if allowed to remain this could have long reaching effects on the iPhone's position as a game platform. Now if they could only get the input controls working, as those are not accessible when video out is employed.
Upon release, many were rushing to proclaim iPhone Software Update 2.2 as the best thing since sliced bread. Google Maps street view, podcast downloads and the promise of a host of bug fixes sent many flocking to iTunes to update their iPhone. While some are enjoying iPhone Software Update 2.2, we are starting to see mounting evidence that the update isn't working so well for everyone.
A quick perusal of our iPhone forums and you'll see iPhone owners having various issues after the update. Members are complaining of blurry photos, weak signals and other oddities. Reports are mixed, as some of our readers have had great success with 2.2. Where do you stand? Submit your comments and don't get forget to vote on our poll.
ArsTechnica has confirmed iPhone 2.2 SDK features an updated media framework that allows for exporting video out of the iPhone to a TV. The unpublished MPTVOutWindow class allows for sending video to a connected TV. Intended for movies, all input controls are disabled, but the accelerometer works. While movie output is long been available, the idea of programming controls could lead to some interesting app development in the future.
Apple today released iPhone Software Update 2.2. The update contains many bug fixes and improvements, including the following: Enhancements to Maps
Google Street View
public transit and walking diretions
display address of dropped pins
share location via email
Enhancements to Mail resolved isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email improved formatting of wide HTML email Improved stability and performance of Safari Podcasts are now available for download in iTunes application (over Wi-Fi and cellular) Decrease in call set-up failures and call drops Improved sound quality of visual voicemail messages Pressing the Home button from any Home screen takes you to the first Home screen Preferences to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard settings
According to iPhone Hellas, the 2.2 firmware for the iPhone will be released on November 21. It should incorporate the features previously leaked from developers who had access to the first and second beta distributions, including Street View in Google Maps, the ability to turn off auto-correction for text entry, Japanese Emoji, changes to the App Store, and the ability to download podcasts directly in the iPod application.
What still appears to be missing is the push notification feature that was promised for October. There's been no word and few rumors about this feature, but it is still a hotly-anticipated one for many iPhone users. Of course, the iPhone is still missing other highly-desired features like copy and paste and MMS, but we can all hope and dream that Apple will throw something we're not expecting into this release.
Reports of a new push to increase the amount of app reviews with the release of iPhone Software update 2.2. According to iPhoneHellas.gr (via MR), the latest firmware will encourage users to rate an app before deleting from iTunes. The rating of course will then get sent back to iTunes and the app rating would be adjusted accordingly.
