Common Paradox Tech Blog

HTTP live stream technology is now required for streaming video according to Apple’s new iPhone developer RSS feed.

An innovative feature of iPhone OS 3.0 is support for HTTP Live Streaming technology. One of the great benefits this technology delivers is the ability to dynamically adjust to varying network bandwidth conditions. It lets you [...]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple: HTTP Live Stream Technology Now Required for Streaming Video

MobileCrunch brings word that, according to Impress R&D [Japanese language]:

[The iPhone 3G is] commanding 24.6% [of the domestic smartphone market], while the [iPhone 3GS] contributes another 21.5%. The 3G was introduced in Japan in summer 2008 (the 3GS followed earlier this year). Sources in Japan say that the iPhone user base in Japan [...]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

iPhone Captures 46% of Japanese Smartphone Market

According to Impress, the iPhone has taken over 46.1 percent of the Japanese smartphone market. This is extremely surprising, because the Japanese are known for being impervious to alien cellphones, preferring their weird mobiles. The two top spots are Apple’s:

The iPhone 3G commands the ranking with 24.6%, while the iPhone 3GS tops at 21.5 for number two. Dropping from 28.8% to 14.6% is the Sharp Advanced W-ZERO3. According to Impress survey, the reason of this huge advance in only one year is the app store and the iPhone’s ease of use. I always thought that Japanese cellphones user interfaces were designed by the devil himself, so I’m not surprised. [Impress]

How Should AT&T Fix Their Network?(polls)

AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega has told the Wall Street Journal that despite what he said back in October and earlier in December:

“We have not made any decision to implement tiered pricing.”

Which is a weasel-wordy way of saying, contrary to previous statements that suggested they [...]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

AT&T Has “Not Made Any Decision to Implement Tiered Pricing”

Do you remember Google’s Android mobile OS a year ago? Back then, it was just launching its app store and releasing the first phone powered by Android, the T-Mobile G1.

Fast-forward to today. Two days ago, Android surpassed 20,000 apps. Not only that, but the Droid by Google, Verizon, and Motorola has made a big impression. Oh, and don’t forget about the Nexus One, aka the much-hyped Google Phone.

It’s been quite an interesting year for the Google-made smartphone OS, but analytics firm comScore released some new numbers today that really illustrate just how far it has come.

Android: Still Small But Growing Fast

Let’s start with the most important number: market share. Android may be on the rise, but it isn’t anywhere near its main competitors. According to comScore, the Google OS doubled its market share in the past year. However, that only amounts to 3.5% of the market in October 2009. By comparison, Windows Mobile, the iPhone, the BlackBerry, and Symbian own magnitudes more of the market.

Still, look at the rate of growth from February to October, and it’s clear that Android is the fastest-growing mobile OS around:

The more telling stats are the ones that tell us what is going to happen over the next few months. Android is now recognized by 37% of mobile users, up from 22% in August. The reason, according to comScore? One hell of a memorable advertising campaign for the Verizon Droid.

The study also explored which phone consumers intend to buy in the next few months. comScore surveyed 2,300 people to answer this question. While the winner was BlackBerry with a whopping 49% across five devices, Android make a strong showing with 17%, led primarily by the Verizon Droid. 20% of individuals plan to buy an iPhone 3GS or 3G.

While BlackBerry is still king and the iPhone is still sexy, the Android platform is so hot right now that it could burn right through steel. The Nexus One and a wave of new Android smartphones coming out in 2010 will only serve to create an even bigger frenzy.

Is 2010 the year of Android? We want to know what you think in the comments.

Reviews: Android, Google

Tags: ComScore, Google, Google Android, iphone, Mobile 2.0, smartphone

Popular Apple iPhone app iFart is set to launch the world’s first social network based around the fantastic pastime of trumping.

And while we ignore that sound of Charles Darwin turning in his grave, we have to secretly admit that there is nothing better than having a good old laugh about breaking wind.

iTrumping

iFart from InfoMedia is one of the most popular iPhone apps yet released. What this says about humanity as a race is sure to be the subject of Cultural Studies doctorates at some point in the future.

For now though, lets consider the future of iFart. And it seems that with the newly announced launch of iFart Mobile v2.3, will let users interact with one another and become “Fart Buddies.”

The app makes use of Apple’s push messaging, which will let you send an array of fart noises to your “Fart Budz” – sure to be appreciated when your ‘budz’ are in the middle of an important job interview or at a life-or-death doctor’s appointment.

To use the new iFart you will also need to register on the GameDock network. The apps’ developer Joel Comm shared the secret of what makes iFart so successful, telling Venturebeat:

“iFart has become the de facto novelty app that is referenced every time someone talks about the silly apps people spend money on. But the fact is that it’s successful because it makes people laugh and smile.

“We’ve been creative with the technology Apple has made available and taken the novelty to the next level. Fart Buddies in iFart 2.3 turns the novelty app into a great prank and opportunity for friends to catch each other off guard with random blasts. It’s just one more step in our quest for global flatulence domination!”

Elgato’s EyeTV Live3G web app lets you stream live television from your Mac to your iPhone for free. It’s similar to the iPhone app they announced in October, except that it allows for 3G streaming, not just wireless. Available now, here. [Elgato]

Namco has released its classic Ridge Racer on iPhone, although be warned that the game will only currently work with the latest iPhone 3GS.

Namco has not optimised the lower spec 3G version for the moment, but promises us that it should be arriving soon.

Riiiiiiiiiiidge etc

Ridge Racer Accelerated is now live on the App Store, priced at a mere £1.79. Drift across there to buy it, should you be packing a 3GS.

The game evokes memories of the early PlayStation days, when Namco’s arcade-style driving game really did bring (at the time) arcade-quality gaming into our lounges.

Ridge Racer Accelerated features a mere two tracks and two cars, with future downloadable content promised from the house of Namco.

Right now, you can also buy a pack of nine additional cars for £1.19 and six extra tracks for £1.99, once you get bored of the first ones.

Related Links

• iTunes Store: Ridge Racer Accelerated

What’s this? Apple approved a video recording app for the iPhone 3G and iPhone OldGee? Like, for the App Store? Yeah, it’s called iVideoCamera and it’s 99 cents. It’s pretty crappy. Okay, really crappy.

Resolution is 160×213. At three frames a second. Three. And you only record for one minute. But you can share your cruddy video lots of places real easy!

It’s kind of a brilliant move, letting this fly, to muffle anybody complaining about video not making it to older iPhones, when it’s even on the goddamn iPod nano. Who would want video this shitty on their phone? Nobody. (Never mind that Cycorder, a jailbreak app, somehow manages 15fps at a res of 384×288). [iTunes via TheAppleBlog]

If you’re set on purchasing a 3G netbook, you can find better performance and battery life elsewhere for the same price.