Category: iPhone

After the huge success of the SA Lotto iPhone app, we started getting a couple of requests from people who wanted their own iPhone apps. So, Juliaan, the Developer dude, and I decided to start an iOS development company called appink. appink will be offering full iOS development for both the iPhone & iPad, as well as working alongside other mobile developers around SA to work on apps for other platforms.

We have already started working on a couple of projects, and a couple of weeks ago were approached by Seth & the guys from 2oceansVibe radio to develop the 2oceansVibe iPhone app (iTunes link) for the online radio station. The app is still pretty simple in terms on functionality but it does allow you to listen to the awesome 2oceansVibe radio stream on your iPhone. The app supports background audio, which means you can use your phone & other apps while the stream is running in the background. There were still be loads more development around this app with some exciting things to come in the future. Check out the post on 2oceansVibe.com about the app

Welcome to the 2oceansvibe Media app!
Please feel free to download and tune in to the irreverent yet relevant sounds of 2oceansvibe Radio – South Africa’s first mainstream online radio station – broadcasting live from our studios in the Cape quarter Lifestyle Village, Cape Town!
Look out for updates as we turn this app into something even more life changing than it already is!

Last week, before the iPhone officially launched in SA, MTN & Vodacom released their carrier updates for the iPhone. A carrier update is the file that is used to populate all the network settings on the iPhone, and is pushed out either via iTunes or over the air to your handset.I dug a bit deeper into the actual files that are used to populate these settings to see what they entailed.

Because this was the first time MTN has offered the iPhone, it was basically a new carrier file. Vodacom didn’t change too much from their previous files.most notably in the MTN file was the exclusion to not allow you to edit carrier settings. They also excluded Visual Voicemail, as they do not offer this service yet.

There also seems to be some issues with MTN MMS on the iPhone, according to a couple of queries I have received. The only thing I can think of would that the APN is not active for your specific contract, as it may be specific to the iPhone. Best bet would be to call MTN ?

Below are 2 screen shots of the settings in each file. You will need to click to enlarge the image, as they are pretty big.

Well, it’s been almost a week with the new baby, and things are going swimmingly. I have a full review planned for later in the week, with all the pros & cons(yip, there are 1 or 2) about the iPhone 4.

But, I just wanted to do a quick post about 3 free apps you HAVE to download for your new iPhone4. These 3 apps will show off 3 of the cool new features that have been included in the new version of the phone.

First off, you may not know this, but the iPhone 4 now has a built in Gyroscope. Although this isn’t used extensivley yet in many apps, mark my words, that soon it will be huge. Already there is an app called “You Gotta See this ($1.99)“, which takes a pano styled photo using the gyroscrope. But, if you want to see how the gyroscrope works, download the app simply called, Gyroscrope. The app gives you a visual idea of it rolls around. Very cool to see.

Also new to the iPhone 4 is the built in LED flash used for the camera. There are a couple of apps on the app store which allow you to use the LED as a flashlight. The best one (and free) that I have come across is called LED light for iPhone 4. The app is pretty simple with an on-off switch and a strobe function. Simple and effect, and does the job when you need a light.

To me, the best thing about the iPhone4 has to be the retina screen display. I have never seen a device that has such clarity in the screen. It is amazing. Really. To demonstrate how cool this screen is, I have been recommending an app called “Epic Citadel (Free)“. You may recall seeing it at a keynote with Steve Jobs earlier this year. The app isn’t a game, but more a demo of the Unreal gaming engine used across many platforms. This app really shows how awesome the screen is. Running the same app on the 3Gs & the 4, there is no comparison. trust me. Just try it. The app is a rather hefty download at 82.2 MB, but it is well well worth it when showing off the new baby. Be sure to look up at the sky in the app

Are there any other must-have apps which you could recommend for the new iPhone 4 ? Leave a comment below ;)

So, FINALLY, I can let the cat out of the bag. After a week of having to keep what could most probably be the biggest secret of my life, I finally can let it all out.

So, last week Tuesday, I got a call from an agency handling the MTN iPhone 4 launch. The call was pretty brief, but in summary was, standby we will be sending you details. Got the details, and here I am. After a year of punting the iPhone on my blog, today it all culminated in me receiving a complimentary iPhone4 courtesy of MTN.

About 10 or so people were invited to the pre-launch of the iPhone4 and received a brand new iPhone4 along with 500MB of data and R100 credit (prepaid) every month for the next year. There is NO obligation to talk about gift, but I think I will be talking a LOT more about the iPhone4 on my blog.

My first impressions. WOW. After playing with one last week(for 5 minutes), I wasn’t expecting to much, but I can honestly say I am impressed. The retina screen is honestly what stands out the most for me. Next it has to be the speed. I can honestly see a HUGE difference between the 3Gs and the iPhone4. I have tried, and tried again to replicate the antennagate issue, but so far have had ZERO success. Facetime also rocks. Tested it out with @CapeTown_Girl who was sitting next to me, and worked 100%. If you wanna give it a try pop me an email :0

So, that was the “pre-launch”. In about an hours time, we will be leaving for the VIP party at a secret venue, which apparently holds a couple more “surprises”. So far. So good :)

The most asked question so far seems to be around pricing. Haven’t had any official confirmation as yet, but found the following on Twitter:(none of this can be 100% confirmed, as soon as I have more info, I will let you know)

MTN Pricing

Vodacom Pricing

Will be doing a full review in the next couple of days on my thoughts.

Today has definitely been #iYoba !! :)