In a recent job posting made by U-Haul on a university job board they state that they are looking for an iPhone Programming Intern. In the job description they state:

The U-Haul Web Team is looking for a software developer for a high-profile project. The candidate will be responsible for developing an iPhone application for our Web Self-Storage (self-storage management) software package.
This would be an interface for facility managers that would allow them to:
-View recent transactions – move-ins, move-outs, online reservations, ect.
-Run selected management reports
-Possible perform a move-in and contact customers
-Whatever else is deemed necessary

This clearly shows without a doubt that they are indeed developing an application for the iPhone, but will it be limited to just self storage tools? It Any additions are more than likely to be more of a selling point for them such as making reservations, having an online catalog of packing supplies or providing users with location information rather than offing maps and routes.

[Via ASU]

If you’re interested in iPhone development training there are now a few classes that you can take to get a good head start. Qantm College has launched a game development course and Edison Labs University has started a 4-day course in software development for iPhone. Those of you who remember Bubble Bobble will find Bubble Town for the iPhone and iPod Touch very familiar.

More rumors are coming about with the new iPhone Nano. Apparently someone out there is dying to have this device become a reality. Coolgorilla has launched a new talking phrasebook with language support for French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. Apple has now given the go ahead for 3rd party browsers on the iPhone. The browsers that have already made it include Edge Browser, Incognito, WebMate and Shaking Web.

Slacker Mobile has finally brought the Slacker radio application to the App Store for a nice alternative to Pandora radio. If you have not already tried it out we suggest that you pick it up today. When the US Airways flight went down this week in the Hudson River one iPhone owner “Twitted” a photo from his iPhone earning the name “citizen journalist.”  Skype is also creating their mobile application just for the iPhone. The reason it is still being worked on is because the engineers are trying to cut the amount of power this application consumes.

Cisco makes on-the-go web conference calling possible for businessmen who cannot be in the office. The best part is the application is available for free with no subscription costs. iFlyz is a very interesting mobile version of a car mount that can be placed virtually anywhere without a huge phone cradle. This makes it perfect for bus rides and plane flights when you are watching a movie on your iPhone.

Squeaky – a browser that leaves behind no trace of your presence.  It’s history, cache, and bookmark free.

WebMate – Let’s you view sites on different tabs, so you can queue up multiple sites and switch back and forth as you view them independently.

Quick Surf – Takes out the non-sense and gives you a basic page for faster viewing.  (Gets you around waiting for photos to load up)

Edge Browser – Lets you view pages with out taking up the precious space where the address bar is normally planted.
Such as Safari, these apps are based on WebKit, and rather than being full on alternative browsers, they are more like add ons or extensions.  In conclusion it seems that there is little hope for iPhone versions of Firefox, or Opera to be approved.

[Via TheiPhoneBlog]   (Thanks Dani!)

Slacker Radio offers its users high quality stereo music playback from any wireless connection weather your at home using Wi-Fi or on the go with only an Edge connection.  There are over 100 professionally programmed stations by genre; you can even create custom artist stations and fine-tune them to play more of the music you like.

Slacker Radio even allows you to view artist biographies and photos as well as album art and reviews. Unlike Pandora you can “Peek Ahead” with an artist and album preview. Music controls like pause and skip make listening to music a lot easier than with other programs. You can head over to the App Store right now and download Slacker Mobile for free. Let us know how you like it.

This week we were not surprised to learn that the rumors of a 4GB version of the iPhone coming to Walmart for $99 were untrue. Walmart is indeed getting the iPhone in the 8GB and 16GB versions. They will discount the iPhone a whole $2 for those willing to pick up one while shopping. These prices of course are subject to a two-year agreement.

Google has introduced new AdWord options for many mobile phones with HTML browsers including the iPhone. Now advertisers can create ads to be displayed exclusively on the iPhone, create campaigns for them, and get separate performance reporting. If you choose not to have your desktop ads shown on these phones you may opt out and show these ads only on desktop and laptop computers.

Apple’s App Store is doing extraordinarily well despite analyst’s theory that the initial hype would eventually blow over. The App Store is now seeing an average of over 2 million downloads per day. Not long ago Apple advertised claims of 300 million downloads since the App Store first opened. People are predicting that the App Store will be a $1 billion market place in 2009.

Truphone has added the Truphone Anywhere feature to their Truphone iPhone application. Users can now make international calls for as little as £0.03/$0.06 per minute even when not connected to the Internet. Truphone currently works in 33 countries around the world to save iPhone users money on international calling. They have also implemented the first Truphone inbound calling feature to allow true free iPhone-to-iPhone Truphone calls.

South Korea will be the next to get the iPhone 3G. We are very surprised that they were not one of the first to get the iPhone 3G as they have extensive mobile phone history. Restrictions such as this have kept many foreign manufacturers, like Apple, from bringing their handsets to South Korea. Carriers KTF and SK Telecom will be testing the iPhone out in South Korea for the next few months. South Korea probably will not see this phone till April of 2009.

Apple and AT&T have decided to bring back at home activation to those who purchase the iPhone 3G. While details are still unclear, we know that this only applies to those looking to sign a two-year agreement. Customers who are looking to upgrade tot the iPhone 3G are still going to have to make the trip to the store for an upgrade.

Top 10 Paid Apps:

1. Koi Pond
2. Texas Hold’em
3. Moto Chaser
4. Crash Bandicoot: Nitro Kart 3d
5. Super Monkey Ball
6. Cro-Mag Rally
7. Enigmo
8. Pocket Guitar
9. Recorder
10. iBeer

Top 10 Free Apps:

1. Pandora Radio
2. Facebook
3. Tap Tap Revenge
4. Shazam
5. Labyrinth Lite Edition
6. Remote
7. Google Earth
8. Lightsaber Unleashed
9. AIM
10. Urbanspoon

Top 10 Paid Games:

1. Texas Hold’em
2. Moto Chaser
3. Crash Bandicoot: Nitro Kart 3d
4. Super Monkey Ball
5. Cro-Mag Rally
6. Enigmo
7. Air Hockey
8. Bejeweled 2
9. Flick Bowling
10. Line Rider iRide

Top 10 Free Games:

1. Tap Tap Revenge
2. Labyrinth Lite Edition
3. Sol Free Solitaire
4. iBowl
5. Pac-Man Lite
6. Touch Hockey:FS5
7. Cannon Challenge
8. Audi A4 Driving Challenge
9. Sudoku
10. reMovem

Top 10 Paid Entertainment:

1. Koi Pond
2. iBeer
3. iChalky
4. Face Melter
5. iFish
6. TouchScan
7. What’s on TV?
8. Pocket Piano
9. Sketches
10. OneTap Movies

Top 10 Free Entertainment:

1. Remote
2. Lightsaber Unleashed
3. i.TV
4. BubbleWrap
5. Movies
6. iDoodle 2 lite
7. Showtimes
8. Now Playing
9. Scribble
10. Crazy Pumpkin

Top 10 Paid Utilities:

1. Units (crossroad solutions)
2. A Level
3. Air Mouse
4. Fake Calls
5. Voice Record
6. Clinometer
7. Spell Check
8. Speed Dial
9. FileMagnet
10. iNetwork Speed Test

Top 10 Free Utilities

1. Flashlight
2. myLite Flashlight
3. Say Who – Dialer
4. Units (TheMacBox)
5. Compass Free
6. Alarm Free
7. A Free Level
8. Molecules
9. Speed Test
10. myLighter

Top 10Paid Social Networking:

1. MobileChat
2. BeejiveIM
3. Quip
4. Rooms – Your Mobile Chat Client
5. Twitterrific Premium
6. Flutter
7. Twittelator Pro
8. mBoxMail
9. Secrets
10. hiCard – Suite

Top 10 Social Networking:

1. Facebook
2. AIM
3. Myspace Mobile
4. IM+ Lite
5. Loopt
6. Fring
7. Palringo IM
8. Earthscape
9. Twitterrific
10. Avatar

Top 10 Paid Music:

1. PocketGuitar
2. Drum Kit
3. Ocarina
4. Pianist
5. Band
6. Tuner Internet Radio
7. Beat Maker
8. Guitar Toolkit
9. Harmonica
10. Guitarist

Top 10 Free Music:

1. Pandora Radio
2. Shazam
3. AOL Radio
4. Midomi
5. Mini Piano
6. iheart Radio
7. MixMeister Scratch
8. FlyCast Mobile Radio
9. Last.FM
10. DigiDrummer Lite

Needless to say this is a huge problem that in come cases make this update more harmful than helpful. A number of users are downgrading back to firmware 2.1 in order to resolve the issues. We ourselves have experienced a drop in signal strength. The most reports we have been getting is loss of Wi-Fi connectivity. Users are unable to get a Wi-Fi connection even without network encryption.

Here are some of the reports that users are making:

• “When I upgraded, all my apps non-original apps disappears, except for google! When I tried to re-download and then resync them onto my iphone, only some of them would appear. After talking to support, we tried starting my computer (she said this was happening to some people) and then syncing. This added a couple more, but about 10 were still sitting in my itunes and refusing to sync.”

• “After the os 2.2 update. Safari suddenly disappeared. Syncing etc didn’t work or resolve the issue. I had to do a restore to get things back to normal.”

• “After upgrading to 2.2 the iphone camera app disappeared, and every program that uses the camera stopped working also. Restoring the phone brought it back but then the next Sync made it go away again. Very annoying. How much QA did they do before they released this upgrade? I can understand third party apps breaking but not the base applications.”

• “I also have had a problem with a missing application. My camera application has disappeared and I tried restoring it, and it appeared for about five minutes, let me take one picture, then was suddenly gone again.”

[Via iPhoneAtlas]

Your going to need to know how to setup it up through a Wi-Fi network though, which is not as hard as it seems. If you are not particularly fond of the new MacBook keys you can choose from one of the other more traditions key skins. Windows users are out of luck this time as the application will only work on a Mac.

AT&T has decided to expand their range of Wi-Fi hotspots by purchasing Wayport for $275 million dollars. Wayport has many Wi-Fi hotspots in locations such as, Starbucks, Barnes  and Noble bookstores and many major airports. Oakly and Surfline have teamed up to create an all-in-one surfing application for the iPhone. Surf Report gives you real time information on surf conditions, weather, safety notices and reports. You may view weather conditions up to three days in advance.

Good news is being reported, rumors state that the new iPhone firmware 2.2 is going to be released on November 21st. We have all been backing up our iPhones as we eagerly await this update. Business iPhone users who use Calliflower for PC  will find the Calliflower interactive conference calling very useful. Now you can use the same services on your iPhone without the need to download a client to your PC. This application will be available for free on January 1st, after which you will be able to purchase it for $9.99.

HangTimer by DropZone is a great application for skiers of all kinds. HangTimer utilizes both the built in accelerometer and technology used by NASA to provide you with run statistics. This application will also give you snow conditions and directions to your local resort. More details have surfaced in regards to the new iPhone tethering plans by AT&T. These plans will cost $30 a month with a 5GB data cap.

iSoft has finally created a landscape virtual keyboard for SMS on the iPhone. The big drawback is that you have to use it as an application, there is no integration in the SMS application at all. Another drawback is that you must have a jailbroken iPhone in order to buy this application. Overall this application shows that it can kind of be done. But who in their right mind would give into the circumstances for such a bad feature.

We found out this week that Microsoft’s web-based Office Suite will work with the iPhone’s mobile Safari web browser. This web-based version will include full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote. There may be a sneak peak by the end of 2008 but we wouldn’t count on it. Google has set out to deliver the first voice search feature to the iPhone. This application will be free (no surprises there). With this application users will virtually be able to ask their iPhone any question like, “Where is the nearest Starbucks?” or “How old is the oldest man in the world?” Google will not comment on just how often this application works correctly, but they do say that they believe users will be able to get a lot of use out of it.

Although Apple would never allow such a useful application, it did not stop the development of such a feature.  There are three catches to this feature that will be deal-breakers for most. The first roadblock that users will face is the fact that your iPhone must be jailbroken to get the service to begin with.

The second issue is the cost, not everyone is willing to first jailbreak their iPhone, then fork over the $4.95 to get the full version. The third problem that users must face is the fact that this keyboard is not integrated into the iPhone itself. It is more of an application than anything. The phone numbers and contact information is not displayed correctly or in any visually stunning fashion.

Overall we found that this is a nice step in the right direction. Without it being an integrated service we really don’t see anyone paying $4.95 for this application. It just won’t get any use. Even the free trial is not worth switching from the native SMS application.

HangTimer utilizes both the built in accelerometer and technology used by NASA to determine the split second that you become airborne. This application records your airtime and top ten jumps. HangTimer will even automatically detect your ski resort from anywhere in the world and automatically download the area’s snow reports, lift stats and trail maps. HangTimer also accesses webcams in select resorts.

For iPhone 3G users, HangTimer has a bonus feature that utilizes the built in GPS to find and plot your exact location using Google Maps. Using the GPS you can also display your speed as you cruise along as well as how fast you are going. You can download HangTimer in the App Store today for only $9.99.

This release just happens to be free, it includes community updated information, surf and weather conditions, as well as plenty of information on the surf community including news, photos and videos. You can even bookmark your favorite spot or find a location by city, state, zip code name or region.

Surf Report also gives you information on surf conditions, weather, safety notices and reports. You may view weather conditions up to three days in advance. Surf Report even allows you to find directions to local beaches. What would this application be without a section dedicated to the Oakley team? In this section you can view biographies of everyone on the surf team.
[Via SlashPhone]

The new MacBooks are made to prevent the jajilbreaking of iPhones. They do not recognize and iPhone in recovery mode, users will have to find another way to restore their iPhone. Piergiorgio Zambrini, creator of the Ziphone application, has found what is believed to be the largest security hole in Apple’s product line. The flaw lies in the audio portion of the Apple video file format.  This security flaw affects all Apple devices including iPhones, computers and iPods.

Videos of a third-party physical keyboard have been flying around the Internet this week. The keyboard is by no means quick to setup, but if you have some time to sit down, you can plug it in to send a long email if you like. Just two days after seeing the first iPhone add-on keyboard we have spotted another one online.  This one connects via Bluetooth so there are no wires required. This keyboard is far larger than the first one we found, and seems only useful if you’re going to write a novel on you iPhone.

iPresenter is now available in the App Store for those who are looking for a very useful application to help with PowerPoint presentations. iPresenter wirelessly controls your PowerPoint presentations and even gives you a preview of the next slide so you don’t have to look  at the screen to see which slide is presented.  The application Voice Dial got a limited time price drop to $1.99 from $9.99. The price cut is only till November 10th so act fast.  Adult entertainment hits the iPhone but not through the App Store.  There is an adult webcam entertainment website that is specifically designed for the iPhone. Users can buy credits to watch and chat with adult models on the Safari Browser.

Noise.io brings full-featured synthesizing to the iPhone with all kinds of melodic sequences, basses, leads, keys, bells, percussive sounds and sound effects. Another application we got to test out this week is the official StarWars Lightsaber Unleashed app. You are able to select from 6 characters including one custom character to use as you wield your Lightsaber. Character creation allows you to select a name and picture for your character as well as write their very own Bio. The Lightsaber creation allows you to choose from 5 different handles, as well as mix colors for the perfect color for your Lightsaber.

The FlyCast Mobile Broadcast Network application has been bringing free satellite radio to iPhone and iPod Touch users for a little while now. FlyCast offers over 1,000 digital channels that are organized by genre for your enjoyment. LIVESTRONG.COM Calorie Tracker is the perfect way to help you get healthy. This application calculates your s

Finally someone has made an Ocarina application that gives you a fun user experience while teaching you how to play the Ocarina. This application is very different from other instrument applications because it uses your breath to control the tone. You can download Ocarina for $.99 in the App Store now. AT&T Mobility’s CEO, Ralph De La Vega, spoke about the broadband limits on the iPhone 3G and the economies effect on AT&T. He said that AT&T is now working with Apple because they now have the resources for creating a tethering plan for the iPhone.

The iPhone Dev Team has already jailbroken the iPhone firmware 2.2. This firmware has not even been released yet. Now iPhone owners will not have to wait if they want to upgrade and keep their iPhone jailbroken.  There is a new case by Griffin called the Clarifi that has a built in lens for your camera. The lens helps sharpen images that are taken up close, such as print in a magazine.  The Webster’s Dictionary application is now available in the App Store for download. This dictionary application has the most extensive database of any application like it. One very useful feature that they have included is the ability to use this application without a data connection. They have used file compression to make this application take up less space on your iPhone.

These days it isn’t always easy for people to eat right and exercise. LIVESTRONG.COM had that in mind when they created an application that helps people monitor their diet wherever they are. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your goals are, LIVESTRONG.COM Calorie Tracker is a great solution for any situation.

Lance Armstrong, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM advisory board chairman said, “It’s all about consistency. We all know that thinking about making a change is different from actually going out and doing something about it. Whether someone is thinking about losing weight, eating healthy, running a marathon or just incorporating regular exercise in their day-to-day life, it takes commitment and daily determination to successfully effect positive change.”

Using the tracker is easy, simply search for the foods that you consume during the day, the application then tallies the calories and shows fat, carbohydrate and protein intake with the touch of a button. Using your phone you can search through over 2,000 fitness activities that helps show you how many calories you burn each day. Seeing your calorie intake, and how much you are burning off daily helps put fitness more in perspective for users who would like to be healthier.

After selecting Lightsaber you are taken to a screen that allows you to either select one of 5 characters or create your own. The selectable characters include Darth Vader, Rahm Kota, Maris Brood, The Apprentice and Shaak Ti.  You can view a full screen picture of there character as well as read a bio about them. The color of their Lightsaber is displayed as a shadow to their picture.

Creating a custom character is more detailed than we had imagined.  You select their Name, Character Picture, Custom Lightsaber and Even write a Bio for them. Lightsaber customization is very easy, just choose one of 5 handles and then scroll the colors until you have get the desired shade.

Now its time for the fun part, the actual use of the Lightsaber. After selecting you character you come to a screen than allows you to swing the Lightsaber and hear authentic sounds. As if that was not enough you can set StarWars music to play in the background as you wield your Lightsaber. When you eventually get bored of this mode you can tap the Lightsaber icon to get a full screen light saber that even flashes upon impact.

This application really has it all, it is entertaining and very customizable. Its clear that developers did not just throw this together one night. They invested time into this application to make it the best Lightsaber application there is for the iPhone. You can download Lightsaber Unleashed for free right now in the App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch.