weekinreview

Bug?  What bug?

iphonehijackTwo cybersecurity experts scared the pants off of a lot of people when they revealed a bug in the iPhone’s software that would allow a hacker to remotely control the device.  Apple remained silent on the matter, but it was rumored that they would be issuing an update sometime during the weekend.  Well, forget waiting, because the update that patched the vulnerability was released the day after the bug was revealed publicly.  How is that for a quick fix?

Feds come knocking

fccApple rejected Google’s own native Google Voice app because it “duplicated functionality” and removed all third-party Google Voice apps from the App Store.  Well, one developer decided that he wouldn’t go down without a fight, distributing his app via Cydia instead, so jailbreakers could at least still get in on the fun.  Apparently the government caught wind of all of these shenanigans and has decided to step in.  The FCC has officially opened an inquiry to Apple and AT&T over the rejection of not only Google’s own Google Voice app, but also the removal of all third-party apps that utilized the service.

Baby steps

easearchApple finally backed down from their ridiculous decision to not allow developers to issue promo codes for apps rated +17.  They took another step in the right direction when they started to allow developers to enter keywords to help improve app discovery in the App Store.  Finally, they released their much-anticipated MobileMe iDisk app for the iPhone and iPod touch.  Though they may be baby steps, they are absolutely steps in the right direction in an attempt to improve the iPhone and the App Store in general.

Silly AND useful

iphone3gi_theonionIf you are a fan of The Onion and an Apple iPhone fanboy/fangirl, you probably got a kick out of our mid-week post.  The Onion decided to mock the release of Apple’s iPhone with a hilarious article about their new “iPhone 3GI,” and if that didn’t put a smile on your face, we also included a goofy video about Apple’s new “MacBook Wheel.”  We also stumbled upon a new website that allows you to show off every single app that you own on a single, easy to view webpage.  Now you can boast about your 537 apps with a single link.

New and noteworthy apps

dexterDexter Morgan is taking his sweet old time making his way to the iPhone, but it looks like it will be well worth the wait, at least judging from the new Comic-Con 2009 screenshots and video.  Chillingo had a pretty solid week in game releases by finally unleashing Touch KO and their highly anticipated and adorable Mingore.  Capcom dangled Resident Evil 4 for the iPhone in our faces and then quickly yanked it away.  Then, they decided to finally stop playing games and release it in the App Store.

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