GeekNUZ

Review: Jive Talk For iPhone Gets Your IM On

I've been using Jive Talk mobile messenger for iPhone now for almost two weeks so it's time for a review.  First of all the good stuff: It's got a nice looking user interface which displays all your accounts, active conversations, and buddies who are signed on.  It even denotes the IM service your buddies are on by way of small icons, ie for AIM, Gmail, MSN, Yahoo.  Initiating a chat session is simple - just touch the name of buddy you wish to chat with and a blank conversation window is started for you.  Multiple conversations require you to toggle back and forth between windows, but Jive Talk alerts you with a transparent message bubble when you receive an incoming IM, at which time you can opt to stay in your current window or go to the window with the newest message.  All conversations look like Apple iChat sessions complete with bubbles - just no sound effects, yet.  You can chat in vertical or landscape mode and the virtual keyboard adjusts itself accordingly.

The great thing about the program is that you are always signed on, until your phone goes into sleep mode, at which time you lose the EDGE connection.  When you come out of sleep mode and go back to your Jive Talk session, it will automatically establish a connection for you and sign on to the accounts you were previously using.  I've found that with even moderate usage, the program doesn't drain that much of your battery.  As well, if you are an AIM user, you can be simultaneously signed on via your home computer and iPhone.  I'm not sure about MSN.  I use MSN for OS X which kicks me off my home computer session whenever I'm on the iPhone.

Now for some areas that could use some improvement.  One thing that I find annoying is the constant shifting up and down of the conversation window when the virtual keyboard appears and disappears.  I'm wondering if it would be possible to use a transparent virtual keyboard so as to not obscure what you're trying to type?  Who knows, there may not be a good solution for this.  Also, when shifting into landscape mode, the keyboard takes up more than half the screen field!  This makes it difficult to see the entirety of the message you are typing.  Aside from that there are a few visual glitches that arise when the virtual keyboard is displayed/hidden which should be fixed eventually.

Overall this is a GREAT chat solution for the iPhone - even in it's alpha state.  The program feels complete in terms of its functionality and works very well.  It also looks very slick.  I commend the people at Jive Talk for making this effort, and it is definitely worthwhile for all iPhone users to check out!

iPhone v1.0 a la AppleHound

AppleHound has released their comprehensive list of iPhone v1.0 bugs found after more than 40 hours of tinkering with the iPhone.  You probably won't encounter some of these bugs during everyday use, since OS X on the iPhone is very stable.  From their website:

Some of the steps required to reproduce unexpected results are obscure and may not occur during normal usage...While we interpret the following items as bugs, it is possible that the results are in line with the Apple iPhone User Interface design specifications.

Read the entire list of "bugs" here via AppleHound.

Incase iPhone Cover Review Update: Microscratches

I've been using the Incase Protective Cover for the iPhone for almost two weeks now with one major complaint: microscratches.  On the box of the cover it clearly states:

 Incase recommends the regular cleaning of your iPhone and case to prevent dust and other particles from building up.  If you do not follow a regular cleaning schedule, the collection of dust and other particles may cause slight abrasion to your device.

I've definitely noticed that dust and other small debris can accumulate between the iPhone and the cover.  And because the cover fits so snuggly around the phone, any particle hard enough to scratch the surface of the iPhone will scratch it (especially the soft silver accents) with the pressure applied from the tight-fitting case.  Even though I took the phone out of the case every night I still managed to get scratches on it because between the time a particle accumulates and when I take it out, the damage had already been done.  Even though the scratches are small, they are annoyingly visible.  As of now, I would think twice before getting this case, and I'm using the phone without a cover.

Designer Hock

Here are some products with nice designs I came across today.  The first is Lexon's nice LED light for your key chain in the shape of a key.  The second is Lexon's Tao watch, which has hands and number designations that are somewhat off-kilter, which I guess may be tao, but is it zen?  Lastly, I found this charming "Deer Ride" toy at the Walgreen's down the street late last night.  When you press the yellow button the dead deer lifts its head and sings "Sweet Home Alabama" while the two hickabilly hunters "bobble their heads to the beat!"  Hooray!  (Sadly, I couldn't find an official link for this toy.)

My iPhone Review

    I've been using the iPhone for over a week now and finally it's starting to feel like second nature to use it.  As a comparison I switched back to my old Sony Ericsson K750i today, which felt positively foreign.  This is what prompted me to write this brief review of the iPhone.
    This review is based solely on what my needs are when it comes to a phone/convergence device and how well the device meets those demands - phone functionality, SMS/MMS, and camera.  Anything beyond that is icing on the cake.
    First of all, as a telephone, I think the iPhone is amazing.  The user interface works just as you expect it to.  The integration of your contacts information with other peripheral applications is great.  For example, if I am looking at a particular contact's information page I can tap on their phone number to make a call to them, or tap on their address to have Google Maps locate them, or I can send them an SMS by tapping the SMS button - all without having to leave the phone application.  The only gripe I have is that the Phone app isn't integrated with the Calender app.  For example, the other day I made an entry into Calender for lunch with my friend James at Google.  Even though James is already in my contacts list, the iPhone Calender app doesn't recognize that so I can't directly dial him or map out his address without having to exit Calender.   Aside from that, everything works seamlessly, including having to type on a virtual number pad.  I know that one of my concerns was not having haptic feedback when typing on the iPhone, however, there is audio feedback when you hit the virtual keys.  I happen to like the virtual keypad a lot actually, and don't miss having physical buttons whatsoever.
    On that note, let's move on to SMS.  By now you know that the virtual keyboard probably doesn't work well for people with larger fingers.  Fortunately, I've got smaller digits so typing is a breeze for me and I love it.  I do miss not having MMS, which is my main complaint about the messaging features.  Also, the fact that you can't highlight/copy/paste text it aggravating.  Lastly, I am very fond of the conversation-string presentation of the messages.
    As far as the camera goes, it is sub-par in my opinion.  My SE K750i takes GREAT pictures, even in low light situations (and I hardly use the flash functionality).  With the iPhone, even though they're both 2 megapixel sensors, it just has a difficult time with the white balance so even when there's ample light, the mere presence of contrasting hues takes the phone for a spin and your photos come out dark and ugly.  Lastly, not being able to Bluetooth my photos directly to my computer is killing me!
    Now for the extras.   First of all, Google Maps works great.  I thought it would load slowly on EDGE, but it actually loads at a usable rate so I'm very happy with that.  As well, Safari does a good job for my needs-namely looking up store hours or finding movie times.  Text loads swiftly and just having that full browser look makes the experience so satisfying.  I haven't missed not having Flash, although it would be a nice addtion.  The Email app is decent.  I haven't found much fault with it for simple emails, except with Gmail.  For some reason whenever I send an email from my main computer, a copy gets sent to my iPhone Gmail INBOX.  People have discussed this issue in online forums, and I think it's a Gmail issue, not an iPhone settings issue.
    All in all, the iPhone does just what you would expect - but nothing more.  After a week with it, I am more pleased than wowed by it.  It is basically a competent phone with a completely refreshing and functional user interface.  Most of its currently flaws - lack of MMS, contacts list-Calender integration, camera software, full-feature Bluetooth, text manipulation (cut/paste, highlight) - seems like they can be fixed with software updates.  What can't be immediately fixed is the amount of productivity you'll gain from using it.  That, obviously, would require more programs to be added to the phone - ie MS Word/Exel compatibility.  For me, personally, I would like to see some medicine programs that are so overwhelmingly available for the Palm OS.  The only one currently available is Unbound Medicine, which is web-based and agonizingly SLOW to use!  So, for now, the iPhone is a work in progress.  I am pleased enough with the features that it offers to keep it, but at the same time, it is frustrating to know that that I've got a piece of hardware in my hand that could make my life so much more productive, but fails miserably on that front.  Bring on the software updates, Apple - FAST!

Add Your Name To This Petition For ePocrates On iPhone (*note: scroll to the bottom of the page to leave your name!)

BREAKING NEWS!!!  Epocrates officially on the iPhone!!!  Full story HERE.


UPDATE: 10/19/07

We've done it! (At least I hope we had a hand in it...)

I just received an advanced press release from Erica at ePocrates regarding ePocrates on the iPhone.  I think this is one exciting piece of news that many in the medical community have been waiting to hear.  The following is soon to be posted in their FAQ page, but here it is in advance for your reading pleasure (Thanks, Erica & ePocrates!) :

Epocrates message:

Thank you for your interest in using Epocrates mobile products on the
iPhone.  Currently it is not possible to download our PDA applications
onto your iPhone.  However, Apple recently announced that it will make
software available early next year so developers can begin to create
applications that can be downloaded onto to the iPhone and run without a
network connection.  We are excited about the opportunity to offer our
mobile products on the iPhone platform next year and look forward to
receiving the Software Developer's Kit when it is available.

In the meantime, if you are interested in accessing our drug content on
your iPhone, you can access our Online product via the iPhone browser.
Simply go to Online.Epocrates.com to login (current users) or register
(new users).

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UPDATE: 10/18/07

The iPhone SDK news is GREAT!  If you haven't heard - Steve Jobs announced that a software development kit for third party developers will be available in February of 2008.  Let's hope that medical software developers step up and write some great programs for the iPhone!

I've emailed ePocrates to ask them to update us on any developments they may have.  Hopefully we'll hear that "iPocrates" will be in production soon!
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UPDATE: 9/24/07

I spoke to Erica at Epocrates today who confirmed with their product management team that a native version of ePocrates is not yet in the works.  Perhaps by some miracle Apple will open the iPhone to more developers.  In the mean time, I printed out this petition (all 35 pages of it!) and will be dropping it off at Apple, Inc. headquarters tomorrow.

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UPDATE: 9/7/07

I recently heard back from ePocrates.  Here is an email I received from Erica Morgenstern at ePocrates who says "we are very fond of your iPhone petition and check it regularly."  Good job guys!  Let's keep it going!  It's nice to hear that they have taken our comments into consideration.

Hi Steven,
Thanks for your note. I apologize for the delayed response, I have been out of the office. Yes, we are very fond of your iPhone petition and check it regularly. Right now, you can access the web-based drug information through the iPhone browser, but I'm guessing you are holding out for the mobile version to be ported over, correct? Advocates will definitely be the first to know, thanks for your loyalty.

Best
Erica

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UPDATE: 8/13/07

I am now compiling all the comments and highlighting some very good points you all have made.  The comments will be printed out and bound, and will then be sent/dropped off to Apple headquarters.  I will also send a copy to ePocrates.  Keep them coming!

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PETITION UPDATE: Here's an email I recently received from ePocrates:

Hello Steven,
Thank you for sharing your petition with Epocrates. It looks like you've got several passionate postings. I've shared it with our CEO and several key executives within the company. Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes,
Erica

Let's hope that things are starting to happen. Keep up the good work!

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Dear Medical Professionals,

With the recent release of the Apple iPhone there has been few medical programs available specifically for medical professionals.  After trying the web-based ePocrates Online and Unbound Medicine's UCentral, I've found them both to be slow when compared to Palm OS or Windows CE programs that offer instant access to the information you want.  Palm and Windows programs are downloadable to run directly on your PDAs, whereas on the iPhone Apple has forced developers to create web-based programs that are cumbersome to use - even with a WiFi connection.  I've included the links to the above programs below for you to try on your iPhones.

For this reason I am starting this petition which will eventually be sent to ePocrates and Apple Inc. in an attempt to convince Apple to cooperate with more companies to allow for more productivity programs to run directly on the iPhone.  I think we all know that the iPhone has amazing potential in the medical arena, as evidenced by the recent announcement from Heart IT that medical images can now be viewed on the device via their WebPAX system.

If you are in the medical profession and own an iPhone, or are considering purchasing an iPhone, I urge you to leave your name and contact information in the comments section below.  If you know of any medical professionals who would be interested in this endeavor, I urge you to forward this site to them.

Thank you.

LINKS:
www.epocratesonline.com
www.unboundmedicine.com
www.heartit.com

I just received an advanced press release from Erica at ePocrates regarding ePocrates on the iPhone.  I think this is one exciting piece of news that many in the medical community have been waiting to hear.  The following is soon to be posted in their FAQ page, but here it is in advance for your reading pleasure (Thanks, Erica & ePocrates!) :

Epocrates message:

Thank you for your interest in using Epocrates mobile products on the
iPhone.  Currently it is not possible to download our PDA applications
onto your iPhone.  However, Apple recently announced that it will make
software available early next year so developers can begin to create
applications that can be downloaded onto to the iPhone and run without a
network connection.  We are excited about the opportunity to offer our
mobile products on the iPhone platform next year and look forward to
receiving the Software Developer's Kit when it is available.

In the meantime, if you are interested in accessing our drug content on
your iPhone, you can access our Online product via the iPhone browser.
Simply go to Online.Epocrates.com to login (current users) or register
(new users).

iPhone Battery Life Not Living Up To Official Specs?

Recent unofficial test results from Wirelessinfo.com has revealed that the iPhone's battery life is falling way short of official published specs.  Currently they are completing full testing of the product by enabling/disabling various iPhone settings.  My own experience in the past few days is very similar to that of Melissa Perenson of PCWorld.com.  The battery manages to drain down to 10% fairly quickly during mixed use - 1.5 hours of voice, occasional photos, 1.5-2 hours of browsing and email via EDGE and Wi-Fi, 30 minutes of weather/maps/notes, 15 minutes of video, and 5-10 minutes of audio.  Furthermore, my battery takes well over 4 hours to charge.  In fact, the most frustrating part is waiting for that last remaining tiny percentage of battery to charge, which took 1.25 hours today!  `Because of the short battery life (I've consistently averaged around 4 hours and 20 minutes), I've been having to force myself not to check email on it.  Furthermore, I've disabled Wi-Fi while I am not at home for fear that I won't have enough juice to get me through the day.  I've relied on my previous PDA a lot for calls, emails, and quick web reference and I've found that I can't do that with the iPhone as it stands.  According to Apple talk time should be up to 8 hours, pure video up to 7 hours (I can tell you now there's no way I can get 7 hours of video on my iPhone), and browsing via EDGE ONLY up to 6 hours (again, no way on my phone).  Do I have a lemon on my hands or is this how it's going to be?  I can't wait for the final Wirelessinfo results.  For the time being, I've got my iPhone set to check email only once an hour, disabled the wi-fi, turned down the brightness setting, turned off the vibrate feature, and I'm always turning the screen off (by pressing the power button) while I am making calls with the ear piece.

Update: Since posting this piece I've disabled Wi-Fi completely and set the iPhone mail program to check email once every hour.  Because of this I've seen a noticeable difference in battery life.  I will continue with the current settings for a few days and see what my average battery life is.

iPhone A No-Go For Barcodes

I went to my local Apple Store today to exchange the Incase cover I purchased previously for a different color.  In doing so, I wanted to see if the infrared scanner used at the register could scan the receipt directly from the iPhone's screen (they emailed the receipt to me the previous day rather than printing it out).  To my disappointment the scanner couldn't pick up the barcode, even though it was clear as day on the screen.  At that moment, my dreams of being able to buy movie tickets, sporting tickets, or even downloading coupons online with my iPhone and not having to print them out (like they are able to do in Japan) flew out the window.  Anyhow, I wonder what it is about the phone that didn't allow the infrared to pick up the barcode.  Is it the glass covering the screen?  Is it the display itself?  Or is it the infrared used at the Apple Stores?

Oh, and I exchanged the black cover for a red one:

Incase iPhone Protective Cover Review

UPDATE: Please read my updated review of this product concerning microscratches HERE.

I got the Incase Protective Cover for my iPhone today.  It was $29.99 at the Apple Store.  There were three colors to choose from: black, gray, or red.  After seeing all three side by side I went with the black.  The red was a bit too bright and the gray wasn't as slick.  So far I am impressed with it.  It's made of a semi-thick rubber that snuggly hugs my iPhone.  It covers all the potential scratch-prone areas, and all of the slits and opening are cut with precision.  The power button and the volume controls are both protected, leaving the headphone outlet, USB port, mic, speaker, silent/vibrate, and camera exposed.  Unfortunately, it does cover the pretty shiny silver outline around the device, which completely changes the look of the iPhone from classy and chic to generic and rubbery.  But, again, the silver does scratch easily.  Overall, I recommend this case.  However, I'm holding out that someone will make a case that shows off the iPhone a bit more - this same one but made with a clear, thinner material perhaps?  Check out the pics below. (Oh, and just ignore the little white flecks in some of the pics.  The case actually doesn't attract much debris, the pants I wore today was a bit linty. :P )

iWood For iPhone

So now that I've gotten my iPhone in hand I've been perusing the net for a protective case.  There's already a few to choose from but I think I've settled on the Incase Molded Protective Cover, which can be found at your local Apple Store.  There appears to be four main types of cases: the sleeve, the folio, the hip cradle, and the form fitting rubber/silicone.  One of the things that I've noticed is that the silicone ones either partially cover the front of the device, or in the case of the Incase one, the front face is left completely unprotected - which I think is the most attractive.  Partially obscuring the areas above and below the screen detracts from the iPhone's aesthetics.  I also happened upon the interesting iWood case.  It looks nice, and it allows the silver lining around the screen to shine through.  All the other cases obscure the silver, which is good though because the silver portion will scratch.  Check out the PC World iPhone Stress test video HERE.  When scratched with keys and dropped onto cement, the iPhone screen remained scratch-free!  The only areas that were marred were the remainder of the device.  So that's what I based my decision on - that if the front face can withstand drops and scratches with keys, I'll just leave it exposed in its entirety as it was meant to be seen.