Apple sues HTC, Pioneer AV receiver works with iPhone, Netflix looking at interest for app

Apple has filed a patent infringement suit against HTC alleging that HTC has infringed on 20 Apple patents all related to the iPhone. Presumably, the patents are the ones Apple has already fought Palm over for multi touch capability.

Pioneer has unveiled a VSX-820-K AV receiver that is Works with iPhone certified. The receiver also supports Bluetooth and surround sound for $299.

Netflix is popping up with streaming service on gobs of platforms and many have wanted access on the iPhone. Reports are now coming in that Netflix is surveying iPhone users for interest in an app for the iPhone.

V-MODA Remix Remote headphones unveiled

The headphones are in-ear style and is a newly redesigned version of the firms original in-ear headphones designed specifically for the iPhone, iPod, and Mac notebooks. The drivers used inside the headphones are optimized for bass and clarity.

The remote control for track and volume is located on the cable and features a built-in mic to let iPhone 3GS users make and receive calls hands free. The remote has three buttons and the drivers are 9mm V-MASQUE neodymium units. The headphones have a BEAT-PORT airflow system to improve the soundstage. The Remix Remote headphones are available at the Apple retail stores now for $99.99 and will be offered online starting in March.

via SlashGear

Google backs Android and HTC, Apple may force HTC to remote cripple smartphones, AT&T CEO says iPhone important for some time

A patent expert is warning that if Apple wins its patent suit against HTC, HTC could be forced to remotely cripple some of its smartphones. The expert is Jonathan Zittrain, a Harvard Law School professor.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has said that he expects the iPhone to be an important part of the wireless company’s line for “quite some time.” He also says that call quality will be considerably better for iPhone users by mid-2010.
[via TopiPhoneNews]

Pioneer offers 3D ready VSK-520-K and VSX-820-K AV receivers

Both Pioneer models feature optional Bluetooth to allow wireless transfer of audio from smartphones and other devices with a $99 Bluetooth device. Both of the devices are also 3D ready with support for HDMI 1.4. The 820-K receiver is works with iPhone Certified as well.

Both of the devices support 5.1 surround sound, Dolby ProLogic IIz decoding, and have automatic room calibration. The 520-K will sell for $229 and has three HDMI 1.4 inputs and more. The 820-K will sell for $299, has four HDMI 1.4 inputs, and has an onscreen display. Both units have 110W of power on five channels and will ship this month.

via SlashGear

SwipSwap 3.0 Free Contact Sharing for iPhone – See it, Share it, Done

Mindwarm Incorporated today released SwipSwap 3.0, a Free application for iPhone and iPod touch users looking for a faster, easier way to share contact information. The app is the first of its kind, offering in-person, group contact exchange using WiFi and Bluetooth peer-to-peer technology. SwipSwap is more than Bump without the shake. The app is perfect for those wishing to swap or share information, break down contact details or export them to other programs.
Beaverton, OR – Announcing that Mindwarm Incorporated, the developers of SwipSwap, has launched the first FREE peer-to-peer contact sharing app with a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface. SwipSwap lets users instantly share contact information in-person in a very simple and efficient method that requires no interruption of schedules to perform.
The app is perfect for those wishing to swap or share information, break down contact details or export them to other programs. Thanks to the user-friendly interface and increased speed of the application, it can take mere seconds to use, meaning a busy person’s efficiency is not hampered in any way. In fact, SwipSwap adds organization to anyone’s schedule.
SwipSwap can easily let an entire group of people share contact information using its unique meeting feature, which only requires a few screen touches no matter how many people are in the group. SwipSwap meetings can be optionally PIN-protected with a four digit number to preserve privacy in public places
Once a user has selected the information to send, there is a chance to preview and edit before pressing the ’send’ button. This can help with double checking of details and address.
Check it out on iTunes
[via TopiPhoneNews]

PhatWare Releases WritePad 3.1 for iPhone

PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, today is pleased to announce the immediate availability of WritePad 3.1, the unique software that allows users to enter text, utilizing advanced handwriting recognition software for cursive, print, or mixed handwriting styles on iPhone and iPod touch devices.
5 top new features in WritePad 3.1
* New option to hide toolbar in landscape screen orientation
* New option to display scroll buttons in handwriting mode, which can be used instead of scroll gestures
* Improved recognition of some special characters in international mode
* New spell checker options: ignore words containing numbers and ignore words in uppercase.
* New application icon
WritePad is a text editor that incorporates advanced handwriting recognition software for text entry. WritePad recognizes cursive, print, and mixed handwriting styles. To enter the text you can simply write with your finger on the iPhone screen in either landscape or portrait mode employing your own handwriting style. The built-in HTTP server allows users to exchange WritePad text documents between two or more iPhone devices and to download files onto the desktop PC using the Internet browser. Interface to the Bing Translator, lets users translate WritePad documents to 13 supported languages.
Check it out on iTunes
[via TopiPhoneNews]

Humble Daisy unveils SonicPics 1.2 and SonicPics Lite 1.2 for the iPhone

Humble Daisy today is pleased to announce the latest release of it’s popular mobile recording tool, SonicPics 1.2 and its free counterpart SonicPics Lite 1.2. SonicPics is a tool for creating and narrating custom photo slide shows on the iPhone or iPod touch. The update includes a new image picker that makes it even easier to add images from the iPhone’s photo library.
SonicPics makes it easy to use images from the iPhone’s photo library or built in camera to make custom slide shows and then record a voiceover narrating the images as you swipe through them. Once you are finished, you can create an enhanced m4v video with your images synchronized to your narration, complete with chapter markers. You can share your recording with your family and friends, or even the world.
“Actually, we had included this image picker in version 1.0, but Apple rejected it. It turns out it stretched the bounds of what they [Apple] had considered for image selection.” explained David Chmura, Humble Daisy’s CEO. “We worked with Apple to get them to explore allowing our image picker interface to be allowed. We are thrilled that Apple has accommodated our request!”
Check it out on iTunes
[via TopiPhoneNews]

CAZE announces Rainbow Swarovski crystal case for iPhone 3G/3GS

CAZE today is pleased to announce JADE Polish Rainbow Swarovski case, a crystallized version of its JADE Polish See-Thru for iPhone 3G and 3GS. JADE Polish is a See-Thru iPhone case featuring an Anti-Interference translucent coating. The crystallized version of Jade Polish adds more than 50 Swarovski crystals of different colors at the bottom of the case to form a beautiful rainbow pattern
CAZE is creating new iPhone case styles by mixing colors and crystals. The JADE Polish See-Thru is characterized by Anti-Signal Interference feature and Shinny color effects. In this new version, CAZE adorned JADE Polish with high quality Swarovski Crystals to form a beautiful and charming rainbow pattern. The Free Swarovski Crystal Apple logo features more than 40 crystals and is visible from outside the case for a classy look. The crystallized version does not only add personal chic but also protect all corners of your iPhone, including the chrome edges. JADE Polish Rainbow See-Thru case combining with the Free Swarovski Apple logo will give extra sparkle and shining effects to your iPhone.
Check it out Here
[via TopiPhoneNews]

Google “stand behind” Android and HTC in Apple lawsuit

Apple specifically referred to a number of Android-based devices in their lawsuit – while several Windows Mobile handsets were also mentioned, they are only ever referred to obliquely as “DSP Devices” – but fell short of naming Google. The crux of Apple’s argument is that HTC have overstepped the mark on 20 iPhone-related patents; however, the patents themselves generally cover OS-level functionality, something more within Google’s realm than HTC’s.

Google haven’t detailed exactly what their pledge to “stand behind” both Android and HTC might entail in the long run, but if – as widely speculated – Apple hoped to drag them into a legal fight then it looks as though they’ve succeeded. We’re hoping to hear more from HTC soon; yesterday’s statement was a basic acknowledgement of the lawsuit, since the company only heard about it through media reports.

via SlashGear

Cocoto Magic Circus Now Available on iPhone and iPod touch

Eurocenter today announced Cocoto Magic Circus 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. Handheld Version Of Cute, Cartoonish, And Atmospheric Nintendo Wii(TM) Shooter! With an already successful launch on market leading game console, Cocoto and his friends are ready to wreck mayhem and havoc on the Apple iPhone(TM) and Apple iPod touch(R). The games predecessor, Cocoto Kart Online, has already achieved the impressive milestone of having reached more than 1 million players!
The story goes: A mysterious and evil clown has kidnapped Pixie, the pretty fairy. It is your mission to aid Cocoto and his friends in a pursuit to save Pixie, but the rescue team has found itself trapped inside an evil circus! Shock and horror! To be successful in your quest you will have to overcome many obstacles and prove yourself to be a true sharp shooter. Using your trusty dart gun you must take on the role of Cototo, Shiny, Neuro or Baggy, travelling across 5 hilarious and challenging theme rides including Abyss, Volcano, Atlantis, Jungle and Heaven.
Check it out on iTunes
[via TopiPhoneNews]