News Archive for 07/07/02

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iPhone battery replacement

07/02, 1:50pm

Apple's iPhone Battery Replacement Program

Apple has posted details on its iPhone Battery Replacement Program, enabling iPhone owners with dead batteries to exchange the dead cells for a $79 service fee plus $6.95 shipping & handling. The service is designed for iPhone owners who only require service because the battery's ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, according to Apple. The Cupertino-based company will replace the battery if the iPhone shows no sign of damage due to accident or abuse, but battery replacement clears all data from the cellular handset. Apple does not offer data transfer services, instead warning customers to sync their iPhone with iTunes just prior to sending the device to the company for a new battery. The repair process normally takes three business days, and Apple asks users not to send any accessories with the iPhone.

Universal: no new contract

07/02, 12:45pm

Universal declines 2-year iTunes contract

Universal Music has declined to ink a 2-year contract with Apple to keep its vast catalog of tracks on the Cupertino-based company's iTunes Music Store, but has agreed instead to offer its tracks on a month-to-month basis. The music company is now free to offer its music -- which includes artists such as 50 Cent and Mariah Carey -- exclusively to other vendors, which could weaken Apple's dominant position in the digital music industry. Universal's 12-month agreement with Apple expired last month, according to Reuters, and some music execs have expressed discontent with Apple's market leading stranglehold that they say may have stunted growth of the digital music market by locking users into its own iPod+iTunes ecosystem.

PowerJolt for iPhone

07/02, 11:20am

Griffin ships PowerJolt charger for iPhone

Griffin Technology today unveiled its PowerJolt Car Charger for Apple's iPhone, marking the accessory maker's first device for Apple's first cellular phone. Recently updated specifically for iPhone, the PowerJolt plugs into a vehicle's cigarette lighter or accessory power socket and connects to the iPhone to charge the device even while in use. The charge indicator glows green when it's powered up and ready for use, alternatively glowing amber while its charging. Griffin's PowerJolt also features built-in power management with an in-line 2 Amp automotive fuse to guard against power surges. The device works with iPod models that feature a full-size dock connector as well as first-generation iPod shuffles. PowerJolt is available for $20 from Apple and AT&T stores.

iPhone contacts app

07/02, 9:55am

Over-the-air mobile contacts app for iPhone

Mobile open-source software firm Funambol today will begin inviting consumers to join the new myFUNAMBOL portal to access free mobile email, contacts, and calendars on cellular phones -- including Apple's new iPhone. MyFUNAMBOL is available by invitation only, allowing users to get free mobile email on cellular phones from services such as Yahoo!, Gmail, and AOL as well as most standard email services that utilize POP or IMAP protocols. MyFUNAMBOL is available for free on an invitation basis (system requirements were unavailable).

Charger, sync for iPod

07/02, 7:15am

Car charger, sync accessories for iPod debut

USB Fever has announced two new iPod accessories. The first is a USB car power adapter with 2 USB outlets, suitable for charging iPod, PDA, and various phones, as long as the devices use a USB Power cable. The power source is the car lighter. This adapter is priced at $14. The second is a sync and charging adapter for the iPod Shuffle that has no cord -- only a small USB connecter and the standard iPod Shuffle headphone jack connector. The adapter is available in five colors to match the five iPod Shuffle colors. The adapter is priced at $7.